Top 15 'Silver-Screen-Scenery' Road Trip Routes to try for a Cinematic Adventure this year - Goh Ling Yong
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "I want to go there"? It’s a feeling that sparks a fire in the heart of every traveler. The sweeping landscapes, the dramatic coastlines, the lonely desert highways—they're not just backdrops; they're characters in their own right. And what better way to experience them than from behind the wheel of your own car, with the perfect soundtrack playing and the open road stretching out before you?
The connection between cars, cinema, and the call of the wild is a powerful one. A great road trip isn't just about getting from A to B; it's about the story that unfolds along the way. It’s about feeling like the star of your own movie, turning a simple drive into a truly cinematic adventure. This is where the magic happens—where the rumble of the engine meets the majesty of a film-famous vista.
That's why we've curated the ultimate list for the film-loving driver. Forget the multiplex; your next big adventure is waiting on the blacktop. From the sun-drenched coasts of California to the mythical highlands of Scotland, here are 15 silver-screen-inspired road trip routes that will transport you straight into your favorite movies. Buckle up—it’s time to hit the road.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA (Big Little Lies, Sideways)
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is cinematic royalty. Its most famous stretch, through Big Sur, is instantly recognizable from the moody opening credits of HBO's Big Little Lies. The iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the winding cliffs, and the crashing surf below create a backdrop of breathtaking, dramatic beauty. Further south, the Santa Ynez Valley portion of the PCH was the star of the wine-soaked road trip classic, Sideways.
Driving the PCH feels like stepping into a postcard. Every turn reveals a new vista more stunning than the last. You can almost hear the whispered secrets of Monterey's elite or the clinking of Pinot Noir glasses as you navigate the curves. It’s a route that demands to be savored, not rushed.
Pro Tip: For the best views, drive from north to south (San Francisco to Los Angeles). This puts you in the outside lane, with unobstructed, jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean right next to you. Pull over often at the designated turnouts—the photo opportunities are endless.
2. Scenic Byway 128 & Route 163, Utah, USA (Thelma & Louise, Forrest Gump)
Utah's otherworldly landscape has been the go-to location for filmmakers wanting to capture the vast, untamed spirit of the American West. The drive along Utah's Scenic Byway 128, which follows the Colorado River, will take you through the dramatic red rock canyons featured in countless films, including the climactic final scene of Thelma & Louise. The sense of freedom and rebellion is palpable in the air.
Further south, US Route 163 leads you directly into Monument Valley. Here you'll find "Forrest Gump Point," the exact spot where Forrest decided to end his cross-country run. Standing on that long, straight road with the iconic mesas rising in the distance is a truly surreal moment for any movie fan. As an automotive enthusiast, I know Goh Ling Yong often discusses the profound connection between a car and the journey, and there’s no better place to feel that than here.
Pro Tip: The light in Monument Valley is best at sunrise or sunset, casting long, dramatic shadows and turning the rock formations a fiery red. Plan your drive to arrive during these "golden hours."
3. Glen Etive, Scotland (Skyfall)
Picture this: you're behind the wheel of a classic Aston Martin DB5, winding through a misty, desolate, and achingly beautiful Scottish glen. This is the scene that made jaws drop in Skyfall, and you can recreate it by driving the single-track road down Glen Etive, just off the main A82 near Glencoe. The moody mountains, brooding sky, and herds of red deer create an atmosphere that is pure James Bond.
The drive itself is an adventure. The narrow road requires focus and a bit of courtesy for oncoming traffic, but the reward is a sense of isolation and grandeur that is hard to find anywhere else. It’s a landscape that feels both ancient and epic, the perfect setting for a spy returning to his roots.
Pro Tip: This area is famous for its midges (tiny biting insects) in the summer. The best time to visit is in the autumn, when the insects are gone and the landscape is ablaze with fiery oranges and reds.
4. Tongariro National Park, New Zealand (The Lord of the Rings)
Welcome to Mordor. The drive around Tongariro National Park on New Zealand's North Island takes you right to the foot of Mount Ngauruhoe, the perfectly conical volcano that Peter Jackson cast as the fearsome Mount Doom. The stark, volcanic landscape of the Rangipo Desert on the eastern side of the park feels truly otherworldly, as if you've driven straight into Middle-earth.
While you can't drive up the mountain, the roads surrounding it offer incredible views and access to some of the world's best hiking trails, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The drive along the Desert Road (State Highway 1) provides a desolate beauty that is both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
Pro Tip: The weather in Tongariro National Park can change in an instant. Be prepared with layers of clothing, even in summer. The visitor center in Whakapapa Village offers excellent information on current conditions and must-see spots.
