Most Amazing Scenic Drives That Will Leave You Breathless

Not so long ago, people relied on their vehicles to take them from one place to another. Today, flying is the fastest and most efficient means to travel, but it only promoted road trips into exotic adventures. Some countries even see this as an ideal opportunity to boost their tourism, so they do their best to give travelers the most of each location along the way.

While you will spend days driving, you will also be able to stop by towns, landscapes and landmarks you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. And with these the most amazing scenic drives that will leave you breathless, you will explore the world in a new and exciting way.

Route 66, USA

Route 66 is one of the most popular road trips in the world and an important landmark in the USA. It is an over 2,000 miles long road spanning across eight states and once the favorite road trip of every American. The road takes you through gorgeous landscapes and small towns of America with numerous museums and diners. Make a stop at the entrance of Wilmington to see the 30 feet tall statue of Gemini Giant, one of the advertising props called the Muffler Men from the 1960s.

Try the Cozy Dog Drive-In’s signature corn dog present on the Route 66 since 1949 in Springfield. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch is an ideal spot to stop especially if you are stressed out since you will meet a variety of live bunnies and see Route 66 memorabilia. You can see a lot of details and history at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City and then head to the open skies and desert landscapes from Texas to California.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Scotland is famous for its castles and highlands so the best way to see them all is by taking a scenic drive on the North Coast 500. This 500 miles long road ideal for camping enthusiasts or those driving a camper since you will have a lot of campsites along the way like Fortrose Bay. You can learn a lot about the attractions along the way at the Inverness Museum in Inverness and also visit the nearby Inverness Castle.

A fairytale Dunrobin Castle near Golspie and town of Helmsdale afterward are perfect to see Scottish settings and learn more about history. Town of John O’Groats is the most northerly one on Britain’s coast and you can take a break here at one of its many cafés and go whale watching from Duncansby Head Lighthouse. If you want to surf, then include Farr Beach in your itinerary, as well as the northwest Highlands geopark to learn about incredible geology of this region.

Tasmania, Australia

Start Tasmanian scenic drive with its capital Hobart famous for colonial architecture, and continue to Port Arthur – 19th-century penal colony. Here you can find out more about the Tasmanian dark history and take a guided Ghost Tour taking place at night. Don’t miss Freycinet National Park to try the best oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm and stop by the gorgeous Wineglass Bay. Bay of Fires is an ideal place to enjoy some water sports and see Australian wildlife at the Mount William National Park.

Little Penguin colony at Stanley and famous Overland Track for hiking on the Cradle Mountain should also be on your itinerary to get better acquainted with Tasmanian nature. End your trip by taking a ferry from Hobart to Melbourne and continue the adventure on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This 151-miles road will take you by the famous rock formation the Twelve Apostles and Bay of Islands.

Trollstigen Road, Norway

Norway’s Atlantic Road is probably the most famous scenic drive in the country, but there is another one even more amazing – Trollstigen Road. Also known as Troll’s Ladder, this mountain road is the best way to get to know this Scandinavian country and dramatic nature of Reinheimen National Park. Start the road trip by stopping at Stordal Church where you can see beautiful fresco paintings and head to Gudbrandsjuvet. This gorge is located on the Valldøla River with magnificent boardwalks and architecture that blend well with nature and allow you to go on the detailed sightseeing.

 After admiring gorgeous peaks of the Reinheimen National Park, take a break at Stigrøra, a visitor area from where you can see all the 11 hairpin bends of the Trollstigen. This is the highest point of the road with 2,800 feet above sea level and view of the famous peaks like Dronningen and Kongen will leave you breathless.

The Alcan Highway, Canada

Technically, the Alcan Highway is a road from Canada to Alaska and as such full of wilderness and natural wonders. This over a 1,000 miles long road is best traveled with snow chains and warm jacket since the weather conditions know to be harsh. There are many hiking trails along the road so you can make a campsite and stretch your legs among the North American nature. Muncho Lake and Liard River Hot Springs are ideal for swimming and relaxing after a long drive before you make a campsite.

Yukon Wildlife Reserve has 13 species of Canada’s mammals while hiking the Tachal Dhal will bring you closer to the famous Dall sheep. If you want to see artifacts of the Inland Tlingit people stop by George Johnston Museum for cultural films and exhibitions. Once you cross the border, have a bite at Delta Meat & Sausage to try best Alaskan sausages and relax before diving into the beautiful landscapes of the USA.

All in all

Traveling cross-country is coming back in fashion since people want to experience landscapes and wildlife firsthand. These most amazing scenic drives that will leave you breathless are only a portion of wonderful road trips available all over the world. And even if the nonstop drive would last for only several hours, the landmarks along the way would keep you occupied for days. After all, that is the meaning of having a road trip – to escape the modern world and enjoy nature in its finest.