Coastal Drives

If you're planning a road trip along coastal drives in the world, there are several excellent guidebooks and road maps available to help you plan your trip. Here are some recommendations:

• "Lonely Planet's Coastal California" by Lonely Planet: This guidebook provides a comprehensive overview of the California coastline, including detailed information on each coastal town, landmark, and natural wonder. It also includes suggested itineraries, maps, and practical advice for road trippers.

• "The Amalfi Coast: A Complete Guide" by Enrico Massetti: This guidebook includes information on all of the towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast, as well as recommended driving routes, maps, and practical tips for road trippers.

• "Coastal Driving Tours of New Zealand" by Mike Gerrard: This guidebook features information on New Zealand's most stunning coastal drives, including detailed maps and suggested itineraries. It also includes practical advice on driving in New Zealand, as well as information on local attractions and landmarks.

• "The Great Ocean Road: A Complete Guide" by Enrico Massetti: This guidebook provides a comprehensive look at Australia's Great Ocean Road, including all of the major attractions, towns, and natural wonders along the route. It includes detailed maps, recommended driving routes, and practical tips for road trippers.

• "The Coastal Route: Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way" by Antonia Windsor: This guidebook provides an overview of Ireland's stunning coastal route, including detailed information on each coastal town, landmark, and natural wonder. It also includes suggested itineraries, maps, and practical advice for road trippers.

No matter which guidebook or map you choose, make sure to do your research ahead of time to ensure a safe and enjoyable road trip along coastal drives. With so many unique destinations and attractions to explore, a coastal road trip is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Embarking on a coastal road trip in the USA is like diving into a mesmerizing journey of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and endless adventure. With a coastline stretching thousands of miles, the United States offers some of the most breathtaking and iconic coastal drives in the world. From the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Coast to the sandy shores of the Atlantic, there's a coastal route to suit every traveler's taste. So, buckle up and join us as we explore the best coastal drives in the USA, each offering its own unique charm and allure.

• Pacific Coast Highway (California): Our journey begins with the crown jewel of coastal drives in the USA, the legendary Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California. Stretching over 650 miles from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in Northern California, this iconic route winds its way along the breathtaking coastline of the Golden State. With dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and charming seaside towns, the PCH offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and coastal charm. Don't miss the chance to explore iconic landmarks like the Big Sur coastline, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Overseas Highway (Florida): Next up, we head to the Sunshine State to embark on a coastal journey like no other along the Overseas Highway in Florida. Spanning 113 miles from Miami to Key West, this scenic route takes travelers across a series of breathtaking bridges and islands, offering panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Highlights along the way include the Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, and the colorful streets of Key West, where you can soak in the laid-back island vibe and savor fresh seafood cuisine.

• Oregon Coast Highway (Oregon): Venturing to the Pacific Northwest, we discover the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast Highway, also known as Highway 101. Stretching over 360 miles from the Columbia River to the California border, this coastal route showcases some of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA. From windswept beaches and towering sea stacks to lush forests and charming coastal towns, the Oregon Coast Highway offers a diverse array of scenery and attractions. Be sure to explore iconic stops like Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and the historic town of Astoria.

• Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina): Heading eastward, we find ourselves on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina, a 138-mile route that winds its way through a chain of barrier islands along the Atlantic Coast. Offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, salt marshes, and maritime forests, this coastal drive is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore iconic landmarks like the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and the charming village of Ocracoke, where you can soak in the laid-back island vibe and sample fresh seafood cuisine.

The lands down under are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, and nowhere is this more evident than in the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Australia and New Zealand. From rugged cliffs and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and charming seaside towns, these countries boast some of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world. So, rev up your engines and join us as we embark on a journey to explore the best coastal drives in Australia and New Zealand, each offering its own unique charm and allure.

• Great Ocean Road (Australia): Our adventure begins on the southern coast of Australia with the Great Ocean Road, an iconic route that winds its way along the stunning coastline of Victoria. Stretching over 240 kilometers from Torquay to Allansford, this scenic drive offers jaw-dropping views of towering limestone cliffs, rugged sea stacks, and the majestic Southern Ocean. Highlights along the way include the iconic Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the picturesque seaside town of Lorne, where you can relax and soak in the laid-back coastal vibe.

• Pacific Coast Highway (New Zealand): Heading across the Tasman Sea, we find ourselves on the North Island of New Zealand, where the Pacific Coast Highway awaits. Stretching over 1,000 kilometers from Auckland to Napier, this coastal route takes travelers on a journey through some of the country's most stunning scenery. From golden sandy beaches and rolling surf to lush forests and rugged cliffs, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a diverse array of landscapes and attractions. Be sure to explore iconic stops like the Bay of Islands, Cathedral Cove, and the thermal wonderland of Rotorua.

