The best driving routes are about the journey, not the destination. Whether carving curves in a sports car, climbing hills in an off-roader or cruising along the sea is your cup of tea, there's a place on Earth to explore while behind the wheel. All of the roads on this list—from stunning sea views in Big Sur, California, to a Norwegian archipelago or the "99 bends" in Tasmania—are open to the public and don't require any special skills to navigate. Go out, explore and enjoy!
Aspirational Run
The Atlantic Road
Norway
The 5-mile road, also called the Atlantic Ocean Road, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic routes in the world. It runs through an archipelago and an unsheltered part of the Norwegian Sea, utilizing eight architecturally stunning bridges in the process. It's a popular place for automotive companies to film advertisements.
Redwood Route
State Route 1
Big Sur, California
Bordered by Carmel and San Simeon, this route features sweeping sea views on one side of the road and mountain landscapes on the other. Iconic bridges like the Bixby Bridge connect curves over canyons while redwood forests provide shade. The roadway is generally smooth, and sharp curves give way to straightaways. Watch out for tourists and parked vehicles near the street.
American West
Million Dollar Highway
Colorado
The breathtaking views along this 25-mile stretch of highway are reason enough to make a point of taking the route which follows U.S. Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray. Colorado's natural landscape provides plenty of recreation opportunities along the way like biking beside the Animas River, hiking, camping, rock climbing, snowshoeing and whitewater rafting. Stop in Durango or Telluride to enjoy authentic Western U.S. shopping and entertainment.
Palm Tree Paradise
Spondylus Route
Ecuador
This roadway hugs the coastline of Ecuador before turning inland at Parque Nacional Machalilla. It takes drivers past beautiful beaches, through national parks and enables visitation to a region formally called Isla de la Plata but known as "Poor Man's Galapagos." Small towns along the route welcome travelers. Reviews of the route say that portions are lined with palm trees.
Continuous Curves
National Route A006
Las Cuevas, Argentina
If carving curves is your thing, an old section of Argentina's Route 7, now National Route A006, is the place to be. The curviest section of the road—with over 60 turns—stretches from Las Cuevas to La Cumbre Pass, home of the Christ the Redeemer of the Andes, an iconic statue that sits on the border with Chile. The roadway only opens in the summer as a safety precaution, connecting the wine-growing region of Argentina with Chile's capital, Santiago.
Gracious Estates
Ocean Drive
Newport, Rhode Island
The sea meets historic millionaire cottages along this drive. Though short and having low speed limits, the opportunity to crane your neck at the opulence of this bastion of a bygone era is priceless. Add in sea views, beach-stop opportunities and the easy in/out from Bellevue Avenue, where the largest mansions are stationed, and it's a must-visit. Skip the peak summer season to avoid the crowds.
Ancient Attractions
Ring of Kerry
Ireland
Stretching 111 miles, this roadway offers up scenery and history in equal parts, on landscapes ranging from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the deep forests that help make Ireland green. Parts of the road date back 10,000 years and roadway stops include the island monastery of Skellig Michael and the Iron-Age Staigue stone fort.
Traversing History
Route Napoleon
France
One of the most scenic drives in France takes motorists through the French Alps via the roadway taken by Napoleon in his 1815 escape from Elba Island. It goes through two regions, but the bit through Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur allows for the most scenic views and small-town stopping opportunities including the famous seaside community of Cannes, then to Grasse (known as the home of perfume) and into the mountains.
Days of Escapes
Garden Route
Western Cape, South Africa
Stretching 124 miles along some of the most scenic coastline in the world, this roadway connects Mossel Bay to Storms River near a number of National Parks and Reserves. Hiking and sightseeing opportunities are abundant along the route so plan extra itinerary days to explore. The Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse and Robberg Nature Reserve are must-sees along the way. Go in the late summer or spring to avoid crowds.
Long Way Around
Chuanzang Highway
China
Also known as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, this route is high on danger and scenery. Running 1,330 miles, it leads drivers across 14 mountains and across numerous rivers, passing through forests and rugged terrain. There are also towns and villages along the way to stop over in.
Take on the Twists
Gormanston Road
Tasmania
The road in and out of Queenstown is known to locals as "99 Bends" thanks to its numerous curves that will test even a seasoned driver. It runs about 4 miles along landscapes that look straight out of a post-apocalyptic scene. Stop by Iron Blow Lookout to explore the rich mining history of the area.
