7 unforgettable coastal road trips in the U.S.
Escape to the coast with these scenic U.S. road trips
As airfare continues to climb, consider a more affordable vacation alternative: a coastal road trip.
Imagine cruising the coast, wind in your hair, discovering delightful seaside towns, and plunging into the cool, refreshing ocean. A coastal road trip is the perfect way to temper the heat and explore some of the country's most beautiful destinations without breaking the bank.
From Oregon's stunning coastline to Florida's Historic Coastal Byway, the great American road trip awaits—oceanfront style.
1. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon)
The Pacific Coast Byway (Highway 101), along the Oregon Coast, is an exhilarating journey through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
This route stretches approximately 363 miles from Astoria to Brookings and winds along rugged cliffs, dense forests, and charming coastal towns.
"The Oregon Coast will take your breath with its rocky shores and massive sea stacks.
Tucked between, you will discover secluded beaches, lush forests, and casual beach towns," says travel writer Scott McConkey of Miles with McConkey.
"While nearly every mile contains a worthy stop, Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is the most iconic geological formation on the entire drive.
Depoe Bay is the perfect place for whale watching, and Florence is a coastal playground where travelers can explore rolling sandy dunes and the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Bandon Beach is a sea stack paradise at the southern end of the drive, where you can enter tunnels and caves at low tide."
2. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, stretches approximately 656 miles along the California coast, starting in Orange County and ending near Mendocino County.
There are numerous breathtaking stops, including the coastal towns of Monterey, Big Sur, and Malibu.
"The Pacific Coast Highway takes you on an unforgettable journey from dramatic cliff heights to beautiful sandy shores.
Sunsets and surprises await along the highway as it unfolds the length of California, weaving in and out of the majestic redwoods.
Enjoy the unique character of each town along the way," says travel blogger Emily Wilson of Pets Around the World.
"In the north, you'll experience the magic and mists that shroud the forests and streets of Mendocino.
On the Central Coast are the welcoming storybook towns of dog-friendly Carmel and Cambria.
Keep heading south to the hip urban and wide sandy beaches in Malibu and San Diego."
3. Route 1 (Maine)
U.S. Route 1 in Maine offers 526 miles of beautiful coastline, charming seaside towns, lighthouses, and lobster shacks. The route begins near the Canadian border in Fort Kent and ends in Kittery on the Maine-New Hampshire state line.
Some of the best stops on Maine's Route 1 include Portland, known for its lively waterfront and food scene; Acadia National Park, for gorgeous landscapes and outdoor activities; and Kennebunkport, known for its historic sites.
"Route 1 in Maine offers unique charm and beauty all along the scenic coast. In Southern Maine, stop in the lovely town of York with sandy beaches, the Nubble Lighthouse, and an adorable downtown.
Through Central Maine, stop in Portland. It's Maine's largest city, and the historic Old Port district has some fantastic places for seafood.
There are many different lighthouses and beaches near Portland," says travel blogger Meghan Elise of Meghan the Traveling Teacher.
"In Northern Maine, head to Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, where you can enjoy excellent coastal hiking, beaches, and rocky coastlines. This US road trip is one you want to take advantage of."
4. Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina)
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway stretches approximately 138 miles along North Carolina's coast. It begins at Whalebone Junction and ends in Beaufort.
The entire drive only takes 5.5 hours and includes two ferry rides. This drive passes by coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and stops like Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and Ocracoke Island.
"The Outer Banks Scenic Byway offers access to some of the most beautiful beaches in North Carolina with plenty of other fun attractions along the way. In the northern Outer Banks, you can see wild horses in Corolla, visit the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, or catch a beautiful sunset at Jockey's Ridge State Park," says travel blogger Anna Cook of Stuck on the Go.
"As you travel south, you can check out Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, where you'll also find quiet and secluded beaches. Don't miss the ferry over to Ocracoke Island, which offers a cute village full of shops and restaurants and miles of pristine beaches."
5. Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway
Alabama's Coastal Connection Scenic Byway stretches for 130 miles, starting in Grand Bay and ending in Orange Beach.
This scenic route showcases the beauty of Alabama's Gulf Coast, passing through the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf State Park.
Notable stops include the historic Fort Morgan, the charming town of Fairhope, and the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores.
"Along the Alabama Coastal Connection Scenic Byway, you’ll discover quaint coastal towns like Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, and Daphne, to name a few. Each town offers its own unique southern hospitality charm, making it the perfect laid-back destination," says travel blogger Sheri Nagle of Park and Roam.
"In Fairhope, stroll along the Mobile Bay Pier and explore the cute downtown area filled with boutiques and cafes. Visit the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores to enjoy outdoor adventures like biking and kayaking, then relax on the beautiful beaches of Orange Beach. No matter where you stop along the way, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities and delicious locally-caught seafood."
6. A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (Northeast Florida)
The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway runs along Florida's Atlantic coast, starting in St. Johns County and ending in Flagler County, covering 72 miles.
You'll witness breathtaking ocean views and pass through historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city.
Explore the charming towns of Vilano Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Flagler Beach, which offer unique attractions and gorgeous beaches.
"The A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway travels along Florida's east coast from Jacksonville, ending at Gamble Rogers Memorial Park in Flagler Beach. This stretch of the coast provides stunning views of beaches, sand dunes, nature trails, and the picturesque Atlantic Ocean," says travel blogger Erin Moreland of The Simple Salty Life.
"For 72 miles along the scenic byway, travelers can experience nature mixed with history, including a stop in St. Augustine- the nation's oldest city! Here cobblestone streets and classic Spanish architecture beckon history buffs and nature-lovers alike to shop, dine, and explore monuments, historic forts, nature preserves, and relax along the pristine sandy coastline of Anastasia Island."
7. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, runs 113 miles, starting in Key Largo and ending in Key West, Florida.
This iconic highway connects the Florida Keys, offering travelers stunning views of turquoise waters and numerous islands.
Notable stops along the way include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the historic Seven Mile Bridge, and Bahia Honda State Park.
"An Overseas Highway road trip to the Florida Keys is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. Everywhere you turn, you'll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful water you'll ever see. The water is various shades of turquoise, with almost endless opportunities to snorkel, kayak, lay on the beach, camp, and more," says travel blogger Chelsea Sanburg of Hello Florida Keys.
"But you can't miss a day at the sandbar in Islamorada, hiking the Old Bahia Honda Bridge for the best views, or exploring and relaxing on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor."
Unforgettable Coastal Road Trips in the U.S.
A coastal road trip offers a unique opportunity to explore beautiful beaches, charming towns, and historic sites along scenic byways.
Each route promises breathtaking scenery and memorable stops, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.
Embrace the adventure, soak in the sun, and create unforgettable experiences as you journey along some of the country's most beautiful coastlines.
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer who collaborates with destinations, hotels, and hospitality firms to provide fellow travelers with exclusive insights and information.
