The New Year is just around the corner, and what better way to start 2025 than by catching a breathtaking sunrise? Whether you’re into mountains, beaches, or dramatic cliffs, these scenic drives around the globe promise unforgettable views and adventures. Oh, and we’ve also covered your travel and foodie plans!
So, grab your sunglasses, coffee, and camera—let’s hit the road for some sunrise magic!
Source: Photo by Melvin Tan on Unsplash Copy to clipboard
1. Jeongdongjin, South Korea – Beach Bliss
Why It’s Perfect:
This dreamy beach town on the East Sea is famous for its jaw-dropping sunrises. It’s a vibrant spot to kick off the year with locals, fireworks, and the sound of waves crashing.
Travel Tips:
Most visitors can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your specific requirements before packing your bags! If you also plan to rent a car and drive, you can get an IDP online beforehand.
What to Do:
- Time Travel at Jeongdongjin Time Museum: Explore quirky clocks and learn about the concept of time.
- Feast on Fresh Seafood: Think grilled fish and spicy stews with ocean views.
- Join New Year’s Celebrations: Fireworks and traditional rituals make the beach memorable.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: Sun Cruise Resort – A hotel shaped like a cruise ship with stunning ocean views and an infinity pool.
- Restaurant: Simgok Badabuchae-gil Restaurant – Known for its fresh seafood and unbeatable ocean-side location.
2. Mount Bromo, Indonesia – Volcanic Sunrise
Why It’s Perfect:
Imagine the sun rising over an active volcano, painting the clouds and rugged terrain in fiery colors. It’s the stuff of travel dreams!
Travel Tips:
You can get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days (easy-peasy) but always double-check your requirements before flying out.
What to Do:
- Explore Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Go hiking or take a jeep tour through this otherworldly landscape.
- Visit Tengger Villages: Meet locals and experience their warm hospitality.
- Horseback Riding: Trot around the caldera for a fun, Insta-worthy adventure.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: Bromo Permai Hotel – A cozy spot near the park with epic volcano views.
- Restaurant: Cafe Lava Hostel Restaurant – A casual joint serving delicious Indonesian and international dishes.
3. Cadillac Mountain, Maine, USA – America’s Sunrise Spot
Why It’s Perfect:
From October to March, Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Add sweeping views of the Atlantic, and you’re in for a treat.
Travel Tips:
U.S. citizens don’t need visas, but international visitors should check their requirements. To avoid hassles, make sure to follow traffic laws in the US when driving and/or renting a car.
What to Do:
- Hit the Trails: Hike scenic paths like Jordan Pond Path for stunning views.
- Bar Harbor Adventures: Shop, dine, and soak up the small-town charm.
- Beach Picnic at Sand Beach: Sunrise snacks make everything better.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: The Bluenose Inn – Fancy a luxurious stay with views of Frenchman Bay? This is your spot.
- Restaurant: Jordan Pond House – Famous for its warm popovers and tea with serene pond views.
Source: Photo by asaf on Unsplash
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA – Mountain Majesty
Why It’s Perfect:
Early morning light transforms Glacier National Park into a magical wonderland with glowing peaks and shimmering lakes.
Travel Tips:
Check visa requirements if you’re visiting from outside the U.S.
What to Do:
- Hike Hidden Lake Trail: Spot wildlife and take in panoramic views.
- Visit Logan Pass: Perfect for photography and wildlife spotting.
- Boat Tours on Lake McDonald: Glide through pristine waters while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: Lake McDonald Lodge – A historic gem with cozy vibes and lakefront views.
- Restaurant: Russell’s Fireside Dining Room – Enjoy hearty meals with Glacier Park as your backdrop.
5. Great Ocean Road, Australia – Sunrise Meets the Surf
Why It’s Perfect:
This iconic coastal drive in Australia serves up stunning sunrise views, especially near the Twelve Apostles.
Travel Tips:
You’ll need an ETA or visitor visa—apply online before your trip. For tourists who prefer to drive and go on an adventure, make sure that you secure car insurance in Australia to keep your mind at ease.
