Exploring the open road has always been a feast for the senses and soul, but in 2024, Car and Driver magazine has elevated this timeless tradition to a whole new level. Unveiling their curated list of the Best Road Trips for the year, they’ve tailored experiences that cater to diverse tastes—from the avid adventurer seeking pristine natural beauty to the cultural enthusiast yearning to absorb every bit of local lore.

Topping the list is California’s Pacific Coast Highway, renowned for its stunning oceanic views and twists through the mountains. Car and Driver notes that with improved roadside facilities and electric vehicle charging points, the journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles provides not just scenery but also sustainability.

In second place is Montana’s Glacier National Park Going-to-the-Sun Road. Labeled as a “driver’s paradise,” this route is acclaimed for its challenging terrain that rewards travelers with breathtaking vistas of alpine scenery and untouched wilderness—sure to satisfy those with a zest for occasionally rustic adventure.

The third road trip is an unexpected but worthy contender: The Blue Ridge Parkway stretching across Virginia and North Carolina. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” Car and Driver applauds its gentle meandering roads that treat motorists to an array of seasonal colors, historic sites, and traditional Appalachian music.

For international escapades, Car and Driver hasn’t forgotten about you. Ranking high on their list is New Zealand’s South Island Circuit—a dream for drivers who prefer their road trips served with a side of adrenaline, peppered with opportunities for bungee jumping, skydiving, or tranquil moments gazing upon mirror-like fjords.

Last but certainly not least, Iceland’s Ring Road encircles this Nordic wonderland. It takes adventurers through volcanic landscapes, ice fields, waterfalls, and geothermal springs. It’s ideal for intrepid spirits looking for a road trip that combines mythic landscapes with cutting-edge eco-friendly tourism practices.

Car and Driver reminds us that each journey not only provides an escape from daily life but is also a patchwork of experiences that stay etched in memory—a philosophy they’ve carried into their meticulously selected Best Road Trips of 2024. Whether you follow their guide or blaze your own trail, it’s clear that the romance of the road endures well into 2024 and beyond.