Conde Nast Road Trips for Scenic Drives

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching road trip routes for Conde Nast and similar travel publications, focusing on what makes a drive genuinely memorable rather than just photogenic. My approach prioritizes routes that offer consistent scenic payoff, manageable driving conditions for the average traveler, and a variety of stops that justify the journey. I do not rely on a single visit or personal anecdote; instead, I synthesize owner feedback, route reports from experienced travelers, and the stated features of each product to give you a balanced, honest assessment.

This guide is built on a framework of practical evaluation criteria: road condition, scenic diversity, traffic patterns, accessibility of key stops, and the overall emotional impact of the drive. I also consider the specific features of each product or route, such as the PopGrip on the Pacific Coast Highway note or the vintage aesthetic of the Scottish Highlands sign, to see how they enhance or detract from the experience. Every recommendation here is grounded in what real travelers and owners report, not in marketing hype.

How we researched

To evaluate these five road trips, I weighed several key criteria that define a great scenic drive. First, I assessed the visual consistency of the route: does it offer sustained beauty or just a few highlights? Second, I considered the driving difficulty, including road width, traffic volume, and the need for special skills like left-hand driving. Third, I looked at the diversity of attractions along the way, from natural landmarks to cultural stops. Fourth, I factored in the best time of year and how weather affects the experience. Finally, I examined any added value from the product features mentioned, such as the PopGrip’s expandable stand for hands-free navigation or the metal sign’s rustic charm as a souvenir.

Each route was compared against these criteria using published route descriptions, travel forums, and official tourism data. I did not physically drive these roads for this guide; instead, I analyzed the consensus among experienced travelers and the stated capabilities of any associated products. For example, the Pacific Coast Highway’s note about a PopGrip with a swappable top and advanced adhesive was evaluated for its practical utility on a long drive, while the Scottish Highlands metal sign was considered as a decorative item rather than a driving aid. This method ensures my recommendations are based on reliable, crowd-sourced knowledge rather than a single, biased experience.

Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) — Best American Coastal Drive

The Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the standard by which American scenic drives are measured. The route offers relentless ocean views, dramatic cliff edges, and stops including Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon. Elephant seal colonies, sea otter sightings, and redwood forest detours add natural interest beyond the coastal panorama. The drive is best done southbound to keep the ocean on your side and to avoid hairpin turns on the outside lane. The real Amazon features include a PopGrip with a swappable top that lets you switch out your PopTop for another design or remove it completely. It also has an expandable stand to watch videos, take group photos, FaceTime, and Skype handsfree. The advanced adhesive allows you to remove and reposition on most devices and cases, though it will not stick to some silicone, waterproof, or highly textured cases. Works best with a smooth surface.

One honest limitation of this route is the traffic, especially near Santa Barbara and Monterey during summer weekends. The PopGrip’s stand is useful for hands-free navigation, but the adhesive may fail on a textured phone case, which can be frustrating if you rely on it for mounting. The drive itself can take 10 to 12 hours without stops, so plan for an overnight in Big Sur or Carmel. The redwood detours, like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, add time but are worth it for the towering trees. Overall, this route delivers the most iconic coastal scenery in the United States, with the PopGrip adding convenient hands-free functionality for those with compatible cases.

Amalfi Coast Drive — Best European Coastal Drive

The Amalfi Coast road is compact but visually overwhelming. Driving the SS163 above the Tyrrhenian Sea with cliff-top villages, lemon groves, and azure water below is an experience Conde Nast readers consistently rate among Europe’s finest. The road is narrow and demanding, particularly in summer when traffic peaks. Hiring a local driver or taking the route early in the morning eliminates stress and lets you focus on the views. The real Amazon features for this product are listed as none, meaning there are no physical accessories or add-ons to consider. The route itself is the star, with stops like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello offering stunning architecture and local cuisine.

One honest limitation is the lack of any product features to enhance the experience; you are entirely reliant on the road and your vehicle. The narrow, winding roads can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers, and parking in the villages is a nightmare during peak season. The best approach is to take a guided tour or use a local driver, which adds cost but removes stress. The route is short, about 50 kilometers, but can take several hours due to traffic. The views are unmatched, but the driving demands caution and patience. If you want a hands-free experience, you will need to bring your own phone mount or rely on a passenger for navigation.

Scottish Highlands Route — Best Wild Landscape Drive

The North Coast 500, Scotland’s answer to the Pacific Coast Highway, circles the Scottish Highlands from Inverness through extreme northern Scotland and back. Loch-side roads, ancient castles, remote beaches, and near-empty single-track lanes make this one of the most atmospheric road trips in the world. Driving standards differ from continental Europe (left-hand drive), and passing etiquette on single-track roads requires practice. The real Amazon features include a vintage aesthetic metal sign measuring 12×8 inches with a classic and timeless design. The rust-style finish adds a unique and rustic appeal, making it an ideal decoration for a home, cafe, bar, pub, or store. It is made from durable aluminum and comes with pre-drilled holes for easy and secure hanging.

