The World’s Best Scenic Roads: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpieces

There’s something undeniably magical about hitting the open road with nothing but breathtaking scenery ahead. Whether it’s hugging a rugged coastline, climbing a mountain pass, or winding through ancient forests, the world’s most scenic roads are destinations in their own right. Here’s a roundup of the world’s best scenic drives — each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and awe.

1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA

 

Route: Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Distance: ~655 miles (1,054 km)

 

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in the world. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, you’ll pass charming towns, redwood forests, and crashing ocean waves. Don’t miss stops like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Bixby Creek Bridge, and McWay Falls.

Best Time to Go: Late spring to early fall for mild weather and clear skies.

2. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia

 

Route: Torquay to Allansford

Distance: ~151 miles (243 km)

 

A masterpiece of road engineering, the Great Ocean Road winds along Australia’s southeastern coast, offering stunning ocean views, rainforests, and limestone cliffs. The crown jewel? The Twelve Apostles – a collection of limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean.

Best Time to Go: November to April for warmer temperatures and less rain.

3. Atlantic Ocean Road – Norway

 

Route: Kristiansund to Bud

Distance: ~5 miles (8.3 km)

 

Short but spectacular, the Atlantic Ocean Road is a rollercoaster ride across a series of low-lying bridges that snake over the Atlantic. The experience is made even more thrilling during stormy weather, when waves crash dramatically over the road.

Best Time to Go: Summer (June to August) for calmer seas and extended daylight.

4. Garden Route – South Africa

 

Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River

Distance: ~190 miles (300 km)

 

This lush stretch of South Africa’s coastline is famed for its natural diversity. Think lagoons, forests, beaches, and mountains – all within a few hours’ drive. Adventure lovers can bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge or explore Tsitsikamma National Park.

Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November) for wildflowers and wildlife sightings.

5. Ring Road – Iceland

 

Route: Loop around Iceland via Route 1

Distance: ~828 miles (1,332 km)

 

Iceland’s Ring Road is the ultimate road trip for nature lovers. Glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches await around nearly every bend. Must-see spots include Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Skógafoss, and the golden fields of the Eastfjords.

Best Time to Go: Summer (June to August) for safe driving conditions and midnight sun.

6. Furka Pass – Switzerland

 

Route: Between Gletsch and Realp

Distance: ~22 miles (35 km)

 

If you’ve ever watched a James Bond film, this road may look familiar – it starred in Goldfinger. The Furka Pass snakes through the Swiss Alps with hairpin turns and panoramic mountain views. It’s a short but thrilling drive for anyone who loves high-altitude adventure.

Best Time to Go: Late June to September (pass closed in winter due to snow).

7. Chapman’s Peak Drive – Cape Town, South Africa

 

Route: Hout Bay to Noordhoek

Distance: ~5.5 miles (9 km)

 

Cut into the face of a mountain, this road offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs below. Each curve is more stunning than the last, making it one of the most photogenic drives in the world.

Best Time to Go: Year-round, but sunsets in summer are particularly dazzling.

8. The Amalfi Coast – Italy

 

Route: Sorrento to Salerno

Distance: ~31 miles (50 km)

 

This cliffside road hugs Italy’s most iconic coastline, winding past lemon groves, pastel villages, and turquoise waters. Towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are worth stopping for — not just for the views, but also for the food and culture.

Best Time to Go: May to June or September to October to avoid peak summer crowds.

Final Thoughts

Scenic roads do more than connect one place to another – they turn the journey itself into the destination. Whether you're road-tripping through Europe, cruising down the California coast, or discovering the wild beauty of Iceland, each of these roads offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and fuel up — the world’s most beautiful drives are waiting for you.

Have you driven on any of these routes? Share your favorite scenic road in the comments!