The Best Road Trips for Car Enthusiasts: Top Routes and Scenic Drives

For those who love the open road, the thrill of driving, and the beauty of scenic landscapes, nothing beats a well-planned road trip. Whether you're cruising in a classic convertible or testing the limits of a modern sports car, these routes offer excitement, history, and unmatched views. Here are some of the best road trips every car enthusiast should experience at least once:

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

Why go: A legendary stretch of road hugging the cliffs along the Pacific Ocean.

Highlights: Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, Malibu coastline, Redwoods.
Ideal ride: A convertible to soak in the ocean breeze.

2. Route 66 (USA)

Why go: The quintessential American road trip steeped in history and nostalgia.

Highlights: Vintage diners, retro gas stations, Cadillac Ranch, small towns.
Ideal ride: A classic American muscle car or cruiser.

3. The Nürburgring Nordschleife (Germany)

Why go: Often referred to as “The Green Hell,” this track is open to the public for timed laps.

Highlights: Sharp corners, elevation changes, and the thrill of the track.
Ideal ride: A performance-oriented sports car.

4. The Amalfi Coast (Italy)

Why go: A blend of hairpin turns, cliffside views, and Mediterranean charm.

Highlights: Positano, Ravello, stunning sea views, lemon groves.
Ideal ride: A nimble European coupe.

5. Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Why go: A coastal masterpiece featuring rainforest, cliffs, and surf beaches.

Highlights: Twelve Apostles, koala sightings, Loch Ard Gorge.
Ideal ride: A comfortable yet sporty ride with good suspension.

6. The Scottish Highlands (Scotland)

Why go: Rugged terrain, lochs, and winding single-lane roads with dramatic views.

Highlights: Glencoe, Isle of Skye, NC500 route.
Ideal ride: A grand tourer for long, scenic stretches.

7. Transfăgărășan Highway (Romania)

Why go: Dubbed “the best road in the world” by Top Gear.

Highlights: Tunnels, hairpin turns, and the towering Carpathian Mountains.
Ideal ride: A car with tight handling and responsive steering.

8. Stelvio Pass (Italy)

Why go: A bucket-list road for switchback lovers.

Highlights: 48 hairpin turns, alpine views, cycling culture.
Ideal ride: A lightweight roadster or agile coupe.

9. Garden Route (South Africa)

Why go: A coastal paradise rich in biodiversity and adventure.

Highlights: Tsitsikamma forests, wildlife reserves, Knysna lagoon.
Ideal ride: A reliable SUV for offbeat detours.

10. Iceland’s Ring Road

Why go: Drive through landscapes unlike any other—volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

Highlights: Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Northern Lights.
Ideal ride: A 4x4 vehicle for unpredictable terrain.

Final Thoughts

For car enthusiasts, the journey is the destination. Whether it’s the engineering of the car beneath you or the landscapes rolling by your window, these road trips promise unforgettable adventures for drivers who live for the ride. So fuel up, cue your perfect playlist, and hit the road.