Best Scenic Drives to Explore Spring Colours

As winter melts away and nature awakens, spring brings a vibrant display of colours that transform landscapes around the world. With fields of wildflowers stretching as far as the eye can see, trees bursting into bloom, and fresh greenery emerging, spring is a season of renewal and beauty. A scenic drive is the perfect way to experience this natural spectacle, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're looking for a leisurely countryside drive lined with blossoming orchards or a coastal road where waves meet a floral paradise, here are some of the best scenic drives to explore spring colours across the globe.

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for Road Trips

Spring is undeniably one of the best times to hit the road for a scenic adventure. As the season ushers in warmer weather, it creates a perfect balance of comfortable temperatures, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. After the cold, gray days of winter, nature comes alive, with flowers bursting into color, trees sprouting fresh leaves, and the earth’s greenery beginning to take over. This natural transformation is best witnessed from the open road, where you'll have uninterrupted views of fields of wildflowers, winding mountain passes, and lush forests that seem to stretch on forever. The crisp, refreshing air enhances the experience, making long drives much more enjoyable without the oppressive heat of summer or the biting cold of winter. Additionally, spring offers the opportunity to travel before peak tourist season sets in, so you can explore popular destinations at a slower, more peaceful pace. Whether you're cruising down coastal roads, meandering through charming villages, or climbing up into the mountains, spring offers the perfect setting to make unforgettable memories while enjoying nature’s spectacular show of color and life.

9 Scenic Drives to Explore Spring Colors

Cabot Trail, Canada

Coastal cliffs bathed in golden sunlight, with a winding road and lush green hills. Ocean waves gently crash below, creating a serene view.

Nestled in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a breathtaking drive that showcases the beauty of Cape Breton Island. During spring, the rugged coastline is complemented by the lush greenery of the Highlands and the bright blooms of wildflowers along the roadside. This 298-kilometer loop offers stunning ocean views, charming fishing villages, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, eagles, and even whales along the coast. Numerous scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and cultural stops provide plenty of opportunities to fully experience the region’s natural beauty and Acadian heritage.

Best Time to Visit: Late May to early June for peak wildflower bloom and milder temperatures.

Photography Tip: The golden hour along the coastline is ideal for capturing the contrasting hues of the ocean and the surrounding greenery. A telephoto lens can help zoom in on wildlife, such as eagles and whales.

Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Curved bridge over vibrant autumn forest with yellow, green, and red trees. Mountain peaks in the distance under a warm orange sky.

Stretching through North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit in spring. Known as "America’s Favorite Drive," this scenic route winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering spectacular views of dogwoods, redbuds, and rhododendrons in full bloom. Stop at overlooks to take in the sweeping vistas, enjoy a picnic amidst the wildflowers, or explore nearby hiking trails to immerse yourself in the vibrant spring landscape. With its rolling hills, historic sites, and abundant wildlife, this drive provides a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Best Time to Visit: April to mid-May when the dogwoods, azaleas, and rhododendrons are in full bloom.

Photography Tip: The overlooks along the parkway provide perfect spots for wide-angle shots. Use a tripod to capture long exposure shots of cascading streams, often found near the hiking trails.

The Romantic Road, Germany

Path lined with yellow-leaved trees leads to a village, featuring red-roofed houses and a church with a dome, under a cloudy sky.

Spring is the perfect time to experience the fairytale-like beauty of Germany’s Romantic Road. This historic route takes you through medieval towns, rolling meadows, and picturesque villages that seem straight out of a storybook. As you drive, you'll witness blooming cherry trees, fields of tulips, and vibrant gardens surrounding castles like Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern. Along the way, stop at charming villages such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets enhance the old-world charm. The mild weather and fewer crowds make spring an ideal season for this scenic journey, allowing you to fully appreciate the region's rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit: Late April to May for peak blooming of tulips and cherry blossoms.

Photography Tip: The combination of lush greenery and historic architecture makes this route ideal for capturing both landscape and architectural photography. Capture wide-angle shots of villages with blooming trees in the foreground.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Aerial view of ocean cliffs with turquoise water and white waves. Coastal road winds through lush greenery. Clear sky above. Calm mood.

For a coastal drive bursting with colour, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is an unforgettable experience. While famous for its dramatic cliffs and the Twelve Apostles, spring in Australia (between September and November) brings lush greenery and an abundance of wildflowers along the route. The contrast of the blue ocean, golden cliffs, and colourful flora makes this drive a visual treat. Along the way, stop at scenic lookouts such as Teddy’s Lookout for panoramic views, take a stroll through the Great Otway National Park to see waterfalls and towering eucalyptus trees, or visit charming coastal towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay for fresh seafood and relaxing beachside walks.

Best Time to Visit: September to November for lush greenery and wildflowers, especially around the Otway Ranges.

Photography Tip: For the best coastal shots, shoot during sunrise or sunset to capture the soft glow of the golden cliffs and crashing waves. Don't forget a polarizing filter to reduce glare and make the colours pop.

Sakura Route, Japan

Cars drive down a scenic road lined with blooming cherry blossom trees, creating a picturesque tunnel of pink. Calm and serene atmosphere.

