There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road, the freedom to explore at your own pace,
and the endless possibilities of discovery that come with a road trip. For adventure lovers, road
trips offer the perfect blend of exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and the spontaneity to stop
and enjoy hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re cruising through rugged mountains, along
coastal cliffs, or through vast deserts, these road trips around the world are sure to satisfy your
thirst for adventure.
Here are some of the best road trips from around the globe, tailored for those who seek the thrill
of the unknown and the beauty of the wilderness.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Route: San Francisco to Los Angeles, California
Distance: 655 km (408 miles)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California’s Highway 1, is one of the most
iconic road trips in the world. Winding along the dramatic coastlines of California, this journey
offers spectacular ocean views, rugged cliffs, and picturesque beach towns. The route takes you
through the scenic Big Sur, where towering redwoods meet the Pacific Ocean, and past the
famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
Must-See Stops:
Big Sur: Stunning coastal views and endless hiking trails.
Hearst Castle: A historic mansion overlooking the ocean.
Monterey: Famous for its aquarium and whale-watching opportunities.
For adventure lovers, there’s plenty to do along the way, from surfing in Malibu to hiking in the
Big Sur wilderness or kayaking in Monterey Bay.
2. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Route: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
Distance: 243 km (151 miles)
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous drives, taking you along the southern
coast of Victoria. The route is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders, including the iconic
Twelve Apostles rock formations that rise majestically from the ocean. Along the way, you’ll
encounter lush rainforests, surf beaches, and charming coastal towns. For adventure enthusiasts,
hiking trails abound in Otway National Park, or you can try your hand at surfing at the many
beaches along the route. You might even spot koalas and kangaroos along the way!
3. The Ring Road, Iceland
Route: A loop around the island starting and ending in Reykjavik
Distance: 1,332 km (828 miles)
Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is a dream come true for those seeking adventure. This route
circles the entire island, taking you past volcanic landscapes, geothermal hot springs, majestic
waterfalls, and glaciers. The changing landscapes along the journey offer a variety of activities,
from hiking to ice caving and geothermal bathing.
Must-See Stops:
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss: Two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A surreal landscape of floating icebergs.
Vatnajökull National Park: The largest glacier in Europe and home to spectacular
hiking trails.
For the adventurous, the Ring Road offers opportunities for glacier hiking, ice climbing, and
exploring lava caves.
4. Garden Route, South Africa
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
The Garden Route in South Africa is one of the most scenic drives in the world, taking you along
the country’s southern coast. The road passes through national parks, forests, lagoons, and
pristine beaches. The diversity of landscapes and wildlife makes this road trip perfect for nature
lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Must-See Stops:
Tsitsikamma National Park: Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, hiking trails, and
suspension bridges.
Knysna: A picturesque town set around a lagoon and surrounded by lush forests.
Cango Caves: One of South Africa’s most impressive cave systems.
For thrill-seekers, the Garden Route offers activities like bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
(the highest commercial bungee jump in the world), zip-lining in Tsitsikamma, and whale
watching in Plettenberg Bay.
5. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Route: From the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to Kinsale in the south
Distance: 2,500 km (1,553 miles)
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world, taking you along
Ireland’s rugged western coastline. The drive offers breathtaking cliffs, secluded beaches, and
traditional Irish villages. For those looking for adventure, the Wild Atlantic Way provides access
to some of the best hiking, surfing, and kayaking spots in Ireland.
Must-See Stops:
Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s most famous cliffs offering dramatic views of the Atlantic.
Ring of Kerry: A stunning drive through mountains, lakes, and historic villages.
Dingle Peninsula: Home to remote beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant local culture.
Adventure lovers will find plenty to do along the way, from hiking in the Connemara National
Park to surfing in County Sligo or kayaking along the coast.
6. Ruta 40, Argentina
Route: From La Quiaca in the north to Rio Gallegos in the south
Distance: 5,194 km (3,230 miles)
Ruta 40 is one of the longest and most adventurous roads in the world, running parallel to the
Andes in Argentina. It takes travelers through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes
in South America, including arid deserts, snow-capped mountains, and pristine lakes. The road
also passes through several national parks and is an excellent way to experience Patagonia.
Must-See Stops:
Los Glaciares National Park: Home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
Bariloche: A picturesque town surrounded by lakes and mountains, perfect for hiking
and skiing.
Quebrada de Humahuaca: A colorful mountain range in the northern region of
Argentina.
Adventure enthusiasts can trek in the Andes, explore glaciers, or go horseback riding in the
Patagonian wilderness. The road is remote, rugged, and perfect for those looking for an epic
adventure.
7. The Pamir Highway, Central Asia
Route: From Osh, Kyrgyzstan, to Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Distance: 1,252 km (778 miles)
The Pamir Highway is one of the world’s highest-altitude road trips and offers a truly off-thebeaten-path adventure. This ancient Silk Road route takes you through the Pamir Mountains,
offering stunning views of rugged peaks, remote villages, and high-altitude deserts. It’s a
challenging drive due to rough roads and high altitudes, but it’s worth it for those looking for a
real adventure.
Must-See Stops:
Murghab: A high-altitude village surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Karakul Lake: A pristine lake at over 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) above sea level.
Wakhan Valley: A remote and beautiful valley with views of the Afghan border.
For adventurers, the Pamir Highway offers opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and
experiencing the traditional nomadic culture of Central Asia.
8. Norway’s Atlantic Road
Route: Kristiansund to Molde
Distance: 36 km (22 miles)
Though short, Norway’s Atlantic Road is an engineering marvel and offers a thrilling drive
across a series of bridges connecting small islands in the Norwegian Sea. The road twists and
turns dramatically, providing breathtaking views of the sea, especially during stormy weather
when waves crash against the bridges.
Must-See Stops:
Hustadvika: A notorious stretch of coastline known for shipwrecks and dramatic
seascapes.
Averøy: A small island with charming fishing villages and hiking trails.
Kristiansund: A colorful coastal town with a rich maritime history.
For adventure lovers, the Atlantic Road offers kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and hiking in the
surrounding fjords. It’s also a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see seals
and seabirds.
Final Thoughts
Road trips offer the perfect combination of freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to explore
the world at your own pace. From the rugged coastlines of Australia to the icy landscapes of
Iceland, these epic road trips promise to take you on unforgettable journeys filled with natural
wonders, thrilling activities, and scenic beauty. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, and get
ready to hit the road on your next adventure!
