Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road and explore new destinations. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking coastal views, winding mountain passes, or charming countryside escapes, a scenic road trip offers the ultimate adventure. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most picturesque routes to take this summer. Get ready to pack your bags, fuel up, and set off on an unforgettable journey.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States. Stretching over 600 miles, it provides stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the picturesque Big Sur coastline. With numerous scenic overlooks and opportunities for outdoor activities, this route is perfect for those seeking natural beauty and adventure.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic highway that runs through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Known for its stunning fall foliage, the parkway offers panoramic views of rolling hills, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Key attractions include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66, often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” is a historic highway that stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. This iconic road trip offers a nostalgic journey through the heart of America, passing through small towns, quirky roadside attractions, and classic diners. Highlights include the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the Santa Monica Pier in California.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile coastal drive in Victoria, Australia, renowned for its stunning ocean views, towering limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches. Key attractions include the Twelve Apostles rock formations, the Loch Ard Gorge, and the charming seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. The road also offers access to lush rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it a diverse and scenic journey.
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile circular route in County Kerry, Ireland, that showcases the country’s rugged coastline, rolling hills, and charming villages. Highlights include the Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, and the Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route also offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesque lakes, and ancient ruins, making it a must-see for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route is a 190-mile stretch of coastline in South Africa, known for its diverse landscapes, from lush forests and lagoons to rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Key attractions include the Knysna Heads, the Tsitsikamma National Park, and the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay. The route offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and water sports.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a 30-mile stretch of coastline in southern Italy, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and crystal-clear waters. Highlights include the towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each offering stunning views, historic sites, and delicious cuisine. The winding coastal road offers numerous scenic overlooks, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely summer drive.
Route 1, Iceland
Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, is a 828-mile highway that circles Iceland, offering access to some of the country’s most stunning natural attractions. Highlights include the Golden Circle, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the Dettifoss waterfall. The route offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic craters and geysers to glaciers and fjords, making it an unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts.
North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route that circles the northern coast of Scotland, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic castles. Key attractions include the Bealach na Bà pass, the Smoo Cave, and the Dunrobin Castle. The route also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring charming coastal villages.
Cabot Trail, Canada
The Cabot Trail is a 185-mile loop around Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, known for its dramatic coastal views, rolling hills, and charming villages. Highlights include the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Skyline Trail, and the village of Baddeck. The route offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, whale watching, and kayaking.
Route 12, Utah
Route 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, is a 124-mile highway in southern Utah that offers stunning views of red rock formations, canyons, and forests. Key attractions include Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and Capitol Reef National Park. The route offers numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Milford Road, New Zealand
Milford Road is a 75-mile highway in New Zealand’s South Island, known for its stunning alpine scenery, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel, and the stunning Milford Sound. The road offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and boat tours.
Icefields Parkway, Canada
The Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile highway in Alberta, Canada, that runs through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and turquoise lakes. Key attractions include the Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake, and the Columbia Icefield. The route offers numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Road to Hana, Hawaii
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile highway on the island of Maui, Hawaii, known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning coastal views. Highlights include the Wailua Falls, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the charming town of Hana. The winding road offers numerous scenic overlooks and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely summer drive.
Romantic Road, Germany
The Romantic Road is a 220-mile route in southern Germany, known for its charming medieval towns, historic castles, and picturesque countryside. Highlights include the Neuschwanstein Castle, the town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and the Würzburg Residence. The route offers numerous opportunities for exploring historic sites, sampling local cuisine, and enjoying scenic views.
Atlantic Road, Norway
The Atlantic Road is a 5.2-mile highway in Norway that offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, dramatic bridges, and picturesque islands. Key attractions include the Storseisundet Bridge, the Eldhusøya viewpoint, and the charming fishing villages along the route. The road offers numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the coastal landscape.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1,553-mile coastal route in Ireland, known for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula. The route offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing.
Great Alpine Road, Australia
The Great Alpine Road is a 186-mile highway in Victoria, Australia, that runs through the heart of the Australian Alps, offering stunning views of mountains, valleys, and forests. Key attractions include the Mount Hotham ski resort, the picturesque town of Bright, and the historic gold mining town of Omeo. The route offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
The Basque Circuit, Spain and France
The Basque Circuit is a 300-mile loop that runs through the Basque Country in Spain and France, offering stunning views of the coastline, mountains, and charming villages. Highlights include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the coastal town of San Sebastián, and the picturesque village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The route offers numerous opportunities for exploring historic sites, sampling local cuisine, and enjoying scenic views.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is a 30-mile highway in Austria that runs through the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows. Key attractions include the Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe viewpoint, the Pasterze Glacier, and the Edelweiss-Spitze summit. The road offers numerous opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the alpine landscape.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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