Last updated on October 28th, 2024 at 03:59 pm
The USA has some of the most scenic coastal highways in the World. So, are are you ready to explore Top 12 Coastal Drives in the USA ? From rugged cliffs to sandy beaches these coastal drives offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Buckle up and get ready to explore the coastal wonders of America!
Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)
Route: From Dana Point to Leggett, California.
Distance: Approximately 655 miles
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer mild weather
Highlights: Big Sur coastline, Bixby Creek Bridge, Hearst Castle
Why Choose It: The Highway is renowned for beautiful ocean views. Travelers can marvel at the rugged Big Sur coastline, cross the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. This drive offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
Speed Limits: Generally 55-65 mph (varies in different sections).
Additional Activities: Visit coastal wineries in Monterey County, hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or spot migrating whales at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Highway 101 – Oregon Coast
Route: From Astoria to Brookings, Oregon
Distance: Approximately 363 miles
Best Time to Visit: Summer for sunny days, or winter for dramatic storms
Highlights: Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Why Choose It: Oregon’s Highway 101 offers unparalleled coastal scenery. Including iconic landmarks like Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach and the picturesque Oregon Dunes. Travelers can also enjoy outdoor activities like sandboarding or kayaking in coastal rivers.
Speed Limits: Typically 55-65 mph, with slower limits in urban areas.
Additional Activities: Take a scenic flight over the coastline, visit coastal art galleries in Newport or go whale watching in Depoe Bay.
Highway 1 – Key Largo to Key West
Route: From Key Largo to Key West, Florida
Distance: Approximately 113 miles
Best Time to Visit: Winter, for pleasant weather
Highlights: Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Key West’s vibrant culture
Why Choose It: The Overseas Highway involves travelers in the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys, with crystal-clear waters on both sides and abundant opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Speed Limits: Typically 45-55 mph, with slower limits in populated areas.
Additional Activities: Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House in Key West, explore coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or enjoy sunset sailing cruises.
Highway 12 – Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Route: From Corolla to Cedar Island, North Carolina.
Distance: Approximately 138 miles
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, for mild weather and fewer crowds
Highlights: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Island
Why Choose It: North Carolina’s Outer Banks Byway offers a blend of history and natural beauty, with opportunities to explore barrier islands, historic lighthouses and wildlife refuges. Visitors can climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or explore the preserved 16th-century Roanoke Island.
Speed Limits: Typically 45-55 mph, with slower limits in populated areas.
Additional Activities: Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.
Highway 1 – Cape Cod
Route: From Bourne to Provincetown, Massachusetts
Distance: Approximately 65 miles
Best Time to Visit: Summer, for beach weather and outdoor activities
Highlights: Cape Cod National Seashore, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island
Why Choose It: Cape Cod’s scenic drive offers pristine beaches, charming coastal towns and picturesque lighthouses. Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket Island and indulge in fresh seafood along the way.
Speed Limits: Typically 45-55 mph, with slower limits in residential and downtown areas.
Additional Activities: Go whale watching from Provincetown, or bike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Highway 101 – Olympic Peninsula Loop
Route: Around Olympic Peninsula, Washington
Distance: Approximately 330 miles
Best Time to Visit: Summer, for dry weather and wildflowers
Highlights: Olympic National Park, Hoh Rain Forest, Ruby Beach
Why Choose It: The Olympic Peninsula Loop showcases diverse ecosystems. Explore Olympic National Park, hike to the towering trees of Hoh Rain Forest and relax on the scenic shores of Ruby Beach.
Speed Limits: Generally 55-65 mph on highways, slower speeds in towns and park areas.
Additional Activities: Visit the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria, BC, or hike to Sol Duc Falls in the park.
Highway 1 – Mendocino Coast
Route: From Leggett to Bodega Bay, California
Distance: Approximately 100 miles
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, for mild weather and fewer tourists
Highlights: Glass Beach, Point Arena Lighthouse, Mendocino Headlands.
Why Choose It: Highlights include Glass Beach where sea glass covers the shore and the picturesque Point Arena Lighthouse. Mendocino Headlands offers breathtaking ocean views and is a paradise for artists and nature lovers alike.
