10 Best East-Coast road trips
Planning a road trip along the East Coast this summer? Whether you’ve got a day, a weekend, or a full week to explore, there’s a route that works for your schedule. From scenic coastal drives to charming small towns and historic landmarks, these road trips offer something for every kind of traveler. Here are ten of the top East Coast routes worth hitting on your road trip.
Day trips
1. Lincoln, NH, to Portland, ME
Hop on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in Lincoln, N.H., and wind through the White Mountain National Forest that stretches for 35 miles. “The Kanc,” as it’s known by locals, is a great trip to take in autumn when the leaves are bursting with color. Continue your trip over the border and visit Portland, Maine. Walk along the cobblestone streets in the Old Port section and visit Casco Bay for great ocean views. It’s about a 2.5-hour trip without stops.
2. Virginia Beach to Assateague Island, VA
Travel across the 17-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel that connects Virginia Beach to the eastern shore of Maryland. Do some bird-watching in Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles and tour the quaint city. Head for Onancock to hop on a ferry to see Tangier Island and spend some quiet time on the beach. End your tour on Rt. 13 by visiting the Virginia end of Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam free. It’s about two hours of travel time.
3. New York City to Washington, DC
While the drive from NYC to DC takes only about 5 hours, if you’re not in a hurry, consider taking a more scenic route, making a few fun stops along the way. In Lancaster County, Pa., you can experience scenic Amish country and taste some delicious Amish kettle corn and fresh-made preserves. Aim for late July/early August and catch the Peach Festival at Flinchbaugh’s orchard in nearby Hellam, Pa.
Then head to Baltimore, Md., and make a stop in Inner Harbor for some fresh seafood. Don’t miss Fort McHenry, the place of inspiration for the national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Finally, check out Annapolis, Md., home to the U.S. Naval Academy and a historic district with a harbor and row houses from the 1700s.1
Weekend road trips
4. Pensacola, FL, to New Orleans, LA
The shoreline between Pensacola and New Orleans is a popular one. You’ll trek through four beachfront states on the 3-4-hour drive along Highway I-10. Spend time at Pensacola Beach before heading for Gulf State Park in Alabama. Take a boat to see Ship Island in Mississippi and then head for New Orleans and enjoy a Creole dish for lunch, tour the French Quarter and enjoy live music on Bourbon Street.
5. Fort Pierce to Miami, FL
Break up this 2-plus-hour trip by doing some fishing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park for the afternoon, then head toward Savannas Preserve State Park near Port St. Lucie, which is home to birds and alligators. Do some kayaking on Florida’s Loxahatchee River inside Jonathan Dickinson State Park and spend the rest of your time touring Miami. Take in a Marlins baseball game and tour the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
6. Miami to Key West, FL
Take a food and walking tour of Little Havana in Miami, hop aboard a speedboat or visit The Shops at Mary Brickell Village. Then buckle up for an island-hopping tour through the Florida Keys. Stop in Key Largo for lunch and snap a picture of the key deer that roam around Big Pine Key. Hit Duval Street in Key West for open-air bars, including the Bull, the Whistle Bar, or the Green Parrot Bar on Whitehead Street. Don’t miss the Hemingway House, and be sure to take a picture at Mile Marker 0.
7. Kennebunkport to Bar Harbor, ME
Tour Kennebunkport’s harbor and enjoy its small-town feel, then head to Rockland and visit the shops on Main Street. Hop in the car and tour Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park. There are more than 150 miles of trails to choose from in the park, but the 1-mile Shore Path is the most popular as it runs along the ocean. This trip is about 3.5 hours without stops. Also consider hiking the Compass Harbor Trail to enjoy stunning views near Bar Harbor, or the Bar Island Trail, which at low tide is a gravel sandbar.2
8. Salem, MA to Provincetown, MA
This popular road trip option has you visiting amazing towns along a classic strip of the East Coast. It’s a stunning drive that starts off with historic monuments, important sites and well-known universities, then winds its way up Cape Cod to Provincetown. While this trip could be done in a day, a weekend trip may be better for sightseeing. You’ll start in Salem with its spooky history and no shortage of galleries, coffee shops and chic hotels. As you make your drive along U.S. Route 6, stop by vineyards and distilleries. Once you arrive in “P-Town,” get ready to dine in style! It’s a foodie haven and features old-school spots along with waterfront dining options and everything in between. There are plenty of cool hotels and inns where you can enjoy your stay.3
Long road trips
9. Corolla to Ocracoke, NC
Travel through the Outer Banks of North Carolina by starting on Highway 12 in Corolla. Visit the Currituck Banks Reserve to spot wild horses, then head south to the birthplace of air travel, the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest sand dune system in the U.S., and then ride along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for 74 miles to the end, where you can take a ferry to Ocracoke. While this trip is only a couple of hours, it can be extended to a 3- or 4-day trip by making some fun stops along the way.
10. Fort Kent, ME to Key West, FL
Take Route 1, the East Coast’s premier coastal highway, stretching 2,376 miles from Fort Kent, Maine, to Key West, Fla. Visit the Portland Head Lighthouse on Cape Elizabeth, see the Statue of Liberty in New York City, tour the White House and neighboring monuments in Washington, D.C., visit the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina and go snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. Then travel over the 7-mile bridge to Key West for a gorgeous tropical conclusion to your road trip.
Road trip confidently
Whether you’re hitting the road with your family or a group of friends, an east coast road trip is sure to create stories and memories that you’ll talk about for years to come.
Having peace of mind while driving can make a road trip that much more enjoyable. Prepare for emergencies like car issues, getting locked out of your vehicle or running out of gas with Nationwide’s 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance. It’s an optional add-on that you’ll need to sign up for, but it’s well worth it so you can enjoy your trip with confidence.