The Most Beautiful Drives You Can Take Around the World, According to Instagram Data

Instagram data reveals the world's most stunning road trips. These scenic journeys boast breathtaking views, perfect for filling your feed. Discover routes with high Instagram engagement, showcasing popular spots and hidden gems. Plan your next adventure based on user-generated content and travel influencer favorites. Get inspired by social media trends and capture unforgettable photos on these drive's.

Planning your next adventure? Ditch the destination-focused mindset and consider the journey itself! Some of the most unforgettable travel experiences are found on the open road, with breathtaking scenery unfolding around every bend. And where better to glean inspiration than from the visually-driven world of Instagram? We've analyzed a wealth of Instagram data, including hashtags and geotags, to uncover the most beautiful drives on Earth. Buckle up and prepare to add these stunning routes to your bucket list!

Methodology: How We Determined the Most Instagrammable Drives

Our research delved into the world of Instagram, a platform synonymous with capturing and sharing beautiful moments. We analyzed hundreds of thousands of posts, focusing on hashtags and geotags associated with scenic drives and popular road trip destinations. By identifying roads mentioned in captions alongside beauty-related hashtags like beautiful, scenic, amazingview, and landscapephotography", we were able to rank routes based on their overall popularity and visual appeal as expressed on Instagram. The higher the frequency of combined mentions, the higher the road ranked.

The World's Most Stunning Drives: An Instagram-Inspired Ranking

Based on our analysis, here's a rundown of the most scenic drives, guaranteed to fill your Instagram feed with envy-inducing photos:

Rank	Drive Name	Location	Why It's Instagrammable
1	Great Ocean Road	Australia	Iconic coastal views, dramatic cliffs, the Twelve Apostles rock formations, and stunning beaches make it a photographer's paradise. Think endless ocean horizons and vibrant sunsets.
2	Amalfi Coast Road	Italy	Winding roads clinging to cliffsides overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Picturesque towns like Positano and Amalfi add to the charm, offering colorful photo opportunities at every turn.
3	Route 66	USA	A legendary slice of Americana. Captures the spirit of classic road trips with vintage diners, quirky roadside attractions, and vast desert landscapes. Offers nostalgic vibes and unique photo opportunities.
4	Garden Route	South Africa	Lush forests, pristine beaches, and charming coastal towns combine for diverse and breathtaking scenery. Wildlife encounters and adventure activities add extra appeal. Expect stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
5	Ring Road	Iceland	A complete circumnavigation of Iceland showcasing glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the ethereal Northern Lights. A truly unique and otherworldly experience.
6	Chapman’s Peak Drive	South Africa	Spectacular coastal road hugging the Atlantic coastline near Cape Town. Offers panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and the city. A must-do for sunset photography.
7	Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)	USA	California's iconic coastal route, offering dramatic cliffs, redwood forests, and stunning ocean views. Big Sur is a highlight, with its rugged beauty and iconic Bixby Bridge.
8	Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder)	Norway	A serpentine mountain road with steep inclines, sharp hairpin turns, and breathtaking views of valleys and waterfalls. A challenging but rewarding drive for adventurous photographers.
9	Stelvio Pass	Italy	One of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps, known for its numerous hairpin turns and stunning alpine scenery. A thrilling drive for those seeking adrenaline and panoramic views.
10	Milford Road	New Zealand	A scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, offering stunning views of mountains, rainforests, and the iconic Milford Sound. Expect waterfalls, glaciers, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Tips for Capturing the Perfect Road Trip Photo

Ready to hit the road and capture some Instagram-worthy shots? Here are a few tips to ensure you return with stunning photos:

Golden Hour is Key: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset provide the most flattering light for landscapes and portraits.

Embrace the Unexpected: Don't be afraid to pull over and capture unexpected moments or scenes. Sometimes the best photos are unplanned.

Composition is Crucial: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition techniques to create visually appealing images.

Don't Forget the Details: Capture the small details that make each drive unique, from roadside signs to local flora and fauna.

Protect Your Gear: Invest in a good camera bag and protective filters to keep your equipment safe from the elements.

Get Ready for Your Next Scenic Drive

Our Instagram-inspired list provides a fantastic starting point for planning your next road trip adventure. Whether you crave coastal vistas, mountain passes, or historic routes, there's a beautiful drive out there waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the open road!