You deserve a vacay! Let us help you plan an unforgettable American road trip — or three!
Now more than ever people are looking to plan an epic road trip — a vacation unlike any other that offers flexibility and variety on just about any budget. On a good road trip, you never know when you’ll round a corner and find yourself gasping in awe at an ocean view and telling the driver to “Pull over, pull over!”
The Pacific Coast Highway that runs along the coast of California gets a lot of love, but there are many iconic coastal drives in the U.S. that are just as worthy of a visit. Here are three routes to consider next time you’re planning to hit the road.
A1A Coastal Byway in North Florida
Just south of Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, this drive traverses 72 miles from chic Ponte Vedra Beach through historic St. Augustine and on to Flagler Beach to form the perfect day trip.
When to go: Anytime
What to see: As the vast Atlantic Ocean keeps you company on one side, the route takes you through numerous state parks and recreation areas with lots of activities, like bike paths, canoe and kayak rentals, and interpretive trails. Or, just take a beachcombing stroll, keeping an eye out for manatees and dolphins. If you don’t want to stop driving, you can continue all the way down to Daytona Beach, a picture-perfect coastal town complete with a boardwalk and pier for souvenir shopping.
What to know: Florida weather is known for being ideal year-round, but if you plan your trip between November and January, you can also catch the world-renowned Nights of Lights festival in old town St. Augustine.
Seward Highway in South Central Alaska
This 127-mile certified USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway takes you from the city of Anchorage into the Kenai Peninsula. Along the way you’ll pass through the vast Chugach National Forest and wind your way along a path of awe-inspiring sea views, glacial lakes and the quaint ski town of Girdwood before arriving in Seward. Known as the “Gateway to Alaska,” Seward is the hub of many companies offering whale watching and boat tours of the Kenai Fjords National Park.
When to go: May through August
What to see: Having had the pleasure of taking the drive myself recently, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend a stop at Beluga Point. About an hour south of Anchorage, this scenic overlook offers stunning vistas of distant arctic mountain ranges abutted by the calming waters of the Turnagain Arm inlet. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for pods of the namesake whales that like to frequent the area. There are also numerous trailheads along the highway ranging from strenuous out-and-back hikes to family-friendly nature trails. Just make sure you are “Bear Aware”— seriously!
What to know: Gas stations are few and far between once you get out of Anchorage, and so is cell phone service, so make sure to fill up the tank before hitting the road or use an app to help you find a station along your route ahead of time.
New England Coastline from Boston to Maine
Get a true taste of the northeast by heading out of Boston up Route 1 to Kennebunkport, Maine, for a remarkable 168-mile coastal adventure that’ll take you about three hours from start to finish, but that’s if you don’t stop and enjoy the New England charm along the way.
When to go: Autumn
What to see: Route 1 will take you along a northern coast dotted with countless tiny islands as you pass through adorable seaside towns straight out of a Stephen King novel. Grand mansions perch on stately cliffsides above beaches perfect for pulling over and getting a breath of fresh air. Depending on how much time you have, you could tour a lighthouse or go whale watching. Keep an eye out for puffins, seals and porpoises as well. Once you get to Kennebunkport, make sure to grab a bite at one of the oceanside restaurants offering local seafood and Maine’s specialty, lobster rolls.
What to know: Make sure you’re not heading out of Boston during rush hour or after a major sporting event like a Red Sox game, or you’ll be doing more sitting than cruising. When you go, OnStar® can provide turn-by-turn directions, while traffic apps can help keep you up to date with current road conditions or heavy traffic areas.
By now I’m sure you’re ready to hop in the car and experience any of these epic road trips. Wherever you end up, there’s no doubt you’ll make countless memories — and take countless pictures — along the way.
Get a true taste of the northeast by heading out of Boston up Route 1 to Kennebunkport, Maine, for a remarkable 168-mile coastal adventure that’ll take you about three hours from start to finish, but that’s if you don’t stop and enjoy the New England charm along the way.
When to go: Autumn
What to see: Route 1 will take you along a northern coast dotted with countless tiny islands as you pass through adorable seaside towns straight out of a Stephen King novel. Grand mansions perch on stately cliffsides above beaches perfect for pulling over and getting a breath of fresh air. Depending on how much time you have, you could tour a lighthouse or go whale watching. Keep an eye out for puffins, seals and porpoises as well. Once you get to Kennebunkport, make sure to grab a bite at one of the oceanside restaurants offering local seafood and Maine’s specialty, lobster rolls.
What to know: Make sure you’re not heading out of Boston during rush hour or after a major sporting event like a Red Sox game, or you’ll be doing more sitting than cruising. When you go, OnStar® can provide turn-by-turn directions, while traffic apps can help keep you up to date with current road conditions or heavy traffic areas.
By now I’m sure you’re ready to hop in the car and experience any of these epic road trips. Wherever you end up, there’s no doubt you’ll make countless memories — and take countless pictures — along the way.
By Taylor Provost, GM Financial