Most Scenic Road Trips to Take This Year

In 2025, road trips are experiencing a resurgence as travelers seek flexible, immersive, and cost-effective ways to explore the world. With the freedom to set one’s own pace and the opportunity to discover hidden gems, road trips offer unparalleled experiences. This comprehensive guide highlights some of the most scenic road trips across the globe, providing detailed insights to help travelers plan their next adventure.​

North America: Majestic Landscapes and Iconic Routes

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Route: Rockfish Gap, Virginia to Cherokee, North Carolina
Distance: 469 miles
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October)​

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands. Travelers can enjoy vibrant wildflowers in spring and breathtaking foliage in fall. The route connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing numerous opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.​

Highlights:

• Mabry Mill

• Linville Falls

• Craggy Gardens

• Mount Mitchell​

2. Beartooth Highway, USA

Route: Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana
Distance: 68.7 miles
Best Time to Visit: Late May to Early October​

Described by Charles Kuralt as “the most beautiful drive in America,” the Beartooth Highway ascends to 10,947 feet, offering panoramic views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. The route features alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.​

Highlights:

• Beartooth Pass

• Gardner Lake

• Clay Butte Lookout​

3. Trail Ridge Road, USA

Route: Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado
Distance: 48 miles
Best Time to Visit: June to September​

As the highest continuous paved road in North America, Trail Ridge Road reaches elevations over 12,000 feet. Travelers can experience diverse ecosystems, from montane forests to alpine tundra, within Rocky Mountain National Park.​

Highlights:

• Alpine Visitor Center

• Many Parks Curve Overlook

• Milner Pass​

Europe: Historic Routes and Breathtaking Vistas

4. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Route: Kinsale, County Cork to Malin Head, County Donegal
Distance: Over 1,500 miles
Best Time to Visit: May to September​Financial Times

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest defined coastal routes, showcasing Ireland’s rugged coastline, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can explore ancient castles, enjoy traditional music, and savor local cuisine.​

Highlights:

• Cliffs of Moher

• Ring of Kerry

• Slieve League Cliffs​

5. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania

Route: Bascov to Cârțișoara
Distance: Approximately 56 miles
Best Time to Visit: July to October​

Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan Highway winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering dramatic scenery and thrilling driving experiences. The route includes tunnels, viaducts, and hairpin turns.​

Highlights:

• Bâlea Lake

• Poenari Castle

• Vidraru Dam​

Asia: Diverse Landscapes and Cultural Richness

6. Leh-Manali Highway, India

Route: Manali, Himachal Pradesh to Leh, Ladakh
Distance: Approximately 295 miles
Best Time to Visit: June to September​

Traversing the Himalayas, the Leh-Manali Highway offers awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, high-altitude deserts, and remote villages. The journey includes several high mountain passes and requires careful acclimatization.​

Highlights:

• Rohtang Pass

• Baralacha La

• Tanglang La​

7. Hokkaido Scenic Byways, Japan

Route: Various routes across Hokkaido
Best Time to Visit: May to October​

Hokkaido’s scenic byways offer diverse landscapes, from lavender fields and volcanic mountains to serene lakes and coastal cliffs. The region is also known for its wildlife, including cranes and brown bears.​

Highlights:

• Furano’s flower fields

• Shiretoko Peninsula

• Lake Toya​

Oceania: Coastal Drives and Natural Wonders

8. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Route: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria
Distance: Approximately 151 miles (243 kilometers)
Best Time to Visit: November to April

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic coastal drives, winding along the southeastern shoreline of Victoria. This scenic route combines dramatic ocean views with charming beach towns and lush rainforests, making it a favorite for both locals and international travelers.

The road was constructed as a memorial to soldiers from World War I and is now a heritage-listed destination. Its cliffs, surf beaches, and unique geological formations offer one of the most spectacular driving experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Highlights:

• Twelve Apostles

• Loch Ard Gorge

• Great Otway National Park

• Bells Beach

• Apollo Bay

Africa: Diverse Terrains and Cultural Richness

9. Garden Route, South Africa

Route: Mossel Bay to Storms River
Distance: Approximately 190 miles
Best Time to Visit: September to April​People.com

The Garden Route is a picturesque drive along South Africa’s southeastern coast, renowned for its diverse ecosystems, lush forests, and pristine beaches. Travelers can explore charming towns, wildlife reserves, and enjoy activities like hiking, whale watching, and bungee jumping.​

Highlights:

• Knysna Lagoon

• Tsitsikamma National Park

• Cango Caves​

10. Atlas Mountain Circuit, Morocco

Route: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Distance: Approximately 120 miles
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November​

This route traverses the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, traditional Berber villages, and ancient kasbahs. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at an elevation of 7,415 feet, provides panoramic vistas and is a highlight of the journey.​

Highlights:

• Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Telouet Kasbah

• Ouarzazate Film Studios​

South America: Natural Wonders and Vibrant Cultures

11. Carretera Austral, Chile

Route: Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins
Distance: Approximately 770 miles
Best Time to Visit: December to March​Toxigon

The Carretera Austral winds through Chilean Patagonia, showcasing remote landscapes of fjords, glaciers, and dense forests. The road, partly unpaved, offers an adventurous journey through one of the world’s most pristine environments.​

Highlights:

• Queulat National Park

• Marble Caves of General Carrera Lake

• Laguna San Rafael​

12. Route 40, Argentina

Route: La Quiaca to Río Gallegos
Distance: Over 3,000 miles
Best Time to Visit: November to March​Wikipedia

Argentina’s Route 40 is one of the longest roads in the world, stretching along the Andes and offering diverse landscapes from deserts to glaciers. Travelers can experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.​

Highlights:

• Cafayate’s vineyards

• Perito Moreno Glacier

• Los Glaciares National Park​Wikipedia+7Toxigon+7Toxigon+7

Tips for Planning Your 2025 Road Trip

• Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, with necessary maintenance checks completed.

• Navigation Tools: Use reliable GPS systems and keep physical maps as backups.

• Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with driving laws and customs in the regions you plan to visit.

• Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

• Sustainability: Practice eco-friendly travel by minimizing waste and respecting local environments.​

Conclusion

Embarking on a scenic road trip in 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world’s diverse landscapes and cultures at your own pace. Whether traversing the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway in the USA, the historic Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania, or the remote Carretera Austral in Chile, each route provides unique experiences and memories to cherish. As road trips continue to gain popularity for their flexibility and immersive nature, planning your journey with careful consideration ensures a fulfilling and responsible adventure.