The Best Scenic Drives for an Unforgettable Road Trip

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, rolling down the windows, and taking in breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're chasing rugged coastlines, towering mountains, or vast desert highways, the best scenic drives offer a perfect escape from the everyday grind. For men who love adventure, a road trip isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about the experience, the freedom, and the incredible sights along the way.

From winding cliffside roads to expansive forested routes, scenic drives provide a blend of relaxation and thrill. The journey becomes just as rewarding as the destination when you take the time to enjoy every twist and turn. Imagine cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway, feeling the ocean breeze, or navigating the hairpin turns of the Rocky Mountains with panoramic views at every stop. These routes are designed for those who appreciate the art of driving, the thrill of exploration, and the beauty of nature.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best scenic drives that will make your next road trip unforgettable. Whether you're driving solo, with friends, or seeking a peaceful retreat, these routes promise adventure, stunning scenery, and the ultimate driving experience. Buckle up and get ready to explore!

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Few road trips rival the sheer beauty and thrill of California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This iconic stretch of one of the best scenic drives in the world offers a perfect mix of ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Starting in Southern California and winding its way up to Northern California, the PCH delivers a truly unforgettable journey.

For men who love the open road, this drive is the ultimate escape. You’ll cruise past the legendary beaches of Malibu, soak in the breathtaking cliffs of Big Sur, and witness the engineering marvel of the Bixby Bridge. Stops along the way include Santa Barbara’s wine country, the quaint Danish-style town of Solvang, and the rugged beauty of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Whether you're behind the wheel of a sports car or a classic cruiser, the twists and turns of Highway 1 make for a thrilling ride.

If you enjoy good food and drinks along the way, the PCH is lined with top-tier seafood restaurants, roadside diners, and coastal wineries. Take a break in Monterey to explore Cannery Row or venture further north to visit the historic city of San Francisco. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline rush of a long-haul drive or the relaxation of an oceanside getaway, the Pacific Coast Highway stands out as one of the best scenic drives every man should experience.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-drive for men who appreciate scenic landscapes and winding mountain roads. Stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, this route is often called “America’s Favorite Drive” for good reason. It connects Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a blend of history, nature, and adventure.

For those who enjoy the thrill of the open road, the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers endless sweeping curves, elevation changes, and panoramic overlooks. The drive is particularly stunning in the fall when the mountains explode into shades of red, orange, and gold. Along the way, you can stop at iconic viewpoints like Linn Cove Viaduct, Mabry Mill, and the Peaks of Otter. The route also features hiking trails leading to waterfalls and remote vistas, perfect for those who want to stretch their legs and explore.

If you’re a history buff, the parkway is dotted with preserved settlements and historic sites, offering a glimpse into Appalachian culture. Motorcyclists and car enthusiasts alike flock to this drive for its smooth pavement and uninterrupted scenic beauty. Whether you're road-tripping solo, with friends, or looking for a peaceful escape, the Blue Ridge Parkway ranks among the best scenic drives in the U.S., offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural splendor.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a bucket-list-worthy journey that combines breathtaking coastal scenery with rugged adventure. Spanning over 150 miles along the southern coast of Victoria, this drive is widely considered one of the best scenic drives in the world. It’s a dream route for men who crave the open road, offering a mix of stunning seascapes, dense rainforests, and legendary surf breaks.

The highlight of the drive is undoubtedly the Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean. Other must-visit stops include the Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch, and the windswept cliffs of the Port Campbell National Park. The road itself is a masterpiece, hugging the coastline with thrilling curves and panoramic ocean views at nearly every turn.

For those who enjoy outdoor adventure, the Great Ocean Road offers plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and explore. Surfing hotspots like Bells Beach attract world-class wave riders, while the Otway Rainforest provides hiking trails through lush canopies and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot koalas in the eucalyptus trees or take a detour to see wild kangaroos in nearby grasslands.

This drive is about more than just the scenery—it’s an experience. Whether you’re hitting the road in a rugged 4x4, a classic muscle car, or a motorcycle, the Great Ocean Road delivers a ride filled with adrenaline, discovery, and some of the most striking landscapes Australia has to offer.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

For men who crave adventure and breathtaking landscapes, Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana is one of the best scenic drives in the United States. This 50-mile stretch cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering dramatic mountain views, alpine lakes, and winding switchbacks that make for an exhilarating drive.

