There are plenty of scenic drives in the world, but as a beach lover the coastal drives are the best ones. Here`s a list of road trips along rugged coastlines with pristine beaches I`ve done myself and enjoyed to the fullest.
17-Mile Drive, California, USA
17-Mile Drive is a scenic road from Monterey to Carmel through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach in Northern California. One of the highlights along the way is the Lone Cypress, which is an icon you will see often in photographs. It makes quite the impression on you when standing in front of you, especially when it`s foggy and has something mystical about it. There`s also lots of wildlife sightings at the beaches, so make sure to make a few stops along the way.
Acadia National Park Loop Road, Maine, USA
Let`s move to the East Coast. For 27 miles (44 kilometers) you`ll be treated to a drive through stunning Acadia National Park in Maine. Park Loop Road starts at Hulls Cove Visitor Center and offers access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and Cadillac Mountain. Make sure to go up Cadillac Mountain for gorgeous views and if you`re there in the right season, I would suggest to go for a whale watch tour at Bar Harbor.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Leaving the US and crossing to the other side of the world for one of the most impressive coastal drives you`ll make: the Great Ocean Road. This scenic drive stretches along the coast for 151 miles (243 kilometers) from Torquay to Warrnambool with its most famous highlight the Twelve Apostles. Have a look at more photos of this amazing trip on my sister site Isabelle`s Travel Guide.
Amalfi Drive, Italy
Another spectacular coastal trip you should add to your list is driving along the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The Amalfi Drive is the name of the road which runs from Sorrento and Amalfi in southern Italy. It`s might not be that far in distance between Sorrento and Amalfi, but don`t be fooled by that, because of the many hairpin turns and narrow roads it takes you some time to drive all the way. Make sure to allow enough time to take photos and visit villages along the way like Positano.
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