One honest limitation is the weather, which can be rainy and windy even in summer, reducing visibility and making the single-track roads more treacherous. The metal sign, while charming, is a decorative item and does not aid in navigation or safety. You will need to rely on a proper GPS or map for the route. The North Coast 500 is about 500 miles, so plan for at least 4 to 5 days to enjoy the stops like Dunrobin Castle and the Bealach na Ba pass. The left-hand drive can be disorienting for American drivers, and passing places require patience. The sign is a nice souvenir but not a practical tool for the trip itself.

Ring of Kerry — Best Circular Scenic Route

Ireland’s Ring of Kerry traces 179 kilometers around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, passing through mountain passes, glacial lakes, and Atlantic coastal scenery. The route works best traveling counter-clockwise to avoid tour bus traffic. Killarney National Park and the town of Kenmare are standout stops. The Irish landscape changes character rapidly on this route, from rocky Atlantic headlands to lush green valleys. The real Amazon features for this product are listed as none, so there are no physical accessories to discuss. The focus is entirely on the driving experience and the natural beauty of the route.

One honest limitation is the heavy tourist traffic, especially during summer months, which can turn a peaceful drive into a stressful crawl. The narrow roads, often with stone walls on both sides, leave little room for error. The lack of any product features means you will need to bring your own phone mount or rely on a paper map. The route is doable in a single day but is much better enjoyed over two or three days with stops in Waterville and Cahersiveen. The weather is famously unpredictable, so pack layers and rain gear. The Ring of Kerry offers a concentrated dose of Irish scenery, but it requires patience and careful driving to fully appreciate.

Garden Route, South Africa — Best Year-Round Drive

The Garden Route between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth offers the most ecologically diverse road trip on this list. Dense indigenous forest, whale-watching coastline, ostrich farms, and the dramatic Tsitsikamma National Park appear across a route that can be driven in two days but rewards a week-long exploration. South Africa’s well-maintained N2 highway makes the driving straightforward, and the weather is mild year-round. The real Amazon features for this product are listed as none, meaning there are no physical accessories included. The route itself is the draw, with stops like Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Cango Caves offering variety.

One honest limitation is the distance between stops, which can feel long if you are trying to cover the entire route in a short time. The N2 highway, while well-maintained, can be monotonous in sections, and some side roads to attractions are unpaved. The lack of any product features means you will need to supply your own navigation and entertainment. Safety is a consideration in South Africa; avoid driving after dark and keep valuables out of sight. The route is best experienced as a slow-paced journey with multiple overnight stays. The whale-watching season from June to November is a highlight, but the crowds increase then too. The Garden Route is a fantastic year-round option, but it requires planning and a flexible schedule.

What to look for

• Road conditions and traffic: Look for routes with well-maintained roads and manageable traffic for your skill level. Narrow, winding roads like the Amalfi Coast require experience or a local driver.
• Scenic diversity: Choose a route that offers changing landscapes, from coastal cliffs to forests or mountains, to keep the drive engaging. The Garden Route excels here with its ecological variety.
• Accessory compatibility: If a product includes features like a PopGrip or a decorative sign, check that the adhesive works on your device or that the sign fits your space. The PopGrip’s advanced adhesive is not suitable for all cases.
• Time required: Consider how many days you can dedicate to the drive. The Ring of Kerry can be done in a day, but the Scottish Highlands Route needs at least four or five days for a relaxed pace.
• Weather and season: Research the best time of year for your chosen route. The Amalfi Coast is best in spring or fall to avoid summer traffic, while the Garden Route is mild year-round.
• Navigation and safety: Ensure you have a reliable GPS or map, especially for routes with poor cell service like the Scottish Highlands. Left-hand drive routes require extra caution for drivers from right-hand drive countries.

The verdict

The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) remains the top recommendation for its unmatched blend of dramatic coastal scenery, iconic stops, and accessible driving conditions. The included PopGrip with its expandable stand and swappable top adds practical value for hands-free navigation and photos, though the adhesive limitation means it works best on smooth cases. For a European experience, the Amalfi Coast Drive offers visual overload but demands careful planning and a local driver. The Scottish Highlands Route and Ring of Kerry reward adventurous drivers with wild landscapes and solitude, while the Garden Route provides the most diverse year-round option. Each route has its own character, but the Pacific Coast Highway delivers the most complete and satisfying road trip experience for most travelers.