Are you looking to explore the world in the most exciting ways? Road trips are one of the best ways to enjoy a nice blend of freedom, adventure, and scenery. Exploring the best road trips in the world is a chance for you to discover hidden gems, roadside attractions, and charming towns.

Why road trips? Road trips give you freedom and flexiblility to experience scenic adventures with like-minded travelling companions. It’s the perfect type of travelling that creates unforgettable memories as you’re driving for hours on end. From the jaw-dropping ocean views of the Pacific Coastal Highway, USA to the charming coastal towns in South Africa, each road trip destination offers a unique appeal. Imagine driving rugged coastlines, through charming villages, and past ancient castles in Scotland, or cruising down the Romantic Road in Germany where fairytale castles await.

Whether you’re looking for scenic beauty, cultural destinations, or a blend of both, we have compiled a list of five best road trips around the world that you can explore.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

A drive through the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is what you need to experience one of the most scenic and iconic road trips in the United States. Starting in Southern California and swinging along to the northern forests, the journey gives you a unique experience of California’s rugged coastline.

This trip’s highlight includes an inspiring view of towering cliffs and the ocean as well as historic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge on the Big Sur coast of California and Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where a waterfall flows directly into the ocean. The route offers opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it the ideal trip for a leisure, immersive journey.

The northern route of the Pacific Coast Highway includes San Francisco with its Golden Gate Bridge, San Simeon’s Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean beaches, and Redwood National and State Parks, known for their towering trees.

• Distance/Duration: The trip spans approximately 1,055 km from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in Northern California. The road trip typically takes around 10 to 14 days depending on your pace.
• Start/End location: The road trip can start either in Dana Point or Leggett, depending on whether you prefer to travel north or south along the West Coast.
• Road terrain:Paved.
• Best time to go: Spring or autumn.

The Romantic Road, Germany

The Romantic Road in Germany is a historic route that dates back to the Roman Empire. This route is where you get to experience enchanting sights, fairytale castles, and German culture. It offers a scenic drive through Bavaria’s charming countryside, connecting medieval towns and stunning landscapes, experiencing authentic European heritage, culture and cuisine, surely an experience different from your impression of Europe.

The Romantic Road begins in Würzburg, known for its baroque architecture and the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. This route leads to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a well-preserved medieval town with cobbled streets that is touristy yet untouched.

Near the journey’s end, Neuschwanstein Castle, the castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Get ready to be wowed by stunning views of the Bavarian Alps, leading to the final stop in Füssen, a picturesque town perfect for hiking and enjoying mountain scenery.

• Distance/Duration: The Romantic Road spans approximately 350 km and can be driven in three to seven days, depending on your pace.
• Start/End location: The road trip begins in Würzburg and ends in Füssen, but it can also be travelled in the opposite direction.
• Road terrain: Paved.
• Best time to go: May to October.

Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route stretches along South Africa’s southwestern coast, offering a captivating road trip. With scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and charming coastal towns, this famous route takes you from the marine-enthusiast town of Mossel Bay to the scenic and powerful Storms River. It passes through a variety of terrains—from forests and lagoons to rugged coastlines and mountain passes.

The route begins in Mossel Bay, where you can enjoy whale watching and visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex. Farther east is the Wilderness that features tranquil beaches and nature trails along the Touw River. From Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, you can explore boat rides, hikes and whale watching. The journey ends at Tsitsikamma National Park, featuring activities like zip lining and bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge.

• Distance/Duration: The Garden Route spans about 300 km and can be driven in three to five days, depending on your pace and stops.
• Start/End location: The route traditionally starts in Mossel Bay and ends at Storms River, but it can also be travelled in reverse.
• Road terrain: Mostly paved, with a few gravel roads leading to parks and off-road trails.
• Best time to go: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for mild weather and fewer tourists.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 (NC500) is a premier road trip route around the stunning Scottish Highlands, covering the northern Scottish Highlands. Beginning and ending in the city of Inverness, this scenic journey takes drivers along rugged coastlines, through charming villages, and past ancient castles.

Stunning highlights from this trip include the Dunrobin Castle, Northern Higlands’ largest great house and one of Britain’s oldest inhabited houses since 1300s; and Smoo Cave, the first chamber formed by the sea. You would also find Loch Assynt, which offers the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, while John O’Groats, Scotland’s northernmost point, is perfect for iconic photos.

Feeling the travelling itch? AA Singapore’s Autoventure team is headed to Scotland from 2^nd to 22^nd August 2025, embarking on a 21D20N Fly-Drive to Scotland’s North Coast 500.

Don’t miss out on witnessing the symbolisation of Scottish independence and national pride, Sterling Castle. You will also get to indulge in the life of a Portree town resident, a bustling port and thriving cultural centre. For the art-centric travellers, you will get to end the trip on a high note with Manchester Art Gallery, a museum full of world-class art collection.

To find out more, visit https://aas.com.sg/trips/21d20n-aa-fly-drive-to-scotland-scenic-north-coast-500-route/.

• Distance Duration: Approximately 830 km, typically taking five to seven days to explore fully.
• Start/End location: Inverness, Scotland.
• Road terrain: Mainly paved with some single-track roads and mountain passes.
• Best time to go: May to September, when the weather is warmer, days are longer, and attractions are open.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway is another one of America’s most scenic drives. It stretches through the Appalachian Mountains between Virginia and North Carolina. This route connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The drive offers breathtaking views of misty blue mountains, abundant wildlife, and lush forests.

The Blue Ridge Parkway features highlights like Mabry Mill, known for its picturesque reflections and seasonal craft demonstrations. There’s also the Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that stands to protect Grandfather Mountain, offering stunning mountain views, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. This scenic route is perfect for a fun road trip filled with breathtaking sights.

• Distance/Duration: Approximately 755 km, best experienced over three to seven days.
• Start/End location: Begins in Waynesboro, Virginia, and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina.
• Road terrain: Paved with gentle curves and elevation changes.
• Best time to go: Spring (April–May) for blooming wildflowers or autumn (October) for stunning foliage.

Drive and Have Fun

There you are – five road trips in three continents of vastly different environments but largely breathtakingly scenic! Take time off and go for these trips on your own, with family, or with friends and have the blast of your time!