Where to Road Trip This April: Top 20 Scenic Routes

While summer road trips grab all the attention, April might just be the perfect sweet spot for hitting the open road. The winter chill starts to fade, spring flowers begin to bloom, and tourist spots haven’t yet filled up with peak-season crowds. Plus, moderate temperatures mean you can actually enjoy those scenic stops without melting or freezing.

From desert wildflower routes to coastal drives where you might spot migrating whales, here are 20 of the best road trips to take this April when you’re ready to shake off those winter blues and embrace the changing seasons.

Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA

Running along the western edge of California, the Pacific Coast Highway offers one of America’s most memorable drives. For about 650 miles, from San Francisco to San Diego, this winding road hugs the coastline, taking you past rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and small coastal towns. In April, you’ll find comfortable temperatures and clear skies – perfect conditions for frequent stops at places like Half Moon Bay or Big Sur. Unlike other popular driving routes, PCH (as locals call it) lets you set your own pace, whether that means pulling over to watch surfers catch waves, stopping at roadside stands for fresh strawberries, or exploring the Spanish missions that dot the route. The stretch through Big Sur, where mountains meet the ocean, shows you why so many artists and writers have called this coastline home.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia, USA

Drive through the heart of Appalachia on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic road connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The route winds through Virginia and North Carolina, offering views of rolling hills, dense forests, and mountain peaks along the way. In April, you’ll catch spring wildflowers dotting the hillsides and witness the trees coming back to life with fresh green leaves. Pull over at one of the many overlooks to stretch your legs, have a picnic, or explore hiking trails that branch off from the main road. The speed limit stays at 45 mph or lower, making this a perfect route for those who want to take their time and soak in the scenery.

Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route, a beautiful stretch along South Africa’s southern coast, draws road trippers for its mix of coastal views and forest landscapes, but it’s also a nature lover’s playground. The route runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River, featuring stops at beach towns like Plettenberg Bay and Knysna where you can spot dolphins and whales from the shore. In April, the weather hits that sweet spot – not too hot, not too cold – making it perfect for hiking through Tsitsikamma National Park or kayaking in the lagoons. While many come for the outdoor activities, the route’s small towns offer plenty of chances to sample local wines, browse art galleries, and chat with friendly locals at cozy cafes.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

The Great Ocean Road stands out as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, winding along Victoria’s southern coast for 151 miles between Torquay and Allansford. This coastal route lets you take in everything from rugged limestone cliffs to dense rainforests as you cruise past iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles – those massive stone pillars rising from the Southern Ocean. It’s a journey that’s best enjoyed over 3-4 days, giving you time to stop at laid-back surf towns, spot koalas in the wild, and maybe even catch a glimpse of migrating whales if you’re lucky. While you can drive it year-round, April brings mild temperatures and fewer tourists, making it perfect for those who want to soak in the coastal views at their own pace.

Ring Road, Iceland

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, Iceland’s Ring Road won’t disappoint. This 828-mile circular route traces the island’s perimeter, connecting you to the country’s most remarkable sights – from thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches to active volcanoes and vast glaciers. The route lets you experience all four seasons in a single day, and during April, you might catch the last glimpse of the Northern Lights while enjoying longer daylight hours.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the country’s western coast for 1,600 miles, from County Donegal to County Cork. Unlike your typical coastal drive, this route takes you through a landscape where rugged cliffs meet rolling green fields and tiny fishing villages appear around every bend. As you wind your way south, you’ll pass ancient stone castles and cozy pubs where locals gather to share stories over a pint of Guinness. The route earned its name from the mighty Atlantic waves that crash against the shoreline, creating a constant rhythm that’s accompanied generations of Irish life. Because of its location on Europe’s western edge, you’ll find yourself driving through some of the continent’s most remote spots, where Gaelic is still spoken and traditional music flows from pub windows each evening.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Travelers flock to the Amalfi Coast for its dramatic cliffs and seaside towns, but this stretch of Italian coastline offers much more than just Mediterranean views. The winding roads that hug the shoreline connect charming villages like Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi itself, each with its own distinct character and hidden corners to explore. In April, temperatures hover in the perfect range for outdoor activities, making it an ideal time to hike the ancient Path of the Gods trail or take a boat trip to hidden coves. While summer brings crowds to these coastal gems, spring visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through lemon groves, authentic local restaurants, and clear roads perfect for that classic Italian road trip experience.

