Exploring coastal drives lets you experience stunning views and unique local cultures. Each route offers something special, from the rugged cliffs of Ireland to the sunny beaches of Australia. Enjoy the open road, discover hidden gems, and take in the breathtaking beauty of these must-visit coastal drives.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Renowned for breathtaking ocean views and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles, this drive showcases towering limestone stacks, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Along the 151-mile route, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery, making it perfect for a leisurely trip. Plan your visit in the late spring or early fall when the weather is warm, and the skies are clear.
Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Winding along California’s coast, the Pacific Coast Highway offers dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and the chance to spot marine life like seals and whales. The coastal route takes you through charming towns and offers expansive ocean views. The best experience is during the summer months when the weather is most pleasant, but spring can also bring stunning wildflower displays along the way.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
A drive along Italy’s Amalfi Coast reveals a mix of rugged cliffs, charming villages, and the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. As you meander through towns like Positano and Ravello, you’ll find breathtaking views and rich cultural history. Early autumn is a wonderful time to visit, with fewer crowds and still-warm weather that makes exploring the area more enjoyable.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
This circular route in Ireland offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling green hills, and ancient castles dotting the landscape. The drive takes you through quaint villages and provides plenty of spots to stop and appreciate the beauty of the Irish countryside. Summer is ideal for this journey, offering mild weather and vibrant, lush scenery that’s best enjoyed during the longer daylight hours.
Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route in South Africa is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, lagoons, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The drive offers opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. It’s particularly beautiful in the spring, from September to November, when wildflowers bloom, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Cabot Trail, Canada
This scenic drive through Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is famous for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and the chance to spot whales off the coast. The route takes you through charming fishing villages with spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Autumn is particularly stunning, with the fall foliage painting the landscape in vibrant hues, making September to October an ideal time to go.
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Dramatic cliffs, historic castles, and the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway make the Causeway Coastal Route a must-see. This drive offers breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean and picturesque countryside. If you visit in late spring or early summer, you’ll catch the countryside at its greenest, with the added bonus of long days to enjoy the scenery.
Atlantic Road, Norway
Norway’s Atlantic Road is an engineering marvel, connecting small islands along the rugged coastline with a series of twisting bridges. The drive provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. Early summer, particularly June, offers the best conditions, with mild weather and long daylight hours, perfect for exploring every curve and turn of this unique route.
Seven Mile Bridge, USA
Florida’s Seven Mile Bridge offers an unforgettable drive with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This stretch connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys, allowing you to enjoy the warm, tropical climate and spot marine life along the way. Winter is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is dry and pleasant, with clear skies providing uninterrupted views.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
As one of the longest coastal routes in the world, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way showcases dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and ancient ruins. The drive takes you through quaint villages with stunning ocean views around every bend. For the best experience, aim to visit in the late summer or early fall when the weather is still mild, and the tourist crowds have thinned out.
Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive offers a combination of pristine beaches, dense forests, and charming coastal towns. The journey provides a chance to see local wildlife, including kangaroos and penguins, and explore secluded beaches. If you’re planning a trip, consider visiting in the summer months when the weather is warm, making the beaches and outdoor activities especially inviting.
Road to Hana, Hawaii
The Road to Hana in Hawaii is famous for its lush tropical landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches. This winding drive takes you through dense rainforests and offers numerous opportunities to stop and explore. The period from late spring to early fall is ideal, with the best weather for enjoying the outdoor attractions and fewer rain showers to interrupt your journey.
Route des Crêtes, France
The Route des Crêtes in France is a breathtaking drive along the cliffs of the Mediterranean, offering panoramic views of the azure waters and rugged coastline. This route takes you through the beautiful Calanques National Park, with opportunities to stop and enjoy hidden coves and stunning sea views. You’ll also pass by charming villages where you can experience local culture and cuisine. The best time to visit is in late spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are fewer.
Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula combines rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and lush forests for a picturesque drive. The journey takes you through charming towns and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Late spring to early summer is an excellent time to visit, with warm weather that enhances the beauty of the beaches and outdoor activities.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Chapman’s Peak Drive is known for its dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and winding roads along South Africa’s Atlantic coast. The drive offers stunning vistas of the ocean and the chance to spot local wildlife, including baboons and seals. Springtime, particularly September and October, provides the perfect balance of pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes, ideal for a scenic drive.
N2 Road, Portugal
Offers a scenic drive stretching from Chaves in the north to Faro in the south. Along the way, the section through the Vicentine Coast in the Alentejo region stands out with its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages. This route provides a beautiful mix of coastal views and lush countryside, showcasing the diversity of Portugal’s landscapes. Spring and early autumn are the best times to travel, offering mild weather and vibrant scenery.
Costa Smeralda, Italy
With crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and luxury resorts, Costa Smeralda in Sardinia is a dream destination for coastal driving. The route provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the opportunity to explore picturesque coastal towns. Summer, from June to August, is the prime time to visit, allowing you to fully enjoy the beach activities and the vibrant local culture.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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