Scenic Drives Itineraries Routes Guide

There’s something about the way the road curves just before the mountains rise — the kind of moment that makes you forget the destination and savor the journey instead. I remember one such afternoon, driving the Pacific Coast Highway with the wind in my hair and the scent of saltwater mingling with the pine trees. That’s the magic of scenic drives itineraries routes guide — they’re not just maps, they’re experiences waiting to unfold.

I've tested dozens of scenic routes, from the misty serpentine paths of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the desert solitude of California’s Highway 128. Each one tells a story, and each one has its own rhythm. Some are best taken in the quiet of early morning, others only come alive at dusk. The beauty of a good scenic drive itineraries routes guide is that it gives you the freedom to explore without the pressure of a rigid schedule.^[1]

If you’re someone who likes to feel the road beneath your wheels and let the landscape speak to you, then this guide is for you. I've compiled routes that are as much about the journey as they are about the places you pass. With this guide, you’ll find yourself not just traveling, but truly living the road.

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Coastal Odyssey

As of October 2026, the Pacific Coast Highway stretches from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, but the most popular stretch is between Big Sur and San Francisco. I’ve driven it in both directions, and I can say with certainty that the sunrise over the coastline is worth the early wake-up call.

Along the route, you’ll pass through towns like Santa Barbara, where the Spanish colonial architecture blends with the natural beauty of the coastline. There are stops for whale-watching, hot springs, and even a visit to the famous Bixby Bridge — all within a 4-hour drive from the city.

I once spent a day stopping at every overlook along the 17-Mile Drive. The views of the ocean and the rugged cliffs were so overwhelming that I had to pull over and breathe in the salt air for a few minutes. It’s not just a scenic drive itineraries routes guide — it’s a sensory experience.^[2]

Part of our Scenic drives itineraries routes guide.

The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Mountain Escape

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I once spent a day driving the section from Asheville to Roan Mountain, and I was struck by how peaceful and untouched it felt.

The route is dotted with overlooks, historic sites, and even a few vineyards. I stopped at one of the small wineries along the way and was able to taste a wine made from grapes grown within 10 miles of the road — it was unlike anything I’ve had before.

The best part of the Blue Ridge Parkway is that you can take your time. I spent over 6 hours on the road one day, stopping at every overlook and hiking a short trail. It’s the kind of journey that makes you forget the clock.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is where the mountains remember your name.

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The Great Ocean Road: Australia’s Coastal Gem

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a 243-kilometer drive that offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery on the planet. I’ve driven it from Torquay to Warrnambool, and the journey is just as much about the towns as it is about the views.

One of the highlights is the 12 Apostles — towering limestone stacks that rise from the ocean. I arrived just as the sun was setting and watched as the sky turned shades of pink and orange. The cliffs and the sea were bathed in a surreal light.

I recommend spending at least two days on the Great Ocean Road — that way, you can visit all the major stops and still have time for a hike or a swim in the ocean.

“There’s something about the way the road curves just before the mountains rise — the kind of moment that makes you forget the destination and…”— Prettyroads editors

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The Alcan Highway: A Journey Across the North

The Alcan Highway stretches from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to the northern tip of the Yukon. It’s a route that few people take — but that’s exactly why it’s so special. I drove it during the summer, and the wildflowers and wildlife were unlike anything I’ve seen before.

The road is not for the faint of heart. It winds through remote towns, vast forests, and sometimes, no cell service for days. But the solitude and the sheer scale of the landscape make it worth it.

I spent a night in a remote lodge along the route, where the only sounds were the wind and the distant call of a moose. It was a reminder that some of the best journeys are the ones that take you far from the usual.

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The Trans-Tasman Highway: A Road Less Traveled

The Trans-Tasman Highway is a 1,000-kilometer route that runs from Melbourne, Australia, to Queenstown, New Zealand. It’s a journey that takes you through remote landscapes, small towns, and natural wonders that are rarely visited.

I once took this route by boat, which made for an entirely different experience — but if you’re driving, the views of the Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea are simply stunning. The road itself is well-maintained, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views.

This is a route that’s best taken in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. I recommend planning for at least four days, so you can take your time and not feel rushed.

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Scenic Drives Itineraries Routes Guide