9 Photogenic Coastal Roads with Stunning Ocean Views

There’s nothing quite like the allure of a road that hugs the coastline and offers breathtaking ocean views. Thankfully, there are many excellent options, and this article covers 9 of the best coastal roads in the world. From the rugged cliffs of Ireland to the serene beaches of Hawaii, you’ll love these coastal roads that provide amazing views and ample photo opportunities.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (USA)

Stretching along California’s scenic coast, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic drives in the United States. Offering panoramic ocean views, towering cliffs, and charming seaside towns, this route is a dream for both travelers and photographers.

📍 Location and Length

The Pacific Coast Highway runs for 1,650 miles (2,655 km) from Port Townsend, Washinton to San Diego, California.

🌟 Highlights

• Big Sur: This section of the highway features dramatic cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, with numerous turnouts for capturing the stunning vistas.
• Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most photographed bridges in California, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
• McWay Falls: Located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, this waterfall cascades directly onto a pristine beach, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
• Santa Barbara: Known as the American Riviera, this picturesque city boasts beautiful beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and a vibrant downtown area.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Spring and fall offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and clear skies that enhance the breathtaking coastal views.

2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Known for its dramatic coastline and stunning rock formations, the Great Ocean Road is a must-see for any traveler in Australia. This route takes you through lush rainforests and along golden beaches, offering plenty of photo opportunities at every turn.

📍 Location and Length

Great Ocean Road runs from Torquay to Allansford and is about 150 miles (243 km) long.

🌟 Highlights

• Twelve Apostles: These iconic limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean, providing a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters and a perfect spot for sunset photography.
• Loch Ard Gorge: Named after the shipwrecked clipper ship Loch Ard, this secluded gorge features striking cliffs and a tranquil beach, offering a dramatic and historic backdrop.
• Apollo Bay: This charming coastal town is an excellent stopover with its picturesque harbor, relaxing beaches, and a great spot for sampling local seafood.
• Cape Otway Lightstation: One of Australia’s oldest lighthouses, it offers panoramic views of the coastline and a glimpse into the country’s maritime history.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Australian summer (December to February) offers the best weather.

3. Chapman’s Peak Drive (South Africa)

Carved into the cliffs of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, Chapman’s Peak Drive offers jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains. It’s a short drive, but every mile is packed with stunning scenery.

📍 Location and Length

Chapman’s Peak Drive is about 6 miles (9.5 km) long and runs from Hout Bay to Noordhoek.

🌟 Highlights

• Noordhoek Beach: This expansive, white-sand beach offers stunning panoramic views and is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or horseback riding.
• Hout Bay: A picturesque fishing village, Hout Bay features a charming harbor, vibrant markets, and opportunities for boat trips to Seal Island.
• Chapman’s Peak: The drive itself is a highlight, with numerous lookout points offering breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean below.
• Sunset Views: The drive is particularly magical at sunset, with the golden light casting a warm glow over the cliffs and ocean, making for incredible photo opportunities.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Spring (September to November) for blooming wildflowers and pleasant weather.

4. Atlantic Road (Norway)

Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful drive,” Norway’s Atlantic Road connects a series of islands with dramatic bridges and causeways. The road’s proximity to the ocean allows for incredible photo opportunities, especially during stormy weather when waves crash against the road.

📍 Location and Length

Atlantic Road starts about 19 miles (30 km) southwest of Kristiansund and ends 29 miles (47 km) north of Molde. It is about 5 miles (8 km) long

🌟 Highlights

• Storseisundet Bridge: The most iconic of the road’s eight bridges, Storseisundet Bridge curves and arches dramatically, providing a thrilling driving experience and stunning views of the surrounding seascape.
• Håholmen: An old fishing village turned into a charming tourist spot, Håholmen offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian coastal life with its preserved wooden buildings and scenic harbor.
• Kvernes Stave Church: One of Norway’s historical stave churches, Kvernes Stave Church combines intricate woodwork with breathtaking views of the fjords, making it a perfect spot for history and photography enthusiasts.
• Eldhusøya: The largest of the islands along the Atlantic Road, Eldhusøya features a scenic walking path that winds through the island’s rugged landscape, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding waters.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Summer (June to August) for long daylight hours and clear skies.

5. Ring of Kerry (Ireland)

The Ring of Kerry is a circular route that takes you through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes. From rugged coastlines to charming villages and ancient ruins, this route offers endless opportunities for photographers.

📍 Location and Length

This loop road on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry in South Western Ireland is about 111 miles (179 km) long.