Route 66 through Arizona, USA

If you’re looking to experience a slice of true Americana, Route 66 through Arizona serves up exactly what you’re after. This 400-mile stretch of the historic “Mother Road” winds through red rock canyons, past old-school diners, and into quirky desert towns that seem frozen in the 1950s. From the neon signs of Kingman to the trading posts of Holbrook, every stop tells a story of America’s love affair with the open road. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B – this drive is about pulling over at random roadside attractions, chatting with local shop owners who’ve been there for generations, and watching the desert sun paint the sky at dusk.

Romantic Road, Germany

One of my favorite European adventures was driving Germany’s Romantic Road back in 2019. This 285-mile route winds through Bavaria from Würzburg to Füssen, connecting charming medieval towns and fairytale castles along the way. The path follows an old Roman trade route, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets tell stories from centuries past. Rolling hills and green meadows frame the road, leading travelers to highlights like the walled city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and King Ludwig II’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, making April an ideal time to explore this classic German journey at your own pace.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada

Drive along one of North America’s most scenic coastal roads when you explore the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. This 185-mile loop takes you through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where moose and eagles are common sights along the winding road. In April, you’ll catch the first signs of spring as the snow melts and wildflowers begin to peek through. Stop at local fishing villages like Pleasant Bay and Chéticamp to try fresh lobster rolls and chat with friendly locals about their Celtic heritage. For the best views, pull over at MacKenzie Mountain lookout, where you can see the road snake along the coastline below.

Death Valley National Park, California, USA

Just four hours east of Los Angeles sits Death Valley National Park, a land of extremes and otherworldly landscapes. Like many desert parks in the American Southwest, Death Valley has its share of rocky canyons, sand dunes, and mountain peaks. But unlike the others, it feels like you’ve landed on another planet altogether. Look out across the salt flats of Badwater Basin, sitting 282 feet below sea level, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of Death Valley’s location in the rain shadow of four mountain ranges, it’s earned the title of hottest place on Earth. But April brings perfect temperatures, wildflower blooms painting the desert floor, and clear skies that make those famous psychedelic-colored mountains pop.

High Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Experience Morocco’s most impressive mountain range as you wind through the High Atlas Mountains in spring. The snow-capped peaks create a striking backdrop as you navigate hairpin turns and remote valleys dotted with Berber villages. Stop at traditional markets to sample local dates and argan oil, or trek through wildflower-covered slopes that come alive in April. For a cultural experience, visit the Kasbah du Toubkal, a restored fortress turned mountain retreat where you can enjoy mint tea on terraces overlooking Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.

Hokkaido Island Circuit, Japan

Many travelers come to Hokkaido for its famous winter sports, but spring brings an entirely different kind of magic to Japan’s northernmost island. The 750-mile circuit around Hokkaido offers drivers a mix of coastal views and inland treasures, from the pink cherry blossoms in Matsumae to the still-snowy peaks of Daisetsuzan National Park. In April, you can catch the tail end of winter activities while also witnessing the island’s transition to spring, with opportunities to spot migrating birds, soak in natural hot springs, and sample fresh seafood in coastal towns like Otaru. The route takes you through both busy cities and quiet countryside, giving you a complete picture of this often-overlooked region of Japan.

Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef Drive in Queensland leads travelers on a coastal journey between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, where two World Heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This 140-kilometer route hugs the coastline, offering clear views of the Coral Sea on one side and thick rainforest on the other. In April, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it perfect for stops at Palm Cove and Port Douglas, where you can join boat trips to the reef or explore the ancient rainforest paths. The route includes several lookout points where you might spot sea turtles or dolphins playing in the waters below, and the Aboriginal cultural sites along the way tell stories of the land’s traditional owners.

