There’s something magical about hitting the open road and embarking on a journey of discovery. The freedom and sense of adventure that comes with road tripping is unmatched by any other mode of Travel. And while there are countless routes you can take, some road trips are just more spectacular than others. From winding mountain roads to picturesque coastlines, here are some road trips that will leave you breathless.
Pacific Coast Highway
It also known as California State Route 1, runs 655 miles from Leggett in Mendocino County to Dana Point in Orange County. With its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, rocky cliffs, and charming communities, this scenic roadway is regarded as one of the most picturesque drives in the entire world. Many tourists consider a journey along the Pacific Coast Highway to be a must-do adventure. Here are a few of the most breathtaking driving journeys along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Los Angeles to San Francisco
Starting in San Francisco, this road trip takes you via the spectacular Big Sur coastline, where you can visit the Point Sur Lighthouse, see the well-known Bixby Bridge, and take in the stunning vistas of the rocky shoreline. The lavish castle erected by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst can be explored at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which is accessible by continuing down the roadway. The journey comes to an end in Los Angeles, where you can see the famous Santa Monica Pier and take in the city’s exciting nightlife.
San Diego to Los Angeles
From the flash and splendour of Los Angeles to the warm beaches of San Diego, this road trip brings you. Beginning in Los Angeles, travel to Malibu to take advantage of the lovely beaches and celebrity sightings. Continue on down to Santa Monica, where you can check out the well-known pier and take in the fairground attractions. The journey ends in San Diego, where you can take in the city’s famed Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, and stunning beaches.
San Francisco to Monterey
This road journey passes through Big Sur and Monterey, two picturesque coastal regions with breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and towering cliffs. Start in Monterey and stop by Cannery Row and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Continue your descent to Big Sur, where you may visit the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and witness the famous Bixby Bridge. The journey comes to a conclusion in San Francisco, where you may stroll around the energetic neighbourhoods and take in the breathtaking vistas of the city.
Great Ocean Road
Australia The Great Ocean Road, which runs 151 miles down Australia’s southeast coast, passes some of the country’s most beautiful natural sights. You’ll pass the Twelve Apostles’ limestone stacks, Port Campbell National Park’s rocky cliffs, and the Surf Coast’s gorgeous beaches. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some kangaroos or koalas along the way.
The Great Ocean Road in Australia is a breath-taking drive that spans the region’s southeast coast from Torquay to Allansford. One of the most picturesque roads in the world, the 243-kilometer (151-mile) road travels through some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery. Here are some fantastic road journeys along the ocean that will take your breath away.
Drive along the Great Ocean Road
Self-guided driving tours are the most common way to see the Great Ocean Road. Depending on how frequently you stop to enjoy the countryside, the drive from Torquay to Allansford takes three to four days to accomplish.
You’ll go by quaint coastal towns, magnificent beaches, beautiful jungles, and soaring cliffs along the way. The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Otway National Park are some of the drive’s highlights.
The Long Ocean Walk
The Great Ocean Walk is a great choice if you want to walk the Great Ocean Road and explore it. It takes around eight days to traverse the 104-kilometer (64.6-mile) trek that connects Apollo Bay with the Twelve Apostles.
The Great Ocean Walk travels through some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, which includes rocky cliffs, remote beaches, and old-growth forests.
The Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road
Consider combining the Great Ocean Road with a journey to Phillip Island if you want a shorter road adventure. The island is located about 140 kilometres (87 miles) southeast of Torquay and is two hours’ drive from the Twelve Apostles. Phillip Island is home to a variety of creatures, including penguins, seals, and koalas. The island is also home to some of Australia’s top surfing beaches and offers a variety of outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the ideal route if you want to enjoy a beautiful trip through the Canadian Rockies. Highway 93, a 232-kilometer section of road that passes through the national parks of Banff and Jasper, is regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in the entire world. Here are some of the highlights of an Icefields Parkway road trip that will take your breath away.
Iceberg skywalk
The Glacier Skywalk is one of the most well-liked sights along the Icefields Parkway. This walkway with a glass bottom runs over the Sunwapta Valley and provides breathtaking views of the glaciers and mountains in the area. To learn more about the geology and ecology of the region, visitors can also join a guided tour.
Alpine Glacier
Its name comes from the fact that you can see it from Icefields Parkway. Visitors can take a guided walk onto this enormous sheet of ice, which is one of North America’s easiest glaciers to access. You can also Travel in the Ice Explorer, a vehicle created especially for navigating frozen terrain.
Lake Peyto
Peyto Lake, one of the most photographed bodies of water in Canada, has a magnificent blue hue brought on by rock flour trapped in the water. The lake is accessible by a quick stroll from the neighbouring parking lot and is situated just off the Icefields Parkway. The overlook offers a really stunning perspective.
Sunshine Falls
Sunwapta Falls, a collection of waterfalls that flow over a succession of limestone terraces, are only a short distance from the Icefields Parkway. A short trip can be taken by visitors to gain a better view of the falls, or they can just sit back and take it all in from the nearby viewing platform.
Watching wildlife
The chance to get up close and personal with wildlife is one of the most distinctive sensations of travelling the Icefields Parkway. Bighorn sheep, moose, elk, and even grizzly bears are frequently seen by the side of the road. The animals should not be fed, and visitors are advised to remain a safe distance from them.
The Ring Road
The breathtaking 1,332 km (828 miles) long Ring Road of Iceland, often known as Route 1, circles the whole island. The most stunning natural features of Iceland, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and black sand beaches, can be seen from this road trip in amazing detail. Here are a few Ring Road excursions that will make you gasp for air.
Infinite Circle
The Golden Circle starts and ends in Reykjavik. Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are among Iceland’s most famous sights on this 300 km round.
Gulf Coast
The Icelandic South Coast connects Reykjavik to Vik. On the way, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and Reynisfjara and Dyrholaey black sand beaches can be viewed. You may also see the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Skaftafell National Park.
Eastern Fjords
Iceland’s East Fjords offer a tranquil and picturesque journey along the coast that passes through quaint fishing communities and tiny towns. Along the way, you’ll travel on winding roads that offer stunning views of the mountains and fjords. You can also go to the Vatnajokull Glacier National Park, where you can go on a boat tour on the Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon or go on a walk on glaciers.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a region of South Africa’s coastline that stretches along the region’s southeasterly coast. It has rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and green forests. There are several trips available for people looking to experience this breathtaking area that will leave you speechless.
Observing whales in Hermanus
One of the top locations in the world for whale viewing is Hermanus. Southern Right Whales migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer waters off the coast of South Africa from June to November. Visitors can either stand on the shore or take a boat excursion to see these wonderful animals.
Tsitsikamma National Park hiking
The Tsitsikamma National Park guards an 80-kilometer of of coastline. With routes that weave through thick forests, over suspension bridges, and alongside rugged cliffs, it is a hiker’s dream. The Otter Trail, a five-day, 42-kilometer walk that gives breathtaking vistas of the untamed coastline, is one of the attractions.
Bouncing off Bloukrans Bridge
Bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge is a must-do for thrill seekers. It is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216 metres. The excitement of leaping over the bridge and tumbling into the river below is an amazing experience, but it is not for the timid.
Final Thoughts
These road trips offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, and they are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for stunning coastal vistas, majestic mountain ranges, or the chance to see some of the world’s most unique wildlife, there’s a road trip out there for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget.
