This ranked list is an editorial selection for travel inspiration, not an objective or universal measure. There is something inherently liberating about a coastal drive. It is a journey where the destination matters far less than the ever-changing horizon of blue. To drive along a coast is to witness the eternal conversation between land and sea—a landscape of jagged cliffs, hidden coves, and vast, shimmering expanses of water that seem to stretch into infinity. These "famous places" are more than just roads; they are engineering marvels that hug the contours of the earth, offering a front-row seat to the raw power and serene beauty of the natural world.

A great coastal drive is a sensory experience: the taste of salt in the air, the rhythmic sound of crashing waves, and the incredible light of a sunset reflecting off the ocean. Across the globe, there are specific routes that have become legendary for their staggering beauty and the sheer thrill of the drive. In this guide, we explore the top 10 most scenic coastal drives in the world. Each one offers a unique perspective on the planet’s coastline, inviting you to slow down, roll down the windows, and let the journey unfold. Prepare for the road trip of a lifetime as we navigate the world's most stunning shorelines.

A classic blue convertible driving along the winding Pacific Coast Highway in California during a vibrant golden hour sunset

1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), USA

Stretching nearly the entire length of the California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway—specifically the section from San Luis Obispo to Monterey—is the ultimate American road trip. This legendary route hugs the rugged cliffs of Big Sur, where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop dramatically into the Pacific Ocean. Driving this road in a convertible during the golden hour is a bucket-list experience, with the sunset turning the cliffs into a kaleidoscope of orange and purple. Iconic landmarks like the Bixby Creek Bridge and the McWay Falls offer perfect photo opportunities, while the winding turns demand a slow, appreciative pace that matches the laid-back spirit of the Golden State.

An aerial view of the Great Ocean Road in Australia winding spectacularly along the rugged cliffs with turquoise ocean waves crashing below

2. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most famous drive, a 243-kilometer stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Victoria. Built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, it is widely described by Australian heritage and tourism sources as a memorial built by returned servicemen. The drive is famous for the "Twelve Apostles"—a collection of massive limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. The road winds through diverse landscapes, from sheer limestone cliffs and thundering surf beaches to lush rainforests and sleepy seaside towns. Seeing the apostles at sunrise or sunset, as the light shifts across the ancient stones and the turquoise water, is an experience of profound natural grandeur and power.

A charming road winding through a colorful coastal village on Italy

3. Amalfi Drive (Statale 163), Italy

The Amalfi Drive is perhaps the most romantic and thrilling road in Europe. Carved into the cliffs of the Sorrento Peninsula, this narrow, winding road connects the spectacular towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Every turn offers a new postcard-perfect view of pastel-colored houses clinging to the mountainsides and the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea below. Driving here is an exercise in skill and patience, as you navigate hairpin turns and meet colorful local buses. Stopping at a roadside stall for a glass of fresh lemonade made from the region’s giant lemons is an essential part of the experience, perfectly capturing the *dolce vita* of southern Italy.

A vintage white car driving through a picturesque coastal town in Portugal, with people walking along the harbor wall at sunset

4. Ring of Kerry, Ireland

The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometer circular route in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland, that showcases the Emerald Isle at its most dramatic. The drive takes you through a landscape of rugged coastline, deep green valleys, and mist-covered mountains. Highlights include the Skellig Rocks (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the colorful village of Sneem, and the viewing point at Molls Gap. The road is narrow and often shared with sheep, demanding a slow pace that allows you to appreciate the raw, wild beauty of the Atlantic coast. It is a place of deep history and legends, where the changing Irish weather only adds to the atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful scenery.

5. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys, USA

The Overseas Highway is a unique driving experience that feels more like flying over water. This 113-mile route connects the Florida mainland to Key West, crossing 42 bridges as it hops from one coral island to the next. The most spectacular section is the "Seven Mile Bridge," a massive span that offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. The water shifts through every shade of blue and green, and the atmosphere is one of total relaxation and tropical ease. It is the ultimate drive for those who want to leave the mainland behind and head towards the southernmost point of the United States.

A modern blue sports car navigating the spectacular winding cliffside turns of Chapman

6. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

Known affectionately as "Chappies," Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world and a highlight of any visit to Cape Town. The 9-kilometer road winds its way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, carved directly into the near-vertical rock face of Chapman's Peak. With 114 curves and sheer drops to the Atlantic Ocean below, it is an engineering masterpiece and a thrill for any driver. The road offers spectacular 180-degree views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. It is particularly famous as a sunset destination, where the light hits the cliffs and the water in a way that feels world-class and utterly unique.

7. Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road is a short but incredibly dramatic stretch of road that "skips" across a series of small islands connected by eight bridges. The most famous is the Storseisundet Bridge, known for its dramatic curve that looks like a "bridge to nowhere" from certain angles. The drive is a visceral experience of the North Atlantic, with the road often being hit by waves and spray during storms. It is a landscape of raw, northern beauty, where the engineering of the bridges complements the ruggedness of the skerries and the vastness of the Norwegian Sea. It is a drive that feels like a daring leap across the ocean itself.

8. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Cabot Trail is a 298-kilometer loop that winds around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. It is often cited as one of the most beautiful drives in North America, offering a landscape that feels like a mix of Scotland and Scandinavia. The road climbs to high plateaus before plunging down to sea level, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You’ll see dramatic coastal cliffs, deep canyons, and quaint fishing villages where the Gaelic and Acadian cultures are still vibrant. During the autumn, the forests turn into a spectacular display of fire-red and gold, making it one of the best "leaf-peeping" drives in the world.

9. Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa that is famous for its diverse vegetation and numerous lagoons and lakes. The drive takes you from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, through a landscape that is consistently lush and green. Highlights include the Knysna Heads—two massive sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to a large lagoon—and the Tsitsikamma National Park, where the forest meets the sea. Beyond the scenery, the route is a hub for adventure activities, from bungee jumping to whale watching. It is a drive that offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxed coastal living.

10. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii, USA

The Road to Hana is less of a drive and more of an endurance test of beauty. This 64-mile stretch of road connects central Maui to the remote town of Hana, featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges (most of them one-lane). The drive takes you through a lush tropical rainforest filled with plunging waterfalls, exotic botanical gardens, and dramatic black sand beaches. The pace is slow, the humidity is high, and the views are overwhelmingly green. It is a journey that forces you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the primordial beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Arriving in quiet, traditional Hana feels like finding a piece of paradise that the rest of the world forgot.