Tuscany Wine Route, Italy

Wine enthusiasts flock to Tuscany’s winding roads in spring to experience Italy’s most famous wine route, but this region offers much more than just excellent Chianti. The countryside between Florence and Siena features endless rows of grape vines, scattered medieval villages, and family-run wineries that have perfected their craft over generations. In April, the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are thin, making it an ideal time to explore the smaller towns like Castellina and Radda. While wine tasting is the main draw, you’ll also find excellent local cuisine, cooking classes, and opportunities to stay in converted farmhouses that dot the rolling hills.

Texas Hill Country Bluebonnet Trail, USA

I first drove the Texas Hill Country Bluebonnet Trail during peak wildflower season in 2018. One of the most cherished spring routes in central Texas, this collection of backroads winds through rolling hills between Austin and San Antonio. Fields of blue wildflowers blanket the countryside from late March through April, creating a sea of color that seems to touch the horizon. Local towns like Marble Falls and Johnson City punctuate the drive, offering homestyle cafes and friendly faces along the way. The stretches between Willow City Loop and Highway 281 are particularly special, where bluebonnets mingle with Indian paintbrush and black-eyed Susans to create nature’s own Texas-sized garden.

Provence Lavender Fields Route, France

Few places spark joy like the lavender fields of Provence in April, when the first hints of purple begin dotting the French countryside. This beloved 160-mile route winds through rustic villages and rolling hills, passing rows upon rows of lavender just starting to bloom. The drive takes you past family-owned farms and centuries-old abbeys, where the scent of lavender drifts through your open windows. While most tourists flock here in peak summer, April offers a quieter, more authentic experience – you’ll share the narrow country roads with local farmers tending to their crops and have the charming cafés in places like Sault and Valensole mostly to yourself.

Cherry Blossom Trail, South Korea

I first explored South Korea’s cherry blossom trail in spring 2019, weaving through the countryside from Seoul to Busan. This 400-kilometer route winds past some of the country’s most cherished spring viewing spots, with pink and white petals dotting the landscape like confetti. The journey takes you through Yeouido Park in Seoul, where cherry trees line the Han River, before heading to Gyeongju’s Bomun Lake, where blossoms reflect off the water’s surface. Small tea houses and local markets pepper the route, offering perfect pit stops for bibimbap and sweet rice cakes. The ancient temples along the way, like Bulguksa, become even more special when their weathered stone walls contrast with the gentle rain of falling petals.

Southern Alps Circuit, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Southern Alps Circuit became my gateway to alpine adventure back in 2019. Running along the spine of the South Island, this mountain range creates one of the country’s most rewarding road trips, especially in April when autumn paints the landscape in gold and crimson. The route winds through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where snow-capped peaks reflect in glacier-fed lakes, and continues past the outdoor hub of Wanaka. Small mountain towns dot the journey, each offering cozy cafes serving flat whites and meat pies. The road itself is a marvel of engineering, curving through valleys and mountain passes where sheep graze peacefully on green hillsides. I particularly love the stretch near Lake Pukaki, where the turquoise waters create a perfect mirror for the surrounding peaks, and the hidden hot springs near Hanmer provide a welcome rest stop for tired travelers.

Transfagarasan Highway, Romania

The Transfagarasan Highway in Romania first caught my eye back in 2019 while planning a European road trip. This winding mountain road, nicknamed “the best driving road in the world” by Top Gear, snakes through the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains. The route connects the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, offering views of dense forests and rocky peaks along its 56-mile stretch. In April, as winter’s grip loosens, the mountain slopes come alive with patches of green, and the occasional snow-capped summit adds a touch of drama to the landscape. The road’s hairpin turns and long sweeping bends make it a favorite among driving enthusiasts, while the Balea Lake at the highest point serves as a perfect stop for photos and a hot cup of Romanian coffee.