Embrace the Open Road: Must-Do Road Trips for Your Next Getaway

2 August 2025

Ah, the open road—the smell of adventure, the taste of freedom, and the rare opportunity to blast your favorite guilty pleasure playlist without judgment. Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a newbie with an overpacked trunk, there's nothing quite like hitting the highway with the windows down and snacks within arm’s reach.

So, if you're itching for an unforgettable getaway, buckle up! We're diving into some of the most epic, must-do road trips that will have you cruising through jaw-dropping landscapes, charming small towns, and maybe even a few questionable roadside attractions (because what’s a trip without a little weirdness?).

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California: Where the Road Hugs the Ocean

If road trips had an Instagram account, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) would be the influencer of the bunch. This iconic drive along California’s Highway 1 is a scenic masterpiece, stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, with enough breathtaking views to overload your camera roll.

Must-Stop Spots:

- Big Sur – Towering cliffs, crashing waves, and the Bixby Bridge, which you’ll probably recognize from every car commercial ever.
- Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea – Quaint towns that scream “romantic getaway” but are also great for solo soul-searching (or stocking up on wine).
- Hearst Castle – Because no road trip is complete without randomly visiting a millionaire’s mansion.

Pro Tip:

Pack layers! One minute you're basking in the sun, the next you're shivering in the coastal fog like a misplaced penguin.

2. Route 66: The Grandfather of Road Trips

Ah, Route 66, the mother of all road trips. This legendary highway stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, winding through eight states and a buffet of quirky Americana. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you're starring in a classic road trip movie, this is the one.

Must-Stop Spots:

- Cadillac Ranch (Texas) – A bunch of half-buried Cadillacs covered in graffiti. Weird? Absolutely. Iconic? You bet.
- Blue Whale of Catoosa (Oklahoma) – A giant, smiling blue whale chilling in a pond... because why not?
- Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) – Where trees turned to stone, which is either magic or science (or both).

Pro Tip:

Don’t rely solely on Google Maps. Some stretches of Route 66 are a little... let’s say “vintage,” and you might need an old-school paper map just in case.

3. The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Symphony of Nature

For those who prefer rolling mountains over endless asphalt, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your dream come true. Running 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, this scenic route feels like Mother Nature showing off.

Must-Stop Spots:

- Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Bears, waterfalls, and postcard-worthy vistas.
- Asheville, NC – A hip, artsy town where the coffee is as strong as the craft beer scene.
- Mabry Mill (Virginia) – A picturesque little watermill that’s cuter than a puppy in a sweater.

Pro Tip:

Gas stations can be few and far between, so unless you enjoy adrenaline rushes caused by an empty fuel gauge, fill up when you can.

4. The Icefields Parkway, Canada: A Glacier-Fueled Joyride

Let’s cross the border for a bit, shall we? If you crave stunning mountain landscapes, Canada’s Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is an absolute must. Stretching between Banff and Jasper, this route serves up so many glaciers, lakes, and wildlife sightings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a National Geographic documentary.

Must-Stop Spots:

- Lake Louise – So blue it looks like someone added food coloring.
- Athabasca Glacier – Get up close and personal with a real-life glacier (before climate change snatches it away).
- Peyto Lake – A lake that looks like a wolf’s head if viewed from above because nature is an artist.

Pro Tip:

Keep an eye out for wildlife! Seeing a bear from your car = cool. Meeting one outside of your car = nightmare fuel.

5. The Great Ocean Road, Australia: Kangaroos & Coastal Views

If you ever find yourself down under, the Great Ocean Road in Australia is calling your name—probably in an Aussie accent. This 151-mile stretch from Torquay to Allansford is packed with rugged cliffs, secret beaches, and wildlife with zero chill.

Must-Stop Spots:

- The Twelve Apostles – Massive limestone stacks that scream “photo op.”
- Bells Beach – A legendary surf spot. Even if you can’t surf, you can at least pretend.
- Koala-Spotting at Kennett River – Because no Aussie road trip is complete without a fuzzy, sleepy marsupial sighting.

Pro Tip:

Drive on the left side! It’s all fun and games until you forget and cause a scene.

6. The Ring Road, Iceland: A Journey Through Another Planet

Want a road trip that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie? Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is for you. Circling the entire island, this epic drive takes you through landscapes that range from volcanoes to glaciers, hot springs, and waterfalls that make you question reality.

Must-Stop Spots:

- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss – Waterfalls so perfect they belong in a fantasy novel.
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon – A lagoon filled with floating icebergs. Because, why not?
- Reykjavík – Iceland’s quirky capital, where you can eat fermented shark if you're feeling adventurous (or just want bragging rights).

Pro Tip:

Weather in Iceland is moodier than a teenager. Pack for all four seasons—sometimes in a single day.

7. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland: Road-Tripping Through Fairy Tales

Last but not least, we head to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal drive that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fantasy world (bonus points if you listen to Irish folk music while driving).

Must-Stop Spots:

- Cliffs of Moher – Dramatic, windswept cliffs that will make your heart skip a beat.
- Ring of Kerry – A circular route packed with castles, lakes, and rolling green hills straight out of a postcard.
- Dingle Peninsula – Adorable coastal villages and Fungi the dolphin (yes, a dolphin became a local celebrity).

Pro Tip:

Irish roads are charming but narrow. Driving them feels like an extreme sport, so take it slow unless you fancy a game of chicken with a tour bus.

Final Thought: Pack Your Bags, Hit the Gas

Road trips aren’t just about getting from A to B. They’re about the unexpected detours, the offbeat diners, and those strange roadside attractions that'll leave you wondering, Who thought of this? Whether you're chasing coastlines, mountains, or just a break from reality, the open road is waiting.

So grab your playlist, stock up on snacks, and hit the highway—your next great adventure is one right turn away.