🌟 Highlights

• Killarney National Park: This pristine park features lush greenery, stunning lakes, and the majestic MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range, offering a serene escape into nature.
• Skellig Michael: An ancient monastic site perched on a rugged island, Skellig Michael provides a unique glimpse into early Christian history coupled with breathtaking coastal views.
• Ross Castle: A picturesque 15th-century castle situated on the shores of Lough Leane, Ross Castle offers a rich history and stunning landscapes, perfect for both history buffs and photographers.
• Torc Waterfall: This stunning waterfall located in Killarney National Park cascades through a lush woodland setting, making it a perfect spot for nature photography and peaceful reflection.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Late Spring to Early Fall (May to September) for mild weather and lush greenery

6. Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)

This scenic drive takes you along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline, offering views of dramatic cliffs, ancient castles, and the famous Giant’s Causeway. It’s a route that combines natural beauty with rich history.

📍 Location and Length

The Causeway Coastal Route is 120 miles (193 km) long and runs from Belfast to Derry.

🌟 Highlights

• Giant’s Causeway: This UNESCO World Heritage site features tens of thousands of interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating a unique and otherworldly landscape that’s perfect for exploration and photography.
• Dunluce Castle: Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff, the ruins of Dunluce Castle offer breathtaking sea views and a fascinating glimpse into Northern Ireland’s medieval history.
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Suspended nearly 100 feet above the ocean, this historic rope bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede, providing an exhilarating crossing and stunning coastal vistas.
• Bushmills Distillery: Established in 1608, Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed distillery and offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the whiskey-making process and sample a range of award-winning spirits.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Summer (June to August) for the best weather and longest days

7. Amalfi Coast Road (Italy)

Winding along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this road offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, charming villages, and lush terraces. The route is famous for its hairpin bends and narrow passages, making it an exciting drive.

📍 Location and Length

The Amalfi Coast Road is about 37 miles (60 km) long and extends from Sorrento to Vietri sul Mare.

🌟 Highlights

• Positano: This picturesque village built into the cliffs boasts colorful buildings, narrow winding streets, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. A must-visit for its unique charm and vibrant atmosphere.
• Ravello: Known for its beautiful gardens and historic villas, Ravello offers panoramic views of the coast and is a peaceful retreat away from the busier towns.
• Amalfi Cathedral: Located in the heart of Amalfi town, this historic cathedral features stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and a rich history dating back to the 9th century.
• Fiordo di Furore: A hidden gem along the coast, this dramatic fjord is a serene spot where the sea meets towering cliffs, providing a perfect setting for photography and relaxation.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds

8. Cabot Trail (Canada)

Located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail offers a mix of coastal views and lush highland scenery. The route takes you through charming fishing villages and along steep cliffs, making it a photographer’s paradise.

📍 Location and Length

Cabot Trail is a 185-mile (298 km) loop at the northern part of Cape Breton Island.

🌟 Highlights

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park: This pristine park offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, dense forests, and ocean vistas, making it a prime spot for hiking and wildlife photography.
• Skyline Trail: A popular hiking trail that provides panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and might even offer a chance to spot moose and eagles.
• Pleasant Bay: Known for its whale-watching tours, Pleasant Bay offers visitors the opportunity to see various species of whales up close in their natural habitat.
• Chéticamp: A vibrant Acadian fishing village with colorful houses, Chéticamp offers a cultural experience with its rich history, local crafts, and traditional music festivals.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Fall (September to October) for stunning foliage and cooler weather

9. Hana Highway (USA)

The Hana Highway (also known as The Road to Hana) on the island of Maui, Hawaii, is a winding road that takes you through lush rainforests, past waterfalls, and along the rugged coastline. The drive is full of stunning views and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

📍 Location and Length

Hana Highway is 64 miles (103 km) long and runs from Kahului to Hana.

🌟 Highlights

• Twin Falls: Located just a short trek from the highway, Twin Falls is a set of beautiful waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip or some serene photography amidst the lush surroundings.
• Waianapanapa State Park: This stunning park features a striking black sand beach, sea caves, and dramatic coastal cliffs, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
• Hana Town: A charming and secluded town with a laid-back atmosphere, Hana offers a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian life and is home to local markets, art galleries, and historic sites.
• Ohe’o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools): Located in Haleakala National Park, this series of cascading waterfalls and pools offers a breathtaking natural spectacle and a great spot for swimming and exploring.

📆 Best Time to Make the Trip

Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to November) for less rainfall and fewer tourists

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for your next adventure or seeking the perfect shot, these coastal roads offer some of the most photogenic views in the world. Each route has its unique charm and beauty, making them all worth the trip.