World Top-10s

Top-10 Most Scenic Drives

tags: Transport

For those who love both the thrill of the open road and the beauty of nature, there’s nothing quite like a scenic drive. Around the world, certain routes stand out not just for their engineering but for the stunning landscapes they showcase. From coastal highways with endless ocean views to mountain roads winding through rugged peaks, these drives offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Here are ten of the most scenic drives that deserve a spot on every travel bucket list.

Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
  1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – California, USA
    Stretching along California's rugged coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and scenic beaches. From the bustling city of Los Angeles to the serene beauty of Big Sur, this route passes iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, making it a must for anyone who loves ocean vistas and coastal charm.
  2. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
    This 243-kilometer drive along Australia’s southeastern coast is famous for its jaw-dropping coastal views, limestone formations, and surf beaches. The Great Ocean Road winds past the Twelve Apostles, towering rock stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean, as well as lush rainforests, waterfalls, and charming seaside towns. It's a perfect mix of nature and adventure.
  3. Amalfi Coast Drive – Campania, Italy
    Winding through Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, this road takes you past vibrant, cliffside villages like Positano and Amalfi. With the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and steep mountains on the other, the narrow road offers breathtaking views at every turn. Mediterranean flora, terraced vineyards, and brightly colored buildings perched on cliffs add to the surreal beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  4. Route 62 – Western Cape, South Africa
    Often compared to the famous Route 66 in the U.S., Route 62 takes travelers through South Africa’s scenic winelands, small towns, and rugged mountain passes. From Cape Town to Oudtshoorn, this scenic drive offers picturesque views of vineyards, orchards, and the beautiful Klein Karoo landscape, with ample opportunities to explore local wineries and indulge in farm-fresh produce.
  5. Ring Road (Route 1) – Iceland
    Encircling Iceland, the Ring Road offers a one-of-a-kind experience of the country’s diverse landscapes, from dramatic waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to black sand beaches and volcanic craters. Along the way, you'll pass glaciers, fjords, and bubbling geysers. It's a drive through otherworldly scenery, where every turn reveals a new natural wonder.
  6. Trollstigen (Troll’s Path) – Møre og Romsdal, Norway
    A drive through Norway’s Trollstigen is like entering a fantasy world. This steep, winding mountain road features hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, including the stunning Stigfossen. At the top, panoramic views of the lush valleys and jagged peaks await, making it a thrilling yet awe-inspiring journey through Norway’s rugged wilderness.
  7. Milford Road – Fiordland, New Zealand
    Milford Road is the gateway to New Zealand's Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. The drive passes through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, mirror-like lakes, and dense rainforests. Waterfalls cascade down cliffs on either side, providing an enchanting atmosphere that feels untouched by time.
  8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta, Canada
    Running through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway stretches between Banff and Jasper National Parks. The route offers dramatic views of towering peaks, emerald lakes, and ancient glaciers, including the famous Columbia Icefield. Wildlife such as bears, elk, and moose are commonly spotted along the way, adding to the allure of this majestic drive.
  9. Chapman’s Peak Drive – Cape Peninsula, South Africa
    Chapman’s Peak Drive is a short but exhilarating route that hugs the sheer cliffs of South Africa's Cape Peninsula. This road offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, and you’ll often find yourself suspended between the sky and the sea. The jagged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and nearby mountains create a postcard-perfect setting, especially at sunset.
  10. Atlantic Ocean Road – Møre og Romsdal, Norway
    One of Norway’s most famous drives, the Atlantic Ocean Road connects small coastal islands via a series of bridges that zigzag over the ocean. The road itself is an engineering marvel, especially during stormy weather when waves crash dramatically against the bridges. On calmer days, the route offers serene views of the Norwegian coastline, with fishing villages and seabirds adding to the charm.

This list is the opinion of the authors of "World Top-10s". You may not agree with us (see disclaimer), which is OK. Feel free to send us a message with any suggestions or comments.

Where to next? ...