Japan’s cherry blossom season is world-famous, and the Sakura Route, particularly along the Tōhoku region, offers an enchanting drive through tunnels of pink petals. Starting in Fukushima and stretching to Aomori, this route takes you through some of Japan’s most spectacular cherry blossom spots, including Miharu Takizakura, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful weeping cherry trees, and Hirosaki Park, where over 2,600 cherry trees bloom around a stunning Edo-period castle. Along the way, stop at traditional onsen towns to soak in hot springs while surrounded by delicate blossoms. Peak bloom varies depending on location but typically occurs between late March and early May, making this drive a must for those seeking a truly magical spring experience.

Best Time to Visit: Late March to early May, depending on the region, for peak cherry blossom viewing.

Photography Tip: Capture the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms at dawn or dusk when the light is soft. A wide-angle lens will help capture the breathtaking cherry blossom tunnels along the route.

The Tulip Route, Netherlands

Colorful tulips in foreground, red, yellow, and pink, with a blue car and cloudy sky in background. Vibrant and serene setting.

For a truly unique spring drive, the Tulip Route in the Netherlands is a must. This scenic journey takes you through the vibrant tulip fields of Flevoland and the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, where millions of flowers bloom in a mesmerizing array of colours. The drive is typically at its peak in April when the fields are ablaze with red, yellow, pink, and purple tulips stretching as far as the eye can see. Along the way, stop at picturesque windmills, traditional Dutch villages like Giethoorn with its charming canals, and local flower markets where you can purchase freshly picked tulips. Don't miss the opportunity to cycle through the flower fields or visit the annual Tulip Festival to immerse yourself in this breathtaking seasonal display.

Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May, when the tulips are in full bloom.

Photography Tip: To capture the vivid colours of the tulips, use a macro lens for close-up shots, focusing on the delicate petals. A wide-angle shot with a leading line can also help capture the endless rows of blooms.

Wildflower Way, South Africa

Straight road extends to horizon, surrounded by arid hills under blue sky. Yellow and white road markings; serene, open landscape.

South Africa’s Wildflower Way, located in the Western Cape and Namaqualand, comes to life in spring (August to September in the Southern Hemisphere). This drive takes you through rolling landscapes blanketed in colourful wildflowers, from bright orange daisies to vivid purple and yellow blooms. The biodiversity of this region is unparalleled, making it a dream for nature lovers and photographers alike. Stop at the West Coast National Park, where fields of blooming flowers contrast beautifully against the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Visit the Namaqua National Park, home to over 3,500 plant species, and explore the small town of Nieuwoudtville, known as the 'Bulb Capital of the World,' for a deeper dive into the region’s floral wonders. The ever-changing scenery ensures that each visit brings a new and breathtaking perspective of South Africa’s floral paradise.

Best Time to Visit: August to September for the peak of the wildflower bloom.

Photography Tip: Shoot in the early morning for the best light and to capture the dew on the petals. A wide-angle lens will help capture the vastness of the wildflower fields, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of individual blooms.

Route des Grandes Alpes, France

Winding mountain road with lush green hills, trees, and a small building near a parking lot. Clear blue sky and distant peaks set the mood.

This stunning alpine drive is a delight in spring when the snow begins to melt, revealing lush meadows filled with wildflowers. The Route des Grandes Alpes stretches from Lake Geneva to the French Riviera, passing through charming villages, winding mountain roads, and picturesque valleys. Along the way, stop in Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps," to stroll along its canals and admire its blooming lakeside gardens. Explore the historic town of Briançon, a UNESCO-listed site with breathtaking mountain views. As you drive through the Mercantour National Park, watch for ibex, chamois, and golden eagles while soaking in the serene alpine landscape. The fresh mountain air, vibrant flora, and panoramic vistas make this a truly refreshing and unforgettable springtime adventure.

Best Time to Visit: Late May to early June, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild.

Photography Tip: The alpine landscapes provide plenty of opportunities for breathtaking shots. Use a telephoto lens to capture wildlife and a wide-angle lens for sweeping mountain vistas.

Route of the Parks, Chile

Mountain road with vibrant autumn foliage in red, orange, and green. The scene is peaceful with overcast skies and rugged hills.

The Route of the Parks in Chile offers a unique and rugged adventure through some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes. This 1,240-kilometre journey stretches from Puerto Montt to Chaitén, passing through 18 national parks in Patagonia, showcasing snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and dense forests, as well as breathtaking fjords and glaciers. In spring, the route bursts with wildflowers, and the weather is perfect for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Along the way, stop at Pumalín Park for incredible views of volcanoes, or visit Queulat National Park to witness the stunning Hanging Glacier.

Best Time to Visit: November to early December for ideal weather and wildflower bloom.

Photography Tip: The dramatic scenery along the route makes for incredible landscape shots. Use a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a zoom lens to capture wildlife like guanacos and condors.

Spring offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop for some of the most stunning road trips in the world. As nature awakens, the landscapes transform, giving way to picturesque views that make the journey just as enchanting as the destination. From the tulip fields of the Netherlands, where each colorful bloom seems to stretch for miles, to the wildflower-filled plains of South Africa, each route presents a unique way to witness the world in full bloom. Whether you're winding through the majestic mountains of the Alps or cruising along the rugged coastline of the Cabot Trail, every road trip during spring has its own charm and allure. Personally, I’m dreaming of experiencing the Cabot Trail in Canada, where the sea meets the cliffs, the Romantic Road in Germany, with its fairytale villages and castles, and the Tulip Route in the Netherlands, bursting with vibrant flowers at every turn. Each route promises breathtaking scenery, unforgettable memories, and countless photo opportunities that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Pack your bags, roll down the windows, and enjoy the vibrant colours of the season! Have you embarked on a memorable spring drive? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!