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Scenic Coastal Drives offer ocean views, jagged cliffs, and tiny harbors along winding roads for a postcard-ready escape. Scenic Coastal Drives lead to lighthouse viewpoints, roadside diners, and sweeping lookout pulls, where a Scenic Coastal Drive becomes a full-day outing on the water’s edge.
Scenic Coastal Drives invite slow stops at beaches, bakeries, and seaside parks, and a Scenic Coastal Drive works for morning fog or sunset cruising.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur
Photo by Wilson Tovar on Unsplash
The Pacific Coast Highway carves along Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs with endless ocean views, pullouts, and redwood-fringed overlooks. Drivers pass Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach access, and roadside wildflowers while the highway narrows and curves above roar of the sea along this classic California coastal road.
Plan slow miles for stops at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and McWay Falls, time for sunset at Bixby Bridge, and a break at Nepenthe for coffee. Roadside turnout parking is limited in peak season; check fuel and cell coverage before heading into the rugged stretch.
Drive Australia’s Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles
Photo by Thomas Kwiatkowski on Unsplash
Australia’s Great Ocean Road winds past limestone stacks, coastal heath, and seaside towns between Torquay and Port Campbell. The road offers dramatic viewpoints of the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and rock arches, with surfers and cliff-top lookouts framing every turn along this iconic southern coastline.
Allow time for short walks to the viewing platforms and a stop at Port Campbell for fish and chips. Weather changes quickly along the shore; bring wind layers and check tide information if planning beach walks near the sea stacks or hidden coves.
Coastal Driving Along Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Positano
The Amalfi Coast drive twists above steep terraces and lemon groves, dropping into cliffside towns like Positano and Amalfi. Narrow lanes, colorful houses stacked into the hillside, and panoramic Mediterranean views define the route, with frequent stops for espresso, coastal paths, and small marinas dotting the shoreline.
Driving requires patience on winding Amalfi roads; many choose local ferries between ports to avoid parking. Time to wander narrow alleys, sample seafood by the water, and pause at viewpoints above the sea for postcard compositions and golden light during late afternoon.
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Ireland’s Ring of Kerry: Coastal Loop Around Iveragh
Photo by Carlo Obrien on Pexels
The Ring of Kerry circles the Iveragh Peninsula with coastal panoramas, stone cottages, and peat-scented moors. This loop offers seaside cliffs at Valentia Island, sweeping bays, and charming towns like Killarney and Kenmare, where drivers find castle ruins, farms, and coastal viewpoints framed by Atlantic light.
Allow detours to Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, and Kerry headlands for quiet lookouts and sheep-scattered roads. Weather can be changeable; carry rain layers and leave time for small tea rooms and pubs that dot the route between scenic coves and headlands.
Norway’s Atlantic Road: Engineering Over the Sea
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels
The Atlantic Road arcs across skerries and low islands with dramatic bridges that leap over tidal channels. Wind-swept vistas, stormy seas, and narrow causeways make the route feel cinematic, with opportunities to stop for photos of the twisting road and the iconic Storseisundet Bridge.
Expect sudden weather changes and strong crosswinds; travelers often stop at scenic pullouts to watch waves crash. Driving the Atlantic Road pairs short walking paths, fishing villages, and simple seafood eateries with a compact route perfect for a coastal detour in Norway.
South Africa’s Garden Route to Knysna Heads
Photo by RITESH SINGH on Pexels
The Garden Route hugs South Africa’s southern coast with forests, lagoons, and beaches between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Knysna Heads stand as dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the lagoon mouth, offering panoramic ocean views, tidal inlets, and vibrant seaside towns filled with craft markets and coastal trails.
Drive leisurely for stops at Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, and small coastal reserves along the way. Local oyster bars and harborfront restaurants make fine pause points, while forest hikes, boat trips through estuaries, and scenic viewpoints reveal hidden coves and coastal wildlife along this lush seaside stretch.
The Causeway Coastal Route and Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route threads between basalt cliffs, sweeping beaches, and the iconic Giant’s Causeway basalt columns. Visitors drive past Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle ruins, and stony coves where seabirds wheel, with frequent pullouts for dramatic Atlantic panorama photos.
