Top 10 Incredible Road Trip Destinations
Top 10 Incredible Road Trip Destinations
Road trips may just be one of the most exciting and adventurous ways to explore a new place. It’s an opportunity to experience not just the destination, but the journey itself. There’s no denying that a road trip will always be an unforgettable experience. This article compiles the top 10 incredible road trip destinations that are definitely worth taking a drive to.
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The Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
Road-tripping along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, also known as State Route 1, is an experience unlike any other. Starting from San Francisco and ending in San Diego, this 600-mile route boasts some of the most picturesque views in the United States. As you travel south, you’ll come across scenic attractions such as Big Sur, Monterey Bay, and Santa Barbara. The Big Sur stretches for 90 miles and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and picturesque lighthouses. Driving along this highway will take you on a journey to the heart of California’s culture, wildlife, and history.
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The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is often considered one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, making it a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. This 151 mile route winds through stunning coastal scenery, weaving past remarkable rock formations, and picturesque beaches. Along the way, you’ll see iconic landmarks like Twelve Apostles, the Gibson Steps, the Loch Ard Gorge, and the London Arch. The Great Ocean Road is also rich in history, with the region boasting a vibrant cultural heritage and rich indigenous history.
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The Ring Road, Iceland
An Iceland road trip along the Ring Road is a surreal experience for those wandering through its starkly beautiful landscapes. The Route 1 Ring Road is a circular route, roughly 830 miles around the perimeter of Iceland. Along the way, you’ll find yourself stopping every few miles to admire the stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and towering mountains that surround you. The Ring Road takes you through a range of stunning natural wonders, including the mesmerizing Northern Lights, bubbling geysers, glacial lagoons, and hot springs.
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The Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic and picturesque drives. This 190 mile stretch of road winds through a diverse landscape, offering breathtaking ocean views, lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint seaside towns. Along the way, you’ll see attractions like the Knysna Heads, the Cango Caves, and Storms River Mouth. This road trip offers a mix of outdoor adventures from wildlife spotting to hiking, as well as stops at local markets, farm stalls, and quaint seaside villages.
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The Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway is one of the most beautiful and iconic roads in the world. The 56-mile route winds through the Carpathian Mountains, passing through alpine forests, glacial lakes, and soaring peaks. This road also offers a breathtaking view of the majestic Vidraru Dam, one of the largest in Europe. The road was constructed in the 1970s as a strategic military route, but it has since been opened to the public for tourists to drive and explore the region.
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The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is a stunning road trip that hugs the scenic coastline along the Antrim plateau. The 120-mile route offers visitors stunning views of beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and towering sea cliffs. Along the way, you can marvel at Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction, the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder of hexagonal-shaped rocks that are formed from a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. This road trip offers visitors an opportunity to explore Northern Ireland’s rich cultural history, with plenty of castles, museums, and galleries to discover.
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The Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada
Canada’s Sea-to-Sky Highway is a scenic road trip that takes visitors along the coast of British Columbia. The 87-miles route winds through the beautiful mountains of the Coastal Range, offering awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and the Pacific Ocean. The Sea-to-Sky Highway has everything an adventurer needs, including powder-snow skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, and boating and hiking in the summer months. It’s no wonder that this road was recognized as a National Engineering Landmark in 2001.
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The Romantic Road, Germany
The Romantic Road in Germany is a 220-mile route that passes through some of the most enchanting countryside hamlets in Germany. Starting in Wurzburg and ending in Fussen, this road trip offers you a glimpse of medieval Germany. From enchanting castles to picturesque half-timbered houses, the Romantic Road will take you back in time. The lofty peaks of the Bavarian Alps and the lush green forests make it the perfect romantic escape.
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The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, USA
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic 469-mile road trip that takes you through one of the country’s most beautiful mountain ranges. From Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this drive offers you unparalleled views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and thick forests. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great road trip to enjoy nature, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and camping at each of the stops along your journey.
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The Garden Route, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Garden Route is a picturesque road trip that spans over 2,000 miles along the coastline of the country’s south island. The route is known for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and rolling hills. Along the route, you can stop and take in the views of Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, Mount Cook, and Queenstown. The Garden Route is also rich in Maori culture and history, with plenty of stops offering indigenous art, storytelling, and dance.
In conclusion, road trips are a unique and exciting way to explore a new place and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it be along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or the Garden Route in South Africa, these destinations are truly incredible and offer a glimpse of the world’s natural beauty. So, buckle up, gas up your car, and get ready to take one of these amazing road trips!