There’s nothing quite like the open road for car lovers. The hum of the engine, the sights as they blur by, and the freedom to explore combine to create a uniquely thrilling experience. For car enthusiasts, road trips are more than just a getaway—they’re an adventure that celebrates the art, history, and culture of automobiles. If you’re ready to hit the road, here’s a bucket list of road trips every car lover should experience at least once. From scenic highways to destinations rich in motoring heritage, these journeys are guaranteed to fuel your passion.

1. The Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA

Stretching over 600 miles along California’s stunning coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a dream for any driver. This iconic road meanders along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering postcard-perfect views and thrilling curves. For car enthusiasts, driving the PCH is a celebration of both machine and nature—every winding turn is an opportunity to appreciate the balance of power and precision your vehicle brings to the landscape.

Highlights for Car Lovers

Along the route, don’t miss Laguna Seca Raceway, an iconic motorsports venue. If you’re in Monterey, consider stopping at The California Automotive Museum in Sacramento or The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Both offer incredible collections of classic and rare cars, including some that made automotive history.

For a proper stretch of the PCH road trip, start in San Francisco and head south toward San Diego. The highlight is the Big Sur stretch, where the road snakes between rugged cliffs and sprawling ocean views.

2. The Nürburgring, Germany

Known as “The Green Hell,” the Nürburgring in Germany is a mecca for motorsport enthusiasts. This legendary racetrack, nestled in the Eifel Mountains, is one of the most challenging circuits in the world. But the Nürburgring isn’t just a professional racetrack—it’s also open to the public on certain days, allowing you to take your car for a spin on its iconic twists and turns.

Highlights for Car Lovers

Beyond the track, the surrounding region offers more for automotive enthusiasts. Visit the Nürburgring Museum to explore the history of this famous racing venue and hear stories of the drivers who tamed its challenging bends. Nearby, car enthusiasts can also drive through the rolling hills of the Eifel region, which is home to scenic roads and small villages perfect for relaxing stops.

The Nürburgring is more than an experience—it’s a rite of passage for drivers who want to test their mettle on the world’s most demanding racetrack.

3. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Move your road trip dreams Down Under and cruise along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic highways in the world. Spanning 151 miles along Victoria’s coastline, this route combines stunning natural wonders with plenty of twists and turns to keep drivers engaged.

Highlights for Car Lovers

The Great Ocean Road perfectly balances its appeal for drivers and nature lovers. The route is famed for landmarks like the Twelve Apostles—towering limestone stacks rising out of the ocean—and the Otway National Park, which is filled with lush greenery.

While the road itself is the star of the show, car enthusiasts visiting Australia should also check out Melbourne, located at one end of the Great Ocean Road. It’s home to Sandown Raceway, a motorsport institution that has hosted countless races over its history.

4. Route 66, USA

Nicknamed the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is the quintessential all-American road trip. Stretching nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, it’s more than just a road; it’s a trip through America’s automotive history. Along the way, you’ll encounter vintage diners, retro gas stations, and kitschy roadside attractions that hearken back to a golden age of car travel.

Highlights for Car Lovers

Route 66 is full of automotive gems. Stop by the quirky Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, where vintage cars and memorabilia paint a picture of mid-20th-century road culture. Oklahoma has the Corvette Museum, a must-visit for fans of this American classic.

For the full experience, start your trip at the historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago and head west as you discover both the nostalgic and cultural significance of this historic route.

5. Mille Miglia Route, Italy

Italy’s automotive heritage runs deep, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in that history than by following the route of the legendary Mille Miglia. Originally a 1,000-mile endurance race through northern Italy, the Mille Miglia lives on today as a classic car rally where vintage vehicles retrace the original route.

Highlights for Car Lovers

Start your drive in Brescia, home to the Mille Miglia Museum, which celebrates the history of the race with a collection of stunning classic cars. From Brescia, follow the route south through cities like Bologna and Siena, savoring both the art and the automobiles that define Italy.

The Mille Miglia route is as much about performance as it is about passion, taking you through rolling hills, historic towns, and scenic vistas that highlight the beauty of Italian craftsmanship—both automotive and cultural.

6. Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee/North Carolina, USA

Not every memorable car trip has to feature coastal views or historic buildings. For adrenaline seekers, the Tail of the Dragon offers pure driving pleasure. This stretch of U.S. Route 129 spans 11 miles yet packs in 318 sharp curves, making it one of the most exciting roads to drive in the United States.

Highlights for Car Lovers

Known for its tight hairpins and rapid elevation changes, the Tail of the Dragon is a playground for those who appreciate handling and precision. Nearby, you’ll find the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, which features a collection of historic motorcycles and cars.

This road is not about speed but about conquering technical challenges, making it perfect for car lovers who appreciate skill behind the wheel.

7. The Mulholland Highway, California, USA

California strikes again with the Mulholland Highway, one of the most iconic driving roads for automotive enthusiasts and Hollywood film crews alike. Winding through the Santa Monica Mountains, this road features sharp corners, breathtaking views, and a chance to follow in the tire tracks of countless car commercials.

Highlights for Car Lovers

While the drive is the highlight, those who pause to explore nearby points of interest will discover a treasure trove. The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles features exhibits dedicated to the art and science of car design, showcasing everything from rare supercars to iconic movie vehicles.

The Mulholland Highway is a favorite among local car enthusiasts and a great place to spot sports cars and motorcycles tackling the legendary curves.

Planning Your Road Trip

Planning a memorable road trip for car enthusiasts involves more than picking a destination. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your adventure:

  1. Plan Your Route: Research scenic byways, museums, racetracks, and other automotive-related destinations along your path.
  2. Prepare Your Car: Whether it’s a classic car or your daily driver, ensure your vehicle is in top condition before setting out.
  3. Pack Smart: Bring tools for basic maintenance, a first-aid kit, and essentials like snacks and water.
  4. Balance Driving and Exploring: While the road is the main attraction, take time to enjoy the destinations, museums, and cultural landmarks along the way.

For car enthusiasts, the road isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s a place to connect with the machine, the environment, and the history of automotive innovation. Road trips like the Pacific Coast Highway, the Nürburgring, Route 66, and the Mille Miglia route are more than just journeys; they’re pilgrimages for the true car lover. Whether you’re savoring the curves of the Tail of the Dragon or admiring classic cars in Melbourne, these experiences remind us why we fell in love with driving in the first place. Start your engines and set out on the adventure of a lifetime!