10 East Coast Road Trips You Need to Take This Year
The East Coast offers some of the most scenic and exciting road trips in North America. From coastal highways with ocean views to mountain routes through colorful fall foliage, you’ll find endless options for your next driving adventure. Whether you want a quick weekend getaway or an extended journey, the East Coast’s mix of vibrant cities, charming small towns, and natural wonders makes it perfect for road tripping.
Planning a road trip along the Eastern Seaboard lets you experience America’s history, culture, and natural beauty at your own pace. You can explore historic landmarks, taste regional foods, and discover hidden gems as you drive through different states. The changing seasons add extra appeal, with each time of year offering its own unique charm and activities. Let’s get to the top ones to take this year!
1) Overseas Highway, Florida
Ideal time to go for: 2-3 days
The Overseas Highway offers one of the most unique road trips you’ll ever take. This 120-mile stretch of US Route 1 connects Miami to Key West through a series of bridges and islands.
You’ll drive across sparkling blue waters as you hop from key to key. The road feels like it’s floating in the middle of the ocean, with endless views of the turquoise sea on both sides.
Start your journey in Key Largo and make your way down to Key West. The drive takes about 3 hours without stops, but you’ll want to take your time to enjoy the views.
Make some fun stops along the way. Check out Key Largo Chocolate for sweet treats, or grab lunch at the quirky No Name Pub. Each key has its own personality and charm to discover.
The best part? You can pull over at many spots to take photos of the stunning ocean views. The water colors range from deep blue to bright turquoise, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen for this tropical adventure. The Florida Keys sunshine makes the ocean sparkle as you cruise down this incredible highway.
2) Cabot Trail Nova Scotia
Ideal time to go for: 2-3 days
The Cabot Trail ranks as one of Canada’s most scenic drives. This 185-mile loop takes you around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering amazing coastal views and mountain landscapes.
You’ll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where hiking trails lead to stunning lookout points. Keep your camera ready for moose, bald eagles, and whales swimming near the shore.
The best time to drive the Cabot Trail is from June to October. Fall brings incredible colors as the leaves change, making it extra special in September and October.
Plan to spend at least 2-3 days exploring. You can stop at small fishing villages, try fresh seafood, and learn about the area’s Scottish and Acadian culture.
Some must-see spots include the Skyline Trail for sunset views, Pleasant Bay for whale watching, and Ingonish Beach for a refreshing swim. The village of Chéticamp offers great local crafts and music.
Remember to drive clockwise around the trail. This puts you on the ocean side of the road, giving you the best views and easier access to lookout points.
3) Acadia National Park Maine
Ideal time to go for: 5-7 days
Pack your bags for an amazing coastal adventure to Acadia National Park in Maine. This stunning park sits on Mount Desert Island and offers some of the best ocean views on the East Coast.
Start your trip from Boston and drive up the scenic US-1 along Maine’s rocky coastline. Stop at charming coastal towns like Portland and Freeport to grab a fresh lobster roll or do some shopping.
The park itself is perfect for outdoor fun. You can hike up Cadillac Mountain to catch the first sunrise in the United States, or take it easy with a bike ride on the historic carriage roads.
Want to get on the water? Rent a kayak to paddle along the rugged coastline, or take a boat tour to spot seals and puffins. The park’s rocky beaches are great spots for tidepooling or just relaxing with a picnic.
Make sure to spend some time in Bar Harbor, the gateway town to Acadia. You’ll find cozy bed and breakfasts, seafood restaurants, and ice cream shops perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
4) Niagara Falls New York
Ideal time to go for: 3-4 days
You can’t miss the chance to see one of America’s most amazing natural wonders. Niagara Falls offers stunning views of massive waterfalls that will leave you speechless.
The drive to Niagara Falls takes you through scenic New York State routes. You’ll get to enjoy beautiful countryside views and small towns along the way.
Plan to spend at least one full day exploring the falls. Take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to get up close to the rushing water, or walk through the Cave of the Winds to feel the power of the falls.
