Scenic drives offer some of the most stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines to majestic mountain ranges. Whether you’re looking to capture a picture-perfect moment or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, these famous scenic routes will leave you in awe. If you’re planning your next road trip, here are some of the most famous scenic drives offering unforgettable views.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California is one of the most iconic scenic drives in the world. Stretching along the state’s coastline, this 655-mile route features dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and the deep blue Pacific Ocean. Key spots like Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, and the rugged coastline offer sweeping views. The ever-changing coastline, with its cliffs and crashing waves, creates one of the most picturesque drives, especially at sunset.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Australia is a must-see for anyone who loves coastal views. This 151-mile stretch of road runs along the southern coast of Victoria, offering spectacular views of the Southern Ocean. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising out of the sea. The route also offers lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches, making it an unforgettable scenic drive. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species along the way.
Icefields Parkway, Canada
The Icefields Parkway, stretching from Jasper to Banff in Canada, offers some of the most stunning mountain views in North America. This 142-mile drive takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks along the way. Notable stops include Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. The views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls are awe-inspiring, making it a photographer’s dream.
Route 66, USA
Route 66, often called the “Main Street of America,” is one of the most famous scenic drives in the United States. Running from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic highway spans 2,400 miles, offering diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks. From the flat plains of Illinois to the deserts of Arizona, Route 66 is rich in Americana. Highlights include the Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, and the Petrified Forest. The drive offers a glimpse into America’s past while showcasing beautiful and varied landscapes.
Stelvio Pass, Italy
The Stelvio Pass in Italy is a thrilling drive through the Alps, offering dramatic mountain views and an adrenaline-filled experience. As one of Europe’s highest roads, it reaches an elevation of 9,045 feet. With 48 hairpin bends, the road is a challenging yet rewarding route for driving enthusiasts. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and glaciers. The village of Bormio, near the base of the pass, provides a charming stop to explore after tackling this scenic route.
Beartooth Highway, USA
The Beartooth Highway, located in Wyoming and Montana, is one of the highest-altitude roads in the United States, reaching 10,947 feet. This 68-mile route offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. The road climbs through the Absaroka Range, providing dramatic vistas at every turn. Furthermore, highlights include the breathtaking vistas from the top of the pass and the scenic views of the surrounding Yellowstone National Park.
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
The Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is known for its dramatic curves, steep inclines, and panoramic mountain views. This 56-mile road runs through the Carpathian Mountains, offering views of lush valleys, clear lakes, and dense forests. The highway’s highest point is 6,500 feet, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. Along the way, you’ll find the picturesque Balea Lake and the iconic Poenari Castle, adding a touch of history to your scenic drive.
Trollstigen, Norway
Trollstigen, or the Troll’s Ladder, is a famous scenic drive in Norway that offers dramatic views of steep mountains and cascading waterfalls. This 7.8-mile road features 11 hairpin bends as it climbs the mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and valleys. The route leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Stigfossen waterfall, which plunges dramatically down the cliffs. The road itself is a marvel, and the views are nothing short of spectacular, especially when framed by the rugged Norwegian landscape.
The Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road offers a 830-mile loop around the island, showcasing some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the world. Along the route, you’ll pass glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. More so, popular stops include the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and the volcanic black sand beaches of Vik. The ever-changing weather conditions also add to the drama of the landscape, making every turn of the road a new and captivating experience.
Andean Crossing, Chile and Argentina
The Andean Crossing between Chile and Argentina is a remarkable scenic route. It takes you through the Andes Mountains, offering spectacular views of towering peaks and vast valleys. This route blends natural beauty with culture. You can visit charming towns and explore rugged landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass glacial lakes, rugged terrain, and wide plateaus. It’s an unforgettable road trip for nature lovers.
The Atlanterhavsveien, Norway
More so, the Atlanterhavsveien, or Atlantic Road, in Norway is a unique coastal drive that stretches over a series of islands and bridges. The 8-mile road offers dramatic views of the North Sea and the surrounding rugged coastline. The road twists and turns across several bridges, including the famous Storseisundet Bridge, which appears to disappear into the sea. The constant change in weather conditions, combined with the striking views, makes this route a true photographic paradise.
Conclusion: Scenic Drives to Savor
These famous scenic drives offer more than just a road trip—they provide access to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re driving along a rugged coastline, through towering mountain ranges, or across vast plains, each of these routes promises unforgettable views and experiences. So, pack your camera, hit the road, and get ready to capture some of the world’s most stunning vistas.