The road reaches an elevation of over 6,600 feet at Logan Pass, where travelers can pull over and take in the stunning views of jagged peaks and glacial valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and the famous Weeping Wall, where water cascades down the rock face right onto the road. Wildlife is abundant, so don’t be surprised if you spot bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or even a grizzly bear in the distance.

This route is ideal for men who appreciate challenging, winding roads that require skillful driving. The narrow lanes, tight curves, and steep drop-offs make it one of the most thrilling scenic drives in North America. Motorcyclists, in particular, will enjoy the sweeping turns and unobstructed views of the open landscape.

The road is only open seasonally, typically from late June to mid-October, depending on snowfall. Whether you’re road-tripping in a rugged SUV or cruising on a motorcycle, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a bucket-list drive that combines adventure, challenge, and some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the country.

Route 66, USA

No road in America carries as much history and nostalgia as Route 66. Known as the "Mother Road," this legendary highway stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, covering nearly 2,500 miles of diverse landscapes and classic roadside attractions. For men who appreciate vintage Americana, open-road freedom, and the thrill of discovery, this is one of the best scenic drives you can take.

Route 66 takes you through small towns, desert highways, and rolling plains, offering a perfect blend of adventure and history. Along the way, you'll encounter quirky stops like Cadillac Ranch in Texas, where half-buried classic cars serve as an ever-changing graffiti art installation. The Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona provides a unique detour, showcasing fossilized wood and striking desert scenery.

Driving this route is as much about the experience as it is about the destination. Old-school diners, neon-lit motels, and vintage gas stations transport you back to the golden age of American road trips. Whether you're behind the wheel of a muscle car, a classic motorcycle, or a modern roadster, the long stretches of open road invite you to enjoy the ride at your own pace.

Route 66 isn't just a road—it’s a symbol of freedom and adventure. For any man who loves the romance of the highway, the history of the American West, and the excitement of a cross-country journey, this is an unmissable drive.

Ring of Kerry, Ireland

For men who enjoy a road trip filled with history, rugged landscapes, and dramatic coastal views, the Ring of Kerry is one of the best scenic drives in the world. This 111-mile circular route winds through the southwestern coast of Ireland, offering breathtaking views of mountains, cliffs, and Atlantic beaches.

The drive begins in Killarney and takes you through charming villages like Kenmare and Waterville, each with its own unique character and rich Irish culture. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like the Skellig Ring, a detour that provides spectacular views of the Skellig Islands, famous for their ancient monastic settlements. The Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass with steep cliffs and glacial lakes, is a must-see for those who appreciate rugged, natural beauty.

This drive is ideal for men who love exploring off the beaten path. Whether you’re stopping at the historic Ross Castle, walking the white sands of Derrynane Beach, or hiking through Killarney National Park, there’s no shortage of adventure along the way. The winding roads and sharp bends make for an engaging drive, especially for those who enjoy taking on challenging routes.

The Ring of Kerry is more than just a scenic drive—it’s an immersive experience filled with Ireland’s wild beauty, ancient history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re driving solo or with a group of friends, this road trip promises unforgettable landscapes and an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

For men who appreciate rugged landscapes, towering peaks, and the thrill of the open road, Icefields Parkway in Canada is one of the best scenic drives in North America. Stretching 144 miles between Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta, this route delivers nonstop jaw-dropping views of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and alpine forests.

One of the highlights of the drive is the Columbia Icefield, home to the Athabasca Glacier, where travelers can take an all-terrain vehicle tour onto the ice itself. Further along the route, Peyto Lake offers an unforgettable sight with its bright blue waters shaped like a wolf’s head, perfect for a quick hiking detour. Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls provide dramatic, roaring cascades that showcase the raw power of nature.

The Icefields Parkway is designed for those who love both adventure and solitude. The road features long stretches of open highway with few distractions, making it an ideal drive for men who want to experience pure, unfiltered wilderness. Wildlife encounters are common, with chances to spot grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep right along the roadside.