What to Do:
- Visit the Twelve Apostles: Marvel at these towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean.
- Explore Loch Ard Gorge: A hidden gem with fascinating shipwreck history.
- Wander Great Otway National Park: Rainforests, waterfalls, and koalas—oh my!
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: Apollo Bay Eco YHA – Eco-friendly stays with gorgeous ocean views.
- Restaurant: Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant – Fresh seafood served with panoramic ocean views.
6. Mount Rainier, Washington, USA – Sunrise at Sunrise!
Why It’s Perfect:
Mount Rainier’s Sunrise area is aptly named—it’s the best spot to see the first light illuminate the snow-capped peaks and valleys below.
Travel Tips:
The same rules apply to other U.S. spots: U.S. citizens are set, international travelers, and double-check.
What to Do:
- Tackle Skyline Trail: Gorgeous views and wildflower meadows await.
- Visit Paradise: Yes, it’s a real place, and yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
- Join a Ranger Tour: Learn fun facts about the park while exploring.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: National Park Inn at Longmire – A cozy rustic escape inside the park.
- Restaurant: Paradise Inn Dining Room – Hearty meals paired with stunning mountain vistas.
Source: Photo by Ross Ventress on Unsplash
7. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa – Epic Views
Why It’s Perfect:
Table Mountain’s iconic flat top offers unbeatable sunrise views of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel Tips:
Many nationalities can enter visa-free—just check to ensure you’re one of them!
What to Do:
- Take a Cable Car or Hike: Either way, the views from the top are worth it.
- Kirstenbosch Gardens: A lush escape with diverse flora and incredible landscapes.
- Foodie Fun in Cape Town: Sample fresh seafood and sip world-class wines.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: The Table Bay Hotel – Luxury meets unbeatable harbor views.
- Restaurant: The Pot Luck Club – Creative dishes and city views from the rooftop.
8. The Garden Route, South Africa – Coastal Paradise
Why It’s Perfect:
This scenic route includes dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and dreamy lagoons. Watching the sunrise here is nothing short of magical.
Travel Tips:
Similar to Table Mountain—many visitors enjoy visa-free entry.
What to Do:
- Relax at Knysna Lagoon: Paddle, swim, or kick back by the water.
- Tsitsikamma Adventures: Zip-line, hike, or bungee jump through this rugged wonderland.
- Wine Tasting: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wineries are a short drive away.
Stay & Dine:
- Hotel: Knysna Hollow Country Estate – Nature and comfort rolled into one.
- Restaurant: The Turbine Boutique Hotel Restaurant – Gourmet dining on Thesen Island.
Essential Driving Tips for Scenic Adventures
1. Map It Out: Plan your route and note the best scenic stops. A little prep saves time and stress later!
2. Car Check 101: Before hitting the road, check tires, brakes, and fluids to ensure a smooth drive.
3. Pack for the Unexpected: The must-haves are a flat tire kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, snacks, and water.
4. Focus Up: To stay sharp, avoid texting while driving, take stretch breaks every 2 hours, and avoid night driving.
5. Drive Smart: Maintain a safe distance from others, watch mirrors and blind spots, and be ready for sudden stops or surprises.
6. Handle Weather Like a Pro
- Rain/snow? Slow down and leave extra space.
- Foggy? Low beams are your friend.
- Night? Check headlights and stay alert.
7. Buckle Up: Seatbelts on—always. No exceptions.
8. Respect the Speed Limit: Enjoy the journey—no need to rush!
9. Watch Out for Big Rigs: Stay out of their blind spots and give them space to turn or stop.
10. Check Traffic Before You Go: Avoid surprises by looking up road conditions ahead of time.
Ready to Hit the Road?
No matter where you go, these scenic drives promise unforgettable sunrises, incredible food, and plenty of adventure. So pack your bags, double-check those visas, and prepare to welcome 2025 with a view to remember! 🌅