The best time to visit is during summer when the weather is warm. The falls are also beautiful in spring and fall when crowds are smaller.
Make sure to see both the American and Canadian sides if you have your passport. Each side gives you a different view of these incredible waterfalls.
At night, colorful lights illuminate the falls, creating a magical display. You can watch this show from observation points or while enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant.
5) Boston Freedom Trail, Massachusetts
Ideal time to go for: 1 day
The Freedom Trail takes you on a 2.5-mile walk through Boston’s most important historic sites. You’ll find 16 locations that shaped America’s early history, including museums, churches, meeting houses, and parks.
Start your journey at Boston Commons Visitor Center, where you can grab a map and learn about the trail. The path is easy to follow – just look for the red brick line or painted red stripe on the ground.
You’ll pass fascinating spots like Paul Revere’s House and the USS Constitution – a famous warship nicknamed “Old Ironsides.” The trail also leads you to old burial grounds where many Revolutionary War heroes rest.
Pack comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be on your feet for a few hours. The trail is free to explore, though some sites along the way charge admission fees.
You can do the trail on your own or join a guided tour led by historians in period costumes. Taking breaks at cafes in Boston’s North End for Italian food makes the walk even better.
The trail ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, where you can climb 294 steps for great views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.
6) Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Ideal time to go for: 2-3 days
The Jersey Shore makes for a perfect summer road trip destination with its mix of beaches, boardwalks, and beach towns. You can start your journey from North Jersey or New York City and head south along the coast.
Stop at Point Pleasant Beach for classic boardwalk fun with rides, games, and plenty of treats. The town offers a more laid-back vibe compared to some other beach spots.
Seaside Heights delivers the quintessential Jersey Shore experience you’ve seen on TV. You’ll find a lively boardwalk packed with food stands, arcades, and amusement rides.
Take time to explore Long Beach Island, an 18-mile barrier island known for its lighthouse and quiet beaches. The island’s beach towns offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the busier northern spots.
Spring Lake provides a completely different Shore experience with its upscale boutiques and peaceful atmosphere. You can stroll along the non-commercial boardwalk or relax on the clean, spacious beaches.
End your coastal adventure in Cape May, America’s oldest seaside resort. The Victorian architecture and historic downtown create a charming backdrop for your beach activities.
7) Savannah Historic District, Georgia
Ideal time to go for: 1-2 days
Take a stroll through one of America’s most charming historic districts in Savannah. The compact, walkable area makes it easy to explore without a car.
Reynolds Square welcomes you with its famous statue of John Wesley, who started the first Sunday school here back in 1736. The square’s peaceful benches offer perfect spots to rest between adventures.
You’ll find beautiful 18th and 19th-century buildings lining the streets. Spanish moss drapes from massive oak trees, creating picture-perfect scenes around every corner.
The waterfront area lets you watch huge cargo ships pass by while you grab lunch at one of the local seafood spots. River Street’s cobblestones and converted cotton warehouses add extra charm to your walk.
Pack comfortable shoes – the best way to see Savannah is by walking through its 22 historic squares. Each one tells its own story with unique monuments and surrounding architecture.
Stop at local candy shops for free praline samples, a sweet Savannah tradition. The district’s relaxed rules even let you carry drinks while you explore the streets.
8) Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Ideal time to go for: 3-4 days
Get ready for stunning mountain views and winding roads through one of Virginia’s most beautiful regions. The famous Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, offering 75 scenic overlooks where you can stop and take photos.
Start your trip in the charming town of Front Royal and make your way south through the valley. You’ll see rolling hills, dense forests, and the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains stretching into the distance.
Pack a picnic lunch and stop at one of the many overlooks to enjoy views of both the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Piedmont. Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings – deer, black bears, and wild turkeys often make appearances.
Take a break from driving to explore some hiking trails. The area offers options for all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.
Visit local farms where you can pick your own flowers or fresh fruits depending on the season. Make time to explore historic Charlottesville and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello if you’re interested in American history.
The best time to visit is during spring wildflower blooms or fall foliage season when the mountains burst with color.
