For those with a spirit of adventure, road trips offer the ultimate way to explore the world. From
rugged mountain passes to scenic coastal highways, these journeys promise breathtaking views,
unique experiences, and the freedom to travel at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising through
deserts, navigating jungles, or winding through mountain roads, here’s a guide to the best road
trips around the world for adventure lovers.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (USA)
Location: California, USA
Distance: 655 miles (1,055 km)
Best Time to Go: Spring and fall
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is an iconic American road trip that runs along the California
coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Starting in San Francisco and ending in
San Diego, this route takes you through dramatic cliffside views, charming coastal towns like
Monterey and Santa Barbara, and famous landmarks like Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and the Golden
Gate Bridge.
Adventure Highlights: Surfing at Malibu Beach, hiking in Big Sur, camping at Point
Reyes, and exploring tide pools along the coast.
2. The Garden Route (South Africa)
Location: South Africa
Distance: 190 miles (300 km)
Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November)
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most beautiful drives, stretching from Mossel Bay to
Storms River. The road hugs the Indian Ocean coastline, passing through dense forests, lush
mountains, lagoons, and white sandy beaches. Adventure seekers can find a variety of activities
along the way, from bungee jumping to wildlife safaris.
Adventure Highlights: Bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge, explore Tsitsikamma
National Park, cage dive with great white sharks, and hike in the Knysna Forest.
3. Ring Road (Iceland)
Location: Iceland
Distance: 828 miles (1,332 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (June to August)
Iceland’s Ring Road circles the entire island, offering adventurers the chance to witness some of
the planet’s most otherworldly landscapes. From volcanic craters and lava fields to glaciers,
waterfalls, and black sand beaches, this road trip takes you to the heart of Iceland’s natural
beauty.
Adventure Highlights: Glacier hiking on Vatnajökull, visiting the geothermal hot
springs at the Blue Lagoon, hiking to waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and
exploring ice caves.
4. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Location: Victoria, Australia
Distance: 151 miles (243 km)
Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November)
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, stretching along the
southeastern coast of Australia. It winds past rugged cliffs, lush rainforests, and golden beaches.
The trip offers plenty of adventure activities, from surfing and diving to wildlife spotting and
forest treks.
Adventure Highlights: See the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, hike through
Great Otway National Park, surf at Bells Beach, and spot koalas in the wild.
5. Ruta 40 (Argentina)
Location: Argentina
Distance: 3,100 miles (5,000 km)
Best Time to Go: Spring (October to December) or fall (March to May)
Ruta 40 is one of the longest and most dramatic road trips in the world, running from the
northern tip of Argentina near Bolivia all the way to Patagonia in the south. The road takes you
through diverse landscapes, from the high-altitude deserts of the north to the glaciers, lakes, and
mountains of Patagonia.
Adventure Highlights: Trekking in the Andes, exploring the wine region of Mendoza,
spotting wildlife in the wetlands of Iberá, and hiking in the stunning Los Glaciares
National Park.
6. The Pamir Highway (Tajikistan)
Location: Tajikistan
Distance: 800 miles (1,287 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (June to September)
Known as one of the highest and most remote roads in the world, the Pamir Highway takes
adventurous travelers through the rugged mountains of Central Asia. Starting in Dushanbe,
Tajikistan, and ending in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, this road trip offers dramatic mountain scenery,
remote villages, and a glimpse into the ancient Silk Road.
Adventure Highlights: Trekking in the Wakhan Valley, visiting the ancient city of
Khorog, camping near Lake Karakul, and experiencing traditional Kyrgyz culture in the
Pamirs.
7. The Road to Hana (Hawaii, USA)
Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA
Distance: 64 miles (103 km)
Best Time to Go: Year-round
The Road to Hana is a short but unforgettable drive along the northeastern coast of Maui. The
winding road passes through lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged coastline.
Although it’s only 64 miles long, this road trip can take a full day due to the many scenic stops
and narrow curves.
Adventure Highlights: Swim in the Seven Sacred Pools, hike the Pipiwai Trail to
Waimoku Falls, and explore the black sand beach at Waiʻanapanapa State Park.
8. The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
Location: Ireland
Distance: 1,553 miles (2,500 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (June to August)
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal routes in the world, stretching from the
northern tip of Ireland in Donegal to the southern town of Kinsale. This road trip showcases
Ireland’s rugged coastline, cliffs, charming villages, and ancient castles. Adventure seekers will
love the opportunities for surfing, hiking, and exploring Ireland’s windswept landscapes.
Adventure Highlights: Surfing in Bundoran, hiking the Cliffs of Moher, visiting the
Aran Islands, and exploring the wild Connemara region.
9. Karakoram Highway (Pakistan/China)
Location: Pakistan and China
Distance: 800 miles (1,300 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (May to October)
The Karakoram Highway is one of the highest paved roads in the world, connecting Pakistan
with China through the Karakoram mountain range. This road trip is not for the faint-hearted but
offers adventurers jaw-dropping views of towering peaks, glaciers, and valleys. The highway is a
vital link along the old Silk Road.
Adventure Highlights: Trekking to the base camp of K2, exploring the Hunza Valley,
and seeing the Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest border crossings in the world.
10. The Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)
Location: Romania
Distance: 56 miles (90 km)
Best Time to Go: Summer (July to September)
The Transfagarasan Highway, winding through the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, is
considered one of the most thrilling roads in Europe. The route takes drivers through tight
hairpin turns, steep descents, and tunnels, all set against a backdrop of jagged peaks and alpine
lakes.
Adventure Highlights: Hike to Balea Lake, explore the ruins of Poenari Castle
(associated with Dracula), and experience the breathtaking mountain views from various
lookout points.
Final Thoughts
For adventure lovers, road trips offer an incredible way to experience the world’s most dramatic
landscapes and thrilling activities. Each of these routes provides a unique combination of
breathtaking scenery, challenging terrains, and opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re
seeking mountain hikes, wildlife encounters, or simply the freedom to roam, these road trips are
sure to inspire your next great adventure
