Let’s be real – weekends are made for hitting the road. As someone who’s called dozen cities “home” over the past few years, I’ve learned that you don’t need a two-week vacation to find adventure.
Sure, the classic cross-country road trip has its charm, but there’s something special about packing up the car on Friday afternoon and discovering what’s in your own backyard.
The beauty of weekend road trips is that they’re simple, budget-friendly, and totally doable for anyone with a car and a map (or let’s be honest, Google Maps). Whether you’re looking to escape the city grind, explore hidden small towns, or just need a change of scenery, there’s a perfect two-day adventure waiting for you.
Here’s my collection of road trips that prove you don’t have to go far to get away from it all.
Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
If you’re dreaming of an iconic American road trip, the Pacific Coast Highway in California should be at the top of your list. Running along the edge of the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this winding 655-mile route takes you past rocky cliffs, secluded beaches, and charming coastal towns like Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Barbara. You’ll drive through towering redwood forests, spot elephant seals lounging on beaches, and find plenty of perfect spots to pull over and watch the sunset over the ocean.
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia, USA
Stretching 469 miles from North Carolina to Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway feels like a journey through America’s oldest mountains. The road itself is a destination, winding past weathered peaks and dense forests that change colors with each passing season. Unlike most highways built for speed, this scenic route was designed for slow travel, with plenty of pullouts where you can watch the morning fog lift from the valleys below. You’ll find small mountain towns dotting the drive, each with its own personality and charm, from artsy Asheville to historic Roanoke. Because of its unique placement along the Appalachian Mountain chain, the parkway offers chances to spot black bears, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of bird species that call these ancient hills home.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Wind along the cliffside roads of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, where pastel-colored villages seem to tumble right into the Mediterranean Sea. The 30-mile stretch between Sorrento and Salerno offers plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the views of lemon groves and blue waters below. Stop in Positano to wander the narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes, or head to the town of Amalfi to tour its 9th-century cathedral. When you’re ready for a break from driving, hop on a boat tour to see the coastline from the water, or spend an afternoon at one of the small beaches tucked between the cliffs.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Drive along one of the world’s most famous coastal routes when you explore the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. This 151-mile journey takes you past limestone cliffs, empty beaches, and the iconic Twelve Apostles – massive rock formations rising from the Southern Ocean. Pull over at viewing points to spot whales during migration season, or stop in charming coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay for fresh seafood. For the best experience, spread your drive across 2-3 days so you can take short hikes in Great Otway National Park and watch the sunset paint the limestone stacks in golden hues.
Ring Road, Iceland
Just a few hours from Reykjavik lies one of the world’s most remarkable driving routes – Iceland’s Ring Road. This 828-mile highway circles the entire island, taking you past flowing waterfalls, black sand beaches, and vast lava fields that make you feel like you’re driving on another planet. Unlike your typical weekend road trip, the Ring Road lets you chase the midnight sun in summer or hunt for the Northern Lights in winter. As you wind your way around the island, you’ll spot Icelandic horses grazing in fields, pass through tiny fishing villages, and encounter landscapes that shift from mossy peaks to icy glaciers. Thanks to the road’s circular nature, you can start anywhere and still experience everything – though most travelers begin their journey in Reykjavik, where rental cars and supplies are easy to find.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
I first drove the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia back in 2015, and it remains one of Canada’s most impressive coastal routes. Hugging the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, this 185-mile loop winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Atlantic Ocean meets rugged cliffs and dense forests. Small fishing villages dot the coastline, while moose and eagles make regular appearances along the way. The charming town of Chéticamp serves as a perfect starting point, with its Acadian culture and local seafood restaurants offering the freshest lobster you’ll find. The road itself takes about 5 hours to drive, but plan for a full weekend to truly appreciate the hiking trails, whale watching spots, and Celtic music that fills the local pubs each evening.
Route 66, Arizona/New Mexico, USA
Stretching across the sun-baked landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico, Route 66 offers a journey through America’s past. Like many historic highways, it has its share of quirky roadside attractions, neon-lit diners, and old-school motels. But unlike other roads, Route 66 feels like a living museum of mid-century Americana. Just pull into one of the preserved trading posts or chat with locals at a vintage gas station, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its role in westward migration during the 1930s, Route 66 became known as the “Mother Road,” and you’ll find traces of this history in the painted desert landscapes, Native American crafts shops, and classic drive-ins that dot the route.
North Coast 500, Scotland
For travelers looking for an epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands, the North Coast 500 delivers big time. This 516-mile circular route starts and ends in Inverness, taking you past ancient castles, lonely beaches, and rugged cliffs. Along the way, you’ll wind through tiny fishing villages, spot Highland cows in green pastures, and maybe even catch sight of the Northern Lights on clear winter nights.
Garden Route, South Africa
Nestled along South Africa’s southern coast, the Garden Route draws road trippers with its mix of pristine beaches, dense forests, and charming coastal towns stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. While many visitors come for the golden sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters, this region is also a haven for outdoor activities like hiking through Tsitsikamma National Park or kayaking in Knysna Lagoon. The route features several small towns where you can stop to sample fresh oysters, browse local art galleries, or watch for southern right whales from cliff-top viewpoints. Whether you’re interested in adventure sports like bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge or prefer a laid-back wine tasting at one of the area’s estates, the Garden Route offers enough variety to fill a weekend or even a week-long journey.
Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale, and I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. This 220-mile route winds through Bavaria’s countryside, connecting charming medieval towns with impossibly perfect half-timbered houses and towering church spires. From the wine country of Würzburg to the Alpine foothills near Füssen, you’ll pass by ancient walled cities, hidden monasteries, and castles perched on hilltops – including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle that inspired Disney. It’s a journey best savored slowly over several days, allowing time to wander cobblestone streets, sample local beer in traditional brewhouses, and chat with friendly locals in each historic town along the way.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA
Wind through Glacier National Park’s crown jewel when you take on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile scenic drive that cuts across Montana’s most beautiful wilderness. The route takes you past crystal-clear mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering peaks that make you feel tiny in comparison. Pull over at Logan Pass, the highest point at 6,646 feet, where you can spot mountain goats and take a hike through fields of wildflowers. For the best photo opportunities, time your visit for sunrise at St. Mary Lake, when the golden light paints the mountains in soft orange and pink hues.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Ever wanted to drive along some of Europe’s most dramatic coastlines? The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland lets you do exactly that. This 1,600-mile route winds through nine counties along Ireland’s western edge, where rocky cliffs drop straight into the churning Atlantic Ocean. From the sheep-dotted hills of Donegal to the wave-battered shores of Cork, you’ll pass through friendly fishing villages where locals share stories over pints of Guinness in cozy pubs. You can spot dolphins playing in the surf, explore ancient stone forts, or take a boat trip to the remote Skellig Islands, where medieval monks once lived in beehive-shaped huts.
Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada
If you’re looking for a road trip that’ll make you feel like you’re driving through a postcard, the Sea to Sky Highway in British Columbia is hard to beat. This 75-mile stretch connecting Vancouver to Whistler winds along the coast before climbing into the mountains, serving up ocean views that melt into snow-capped peaks. It’s a route that draws both laid-back Sunday drivers and adventure seekers heading to mountain trails, with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the scenery. The journey takes about two hours without stops, but trust me – you’ll want to take your time to check out the roadside waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, and small towns that dot the way.
Tuscany Region, Italy
Of all the regions I’ve explored in Italy, none capture the heart quite like Tuscany. Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees stretch as far as the eye can see, while medieval towns perch atop gentle slopes like they’ve been there forever. This central Italian paradise is best discovered by car, winding through country roads that connect Florence to Siena, stopping at small wineries and family-run restaurants along the way. It’s not your typical weekend trip – you’ll want to take it slow here – but those who make the journey find themselves immersed in a world where good food, incredible art, and centuries of history come together naturally.
Finger Lakes Region, New York, USA
I first discovered the Finger Lakes Region on a fall weekend getaway back in 2019. Tucked away in upstate New York, this collection of 11 long, narrow lakes spreads across the landscape like nature’s own fingerprints. Small towns and family-owned wineries dot the rolling hills between the lakes, while waterfalls cascade through gorges at state parks like Watkins Glen and Taughannock. The region’s Cayuga Wine Trail deserves special mention – it’s America’s first wine trail, where you can sample local Rieslings while taking in views of the deep blue waters below. Cozy bed-and-breakfasts and lakeside cottages make perfect home bases for exploring the countless hiking trails, museums, and craft breweries that fill the spaces between these ancient glacial lakes.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA
When it comes to weekend escapes in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park stands out as a natural playground that never fails to amaze me. This 265,000-acre wonderland, just a 90-minute drive from Denver, offers adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast. The park’s famous Trail Ridge Road winds through alpine meadows and past snow-capped peaks, reaching heights of over 12,000 feet. It’s a place where elk roam freely through valleys, and hikers can choose from over 300 miles of trails that range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain ascents. While summer draws the biggest crowds, I’ve found that each season brings its own charm – from spring wildflowers to fall aspens and winter’s peaceful snowscapes.
Lake District, England
Just under five hours north of London lies the Lake District, a place where nature puts on a magnificent show. Like other countryside escapes in England, you’ll find rolling hills and charming villages scattered throughout. But what sets this region apart are its 16 lakes and countless valleys carved by ancient glaciers. As you wind along narrow country roads, past grazing sheep and old stone walls, you’ll discover why poets and writers like Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter chose to make this their home. The area’s rich literary history blends perfectly with outdoor activities – from easy walks around Windermere Lake to challenging hikes up Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. Thanks to its traditional inns and cozy tea rooms, you can still experience the same warm Cumbrian welcome that visitors have enjoyed for centuries.
Black Forest Region, Germany
Ever wondered where fairy tales come from? The Black Forest region of Germany feels like you’ve stepped right into the pages of Grimm’s stories, with its dense pine forests and half-timbered villages just four hours south of Frankfurt. This is where cuckoo clocks were born and where thick slices of cherry-topped Black Forest cake still rule local cafes. You can spend your days hiking through mossy woods and past trickling streams, or wandering through Baden-Baden’s old-world spa towns where Europeans have been taking the waters for centuries. Don’t miss the charming village of Triberg, where Germany’s highest waterfall tumbles down rocky steps, and locals still craft those famous wooden clocks by hand.
Quebec City to Charlevoix, Canada
About three hours northeast of Quebec City lies the picturesque Charlevoix region, where the St. Lawrence River meets rolling mountains in a landscape shaped by ancient meteorites. Like many areas in Quebec, Charlevoix offers French-Canadian cuisine, charming villages, and outdoor activities. But unlike other destinations, it feels like you’ve stepped into a living painting, where every bend in the road reveals another postcard-worthy view. Just follow the winding Route du Fleuve along the riverbank, stopping at local cheese makers and family-run restaurants, and you’ll see what makes this place special. Because of its unique geography and rich artistic heritage, Charlevoix has long attracted painters and food lovers, and you’ll find countless art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants dotting the countryside.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina, USA
I always tell nature lovers they can’t go wrong with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this famous park lets you wander through ancient forests, spot black bears and elk in their natural habitat, and drive along scenic mountain roads that wind past rushing streams and waterfalls. The park’s iconic misty peaks, created by natural fog that gives the mountains their “smoky” appearance, make for perfect photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.