5. The "Garden Isle" of Kauai, Hawaii, USA (Jurassic Park)
The moment the helicopter soars over the lush green cliffs and down to a majestic waterfall in Jurassic Park, viewers were introduced to the stunning beauty of Kauai. Hawaii's "Garden Isle" is a prehistoric paradise, and driving its coastal highways and interior roads feels like an expedition into a lost world. You can almost hear the cry of a brachiosaurus in the distance.
From the dramatic, jagged cliffs of the Nāpali Coast to the deep, red-earth chasm of Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), Kauai's landscapes are the real stars. A drive through the island will take you past locations used for the Visitor Center, the Jurassic Park gates, and numerous jungle chase scenes.
Pro Tip: To access some of the more remote, film-worthy locations, renting a 4x4 vehicle is a smart move. It will allow you to explore the dirt roads and scenic lookouts that a standard car can't reach.
6. Route 66, USA (Easy Rider, Cars)
No list of cinematic road trips is complete without the "Mother Road." Route 66 is the embodiment of American freedom and nostalgia, immortalized in films from Easy Rider to Pixar's Cars. Driving even a small section of this historic highway is a journey back in time, filled with kitschy motels, quirky roadside attractions, and a powerful sense of open-road optimism.
The stretch through Arizona, from Kingman to Seligman, is one of the best-preserved sections and feels like you've driven onto the set of Cars. The neon signs, vintage gas stations, and the endless desert horizon capture the heart and soul of the American road trip.
Pro Tip: Don't rely solely on modern GPS. Part of the fun of Route 66 is navigating the old alignments and discovering forgotten towns. Grab a dedicated Route 66 map or guidebook to make the most of the experience.
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Wonder Woman)
Glamour, danger, and breathtaking beauty—the Amalfi Coast drive has it all. This winding, cliff-hugging road in Southern Italy was the sun-drenched playground for the characters in The Talented Mr. Ripley. The impossibly blue water, pastel-coloured villages clinging to the cliffs, and lemon groves create a scene of pure, decadent luxury.
This is not a drive for the faint of heart. The road is incredibly narrow, with hairpin turns and buses that seem to defy physics. But the reward is one of the most beautiful coastal drives on the planet. Every corner reveals a view more spectacular than the last, from the chic streets of Positano to the historic charm of Ravello.
Pro Tip: Rent the smallest car you can comfortably fit in. A Fiat 500 isn't just a cliché here; it's a practical necessity for navigating the tight roads and even tighter parking spots. Travel in the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) to avoid the worst of the summer traffic.
8. The Atlantic Road, Norway (No Time to Die)
Featured in a thrilling chase sequence in the James Bond film No Time to Die, the Atlantic Road is a marvel of engineering and a truly unique driving experience. This 8.3-kilometer stretch of road hops across a series of small islands and skerries in the Norwegian Sea, connecting them with a series of spectacular bridges, most famously the swooping, curved Storseisundet Bridge.
Driving this road, especially on a day with dramatic weather, feels like you're driving on the surface of the ocean itself. Waves crash against the barriers, and the wind howls around you. It's a short but unforgettable drive that showcases the raw, untamed beauty of the Norwegian coast.
Pro Tip: There are several designated stopping points along the road. Be sure to pull over and walk along the specially constructed viewing platforms to truly appreciate the architecture and the wild surroundings.
9. Dubrovnik & The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia (Game of Thrones)
For fans of Game of Thrones, a drive along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is a pilgrimage. The ancient walled city of Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King's Landing, and its majestic forts and terracotta roofs are instantly recognizable. The drive itself, along the Jadranska Magistrala (Adriatic Highway), is a stunner.
With the sparkling Adriatic Sea on one side and rugged mountains on the other, this coastal road winds past historic towns, secluded coves, and lush islands. You can visit Trsteno Arboretum, the gardens of King's Landing, or simply soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere that brought Westeros to life.
Pro Tip: The road takes you through a short, 9km stretch of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the town of Neum. Ensure you have your passport and any necessary vehicle documents handy for the border crossings, which can sometimes have queues in peak season.
10. Great Ocean Road, Australia (Mad Max)
While the original Mad Max was filmed on the desolate plains west of Melbourne, the spirit of the film—a lone driver against a vast, rugged landscape—is perfectly embodied by the Great Ocean Road. This iconic 243-kilometer coastal drive is a masterpiece of Australian scenery, famous for the dramatic Twelve Apostles rock stacks.
The road twists and turns along steep cliffs, dips into lush rainforests, and passes through charming seaside towns. It's a drive that feels epic and wild, a perfect place to imagine yourself in a post-apocalyptic pursuit, minus the souped-up Interceptors.
