Best Coastal Drives in the U.S. (2026)
Coastal road trips are the easiest way to combine scenery, beach towns, and great hotel nights—without overplanning. Below are America’s most iconic coastal drives, plus quick route ideas, where to stay, and practical planning tips.
Compare hotel prices near each route’s best stop towns. Filter for parking, beach access, and total price (fees included).
Pacific Coast Highway (California)
The Pacific Coast Highway—often paired with Highway 1—remains the most iconic coastal drive for U.S. travelers. Expect cliffside ocean views, premium coastal resorts, and scenic stops that feel cinematic.
Suggested route
Start in San Francisco or Los Angeles and build your drive around sunrise viewpoints, short hikes, and a couple of “stay-put” nights in a beach town with strong hotel inventory.
- Day 1–2: San Francisco → Monterey/Carmel (coastal viewpoints + food)
- Day 3: Big Sur scenic pull-offs + short trails
- Day 4–5: Santa Barbara for beach hotels and relaxed evenings
Oregon Coast (Highway 101)
Wild, moody, and incredibly scenic, the Oregon Coast is perfect for dramatic coastlines and quieter beach towns. It can also be a better value than California for hotels and vacation rentals.
Suggested route
- Quick weekend: Portland → Cannon Beach → Astoria → back
- Longer: drive south with one base hotel night every 1–2 towns
Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Florida Keys road trip is a classic American coastal drive—bridges, turquoise views, and sun-soaked stops. If you want warm weather and simple planning, this is a great “book a hotel and go” route.
Suggested route
- Stay 2 nights in Islamorada for calm “resort-style” downtime
- Finish with Key West for sunsets + a walkable old town
Florida A1A (Atlantic Coast)
A1A is ideal if you want a beach-to-beach drive with lots of hotel choices, dining, and family-friendly stops. Make it a quick weekend or stretch it into a full coastal vacation.
Suggested route
When comparing hotels, watch for “resort fees,” parking, and “beach access” so your total price matches expectations.
Maine Coastal Route 1
Maine’s coastline is charming and slow-paced—lighthouse towns, seafood, and boutique inns. It’s a top pick for summer and early fall, especially for Northeast travelers.
Suggested route
- Use Portland as your first base for easy food + walkability
- Camden is perfect for a quiet waterfront hotel night
- Finish in Bar Harbor for coastal trails + views
Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)
The Road to Hana is less about speed and more about the experience—waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, and slow island pacing. It’s one of the best one-day adventures to add to a Hawaii trip.
Suggested route
Pick a few highlights instead of trying to “do everything.” The best trips feel relaxed, not rushed.
Planning tips for coastal drives
Coastal road trips are easy to start—but the best ones are planned around comfort: a reliable car rental, smart hotel choices, and realistic drive times.
- Car rental: book early for holidays and long weekends; compare totals including insurance.
- Hotels: filter for “beach access,” parking, and “ocean view” to avoid surprises at check-in.
- Timing: two-night stays in one town feel better than changing hotels every night.
- Budget: coastal prices spike—midweek stays often reduce rates.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book hotels? For peak summer and holiday weekends, 4–8 weeks ahead is safer—especially for oceanfront rooms.
What’s the best pace? Aim for 2–4 hours of driving per day and build around 1–2 “anchor stops” so the trip stays relaxing.