Sometimes you just have to jump in the car and hit the road. And all travel junkies know how the pull of the open road often beckons you to get out and experience the world. But if you’re a travel enthusiast and you’ve seen quite a bit of the country, where should you go next?
According to NOAA, the United States alone has just over 95,000 miles of coastline. And mostly all of this region is travelable via coastal roads.
If scenic overlooks, white sandy beaches, mouth-watering seafood, and the serenity of ocean views are what you’re looking for, there are several premier coastal destinations that offer any traveler a trip to remember. But there are also many overlooked and hidden gems along the U.S. coastline as well.
In this post, we’ll detail a few of the best coastal road trips that you can take in the U.S.
Oregon Coast
With all of the hype and popularity of the California coast, people often forget about its northern neighbor which boasts some of the most scenic views of the entire continental United States.
The Oregon coast is roughly about 360 miles long from the northern California border to the border of Washington state to the North. And along this length, you can find numerous scenic overlooks, quaint seafaring towns, and the occasional resort.
In order to enjoy this beautiful and serene stretch of coastal paradise, you need only traverse Highway 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
And along the way, northbound, you may want to pull over and stop near Cannon Beach, a coastal town with scenic rocky seascapes, made famous for being a part of several movies such as The Goonies.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
When most people think of Mississippi, they might envision cotton plantations, the mighty Mississippi river, or the birthplace of jazz and blues. But believe it or not, Mississippi is a coastal state as well, and is home to the longest stretch of man-made beach in the world.
From Henderson Point in Pass Christian in the west to Biloxi in the east, the stretch of sandy beach runs largely uninterrupted for 27 miles along Highway 90. And along the way, you’ll find several attractions that may make you stop and wonder what other secrets may be just around the corner.
Though the gulf waters along the Mississippi coast are brackish and silt-laden, the fishing here is one of the best in the country offering anglers the finest specimens of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Tuna, Drum, and a variety of big fighting fish for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts.
Additionally, the Mississippi gulf coast is also home to 12 casinos and hundreds of places to dine and enjoy southern coastal cuisine. But be careful, as being involved in an auto collision isn’t uncommon on this long stretch of road; you may want to make sure you’re up on your insurance and that you have the number of a good lawyer in your back pocket, just in case.
The 4th Coast
If you’ve never heard of the 4th Coast, you’re definitely not alone. And unless you’ve lived in far Upstate New York, the banks of the St. Lawrence river might have never been a destination in your travel plans.
Near the town of Massena, New York, the St. Lawrence river is home to some of the best fishing in the world, and plenty of seafaring ships heading to port cities as well. But along its banks, you’ll find many outdoor recreation areas, including Barnhart Island, just across the bridge leading to Cornwall, Canada.
Additionally, this area is just a short drive away from the northernmost entrance to the Adirondack Park, home to Lake Placid and numerous 4000-foot peaks, perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and plenty to do for people of all ages.
All in all, there are so many wonderful destinations to choose from when you set out to travel the American coastline. So make sure you plan ahead and allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy what these amazing coastlines have to offer.