1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Overview: The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a must-drive route that stretches from Southern California’s Santa Monica to Northern California’s Leggett. It offers an exhilarating mix of ocean views, cliffside roads, and charming coastal towns.
Highlights:
- Big Sur: A dramatic stretch of coastline with the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
- Monterey: Famous for its historic Fisherman’s Wharf and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.
- Santa Barbara: Known for its beautiful beaches and Spanish architecture.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: The winding curves and elevated roadways offer a dynamic driving experience while showcasing some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world.
2. Stelvio Pass (Italy)
Overview: Stelvio Pass, located in the Italian Alps, is renowned for its challenging switchbacks and stunning alpine views. It’s one of Europe’s highest paved mountain passes.
Highlights:
- Bormio: A picturesque town at the base of Stelvio Pass known for its hot springs.
- Merano: A charming town offering scenic beauty and rich history.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: The Stelvio Pass features 48 hairpin turns, making it a thrilling drive for those who love high-altitude road challenges and breathtaking mountain views.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (USA)
Overview: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes and gentle curves.
Highlights:
- Great Smoky Mountains: Offers stunning vistas and diverse wildlife.
- Shenandoah National Park: Known for its beautiful fall foliage and serene driving experience.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: This drive is perfect for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace with ample opportunities to pull over and take in the scenery. The road itself is well-maintained and offers a smooth driving experience.
4. Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)
Overview: This high-altitude road offers a thrilling drive through the Austrian Alps, providing panoramic views of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak.
Highlights:
- Franz-Josefs-Höhe: A popular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
- Heiligenblut: A charming Alpine village at the foot of the Grossglockner.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: The road features numerous curves and switchbacks, making it an exciting drive. The high-altitude environment and stunning vistas add to the allure for driving enthusiasts.
5. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Overview: The Great Ocean Road stretches along the southeastern coast of Australia, offering stunning coastal views, natural rock formations, and picturesque seaside towns.
Highlights:
- Twelve Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks rising from the ocean.
- Apollo Bay: A charming town with beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: The combination of coastal roads, cliffside views, and scenic beauty provides a memorable driving experience. The route is well-maintained and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
6. The Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)
Overview: Often hailed as one of the best driving roads in the world, the Transfagarasan Highway traverses the Carpathian Mountains with dramatic turns and stunning scenery.
Highlights:
- Balea Lake: A glacial lake with breathtaking views.
- Poenari Castle: A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Why It’s Great for Car Enthusiasts: The road is known for its challenging curves and high-altitude driving. It offers a unique driving experience through some of Romania’s most beautiful mountain scenery.
