7 unforgettable coastal road trips in the U.S.

7 unforgettable coastal road trips in the U.S.

It’s sizzling this summer! As the relentless heat wave roasts the U.S. and airfare continues to climb, consider a cooler, 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 this summer.

From Oregon’s stunning coastline to Florida’s Historic Coastal Byway, the great American road trip awaits—oceanfront style.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon)

The famous 101 highway along the wild Pacific coast in Oregon, near the town of Florence in Northwest USA.

Highway 101 (@ Didier Marti via Getty Images)

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.

Aerial Drone View of Depoe Bay Oregon Cliffs along the Pacific Coast, Pacific Northwest.

Depoe Bay (David Rigg via Getty Images)

“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.

Cannon Beach, Clatsop County, Oregon - United States

Cannon Beach (Eduardo Cabanas via Getty Images)

“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.”

Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Bixby Creek Bridge At Highway 1 In California United States. Architecture Road Trip In Ocean Road Of California. Seaside Landscape. Bixby Creek Bridge At Highway 1 In California United States.
Bixby Creek Bridge (Cristian Lourenço via Getty Images)

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.

Huge winter wave along Highway ! in Central California coastline

Big Sur, California (mauinow1 via Getty Images)

“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.

Beach Scenery At Carmel In California United States. Nature Tourism Travel. Vacations Destinations. Beach Scenery At Carmel In California United States.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (Cristian Lourenço via Getty Images)

“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.”

Route 1 (Maine)

Long Sands Beach in York, Maine

Long Sands Beach in York, Maine (Wangkun Jia vis shutterstock)

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.

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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.

Summer at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Portland Head Light (John Baggaley via Getty Images)

“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.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park (Cavan via depositphotos)

“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.”

Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina)

Aerial View of Empty Beach on Hatteras Island with Highway 12 in the Outer Banks North Carolina

Highway 12 near Hatteras Island (Kyle Little via Getty Images)

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.

Aerial View Top down of Trucks and SUVs on the Beach at Cape Point Point in Hatteras North Carolina

Cape Point (Kyle Little via Getty Images)

“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.

Aerial view of Silver Lake harbor and Ocracoke village on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina at golden hour.

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina (Eifel Kreutz via Getty Images)

“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.”

Alabama’s Coastal Connection Scenic Byway

Aerial view of Jubilee Parkway over Mobile Bay

Mobile Bay (George Dodd via Getty Images)

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.

Aerial view of the Fairhope, Alabama Municipal Pier on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay

Fairhope Pier (George Dodd via Getty Images)

“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.

Aerial View of Orange Beach, AL

Orange Beach, AL (GeorgeDodd via depositphotos)

“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.”

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (Northeast Florida)

Melbourne Beach, Florida

Melbourne Beach, Florida (iofoto via depositphotos)

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.

Flagler Beach, Florida, USA-January 3, 2023- Groups of people relax on the sand and play in the surf adjacent to the Flagler Beach Fishing Pier on an early January afternoon.

Flagler Beach (KenWiedemann via Getty Images)

“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.

Beautiful aerial view of the St Augustine, the oldest town in USA. the castle of San Marcos National Monument, Flagler College and the Matanzas Bay

St. Augustine, Florida (Gianfranco Vivi via Getty Images)

“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.”

Overseas Highway (Miami to Key West)

Overseas Highway

Overseas Highway (sergey.miami2you.com via depositphotos)

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.

Bahia Honda State Park - Calusa Beach, Florida Keys - tropical coast with paradise beaches - USA

Bahia Honda State Park (Simon Dannhauer via Getty Images)

“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.

IslaMorada, Florida keys beach scene in the morning

Islamorada, Florida (THEPALMER via Getty Images)

“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 and founder of Wander With Alex. She travels to experience, eat, explore, and, on occasion, escape! Alex collaborates with destinations, hotels, vacation rental companies, and hospitality tech firms to provide fellow travelers with exclusive insights and information.

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