• Great Barrier Reef Drive (Australia): Returning to Australia, we set our sights on the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a spectacular coastal route that hugs the coastline of Queensland. Stretching over 140 kilometers from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, this scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, travelers can explore pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coastal towns. Don't miss the chance to visit iconic attractions like the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas, and the stunning beaches of Mission Beach.

• Great Ocean Road (New Zealand): Heading back to New Zealand's South Island, we discover the beauty of the Great Ocean Road, a coastal route that winds its way along the rugged coastline of the West Coast. Stretching over 400 kilometers from Westport to Greymouth, this scenic drive offers stunning views of dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests. Highlights along the way include the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the Franz Josef Glacier, and the charming seaside town of Hokitika, where you can explore local art galleries and sample delicious seafood cuisine.

Europe is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural wonders, and nowhere is this more evident than along its stunning coastlines. From the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Europe offers some of the most picturesque coastal drives in the world. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we embark on a journey to discover the best coastal drives in Europe, each offering its own unique blend of scenic beauty, historic charm, and cultural richness.

• Amalfi Coast Road (Italy): Our adventure begins on the sun-drenched shores of southern Italy with the Amalfi Coast Road, a winding route that hugs the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Stretching over 50 kilometers from Sorrento to Salerno, this scenic drive offers breathtaking views of pastel-colored villages, terraced vineyards, and rugged sea cliffs. Highlights along the way include the picturesque towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, where travelers can stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, savor authentic Italian cuisine, and admire historic churches and villas.

• Atlantic Road (Norway): Heading northward, we find ourselves on the dramatic coastline of Norway, where the Atlantic Road awaits. Stretching over 8 kilometers from Kristiansund to Molde, this engineering marvel takes travelers on a thrilling journey across a series of bridges and causeways that span the Norwegian Sea. Along the way, travelers can marvel at stunning views of jagged peaks, rocky islands, and powerful ocean waves crashing against the coastline. Be sure to stop at iconic landmarks like the Storseisundet Bridge, the fishing village of Bud, and the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel.

• Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland): Returning southward, we discover the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route, a scenic drive that winds its way along the dramatic coastline of County Antrim. Stretching over 120 kilometers from Belfast to Londonderry, this coastal route offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and ancient castles. Highlights along the way include the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the iconic Dark Hedges. Travelers can also explore charming seaside towns like Portrush, Ballycastle, and Cushendun, where they can sample local cuisine and immerse themselves in Irish hospitality.

• North Coast 500 (Scotland): Venturing to the rugged coastline of Scotland's Highlands, we discover the North Coast 500 (NC500), a scenic route that takes travelers on an unforgettable journey through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes in the country. Stretching over 500 miles from Inverness to John o' Groats, this epic road trip offers stunning views of rugged mountains, pristine lochs, and windswept beaches. Highlights along the way include the ancient castles of Dunrobin and Eilean Donan, the dramatic cliffs of Cape Wrath, and the picturesque villages of Ullapool and Durness.

Embarking on a coastal drive in Africa or Asia is an adventure that promises to immerse travelers in a world of breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the rugged coastlines of Africa to the tropical paradises of Asia, these continents offer some of the most scenic and diverse coastal routes in the world. Join us as we explore the best coastal drives in Africa and Asia, each promising a journey of discovery and wonder along the shores of these captivating continents.

• Garden Route, South Africa: Stretching along the southern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is a legendary coastal drive that winds its way through a landscape of lush forests, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Starting in Mossel Bay and ending in Storms River, this scenic route offers travelers the chance to explore charming coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Knysna Heads and the Tsitsikamma National Park. With its diverse scenery and abundance of activities, the Garden Route is a must-visit destination for any road trip enthusiast.

• Cape Peninsula Drive, South Africa: The Cape Peninsula Drive offers an exhilarating journey along the rugged coastline of South Africa's Western Cape province. Starting in Cape Town, travelers can follow the winding coastal roads to iconic landmarks such as the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman's Peak, and Boulders Beach, home to a colony of adorable African penguins. Along the way, visitors can soak in breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, explore charming coastal villages, and hike through scenic nature reserves.

• Kerala Coastal Drive, India: Nestled along the tropical Malabar Coast, the Kerala Coastal Drive in India offers travelers a glimpse into the serene beauty of Kerala's backwaters, palm-fringed beaches, and lush greenery. Starting in the historic port city of Kochi, this scenic route takes travelers through picturesque fishing villages, tranquil backwater lagoons, and idyllic beach resorts. Highlights along the way include the Alleppey backwaters, Marari Beach, and the historic town of Fort Kochi, where travelers can explore colonial-era architecture and indulge in delicious seafood cuisine.

• The Garden Route, South Africa: Stretching along the southern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is a legendary coastal drive that winds its way through a landscape of lush forests, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Starting in Mossel Bay and ending in Storms River, this scenic route offers travelers the chance to explore charming coastal towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Knysna Heads and the Tsitsikamma National Park. With its diverse scenery and abundance of activities, the Garden Route is a must-visit destination for any road trip enthusiast.