Last Updated
The East Coast of the United States has a multitude of stunning landscapes, diverse culture, tasty regional cuisine, and Old World sophistication. This region of the country is the perfect place for a memorable road trip for singles, couples, and families. This year, get your vehicle ready and plan one of these best road trips on the East Coast.
The Best Road Trips on the East Coast
Enjoy the Splendor of Maine
Take this 232 mile drive along Route 1 on Maine’s coast affectionately known as the lobster trail. While you navigate this stunning drive, you can stop along the way and marvel at the jagged coastline and sample the local cuisine such as succulent Maine lobster and the decadent mac and cheese.
Begin the trip in beautiful Ogunquit. In town, visit charming Perkins Cove Harbor or play on the pristine white sand beach. Head on to Kennebunkport, where you can see the summer home of President George H.W. Bush, before you eat a delicious lobster roll at the Clam Shack. Continue to Portland and visit the historic Portland Head Light. Drive on to see the great arts scene on Main Street in lovely Rockland.
Your Maine adventure will conclude at the iconic Acadia National Park. At this 47,000 acre park, guests can enjoy several outdoor and nature activities. Park guests can hike, swim and lounge on beautiful beaches, camp, and so much more at this iconic national park. The frequent wildlife sightings here include bear, moose, whales, seabirds, and lots more. The stunning view from the peak of Cadillac Mountain is worth the trip alone.
Escape the City on Long Island
This popular jaunt for Manhattanites spans 45 miles and begins in North Fork. On County Road 48, drive through pretty country and stop at any of the fine wineries in the area like Sparkling Pointe.
Continue through Mattituck and head toward Cutchogue to artsy Greenport. Then take a ferry over to Shelter Island, where you can shop in funky shops like Fredric Bernstein, or enjoy a cold beverage at Sunset Beach.
Take a ferry to Sag Harbor and continue to East Hampton, and head east to tony Montauk. The old Montauk Highway has one of the best beaches on the East Coast for sunbathing and surfing. For a scrumptious blackened fish montaco, pop into 66 the Gig Shack before you hit the beach.
Get Charmed in the South
Experience the best of the South on this beautiful 113 mile trip from Charleston to Savannah along US 17. On this route you can see many historical places from the Civil War, dine on iconic Southern cuisine and spend time outdoors for sun and recreation.
In Charleston, history fans will want to visit the John Rutledge House Inn, built in 1763 for the first governor of South Carolina. You can enjoy a great steak or seafood meal at Halls Chophouse before continuing your journey. Midway through the trip, you can stop in scenic and historic Beaufort. On Beaufort Walking Tours, guests can see the many historical sites from the town’s 500 year history.
This Southern drive ends in gothic Savannah. Stroll around the oak tree lined streets of Georgia’s first city. You can browse the art galleries at City Market or popular boutiques like Paris Market before you dine on a fine southern meal at the Grey.
Navigate An Overseas Highway in Florida
Spend some time in the Florida sunshine on this drive spanning the Florida Keys. This route goes from Miami Beach to Key West and spans 165 miles and 42 bridges. This drive includes the wonderful views from the Seven Mile Bridge, which has a walkable older section in Marathon.
You begin this journey in the Wynwood Art District in Miami and make your way to US 1. There are plenty of great things to see and do along this route. In Wynwood, drive past the gorgeous street murals and stop in at the Museum of Graffiti to take a closer look. There are many places along this route to get a slice of that famous Key Lime Pie.
Divers will want to take a stop in Key Largo, considered the Dive Capital of the World. You can spend a day diving or snorkeling at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Finish your trip in fun and sunny Key West. This southernmost point in the United States is home to a thriving LGBTQ community, vibrant nightlife on Duval Street, and historical sites such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Queen Anne Artist House. The Blonde Giraffe serves a slice of their family recipe for that Key Lime Pie and is a favorite among tourists.
READ MORE:
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021
7 Great Road Trips From New York City
Over 30% of Americans Have Road Trips Planned For Summer
Top 7 Reasons To Visit Arizona This Summer
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.