I love a good road trip! There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road, windows down, snacks at the ready, and an epic playlist setting the mood.
For 50+ nomads like us, road trips are more than just a way to get from A to B, they’re an adventure! A chance to soak in breathtaking landscapes, stumble upon hidden gems, and take things at our own pace.
The world is packed with incredible drives that tick all the boxes of stunning scenery, rich cultural experiences, and routes that won’t leave you exhausted before you even reach your destination.
Whether you’re drawn to dramatic coastal highways, winding mountain roads, or long stretches of open desert, there’s a perfect journey out there waiting for you.
In this guide, I’m sharing 30 of the best road trips in the world. Routes designed to fuel your wanderlust and help you plan your next great escape.
So grab your GPS, and let’s hit the road! 🚗✨
1. Route 66 – Arizona, USA
Distance: 394 km (245 miles) | Duration: 3-4 days
Route 66 is the ultimate classic American road trip, and the stretch through Arizona is packed with nostalgia, natural wonders, and plenty of quirky stops along the way.
Starting in Flagstaff and winding down to Kingman, this route takes you through red rock landscapes, historic towns, and some of the best roadside Americana you’ll ever see.
Hot tips: Don’t miss the Meteor Crater – it’s one of the best-preserved impact sites on Earth. Take a detour to the Grand Canyon. And if you’re up for a bit of magic, Sedona’s vortexes are said to have an energy you can feel – perfect for a little spiritual recharge.
This road trip is perfect for 50+ nomads who love a mix of history, stunning landscapes, and iconic roadside attractions. Whether you’re hiking, snapping photos, or just soaking up the old-school Americana, Route 66 delivers an unforgettable ride. 🚗✨
2. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
Distance: 1,600 km (1,000 miles) | Duration: 1-2 weeks
The Pacific Coast Highway is a legendary drive. Ocean on one side, dramatic cliffs on the other, and a winding road that takes you through some of California’s most stunning landscapes.
Starting in San Francisco, this route meanders down the coast through Big Sur’s rugged cliffs, the charming towns of Monterey and Carmel, and the sun-soaked beaches of Los Angeles.
Hot tips: Stop for wine tasting in Paso Robles (Napa’s great, but this is a hidden gem), take in the view from the iconic Bixby Bridge, and don’t rush through Big Sur – it’s the kind of place that deserves time to soak in. If you love seafood, grab a bowl of clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey or fresh-caught fish tacos in Santa Barbara.
3. San Francisco to Los Angeles – National Parks Route, USA
Distance: 1,200 km (745 miles) | Duration: 1-2 weeks
Traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles via the National Parks Route is a chance to see some of California’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Yosemite’s towering waterfalls and granite cliffs, the rugged coastline of Point Reyes, and the giant sequoias of Sequoia National Park make this drive an unforgettable experience.
I absolutely loved Yosemite, it remains one of the most breathtaking places I’ve visited in the world, and when exploring Kauri forests in New Zealand earlier this year, I remembered just how absolutely massive the Sequoia trees are! You have to see them to believe it, although here’s a pic of me standing in one!
Hot tips: Take a sunrise hike to Glacier Point in Yosemite for jaw-dropping views, keep an eye out for elephant seals at Point Reyes, and don’t rush through Sequoia – standing beneath those ancient trees is something you’ll want to savour.
For 50+ nomads who love the outdoors, this route offers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and capturing incredible photos along the way.
4. Hana Highway – Maui, Hawaii, USA
Distance: 165 km (103 miles) | Duration: 2-3 days
We did the Hana Highway back in 2019, and it was absolutely breathtaking. This legendary Maui drive winds through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and along dramatic coastal cliffs, with plenty of stunning stops along the way.
One of the highlights was walking the Ke Alaloa O Maui Piilani Trail, where the vibrant green foliage contrasts beautifully against the stark black lava rocks, an unforgettable sight.
Other must-see stops include the Seven Sacred Pools, the stunning Wailua Falls, and the golden sands of Hamoa Beach.
Hot tips: Start early to beat the traffic, bring motion sickness tablets if you’re not a fan of hairpin turns, and don’t rush, this isn’t a road trip to power through. Stop, explore, and soak in the magic of Maui at your own pace. 🌿🌊🚗
5. 17 Mile Drive – California, USA
Distance: 27 km (17 miles) | Duration: Half-day
17 Mile Drive is a scenic journey through the exclusive communities of Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove, offering sweeping ocean views, rugged coastline, and iconic landmarks like the Lone Cypress. It’s a short but stunning route, perfect for a relaxed, picturesque drive.
Hot tips: Stop at Spanish Bay to watch the waves crash against the rocks, take a photo at The Lone Cypress, and, if golf is your thing, Pebble Beach Golf Links is a bucket-list course. For a slower pace, browse the charming art galleries in Carmel-by-the-Sea or enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean.
This drive may be short, but it’s packed with beauty, history, and a touch of luxury – definitely worth adding to the list. 🚗🌊
6. Miami to Key West, Florida, USA
Distance: 386 km (240 miles) | Duration: 2-3 days
Driving from Miami to Key West along the Overseas Highway is a classic Florida road trip, with endless ocean views, tropical breezes, and a laid-back island vibe. This journey takes you across a series of bridges and islands, with the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other – it doesn’t get much more scenic than this.
Hot tips: Stop in Key Largo for world-class snorkeling, grab a slice of key lime pie in Islamorada, and don’t miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square in Key West. If you’re a history buff, a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s house is a must.
This drive is all about sun, sea, and soaking up that laid-back Florida Keys atmosphere, take it slow and enjoy the ride. 🚗🌴☀️
7. Lake Superior Circle Tour – USA and Canada
Distance: 4,300 km (2,672 miles) | Duration: 3-4 weeks
The Lake Superior Circle Tour is an epic road trip that loops around the largest of the Great Lakes, crossing through both the USA and Canada. This route is all about rugged coastlines, dense forests, and charming lakeside towns, making it a dream for anyone who loves wide-open spaces and dramatic scenery.
Hot tips: Stop in Duluth for a stroll along the waterfront, check out the stunning Kakabeka Falls near Thunder Bay, and visit Sault Ste. Marie to watch massive ships pass through the historic locks. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, explore Pukaskwa National Park—one of Canada’s hidden gems.
This trip is perfect for those who enjoy long, scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and a mix of cultures along the way. Take your time, breathe in the fresh northern air, and enjoy the journey. 🚗🌲🌊
8. Icefields Parkway – Alberta, Canada
Distance: 232 km (144 miles) | Duration: 2-3 days
The Icefields Parkway is one of Canada’s most breathtaking drives, linking Banff and Jasper National Parks with a route that’s packed with glaciers, towering peaks, and stunning turquoise lakes. This is firmly on my bucket list and I can’t wait to experience it first hand!
Hot tips: Stop at Peyto Lake for one of the most surreal blue waters you’ll ever se