Discover the top 10 best road trip routes in the world for 2025, from Californiaās Pacific Coast Highway to the stunning landscapes of Icelandās Ring Road. Explore breathtaking drives and unforgettable journeys!
A great road trip isnāt just about the destinationāitās about the adventure along the way. The best road trips take you through breathtaking landscapes, historic towns, and scenic routes that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether youāre driving along coastlines, through mountains, or across deserts, these routes provide the ultimate freedom of the open road. In 2025, these top 10 best road trip routes offer travelers the chance to explore the worldās most beautiful and iconic drives. Letās take a journey through the best road trip routes in the world!
The Top 10 Best Road Trip Routes in the World
1. Pacific Coast Highway (USA)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, runs along the rugged California coastline from San Francisco to Los Angeles. In 2025, this iconic route continues to offer dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, and scenic stops like Big Sur, Monterey, and the Bixby Creek Bridge. The winding road, with its picturesque beaches and quaint coastal towns, is perfect for a leisurely drive.
- Best For: Coastal views, beach towns, and dramatic landscapes.
2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
- Why Itās Amazing: Stretching along Australiaās southeastern coast, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous road trips in the world. Travelers can experience stunning ocean views, towering limestone cliffs, and the Twelve Apostles rock formations. In 2025, this route continues to be a must-see, offering access to rainforests, waterfalls, and charming seaside villages.
- Best For: Ocean views, wildlife, and natural wonders.
3. Route 66 (USA)
- Why Itās Amazing: Often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is a legendary road trip that takes travelers through small-town America. Running from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic route offers a nostalgic journey through iconic diners, neon signs, and old motels. In 2025, Route 66 remains a beloved journey for those looking to explore American culture, history, and quirky roadside attractions.
- Best For: Historic landmarks, Americana, and vintage charm.
4. Ring Road (Iceland)
- Why Itās Amazing: Icelandās Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the entire island, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. In 2025, travelers can explore volcanic craters, stunning waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and SkĆ³gafoss, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs. This road trip is perfect for those seeking adventure and the chance to experience Icelandās unique natural beauty.
- Best For: Geothermal wonders, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.
5. Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Amalfi Coast Road, or SS163, is one of Italyās most beautiful drives, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, terraced vineyards, and picturesque coastal towns. In 2025, the roadās sharp turns, cliffside views, and charming stops like Positano and Ravello make it a top choice for those seeking romance, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery.
- Best For: Coastal beauty, charming towns, and Italian culture.
6. Garden Route (South Africa)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch along South Africaās southeastern coast, known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery. In 2025, this route offers travelers the chance to explore beaches, forests, lagoons, and wildlife reserves. Highlights include stops at Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Tsitsikamma National Park, offering everything from whale watching to bungee jumping.
- Best For: Nature, wildlife, and outdoor adventure.
7. The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal routes in the world, stretching 2,500 kilometers along Irelandās rugged west coast. In 2025, this road trip offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, and charming villages. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula, making it perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
- Best For: Coastal landscapes, history, and Irish culture.
8. Icefields Parkway (Canada)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Icefields Parkway in Alberta is one of the most scenic drives in North America, running through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. In 2025, travelers can enjoy majestic views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. The route connects Banff and Jasper National Parks, with stops at famous sites like Peyto Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield.
- Best For: Mountain scenery, glaciers, and wildlife.
9. Ticlio Pass (Peru)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Ticlio Pass in Peru is one of the highest paved roads in the world, reaching altitudes of over 4,800 meters. In 2025, this challenging drive offers breathtaking views of the Andes mountains, snow-capped peaks, and deep valleys. The road connects Lima to the central highlands, offering adventurous travelers a unique experience through one of South Americaās most dramatic landscapes.
- Best For: Mountain adventure, high-altitude driving, and stunning views.
10. The Great Dolomites Road (Italy)
- Why Itās Amazing: The Great Dolomites Road, or Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, runs through Italyās stunning Dolomite mountains, offering dramatic alpine views and charming mountain villages. In 2025, this route continues to be a favorite for road trippers, with its winding roads, hairpin turns, and breathtaking scenery. Highlights include stops at Lake Carezza, the Pordoi Pass, and Cortina dāAmpezzo.
- Best For: Mountain landscapes, alpine villages, and scenic driving.
Sources
- Road trip and travel reports: Based on global travel rankings, expert opinions, and traveler feedback from 2025.
- Expert analysis: Compiled from travel blogs, tourism boards, and adventure travel publications.
Conclusion
In 2025, these top 10 road trip routes offer adventurers the chance to explore some of the worldās most stunning landscapes and iconic destinations. From the rugged cliffs of Icelandās Ring Road to the scenic coastline of Californiaās Pacific Coast Highway, each of these journeys promises unique experiences that go far beyond the drive itself. Whether youāre seeking dramatic mountain views, coastal beauty, or a nostalgic trip down Route 66, these routes provide unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.
FAQs
Q: What is the best road trip route for coastal views?
A: The Pacific Coast Highway in California and The Amalfi Coast Road in Italy offer some of the most stunning coastal views in the world.
Q: Which road trip route is best for adventure seekers?
A: Icelandās Ring Road and Peruās Ticlio Pass are perfect for those seeking unique and adventurous drives through dramatic landscapes.
