Your Fellow Drivers' Top Automotive Bucket List Destinations

Jalopnik recently asked its readers what automotive destinations remain on their bucket lists. The responses, reported by Jalopnik, span the globe and cover everything from glamorous concours to remote mountain roads. Here are some of the most intriguing picks, along with practical notes from those who have already visited or are planning their trips.

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

One reader described Pebble Beach as an "experience at least once" car event. You will see cars you might never encounter otherwise. But it is not cheap: the same reader warned that attendees become acutely aware of the money on display. The weather can also be tricky—rain is possible. Still, if you can afford a weekend there, it ranks among the world's premier car gatherings.

World of Volvo in Gothenburg

A reader who owned a Volvo as a first car wants to fly to Gothenburg, Sweden, to immerse themselves in Volvo history. With Volvo's 100th anniversary approaching next year, the museum may have special plans. The World of Volvo is a relatively new destination for enthusiasts of the Swedish brand.

Motorcycle Riding in Iceland

One commenter took a motorcycle trip to Scotland last year but now has Iceland on their list. They watched a video a couple of years ago and have been eager to ride there ever since. The rugged terrain and volcanic landscapes make it a unique two-wheeled adventure.

Detroit Automotive History Tour

A reader wants to tour Detroit with a local who knows the historic auto-related buildings and sites. Albert Kahn designed many places there, and some are being lost to time. The reader noted that Ford moved its world headquarters out of the "glass house" that opened in 1956. Even non-auto sites in Detroit were built with manufacturing prosperity. Belle Isle Park alone could take two days. Another commenter mentioned the Detroit Bus Company offers tours, including automotive ones, though it has been years since they went.

"It's tragic to see how much of Detroit's automotive history has been decimated over the decades. But bits and pieces of it do tend to pop up in interesting places."

One example: the Gilmore Car Museum has pieces of the Cadillac headquarters on its grounds—stone-carved Cadillac badges from the building.

Riding Shotgun with a Pro Driver

One reader's dream is to ride shotgun with a professional driver on any road course in any fast car. They want to experience just how much more talented professional drivers are than themselves. No particular venue named—just the experience itself.

Le Mans Circuit Roads

A reader simply named the roads that make up the Le Mans circuit. History has been made on those roads, and they want to drive them.

Tail of the Dragon and Going-to-the-Sun Road

Two readers mentioned the Tail of the Dragon, the famous stretch of US 129 in Tennessee and North Carolina. One wants to take their FC RX-7, while another called it "slap in the middle of nowhere in a state I have no desire to visit." Another reader wants to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. They took a road trip through Glacier but it was too early in mid-May and the Park Service was still clearing snow. The whole region is awesome, they said.

Pikes Peak Hill Climb

One reader is planning to take their five-year-old son to watch the Pikes Peak hill climb. They are waiting for the child to grow a bit because extended time at high altitude is hard on young kids. Next year they plan to bring him to a rally race to see how he likes it. Another reader wants to drive all the way up in their NB MX-5, foot to the floor, then enjoy the scenery as a passenger on the way down.

Pacific Coast Highway: Canada to Mexico

Two readers want to drive the entire US West Coast on Highway 1 (and US 101 in spots) from Canada to Mexico. One plans to do it in a 1971 BMW 2002 in 2027 or 2028, after getting the engine back from the machinist. Another is retiring next year and wants to drive the PCH from start to finish, something they have wanted to do for years.

Stelvio Pass

Reader Joshua traversed the Stelvio Pass with his wife on a Moto Guzzi Stelvio. But he noted they could not fully enjoy the ride because of hordes of bicyclists. The views were still spectacular, though. So if you go, expect crowds—but the scenery rewards the effort.

Whether you are saving up for Pebble Beach or planning a cross-continent road trip, these bucket list items from Jalopnik's readers show there is no shortage of automotive adventures waiting to be had.

• automotive events
• bucket list
• driving destinations
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Pebble Beach
• Pikes Peak
• road trips
• Tail of the Dragon