15 Road Trip Routes That Will Make You Want to Hit the Open Road in 2026
There’s something almost primal about a road trip — the hum of the engine, the rhythmic turning of wheels over asphalt, the endless horizon ahead. Whether you’re chasing rugged coastlines, ancient landscapes, dramatic mountain passes, or hidden gems off the beaten path, these routes are guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust and send you packing the car.
Below is your ultimate guide to 15 unforgettable road trip ideas around the world — complete with what makes each oute special, when to go, and what not to miss along the way. Let’s get rolling.
Recommended Travel Items for Your Trip
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA — Ocean Views and Sunset Skies
Stretching over 600 miles along California’s rugged western edge, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the world’s most iconic drives. Starting from sunny Southern California and winding up toward the fog-kissed north, this route delivers epic ocean vistas at every turn.
Highlights include:
- The dramatic cliffs and beaches of Big Sur.
- Charming coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara.
- Sunset views at Hearst Castle.
Tip: Leave plenty of time for spontaneous stops — every overlook is a photo op. This drive combines scenic beauty with beach-town culture and coastal cuisine that’s hard to beat.
2. Route 66, USA — Classic Americana
Known as “The Mother Road,” Route 66 represents pure road trip nostalgia. This legendary highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and takes travelers through the heart of America’s varied landscapes and cultural worlds.
What to love:
- Vintage diners and quirky roadside attractions.
- Historic small towns full of character.
- Desert vistas, neon signs, and classic Americana.
Pro tip: Take your time with local history — roadside museums and murals tell fascinating stories of America’s past.
3. Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, USA — Tropical Escape
If ocean views and endless blue waters are your vibe, the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys is a dream road trip.
Drive over bridges that seem to disappear into the sea, stopping for snorkeling, diving, and sunset watching along the way.
Don’t miss:
- Key Largo’s reefs and underwater experiences.
- Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square in Key West.
- Fresh seafood and Cuban-flavored eats.
This is a laid-back route that blends tropical adventures with easy cruising.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA — Fall Foliage and Mountain Magic
One of America’s most scenic drives, the Blue Ridge Parkway weaves through the Appalachian Mountains and is especially magical in autumn.
Highlights include:
- Vibrant fall colors that seem to set the mountains ablaze.
- Waterfalls, overlooks, and hiking trails galore.
- Cultural stops with local Appalachian music and craft goods.
Plan for: Short hikes and picnic stops to soak in nature’s rhythm.
5. Great Ocean Road, Australia — Breathtaking Coastline
Australia’s Great Ocean Road stretches along the southern coast, offering rugged cliffs and crashing waves as far as the eye can see.
Must-see stops:
- The famous limestone formations known as the Twelve Apostles.
- Great Otway National Park’s waterfalls and forest walks.
- Beach towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.
This route blends dramatic scenery with laid-back Aussie culture and surf-town spirit.
6. Alaska Highway, Canada & USA — Wilderness Road
For the adventurous at heart, the Alaska Highway is a true wilderness drive.
Expect:
- Vast stretches of untouched landscapes.
- Frequent wildlife sightings (moose, bears, caribou).
- Hot springs and quirky roadside attractions.
This isn’t a quick weekend jaunt but a trip that rewards patience and curiosity with epic wild memories.
7. Cabot Trail, Canada — Coastal Cliffs and Highland Culture
Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is a hidden gem that winds through lush highlands and dramatic ocean cliffs.
Top experiences:
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park vistas.
- Fresh seafood in local fishing villages.
- Trails that bring you between forest and ocean in minutes.
This drive blends scenic power with cultural flavor and is perfect for slower, immersive road trips.
8. Scenic Byways of Utah, USA — Canyon Dreams
Utah’s scenic byways might not be as famous as some others, but they’re packed with jaw-dropping landscapes that rival national parks.
Don’t miss:
- Scenic Byway 12, which winds past Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante.
- Red rock formations, slot canyons, and vast desert panoramas.
- Miles of open road with plenty of places to pull over and explore.
This road trip feels like driving inside an outdoor museum of geology.
9. The Ring Road, Iceland — Nature’s Dramatic Canvas
Iceland’s Ring Road circles the entire island and is a masterclass in dramatic landscapes.
Expect:
- Waterfalls and geysers.
- Glaciers and volcanic terrain.
- Black sand beaches.
Because Iceland’s landscape changes so fast, every stretch feels like a new world. This is one of those routes where even quick detours become unforgettable.
10. Silk Road Route — History on Wheels
The ancient Silk Road isn’t just a historical footnote — it’s a sprawling route that connects cultures across Asia.
Drive through:
- Uzbekistan’s architectural wonders (Samarkand, Bukhara).
- Kazakhstan’s open plains.
- Mythic landscapes that have shaped trade for centuries.
This is a road trip steeped in culture and history as much as scenery.
11. Trans-Siberian Highway — Epic and Remote
One of the longest road routes on the planet stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, traversing vast forests, steppes, and Siberian mysteries.
Expect:
- Long days behind the wheel.
- Remote landscapes and local village stops.
- Sunset skies that stretch for miles.
This is a road trip for seasoned travelers ready to embrace the unexpected.
12. Garden Route, South Africa — Coast, Forest, and Wild Encounters
South Africa’s Garden Route offers a blend of coastal views, forests, and wildlife.
Highlights:
- Charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
- Whale watching and ocean views.
- National parks just off the highway.
This route has something for every traveler — from adventure seekers to food lovers.
13. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland — Cliffs and Culture
One of the longest designated coastal drives in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way offers rugged cliffs, turbulent seas, and warm Irish hospitality.
Don’t miss:
- Cliffs of Moher for dramatic views.
- The Ring of Kerry for panoramic scenery.
- Local pubs and historic towns dotting the coast.
This drive combines raw landscapes with warm, lived-in culture.
14. Route des Grandes Alpes, France — Alpine Heights
This high-altitude French route snakes through the Alps with stunning mountain scenery at every turn.
Expect:
- Alpine villages and ski resorts.
- Lakes, passes, and cafés perched on high peaks.
- Seasonal changes that make this drive stunning in both summer and winter.
Perfect for adventurers and food lovers alike.
15. Golden Circle, Iceland — Quick Natural Wonders Loop
Short on time but still want Iceland’s magic? The Golden Circle offers a compact, spectacular road trip.
Key highlights:
- Geysers and hot springs.
- Waterfalls like Gullfoss.
- National parks full of geological wonders.
This is one of the best short road trips for stunning variety.
Road Trip Planning Tips That Actually Matter
A great road trip isn’t just about picking a route — it’s about planning smart and staying open to the adventure.
Know When to Go
Best seasons matter. For coastal drives, spring and fall often offer great weather with fewer crowds. Mountain and high-altitude routes can be seasonal.
Pack Essentials
Bring:
- A spare tire and emergency kit.
- Reusable water bottles and snacks.
- Paper maps — connectivity isn’t always guaranteed in remote regions.
Plan Flexible Stops
The best road trips are the ones where you can detour. A tiny diner, a quirky roadside attraction, or an unexpected viewpoint could become your favorite memory.
Embrace Local Culture
Stop more often than you think you should. Local cafés, markets, and historic sites offer stories that make the drive richer.
Road tripping is more than miles on a map — it’s a feeling of freedom, a rhythm of discovery, and an open-ended invitation to explore. Whether it’s your first highway adventure or your fifteenth shot at an iconic route, these roads are ready to reward you with unforgettable views and experiences.
Pack your bags, check the tires, and start that engine — the open road awaits.
