Coastal drives have a special way of stirring the soul. They combine the serenity of ocean views with the thrill of winding roads. For travelers craving connection, movement, and beauty, the most scenic coastal drives offer more than transportation—they deliver pure joy in motion.
Building Bonds: Taking a Road Trip as a Family
Nothing brings people closer than time spent in a car with the windows down and snacks within reach. Taking a road trip as a family allows you to slow down, share stories, and experience new sights together. Along coastal routes, there are tide pools to explore, cliffs to marvel at, and small beach towns to discover.
The Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
Few drives are as iconic as California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Running from Dana Point to Leggett, this route offers dramatic cliffs, sparkling beaches, and charming stops like Big Sur and Carmel. The road hugs the coastline with a rhythm that keeps your eyes fixed on the horizon. Stop for fish tacos, hike among redwoods, or simply pause for breathtaking views.
La Costiera Amalfitana, Italy
La Costiera Amalfitana isn’t just a travel destination—it’s a way of life. This rugged coastal stretch from Salerno to Sorrento is dotted with cliffside villages, colorful houses, and terraced lemon groves that fill the air with a citrusy breeze. Towns like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi offer a blend of history, architecture, and daily rhythms that move at a slower, more intentional pace. But behind the beauty lies a need for practical planning—especially if you’re not just visiting.
In truth, if you’re planning a move to Italy, relocating to the Amalfi Coast requires more than falling in love with the views. You’ll need to research your target town thoroughly, understand housing options, and prepare for limited parking and steep walks. Legal steps like securing a visa, registering your residency, and handling property contracts come next. On the financial side, factor in the cost of living, currency exchange, and any taxes you might face. In the end, moving here means embracing a different lifestyle—but with the right preparation, that scenic drive becomes part of your everyday routine.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia: A Favorite Among Digital Nomads
Australia’s Great Ocean Road offers a journey through surf towns, rainforests, and rugged coastline. Digital nomads love the balance between natural beauty and laid-back culture. You can work from coastal cafés by morning and explore the Twelve Apostles by sunset. The road moves from rocky headlands to sheltered bays, each one worthy of a stop.
Atlantic Road, Norway: Engineering Meets Nature
Norway’s Atlantic Road stretches just over 8 kilometers but packs in some of the most stunning views in Scandinavia. The road leaps from island to island, connected by wild, curving bridges. Stormy days bring high drama as waves crash close to your wheels. This short drive makes a lasting impression on every visitor.
Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa: Cliffside Wonder
Cut into the mountains near Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak Drive winds above the Atlantic Ocean. This narrow road hugs the cliffs and offers lookout points with views of Hout Bay and Noordhoek Beach. Early morning or late afternoon provides golden light perfect for photos and reflection. It’s a brief yet unforgettable journey.
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland: Wild Beauty and Ancient Echoes
This 179-kilometer loop delivers wild Atlantic views, rolling hills, and historic ruins. You’ll pass through charming villages like Kenmare and Sneem, drive by lakes and stone forts, and maybe even spot sheep crossing the road. Each season paints the landscape differently—lush green in spring, fiery orange in fall. It’s Ireland at its most rugged and romantic.
Unforgettable Outdoor Adventure: Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Between Belfast and Derry, this route offers breathtaking stops, including the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. For those craving an unforgettable outdoor adventure, this road has it all—cliff walks, sea breezes, and rope bridges suspended above the crashing sea. Take your time, step out often, and breathe in the salty air.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: A Journey That Never Ends
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal drives in the world, stretching more than 2,500 kilometers. From the southern tip of County Cork to the northern reaches of Donegal, you’ll experience shifting seascapes, remote islands, and welcoming communities. Gaelic culture thrives here, with music, language, and stories shared warmly along the route.
The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada: Rugged and Remote
This loop around Cape Breton Island offers cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and lush forests. In autumn, the colors explode into red and gold, making it a must-visit for fall lovers. Local seafood shacks, art studios, and hiking trails give the route character. You’ll feel the balance of isolation and connection that makes this route unique.
Amalfi to Positano: Romance in Every Turn
Beyond its beauty, the Amalfi to Positano stretch provides a sense of intimacy and magic. The road narrows, revealing terraced gardens and stone steps leading to private homes. Watch the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea from a balcony café. That isn’t just a drive—it’s a love letter written in curves and colors.
Garden Route, South Africa: Biodiversity on Display
Running along South Africa’s southeastern coast, the Garden Route mixes beaches, lakes, mountains, and forests. It’s ideal for travelers who want both relaxation and exploration. Hike through Tsitsikamma National Park, surf in Plettenberg Bay, or sip wine in George. Each section of this drive feels like a new world waiting to be explored.
The Coral Coast, Western Australia: Ocean Meets Desert
This lesser-known gem features coral reefs, turquoise waters, and dramatic desert cliffs. From Perth to Exmouth, you’ll pass through Shark Bay, Kalbarri National Park, and Ningaloo Reef. Snorkel with whale sharks in the morning and watch the sun set over Red Rocks in the evening. It’s a quieter, more raw experience for coastal road trippers.
A Shared Experience, A Different Perspective
Driving coastal roads isn’t just about the scenery. It’s about the conversations, the music, and the quiet. You share the road and the moment with those beside you. You share it with the weather, the light, and the road signs in new languages. These drives expand your perspective on the world and yourself.
The Joy in Exploring The Most Scenic Coastal Drives
Every time you shift gears along the coast, you leave something behind and gain something new. That’s what makes the most scenic coastal drives so memorable. They mark changes—not just in direction, but in perspective as well. Each coastal road becomes more than a journey. It becomes a transformation you feel long after the drive ends.
Where Memories Are Made and Kept
In some places, you fly over. In others, you rush through. But coastal drives ask you to slow down. They invite you to stop often, to watch waves crash and light dance on the water. The most scenic coastal drives help you feel each moment deeply. Whether you’re exploring solo or with loved ones, the journey becomes a memory that stays. Long after you’ve parked the car, the road stays with you.