Classic Scenic Drives on Four Continents

A great road trip is about more than getting from one place to another. The best routes combine dramatic scenery with interesting stops, flexible pacing and the freedom to pull over whenever something catches your eye. The classic drives below span coastlines, mountains and deserts on four continents, each with its best season, ideal pace and practical points to know before you set off.

Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA

The route: State Route 1 hugs the California coast, with the most famous stretch running through Big Sur between Carmel and San Simeon, where the road winds along cliffs high above the Pacific. Highlights include Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and the elephant seal colony near San Simeon.

Best time: spring and fall offer clearer views than early summer, when coastal fog is common.

Know before you go: landslides have closed sections of Highway 1 through Big Sur several times in recent years, so check Caltrans road conditions before planning. Fuel stations are few and expensive along the most remote stretch.

Route 66, Chicago to Santa Monica, USA

The route: established in 1926, the "Mother Road" ran roughly 2,400 miles across eight states. It was officially removed from the US highway system in 1985, but much of the historic route can still be followed using signs and guidebooks, past neon motels, diners and roadside attractions.

Best time: late spring and early fall, avoiding the heat of desert summers.

Know before you go: allow at least two weeks for the full drive. Many people choose a section, such as the stretch through Arizona and New Mexico.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA

The route: this 469-mile road links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks, following mountain ridges with long views over the Appalachians. There are no commercial trucks and no traffic lights, and the speed limit is low, which encourages a slow pace.

Best time: October for fall colors, and late spring for wildflowers and rhododendrons.

Know before you go: sections can close in winter and for repairs, so check the National Park Service website.

Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

The route: about 113 miles of road and bridges connecting the Florida Keys from Miami to Key West, including the Seven Mile Bridge, with turquoise water on both sides.

Best time: winter and spring, before the hurricane season from June to November.

Know before you go: traffic can be slow on weekends and holidays, and accommodation in Key West books up early in peak season.

Ring Road, Iceland

The route: Route 1 circles the island for about 1,322 kilometers, passing waterfalls such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, black sand beaches near Vík, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and volcanic landscapes in the north.

Best time: June to August for long daylight and easier roads. Winter driving requires experience with snow and ice, and some areas may be inaccessible.

Know before you go: check road.is for conditions and safetravel.is for weather alerts. Off-road driving is illegal and damages fragile landscapes. Allow at least a week, ideally ten days.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The route: a loop of roughly 500 miles starting and ending in Inverness, through the remote Highlands, with sandy beaches, castles, mountains and lochs.

Best time: May to September.

Know before you go: many roads are single-track, with passing places. Pull into a passing place to let oncoming cars or faster vehicles through, and never park in one. Book accommodation ahead in summer.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

The route: about 240 kilometers along the southeast coast west of Melbourne, passing surf beaches, rainforest and the limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles.

Best time: Australian spring and autumn, roughly October to November and March to May, avoiding summer crowds.

Know before you go: drive on the left, and watch for wildlife such as kangaroos at dawn and dusk.

Garden Route, South Africa

The route: roughly 300 kilometers along the southern coast, between Mossel Bay and the Storms River area, with lagoons, forests, beaches and towns such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Best time: the climate is mild year-round, though summer from December to February is busiest.

Know before you go: combine the drive with wildlife stops, and follow local safety advice about driving after dark.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA

The route: about 50 miles across Glacier National Park, climbing over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass with views of glaciers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are often seen near the pass.

Best time: the full road usually opens only from late June or early July until mid-autumn, depending on snow.

Know before you go: the park has used vehicle reservation systems for this road during peak summer in recent years, so check the National Park Service website before you go. Vehicle size limits apply on the steepest sections.

Renting a car abroad

Many countries require an International Driving Permit alongside your home license, so check before traveling. Rental cars may come with manual transmissions by default in Europe, so book an automatic in advance if you need one. Learn local rules, such as which side of the road to drive on, how roundabouts work and whether toll roads require electronic tags or vignettes. Photograph the car before driving away to record any existing damage.

Planning any road trip

Don't overschedule. Scenic roads take longer than maps suggest, and the best moments often come from unplanned stops.
Check the vehicle. Inspect tires, brakes and fluids, or confirm rental cover and roadside assistance.
Download offline maps. Mobile signal disappears on many scenic routes.
Carry essentials. Water, snacks, a first aid kit, a phone charger and warm layers.
Rest regularly. Stop every two hours or so, and share the driving if possible.
Check permits and passes. Some parks require entry fees or timed reservations in busy seasons.

Whether you have a long weekend or several weeks, choosing a route that matches the season and your pace makes the journey itself the highlight of the trip.