Must-See Views on Scenic Drives

Embarking on a scenic drive is more than simply covering miles—it’s an invitation to witness must see views that linger in memory long after the road disappears behind you. From towering cliffs to ribbon-like coastlines, these drives offer panoramic spectacles that enchant the soul and reinvigorate the spirit. Buckle up and prepare for a journey through some of the world’s most awe-inspiring vistas.

Pacific Coast Highway: Bixby Creek Bridge, California

Highway 1’s stretch through Big Sur is legendary for a reason. Here, the must see views center around the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. This graceful arched structure perches on precipices that plunge into the Pacific. Mornings often begin with a delicate marine layer that lifts to reveal sun-dappled cliffs. Later, the sea horizon stretches infinitely, kissed by the glow of sunset. Pull over at turnout 30, where vantage points are perfectly framed for capturing that classic California coastline panorama.

Blue Ridge Parkway: Linn Cove Viaduct, North Carolina

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachians with sylvan elegance. One must see views highlight is the Linn Cove Viaduct. This sinuous concrete marvel curves around Grandfather Mountain’s flanks as if carved by nature. In autumn, the surrounding hardwoods erupt in a cinnamon-and-gold tapestry, creating a visual symphony. Stroll along the short trail beside the viaduct to feel the cool mountain air and witness the undulating ridge lines rolling into the distance.

Icefields Parkway: Athabasca Glacier Overlook, Canada

Traversing the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is a high-altitude odyssey of snow-capped peaks and glacial intrigue. A standout must see view is the Athabasca Glacier overlook. Here, you gaze upon a monumental river of ice, its crevassed surface an ever-shifting labyrinth of white and blue. In spring, glacial meltwater forms ephemeral turquoise pools at its terminus. The juxtaposition of sheer rock walls, velvet-green meadows, and ancient ice makes this vista nothing short of otherworldly.

Great Ocean Road: Twelve Apostles, Australia

Australia’s Great Ocean Road reveals a seascape carved by millennia of waves. Among its must see views are the Twelve Apostles—towering limestone stacks that rise like monoliths from the Southern Ocean. Stand on the elevated boardwalk at sunrise to see golden light caress each pillar, or watch waves pound their bases at sunset for a dramatic silhouette. Nearby viewing platforms offer different perspectives, each one capturing the stoic grandeur of these coastal sentinels.

Amalfi Coast Drive: Veiled Villages, Italy

The Amalfi Coast’s winding SS163 Route is a masterclass in Mediterranean charm. Must see views here are as much about the villages as the sea. Perched on cliff faces, towns like Positano and Praiano drape themselves in pastel hues, baroque churches gleaming under the Italian sun. Turnouts reveal terraced lemon groves cascading toward the azure bay. Late-afternoon light filters through bougainvillea-draped archways, creating an ambiance that feels like a sun-kissed reverie.

Hana Highway: Wailua Falls, Hawaii

Maui’s Hana Highway is a tropical tapestry of waterfalls and rainforests. Among its hidden treasures are the must see views at Wailua Falls. This twin-drop cascade plunges into a jade pool ringed by ferns and banana palms. The road curves into small pullouts where you can hear the water’s roar and inhale mist-laden air. Dawn light illuminates the falls in a gentle glow—an almost magical scene that feels far removed from everyday reality.

Cabot Trail: Neist Point Lighthouse, Nova Scotia

Canada’s Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island, delivering coastal drama at every bend. One must see view is Neist Point Lighthouse. This solitary beacon stands guard atop windswept cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. From the rocky promontory, seabirds wheel on thermals, and whales sometimes breach offshore. The vantage point offers panoramic vistas stretching to the horizon, where waves crash against basalt rock in a restless symphony.

Atlantic Ocean Road: Storseisundet Bridge, Norway

Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road is an engineering marvel set against a tempestuous sea. The highlight among must see views is the Storseisundet Bridge, which seems to vault between rocky islets as though defying gravity. From the roadside lookout, you can capture its dramatic arc with skerries dotting the ocean below. In stormy weather, spray sprays skyward, adding a primal, elemental dimension to the scene.

Tips for Savoring Every View

1. Time your visits for golden hour—sunrise or sunset—to bathe landscapes in warm, dramatic light.
   
   

2. Pack a picnic and linger at lookout points. A thermos of tea or local delicacies enhances the sensory experience.
   
   

3. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to discover distant details—birds on a ledge or icebergs drifting in glacial lakes.
   
   

4. Embrace detours off the main route to uncover hidden vistas and local character beyond the guidebooks.
   
   

From the rocky shores of the Pacific to misty mountain passes and sun-kissed Mediterranean cliffs, these must see views on scenic drives promise rejuvenation, creative inspiration, and moments of pure awe. The road awaits—set your GPS, roll down the windows, and let the world unfold around you, one magical vista at a time.