Few travel experiences match the freedom of the open road. Whether you’re hugging a coastal cliffside, winding through mountain passes, or cruising across vast deserts, road trips offer a visceral way to explore landscapes and cultures at your own pace. Here’s a look at some of the world’s most iconic road trip routes—with standout stops that make the journey as memorable as the destination.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
Route: San Francisco to San Diego
Distance: ~600 miles
Why it’s iconic: This legendary route weaves through coastal cliffs, beach towns, redwood forests, and urban landmarks.
Must-see stops:
- Big Sur: Breathtaking cliffs and the famous Bixby Bridge
- Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea: Charming coastal towns with artsy flair
- Santa Barbara: Spanish-style architecture and upscale beach vibes
- Malibu & Santa Monica: Finish with classic SoCal culture and oceanfront views
2. Garden Route – South Africa
Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Distance: ~190 miles
Why it’s iconic: This short but dense drive offers lush forests, rugged coastline, and plenty of wildlife.
Must-see stops:
- Knysna: Lagoon town known for oysters and dramatic sandstone cliffs
- Plettenberg Bay: Beachfront relaxation and dolphin watching
- Tsitsikamma National Park: Suspension bridges and coastal hiking trails
3. Ring Road – Iceland
Route: Loop around the island (Route 1)
Distance: ~825 miles
Why it’s iconic: A surreal mix of waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs in one circuit.
Must-see stops:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss: Stunning waterfalls you can walk behind or beside
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs drifting through a peaceful lake
- Myvatn: Geothermal hotspots and bubbling mud pools
- Reykjavik: The perfect city bookend for your adventure
4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
Route: Torquay to Allansford
Distance: ~150 miles
Why it’s iconic: Dramatic ocean vistas, coastal cliffs, and rainforest pockets all in one drive.
Must-see stops:
- Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks rising from the sea
- Apollo Bay: Beach town charm and seafood
- Great Otway National Park: Fern-filled forests and hidden waterfalls
5. Route 1 – Japan
Route: Tokyo to Kyoto (via the Tokaido route)
Distance: ~280 miles
Why it’s iconic: Combines modern cityscapes, historic temples, and views of Mount Fuji.
Must-see stops:
- Kamakura: Ancient temples and the Great Buddha
- Hakone: Hot springs and Lake Ashi views
- Shizuoka: For tea fields and glimpses of Mount Fuji
6. Ruta 40 – Argentina
Route: Northern border to Patagonia
Distance: Over 3,000 miles
Why it’s iconic: One of the longest road trips in the world, spanning desert, steppe, and snow-capped peaks.
Must-see stops:
- Cafayate: Wine country with desert landscapes
- Bariloche: Lakes and alpine charm in Patagonia
- El Chaltén: Base for hiking Mount Fitz Roy
7. Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
Route: Derry to Kinsale
Distance: ~1,500 miles
Why it’s iconic: A rugged, windswept coastline dotted with castles, cliffs, and cozy pubs.
Must-see stops:
- Slieve League Cliffs: Higher than the Cliffs of Moher but far less crowded
- Galway: Artsy and vibrant coastal city
- Dingle Peninsula: Gaelic culture and jaw-dropping coastal drives
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve got a week or a month, these road trips prove that the journey can be the destination. Each route offers a unique flavor of the country it traverses—so pick a direction, cue the playlist, and let the open road lead you somewhere unforgettable.