Allow time to walk the basalt steps at Giant’s Causeway and cross Carrick-a-Rede for sea-swept views. Coastal weather can shift quickly; bring waterproof layers and check tide and bridge access times before planning cliff-top walks or photography sessions along the rugged shore.
Oregon Coast Drive to Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock
Photo by Marlene Leppänen on Pexels
Oregon’s Highway 101 skirts spruce-covered bluffs, coastal towns, and tidal beaches leading to Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock. Wide sand, tide pools, and sea stacks create birdwatching and tidepooling moments, while local galleries and cafes offer locals’ seafood and coastal crafts.
Visit at low tide for better rock access and morning light; parking fills quickly on sunny days. Nearby Ecola State Park and coastal viewpoints offer quiet cliff-top walks, picnic spots, and sweeping vistas of the Pacific that go well with a slow afternoon drive.
Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail: Coastal Highlands Drive
The Cabot Trail loops through Cape Breton Highlands National Park with cliffs, ocean lookouts, and forested slopes meeting the sea. Coastal viewpoints like Cape Smokey and the Skyline Trail offer whale-watching, moose sightings, and cliff-edge panoramas where ocean spray and winding roads create dramatic scenes.
Drive in daylight for safe mountain passes and pullovers, and explore small fishing villages for local meals. Summer brings long daylight hours while shoulder seasons offer quieter roads; carry layers and check for park fees if planning hikes along coastal ridgelines.
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Santa Cruz West Cliff Drive: Surfside Coastal Route
Photo by Mathias Reding on Pexels
West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz rolls along beachfront cliffs with surfer views, sea lions, and the landmark Walton Lighthouse. The paved promenade links Natural Bridges State Beach and the pier, offering boardwalk snapshots, tide pools, and easy photo stops of rocky shores and crashing waves.
Cyclists, walkers, and rollers share the path, so take care during peak hours. Sunset and low tide sightings reward patient travelers with longer shadows on the rocks and seals hauled out near the shore; nearby cafes make good warming pauses.
Slea Head Drive on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels
Slea Head Drive traces the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula with stone walls, clifftop views, and views of the Blasket Islands. Narrow lanes pass ancient beehive huts, coastal churches, and puffin-rich sea cliffs, creating a compact loop rich in Gaelic culture and wild Atlantic scenery.
Take time for short hikes to Ogham stone sites and to peek at local craft shops and pubs in Dingle town. Weather changes quickly; rainproof layers help, and ferry schedules to the Blaskets require planning if looking to land on the islands for a walk.
Hana Highway on Maui: Waterfalls and Coastline
Photo by Esmihel Muhammed on Pexels
The Hana Highway winds around hairpins, rainforest gullies, and seaside cliffs with dozens of waterfalls and river crossings. Drivers encounter black-sand beaches, banyan trees, and roadside stands selling banana bread, while bridges and one-lane sections slow the pace and reward patient travelers with island scenery.
Go light on time planning; the narrow road moves slowly with many short stops for swimming and photos at falls like Twin Falls and Waianapanapa State Park. Respect private roads, watch for changing weather, and leave daylight for return drives through tropical valleys.
Chapman’s Peak Drive: Cape Town’s Clifftop Road
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels
Chapman’s Peak Drive carves a narrow ribbon between mountain and sea, offering sweeping Atlantic views and dramatic cliff faces on the Cape Peninsula. Tunnels, sharp bends, and paved viewpoints let drivers pause for photos of Hout Bay, Robben Island glimpses, and sunlit rocky shores along the ocean.
The toll road is popular at sunset, so plan for limited parking and photo stops. Keep an eye on rockfall warnings and seasonal closures; nearby beaches and coastal trails offer quieter spots for walking and picnic views beyond the main viewpoints.
Lofoten Archipelago Coastal Road in Norway
The Lofoten coastal road threads past jagged peaks, fishing villages, and turquoise fjords with bridges linking dramatic islands. Small harbors like Reine and Hamnøy offer timelapse-worthy reflections, rorbuer cabins, and quick hikes to panoramic viewpoints where cod boats and Arctic light create a unique north-sea scene.
Summer’s midnight sun extends driving hours, while winter roads may be snowier and require care. Ferry links and short detours reveal hidden coves and beaches; plan for seafood lunches, short hikes, and camera-ready views around every bend along the islands.