9) Outer Banks, North Carolina
Ideal time to go for: 2-3 days
The Outer Banks makes for an amazing beach road trip along North Carolina’s coast. This string of barrier islands stretches for over 100 miles, connected by scenic Highway 12.
You’ll find charming coastal towns like Duck, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills dotting the route. Each spot has its own unique vibe and local attractions to explore.
Make sure to stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. This is where Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first successful airplane flight in 1903.
The Duck Town Boardwalk gives you perfect views of the Currituck Sound. You can shop at local boutiques or grab a bite while watching the sunset over the water.
Want to see wild horses? Head to Corolla, where herds of wild Spanish mustangs still roam the beaches. These horses have lived here for hundreds of years.
You can turn this into a longer adventure by continuing north to Virginia Beach or south toward Myrtle Beach. The drive takes you across bridges and past lighthouses, with ocean views the whole way.
10) Charleston, South Carolina
Ideal time to go for: 2-3 days
Charleston makes a perfect starting point for your East Coast adventure. The historic city charms visitors with cobblestone streets, antebellum mansions, and amazing food scenes.
You can spend a few days exploring Charleston before hitting the road. Take a stroll through the French Quarter, visit colorful Rainbow Row, and check out the City Market for local crafts and foods.
From Charleston, drive north to Myrtle Beach in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The route takes you through scenic Lowcountry landscapes filled with Spanish moss and coastal views.
Head south instead to reach Savannah, Georgia in about 2 hours. This route lets you stop at beautiful beaches and small towns along the way.
Want more time on the coast? Plan 10-14 days to fully enjoy Charleston and nearby spots. Stay 2-3 nights in each location to really soak in the Southern charm. Make sure to try Charleston’s famous shrimp and grits or biscuits before you leave. The city’s food scene ranks among the best in the South.
Scenic Highlights
The East Coast offers incredible natural beauty, from dramatic ocean cliffs to soaring mountain peaks. Pack your camera and plan extra time for scenic stops along these stunning routes.
Coastal Views
Your drive along the Atlantic coast treats you to pristine beaches and rugged shorelines. Stop at Cape Cod’s Race Point Beach to spot whales breaching offshore during migration season.
Maine’s rocky coast provides perfect photo spots at Acadia National Park. Pull over at Thunder Hole to watch waves crash dramatically against the granite cliffs.
Florida’s Overseas Highway lets you drive across turquoise waters from key to key. Make time for sunset at Seven Mile Bridge – it’s one of the most amazing ocean views you’ll ever see.
Mountain Passes
The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Virginia and North Carolina’s most stunning peaks. You’ll find endless overlooks to admire the rolling mountains blanketed in deep green forests.
Take Kancamagus Highway through New Hampshire’s White Mountains for incredible fall foliage views. Stop at scenic pullouts like Sugar Hill or Pemigewasset for panoramic mountain vistas.
The Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts leads you through the berkshires with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in views of Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak.
Cultural Stops
The East Coast’s rich heritage comes alive through remarkable places and flavors that tell America’s story, from colonial-era buildings to modern food scenes.
Historic Landmarks
Start your cultural journey at Salem’s Witch House in Massachusetts. This dark-timbered building from 1675 stands as the last remaining structure with direct ties to the Salem Witch Trials.
The Newport Mansions in Rhode Island showcase the grandeur of America’s Gilded Age. You can tour these stunning summer homes of the nation’s wealthiest families, with The Breakers and Marble House being must-see stops.
In Cape Elizabeth, Maine, the Portland Head Light welcomes visitors as America’s oldest lighthouse. The adjacent museum tells stories of shipwrecks and coastal life since 1791.
Local Eateries
Maine’s coastal towns serve up the freshest lobster rolls. Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is famous for their overflowing portions and simple preparation.
Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market lets you sample local specialties under one roof. Try a classic cheese steak at Carmen’s or grab Pennsylvania Dutch treats at Dutch Eating Place.
Charleston’s food scene blends Southern comfort with coastal flavors. Don’t miss the shrimp and grits at Hominy Grill or the oyster bars along King Street.