Whether you're behind the wheel of a 4x4, a sports car, or a motorcycle, this drive offers a mix of thrilling curves, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to connect with nature. For those looking for a scenic drive that combines high-altitude adventure with awe-inspiring beauty, Icefields Parkway is a must.

Trollstigen, Norway

For men who crave an adrenaline-pumping drive with jaw-dropping scenery, Trollstigen in Norway is one of the best scenic drives in the world. This legendary mountain pass features 11 hairpin turns, steep inclines, and panoramic views that make for an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

Located in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, Trollstigen translates to "The Troll's Ladder," and it certainly lives up to its name. The road snakes its way up steep cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the lush valleys and waterfalls below. One of the most striking sights is the Stigfossen Waterfall, which plunges nearly 1,000 feet down the mountainside, visible from multiple points along the drive.

The route is not for the faint of heart. The tight switchbacks, dramatic elevation changes, and sheer drop-offs demand full attention and precise driving. It’s a dream come true for men who love challenging roads and high-performance vehicles, making it an epic journey whether you’re in a sports car or on a motorcycle.

At the summit, there’s a modern viewing platform that allows travelers to take in the full scale of this remarkable road. Open only in the summer months due to harsh winter conditions, Trollstigen is a seasonal adventure that rewards drivers with some of the most spectacular landscapes Norway has to offer. If you're looking for a drive that combines technical skill with dramatic scenery, Trollstigen is an unforgettable challenge.

Garden Route, South Africa

For men who love the thrill of the open road combined with diverse landscapes, South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the best scenic drives in the world. Stretching approximately 190 miles along the southern coast, this route delivers an unforgettable mix of rugged coastlines, lush forests, and mountainous terrain.

The journey begins in Mossel Bay and winds its way through charming coastal towns such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness, each offering breathtaking ocean views and outdoor adventure. The road itself is a driver’s dream, featuring long stretches of open highway, winding mountain passes, and panoramic vistas that make every mile worthwhile.

Adventure seekers will find no shortage of activities along the Garden Route. Stop by Tsitsikamma National Park for world-class hiking trails, suspension bridges, and kayaking through dramatic river gorges. If you’re feeling bold, Bloukrans Bridge offers one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Knysna Elephant Park or take a boat tour to spot seals, dolphins, and even great white sharks near the coast.

Whether you’re navigating this stunning route in a rugged 4x4, a convertible, or a motorcycle, the Garden Route delivers a mix of adrenaline, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. With its combination of coastal beauty and adventure, this drive is perfect for men who want to explore South Africa’s natural wonders while experiencing the freedom of the open road.

North Coast 500, Scotland

For men who crave a true adventure behind the wheel, Scotland’s North Coast 500 is one of the best scenic drives in the world. This 516-mile loop takes you through the rugged Scottish Highlands, offering breathtaking coastal views, historic castles, and remote mountain landscapes.

Starting and ending in Inverness, the North Coast 500 winds its way through some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. The route takes you past white sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and winding single-track roads that demand both skill and focus. Highlights include the Bealach na Bà pass, a steep, hairpin-laden climb that offers one of the most thrilling drives in Europe.

Along the way, travelers can stop at iconic locations like the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the stunning turquoise waters of Achmelvich Beach, and the famous John O’Groats, Britain’s northernmost point. The drive also offers access to distilleries where you can sample some of Scotland’s finest single-malt whisky—just make sure to have a designated driver.

This route is perfect for men who enjoy both history and adventure. Whether you’re navigating the twists and turns in a classic car or taking on the rugged terrain in an off-road vehicle, the North Coast 500 delivers an unparalleled driving experience. With its blend of challenging roads, untamed landscapes, and historic charm, this is a road trip that every man should experience at least once.

Conclusion

Hitting the open road is more than just a way to travel—it’s an experience, a sense of freedom, and an opportunity to witness some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re navigating the winding cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway, conquering the steep switchbacks of Trollstigen, or exploring the rugged beauty of North Coast 500, these best scenic drives offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Each route presents a unique challenge and stunning views, making them must-drive destinations for men who love the thrill of the journey. So gear up, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!