Summary
We’ve taken a lot of the best road trips in the world during our travels. We’ve done everything from epic road trips lasting 6 weeks to one-day scenic drives that cover spectacular scenery. We’ve driven some incredible routes, and here are the best road trips we have experienced around the world.
Best Road Trips in the World
Thanks to Johnny Jet and Chris McGinnis for inspiring this list. It was during their Twitter chat about road trips that we realized, “wow, we’ve driven many of the ultimate road trip destinations on earth!” So without further ado, let’s explore the road trips we’ve done by country or continent.
Road Trips in the USA
The United States is undoubtedly one of the top road trip destinations globally. Many of the best road trips in the world are located in the USA. We’ve been fortunate enough to drive along most of the East and West Coasts, showcasing a variety of magnificent routes.
1. Route 66 – Arizona
Route 66 is the road trip of dreams. We have all listened to that beautiful song by Nat King Cole, fantasizing about driving Route 66 one day. We had that chance, and it truly lives up to the hype, although only portions are worth driving.
Much of the 3,940km route is abandoned, but several sections have been transformed into national scenic byways in Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, and Arizona. You can drive the entire route from Chicago to California.
- Duration: 1 Day for portions to 2-3 weeks
- Highlights of Route 66: Best sections are in Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, and Illinois.
2. Pacific Coast Highway – California
The Pacific Coast Highway offers an epic drive starting in Monterey and weaving down Highway 1 to Los Angeles. Be sure to spend a night in Monterey or Carmel. Enjoy great kayaking in the marine reserve and surfing in Carmel.
This beautiful coastal highway features long stretches of beaches, impressive sea cliffs, and legendary stops where movie stars and billionaires have relaxed for decades. Moreover, consider staying at one of the premier accommodations in California, such as the Ventana.
- Duration: 2-4 Days
- Highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway: The Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.
3. San Francisco to LA – National Parks Route
This epic American route is not just a straight line from San Francisco to Los Angeles; it takes you through various states showcasing the best of America’s National Parks and exciting cities.
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Highlights of San Francisco to Los Angeles: Grand Canyon, Vegas, Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park.
4. Hana Highway – Maui, Hawaii
This short drive is highly acclaimed among visitors to Maui. The Hana Highway is primarily a single-lane road spanning the North Coast from Paia to Hana.
It twists and turns, crossing 59 bridges, with several scenic stops. The real beauty unfolds after Hana at Haleakala National Park. This is a must-see if you plan a trip to Maui.
- Duration: 1 Day
- Highlights of the Hana Highway: Bamboo Forest, 7 Sacred Pools, Waterfalls, Scenic Views.
5. 17 Mile Drive – California
Although a shorter road trip, the 17 Mile Drive at Carmel By the Sea is delightful. Consider exploring on an e-bike for a unique experience. A road trip doesn’t have to be in a car; some of our best adventures have been cycling.
- Duration: a few hours to 1 day
- Highlights of 17 Mile Drive: Ghost Tree, Bird Rock, the Lone Cypress.
6. Miami to Key West
It took us several attempts to finally reach Key West. After renting a car and embarking on the famous ocean highway to the southern tip of the United States, we felt as though we entered a different world. Key West feels like a Caribbean getaway.
It’s a day trip from Miami, but take your time to explore the Keys along the way.
- Duration: 1-day return trip to 1 week for exploration.
- Highlights of Key West Road Trip: Marathon Key, Hemingway’s House, Dry Tortugas National Park.
7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada
This incredible route encircles the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, crossing through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
- Duration: 4 days to 2 weeks.
- Highlights of Lake Superior Circle Tour: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, scenic coastlines.
Canadian Road Trips
Canada is our favorite country for road tripping, and the best road trips in the world are often found here. From both coasts to the far north, through the Rocky Mountains and along the shore, you will see incredible landscapes.
8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta
The Icefields Parkway is considered one of the top road trips globally. Starting in Banff, the route takes you north through the Rocky Mountains, spanning two of Canada’s most beautiful National Parks.
Along the way, there are many scenic lookouts for hiking or simply soaking in stunning views. A highlight is the Athabasca Glacier where you can take a snowcat tour.
- Duration: 1-3 Days
- Highlights of the Icefields Parkway: Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier.
9. Dempster Highway – Yukon
The Dempster Highway offers an unforgettable adventure as it stretches from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories to Dawson City in the Yukon.
- Duration: 2-6 days
- Highlights of the Dempster Highway: Crossing the Arctic Circle, breathtaking landscapes.