Speed Limits: Generally 55-65 mph on highways, with slower limits in coastal towns.
Additional Activities: Visit local art galleries in Mendocino Village.
Highway 1 – Acadia Byway
Route: Acadia National Park Loop, Maine.
Distance: Approximate 40 miles
Best Time to Visit: Fall, for stunning foliage
Highlights: Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond
Why Choose It: Acadia Byway winds through Acadia National Park, offering panoramic views of rugged coastline, pristine lakes, and granite peaks. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, bike along historic carriage roads and savor fresh lobster in nearby Bar Harbor.
Speed Limits: Generally 25-45 mph within Acadia National Park, 55 mph outside the park.
Additional Activities: Visit Thunder Hole to hear the booming sound of waves, take a scenic cruise from Bar Harbor, or join a ranger-led program in the park.
Highway 101 – Big Sur Coastline
Route: From San Simeon to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Distance: Approximately 90 miles
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer mild weather
Highlights: Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Why Choose It: Big Sur Coastline on Highway 1 offers unparalleled views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and ancient redwood forests. Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the serene McWay Falls and the majestic redwoods of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Speed Limits: Generally 30-55 mph, with slower limits in twisty and narrow sections.
Additional Activities: Visit the Henry Miller Memorial Library, hike the Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, or camp under the stars in Andrew Molera State Park.
Highway 101 – Pacific Northwest Coast
Route: From Port Angeles to Olympia, Washington
Distance: Approximately 140 miles
Best Time to Visit: Summer, for clear skies and whale watching
Highlights: Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rain Forest
Why Choose It: The Pacific Northwest Coast on Highway 101 offers diverse landscapes from rugged coastline to dense forests. Explore Olympic National Park, hike to the towering trees of Hoh Rain Forest and relax on the scenic shores of Ruby Beach.
Speed Limits: Generally 55-65 mph on highways, slower speeds in towns and park areas.
Additional Activities: Visit the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria, BC, or hike to Sol Duc Falls in the park.
Highway 1 – San Diego to San Francisco
Route: From San Diego to San Francisco, California
Distance: Approximately 500 miles
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and fall offer mild weather
Highlights: La Jolla Cove, Big Sur, Golden Gate Bridge.
Why Choose It: This drive takes you through Southern and Central California, offering stunning coastal views and vibrant cities. Explore the marine life at La Jolla Cove, drive through the iconic Big Sur coastline and cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Speed Limits: Generally 55-65 mph, with slower limits in urban areas.
Additional Activities: Visit the San Diego Zoo, explore Hearst Castle or take a city tour in San Francisco.
Highway 30A – Florida Panhandle
Route: From Inlet Beach to Rosemary Beach, Florida
Distance: Approximately 28 miles
Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall, for mild weather and fewer crowds
Highlights: Seaside, Grayton Beach State Park, Alys Beach.
Why Choose It: Highway 30A offers a relaxing drive through the charming communities of the Florida Panhandle. Discover the quaint town of Seaside, relax on the white sands of Grayton Beach State Park and admire the unique architecture of Alys Beach.
Speed Limits: Generally 35-45 mph, with slower limits in town centers.
Additional Activities: Rent a bike to explore the Timpoochee Trail, dine at coastal restaurants, or attend a local festival.
Safety Precautions and Tips
Weather Awareness: Coastal weather can change quickly. Check local forecasts and be prepared for sudden storms.
Driving Tips: Observe speed limits, especially in residential areas and national parks. Watch out for wildlife crossing roads in remote areas.
Travel Documents: Carry valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. For international visitors, ensure your passport and visa are up-to-date.
Refueling: Gas stations are plentiful along most routes but fill up before entering remote areas. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially on longer stretches.
Handling Car Breakdowns: Have roadside assistance contact information handy. In case of breakdowns, move to a safe location off the road. Signal for help and wait for assistance
Conclusion
These top 12 most scenic coastal drives in the USA offer not just scenic beauty but also a chance to indulge yourself in the diverse cultures and natural wonders of America’s coastline. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural exploration, these routes promise an unforgettable journey. Plan your next road trip and experience the magic of these coastal drives firsthand! Top 12 Coastal Drives in the USA