Pro Tip: Most people drive the road in a single day, but it's far more rewarding to take two or three. This allows you to explore the hiking trails in Great Otway National Park and see the Twelve Apostles at both sunset and sunrise, when the light is most magical.
11. Sea-to-Sky Highway, British Columbia, Canada (The X-Files, Deadpool)
Known as "Hollywood North," the area around Vancouver has stood in for everything from gloomy Washington state in The X-Files to the urban playground of Deadpool. The Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to Whistler is the region's scenic superstar. This stunning road hugs the coastline of Howe Sound before climbing into the majestic Coast Mountains.
The drive offers a showcase of the Pacific Northwest's diverse beauty: moody temperate rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. You'll pass by filming locations for countless productions that have taken advantage of this versatile and dramatic landscape. The truth is out there, and it’s beautiful.
Pro Tip: Make a stop at the Sea to Sky Gondola just south of Squamish. The ride to the top and the views from the suspension bridge are absolutely breathtaking and give you a true appreciation for the scale of the landscape.
12. The "Ring Road," Iceland (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Game of Thrones)
Iceland is a filmmaker's dream, and driving its Route 1, or "Ring Road," is like taking a tour of a dozen different fantasy and sci-fi movie sets. From the epic longboarding scene in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (filmed near Seyðisfjörður) to the "North of the Wall" landscapes from Game of Thrones, Iceland's scenery is otherworldly.
The Ring Road circumnavigates the entire island, taking you past active volcanoes, colossal glaciers, black sand beaches, and powerful waterfalls. Every day on this road trip brings a new, jaw-dropping landscape that feels like it belongs on another planet.
Pro Tip: While you can drive the Ring Road in about 7 days, give yourself at least 10-14 days to do it justice. This allows for spontaneous detours to explore ice caves, hike on a glacier, or wait for a glimpse of the Northern Lights (in winter).
13. Wadi Rum, Jordan (Dune, The Martian, Lawrence of Arabia)
For the ultimate "driving on Mars" experience, look no further than Wadi Rum in Jordan. This vast, silent desert of red sand and towering sandstone mountains has been the stand-in for the Red Planet in The Martian and the desert planet of Arrakis in Dune. Its epic scale also provided the backdrop for the classic Lawrence of Arabia.
While you can't self-drive your rental car deep into the protected desert area, the experience involves taking a guided 4x4 tour with local Bedouin guides. The drive to Wadi Rum is spectacular, and the guided jeep adventure through the valley is an essential part of the cinematic journey, taking you to famous film locations and hidden desert wonders.
Pro Tip: Spend a night in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. The experience of watching the sunset over the desert, followed by an evening of stargazing in one of the darkest spots on earth, is absolutely unforgettable.
14. Bavarian Romantic Road, Germany (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)
For a fairytale adventure, Germany's Romantische Straße, or Romantic Road, is pure magic. This picturesque route winds through the heart of Bavaria, connecting medieval walled towns and charming villages. The undisputed star of the show is Neuschwanstein Castle, the real-life inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle and the floating palace of Baron Bomburst in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Driving this route feels like you've fallen into a storybook. You'll pass through Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a perfectly preserved medieval town, and countless other scenic spots. It’s a gentle, charming drive that’s more about soaking in the history and beauty than high-octane thrills.
Pro Tip: The Romantic Road is incredibly popular. To avoid the crowds, try to visit the main attractions like Neuschwanstein early in the morning on a weekday. Also, take time to wander off the main route and explore the smaller, less-visited villages.
15. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland (Harry Potter)
Summon your inner wizard and head for the Scottish Highlands. The A830, also known as the "Road to the Isles," will take you through the heart of Harry Potter country. The most iconic sight is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the spectacular bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the films. The surrounding landscape of misty lochs and rugged, heather-covered hills is pure magic.
The drive from Fort William to Mallaig is one of the most scenic in Scotland. You'll pass by Loch Shiel (the Black Lake in the films) and the silver sands of Morar, which stood in for the beaches near Hogwarts. It’s a route that will make you believe in magic, or at the very least, in the enchanting power of a great road trip.
Pro Tip: To get the iconic shot of the train crossing the viaduct, check the schedule for the Jacobite Steam Train (which runs from May to October) and arrive at the Glenfinnan visitor centre viewpoint at least 30-45 minutes beforehand to get a good spot.
The world is full of incredible roads that have graced the silver screen, each one offering a unique story and an unforgettable driving experience. This list is just a starting point, and I'm sure readers of Goh Ling Yong's blog have their own favourites to add. So, fill up the tank, create the perfect playlist, and set your GPS for adventure. The director's chair is empty, and the open road is your set.
What cinematic road trip is on your bucket list? Share your dream drive in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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