Mizen Head Drive to Ireland’s Most Westerly Point
Photo by Jisso Heby on Pexels
Mizen Head Road climbs rugged cliffs to a dramatic bridge and signal station at Ireland’s southwestern tip. Sea-splashed walkways, ringing waves, and panoramic Atlantic views define the approach, with puffin and gannet sightings off the coast and small visitor centers explaining maritime history.
The final approach includes steps and a sturdy footbridge with exposed sea views; bring windproof layers and sturdy shoes. Nearby coastal villages offer seafood and tea rooms, and the drive pairs well with stops at nearby coastal headlands and beaches for longer outings.
Malibu to Santa Monica: Pacific Coast Highway Drive
The Pacific Coast Highway between Malibu and Santa Monica threads beachside mansions, surf breaks, and palm-lined boulevards. Scenic pullouts at Zuma Beach and Point Dume reveal tide pools and sunset panoramas, while the route eases into busy coastal towns with piers, cafes, and surf culture.
Weekends bring heavy traffic; early mornings reward quieter roads and better light for photos. Parking at popular beaches is limited; consider beachside walks, small coastal eateries, or a detour to Malibu Creek State Park to stretch legs away from the shore.
New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins
Photo by Matt Hardy on Pexels
The Southern Scenic Route connects coastal towns, waterfalls, and sea cliffs across New Zealand’s southern South Island. The Catlins section features Petrified Forest, curious rock formations, and secluded bays with rugged surf, while small coastal villages offer local seafood and relaxed hospitality along the road.
Drive carefully on narrower stretches and watch for wildlife crossing, including penguins and seals at dusk. Coastal walks, lighthouse stops, and waterfall trails invite stretching legs; carrying local maps and checking ferry or road conditions helps on remote parts of the route.
The Corniche Roads of the French Riviera
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Pexels
The three corniche roads hug the French Riviera with cliffside panoramas from Nice toward Monaco and Menton. Hairpins, coastal villas, and lookout terraces frame views of azure water below, while terraced gardens and perfumed hillsides add a Mediterranean scent to the drive.
Stop for cliffside cafés, seaside promenades, and short hikes above the water for classic Riviera vistas. Traffic can be dense in summer; consider early drives for quieter roads and late-afternoon stops in hilltop villages for sunset colors over the bay.
Iceland’s South Coast Drive: Reynisfjara and Vík
Iceland’s Ring Road along the south coast passes black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, basalt columns, and the village of Vík with sea-scrubbed cliffs. Glacial rivers, waterfalls like Skógafoss, and coastal cliffs make the route dramatic; watch for sudden weather shifts and strong winds near the shore.
Winter roads may be icy, so check driving conditions and daylight hours carefully when planning a south coast trip. Allow extra time for short hikes, puffin viewing during summer months, and visits to coastal viewpoints and waterfalls that punctuate the long drive along Iceland’s shoreline.
Carretera Austral: Chile’s Patagonian Coastal Route
Chile’s Carretera Austral threads fjords, lenga forests, and glacial rivers with remote coastal stretches and gravel sections. Ferries link certain road gaps, revealing turquoise inlets, waterfalls, and small hamlets where travelers find simple lodges, boat launches, and opportunities for sea kayaking amid rugged Patagonian shorelines.
Plan slow travel with time for weather delays and ferry schedules; cell coverage can be sparse in remote areas. Pack warm rain gear, reserve accommodations ahead in high season, and be ready for long stretches between services while scenic fjords and mountain views unfold.
Algarve’s N125: Sun-Soaked Coastal Road in Portugal
Photo by Raunaq Sachdev on Pexels
The N125 crosses the Algarve linking seaside towns, golden beaches, and rocky headlands from Lagos to Tavira. Oceanfront viewpoints, surf towns like Sagres, and low cliffs host salt pans, fishing harbors, and seafood taverns, while the road alternates quieter village sections with busier resort stretches.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer cars; watch for coastal cyclists and pedestrian crossings in towns. Stop for seafood at harbor restaurants, explore hidden coves by foot, and use local maps for scenic detours to clifftop viewpoints and quiet beaches.