Coastal Drives
Ocean roads, cliffs, beaches and seaside highways.
About this category
Coastal road trips are some of the most visually rewarding journeys you can take. They combine open ocean horizons, dramatic cliffs, beaches, and winding roads that follow natural shorelines. Unlike inland routes, coastal drives constantly change perspective — one moment you’re driving beside calm water, and the next you’re climbing above cliffs with panoramic sea views. These routes are often featured in “best road trips in the world” lists because of their diversity and accessibility.
Scenic routes
Atlantic Ocean Road Scenic Drive
Road across islands and bridges over the Atlantic Ocean
Amalfi Coast Scenic Drive
Winding coastal road with dramatic sea views
Norwegian Fjords Scenic Drive
Epic fjord landscapes with cliffs and waterfalls.
Pacific Coast Highway Coastal Scenic Drive
Iconic coastal drive along California's Pacific coastline.
Great Ocean Scenic Coastal Drive
Coastal road famous for Twelve Apostles rock formations.
Extended Garden Route Scenic Drive
Extended coastal drive with beaches and forests.
Westfjords Remote Scenic Drive
Remote Icelandic fjords and cliffs.
Baja California Desert Coastal Scenic Road Trip
Desert coastline road along Pacific Ocean.
Sardinia Coastal Scenic Drive
Turquoise waters and winding coastal roads of Sardinia.
Algarve Coastal Scenic Drive
Golden cliffs and beaches of southern Portugal.
Dalmatian Coast Scenic Drive
Adriatic coastline with historic towns.
Albanian Riviera Scenic Coastal Drive
Hidden beaches and Mediterranean coastline.
Musandam Fjords Scenic Coastal Drive
Fjords of Arabia with dramatic cliffs.
Wild Atlantic Way Scenic Coastal Drive (North Section)
Cliffs, ocean views and rugged Irish coastline.
Lofoten Islands Scenic Coastal Drive
Arctic islands with dramatic peaks and fishing villages.
Overseas Highway Ocean Bridge Scenic Drive
Ocean bridges connecting the Florida Keys.
French Riviera Coastal Scenic Drive
Mediterranean coastline, beaches and seaside towns.
Mont Saint-Michel Brittany Coastal Drive
Historic coastline and iconic island abbey.
Basque Atlantic Coastal Scenic Drive
Ocean cliffs, surf towns and coastal roads.
Noto Peninsula Coastal Scenic Drive
Quiet coastal roads, fishing villages and rugged Sea of Japan scenery
Peloponnese Coastal Scenic Drive
Mediterranean coastline, seaside towns and rugged peninsulas of southern Greece
Cabot Trail
Iconic Atlantic coastal loop with cliffs, forests and sweeping ocean views
North Coast 500 (NC500)
Scotland’s famous coastal road trip through remote Highlands, beaches and mountain landscapes
Causeway Coastal Route
Dramatic coastal road linking cliffs, beaches and the Giant’s Causeway
Senja Scenic Route
Wild Arctic island road with sharp peaks, fjords and dramatic coastal viewpoints
Dingle Peninsula Drive
Wild Atlantic coastal loop with cliffs, beaches and traditional Irish villages
Sea-to-Sky Highway Ultimate Coastal Mountain Scenic Drive – Vancouver to Whistler Experience
Stunning coastal highway linking Vancouver with Whistler through fjords, waterfalls and mountain peaks
New Zealand South Island West Coast Glacier & Rainforest Scenic Drive Experience
Compact coastal drive combining glaciers, rainforest valleys and dramatic West Coast scenery
Mexico Yucatán Peninsula Epic Coastal & Mayan Ruins Road Trip Experience
Long coastal and inland drive through beaches, cenotes and ancient Mayan archaeological sites
Cape Town to Cape Point Ultimate Scenic Coastal Drive – Cape of Good Hope Experience
Spectacular coastal drive from Cape Town to Cape Point through Table Mountain National Park and dramatic Atlantic cliffs
What to expect
Coastal drives usually offer a mix of relaxed cruising sections and highly scenic viewpoints. You can expect frequent stopping points, small coastal towns, and roads that closely follow natural geography. Many routes are popular with tourists, especially in summer, so traffic can increase near major viewpoints and beaches.
Risks & challenges
The main risks on coastal routes are related to exposure and traffic conditions. Strong winds are common on cliffside sections, and fog can appear quickly near the ocean, reducing visibility. In some regions, roads may be narrow and built directly into cliffs, leaving little margin for error. Tourist congestion during peak season is also a factor to consider.
How to prepare
Before driving a coastal route, it’s important to check weather conditions, especially wind and fog forecasts. Fuel stations may be spaced out in remote coastal areas, so planning ahead is important. Driving slowly on cliffside sections and taking regular breaks at viewpoints improves both safety and experience.