If you can’t get enough of the beach atmosphere, you’ll surely enjoy one of these five scenic beach highway road trips. Get out the driving gloves, hit the gas and have fun!
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Image via Flickr by rkramer62
Glorified shows up in many Hollywood movies and television shows, the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views.
A favorite trip by both tourists and California residents is to cruise the PCH from San Francisco to San Diego. There’s plenty sights to see between the beginning and end of your California cruise.
Take advantage of coastal road shopping and awesome Pacific Ocean beach photo-ops and memorable views in Monterey, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. Drive by Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf as your watch the beach change in color and culture. Arrive in San Diego and don’t miss the San Diego Zoo and the Gaslight District.
State Road A1A, Florida
In Florida, State Road A1A is one gorgeous and ever-changing scenic beach road trip, especially the 46 mile trip from Delray Beach to John U. Lloyd State Park. See Atlantic Ocean towns that change from the richest of the rich in Delray Beach (a must-eatery is the Sundy House) and Boca Raton to the fishing piers of Deerfield Beach.
Snorkel tours, marine life and engaging coral reefs line the beaches as you weave through one palm tree town to another. Park amenities are vast but first, seek out the right vehicle at DriveTime used cars in Miami and be sure to take the picnic basket along to relax on the public beach in the park—this is Florida at its best!
Highway 6A, Massachusetts
Summer or winter, spring or fall the drive on Massachusetts’ Highway 6A to U.S. Highway 6 is a must-do. See Cape Cod in all its glory and enjoy view of the Three Sisters Lighthouse (don’t forget the camera).
Ride through Provincetown and visit historic sites of times gone by and if weather permits, when you reach Highway 6 at Orleans, stop and take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
Hawaii screams tropical vacation and a road trip on the Hana Highway includes views of black sand beaches, waterfalls and of course stopping by a fruit stand or two for fresh mangos.
You may be staying in Maui proper where this road trip begins but the curves and visuals are worth the drive. Enjoy 52 miles of everything tropical and then stop on Maui’s eastern shore for a view of the vistas and of course a relaxing drink of something made with pineapple.
Acadia National Park Loop Road, Maine
Historic Maine also offers a great road for driving—the Acadia National Park Loop Road. At 27 miles long, your trip begins in Hulls Cove and you’re off to see stunning lakes, forests and a plethora of mountain views.
Ride this rocky coast—some of the road is only one-way until you reach Wildwood Stables. You’ll need to pay a small fee if you opt to drive the one-way section but it’s worth the stop off at Sand Beach for sunning or taste-bud-tempting fresh seafood.
All of these scenic beach road trips should be on your bucket list so hop in the car and let the breeze of the ocean blow in your face while the sun kisses your skin.