10. Fundy Trail – New Brunswick
The province of New Brunswick features one of Canada’s most beautiful coastal drives, renowned for the Hopewell Rocks and dramatic sea cliffs.
- Duration: 3 – 4 Days
- Highlights of the Fundy Trail: Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park.
11. Cowboy Trail – Alberta
If you’re seeking adventure, the Cowboy Trail in Southern Alberta is perfect. It is well marked and filled with stunning landscapes and activities.
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Highlights of the Cowboy Trail: Dinosaur Provincial Park, Hoodoos of Drumheller.
12. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s ultimate scenic highways. It traverses Cape Breton Island with majestic sea cliffs, beaches, and coastal hikes.
- Duration: 2-5 Days
- Highlights of the Cabot Trail: Skyline Trail, Ingonish Beach.
13. Sea to Sky Highway – British Columbia
This superb route from Vancouver to Whistler takes about 90 minutes but features numerous sights along the way.
- Duration: 1-2 Days
- Highlights of Sea to Sky Highway: Scenic lookouts, waterfalls.
The Best European Road Trips
14. Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
It’s the longest coastal route in the world, and Ireland has marketed it as the best road trip on Earth. Stretching 2500 km along the western coast, it offers breathtaking views of cliffs and beaches.
- Duration: 2-4 weeks
- Highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Michael, incredible cultural experiences.
15. North Coast 500 – Scotland
The North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66. This touring route is filled with castles, whisky distilleries, and stunning coastal scenery.
- Duration: 5 Days to 2 Weeks
- Highlights of the North Coast 500: Inverness, Loch Ness, Smoo Caves.
16. Amalfi Coast – Italy
Believed to be the best road trip in Europe, the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento to Ravello features stunning sea cliffs and enchanting towns.
- Duration: 2 days to a week
- Highlights of the Amalfi Coast: Positano, Beaches, Grottos.
17. Causeway Coast – Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coast features breathtaking sights and scenery. Though shorter than the Wild Atlantic Way, we recommend at least 4 days to explore its beauty thoroughly.
- Duration: About a Week
- Highlights of the Causeway Coast: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges.
18. Bavaria – Germany
Driving through the Bavarian Alps offers spectacular views. Start in Munich and access iconic sites, fairytale castles, and majestic peaks.
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Highlights of Bavaria: Neuschwanstein Castle, Berchtesgaden.
19. Ring Road – Iceland
The Ring Road circles the entire country, offering diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. It typically takes 10 days to 2 weeks to complete the circuit.
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Highlights of the Ring Road: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Skogafoss waterfall.
The Best International Road Trips
20. South Island – New Zealand
The best way to explore New Zealand is by driving independently around the South Island. This offers mesmerizing scenery around every corner.
- Duration: 4 Weeks
- Highlights: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Pancake Rocks.
21. Great Ocean Road – Australia
The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most scenic drive, weaving through sea cliffs and pristine beaches.
- Duration: 1 – 3 days
- Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Otway National Park.
Africa Road Trips
22. Garden Route – South Africa
The Garden Route is filled with adventure, stunning coastlines, and incredible wildlife. It is part of the larger Durban to Cape Town road trip.
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Highlights: Great White Shark Diving, Big 5 Safari.
23. Cairo to Cape Town – Entire Coast of Africa
This is a cross-continental road trip that takes you through stunning countries and diverse cultures across Africa.
- Duration: 3 – 4 months
- Highlights: Pyramids of Egypt, Victoria Falls, Cape Town.
Road Trip Planner Apps
- Road Tripping Apps – Utilize these driving route planners and travel apps to enhance your journey.
- Apple Maps: Offers better options for avoiding traffic than others.
- Road Trippers: Popular for shorter trips, free version has limited waypoints.
- Waze: Ideal for real-time traffic updates.
- Spotify: Essential for playlists during your journey.
Travel Tips for Road Trip Planning
A well-prepared road trip leads to memorable experiences. Here are some tips:
Route Planning and Maps
Plan your route using a road trip planner, but carry a hard copy map for areas with limited cellphone coverage.
Chargers
Ensure you have the necessary chargers for electronics, especially if your car offers USB ports.
Car Insurance
Before renting a car, verify if your insurance covers rentals. If not, consider getting coverage for peace of mind.
Many credit cards offer additional rental car insurance, so check with your provider.
So there you have it—the best road trips ever! While we have shared our top picks, we are always open to suggestions and continually adding to our travel list.
