Top 10 Historic and Scenic East Coast Road Trips for Beach Lovers and Seafood Enthusiasts

1. Introduction

Whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, prefer hiking or relaxing on the beach, these East Coast road trips will truly deliver.

2. Overview of East Coast Road Trips

Unlike the West Coast, where only three states border the Pacific, a total of 14 states lie along the Atlantic shores. Road trips on the East Coast offer plenty of variety, taking in mountains, beaches, rugged seashores, large cities, small towns, and Intracoastal waterways. Moreover, seafood—from Maine’s lobsters and Maryland’s oysters to Florida’s stone crabs—is abundant. Nearly every East Coast state has a culinary specialty as well, making food a memorable part of any East Coast road trip.

3. Road Trip Itineraries

We’ve compiled 10 of the best East Coast road trips, broken into easy weekend itineraries. You could certainly tweak them, connect the dots, and build the ultimate multiday road trip from Maine to Florida. Whatever you decide, there’s plenty of adventure and stunning sights to see, from the incomparable colors of Vermont in the fall to the wild horses on the beaches of Virginia, not to mention grand cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

Boston, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont

If you’re on the East Coast when the trees begin to change color, a road trip through Vermont and New Hampshire will provide some of the greatest autumn backdrops imaginable. Starting in Boston, head north to Lake Winnipesaukee to find one of the country’s best lake towns. Dubbed “America’s oldest summer resort town,” Wolfeboro is worth spending a night to soak up the Americana aesthetic in this town that many describe as “Rockwellesque.”

From the lake, drive an hour north on NH-16 to North Conway, where you can access the Kancamagus Highway. This top-tier National Scenic Byway for fall foliage offers scenic stopping points like waterfalls and gorges, traveling 34.5 miles through the White Mountain National Forest. After exiting in Lincoln, New Hampshire, continue west and cross into Vermont.

Set your sights next on Stowe, Vermont’s most picturesque ski resort town, and the location of the historic Trapp Family Lodge, home of the real von Trapp family that inspired “The Sound of Music.” If there’s no snow, the area offers plenty of trails for biking and hiking, or you can enjoy a scenic gondola ride. You’ll conclude the trip in the state capital of Burlington, a vibrant city with a youthful personality, home to the University of Vermont.

Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park, Maine

There’s no shortage of ways to explore Boston—from self-guided tours and visits to museums, to strolls through Little Italy and historic spots like Faneuil Hall. For the fastest route on this 285-mile trip, it takes nearly five hours, passing through Salem, Portsmouth, Portland, and Augusta before reaching Bar Harbor.

Traveling north on U.S. Route 1 from Boston, you can take detours to enjoy lighthouses and coastal vistas. Continue to Portland for an overnight stay, eventually reaching Acadia National Park, a gem of Maine.

New York, New York to Newport, Rhode Island

Spending a few days in Manhattan provides the perfect preamble to a relaxing road trip to Newport. After experiencing the vibrant city life, head north along the East River and across some scenic landscapes to reach Newport. In Newport, park your car and enjoy a few car-free days strolling cliff walks and historic mansions, or relax over fresh seafood at local restaurants.

New York, New York to Washington, D.C.

This 226-mile trip takes around four hours. Take the Holland Tunnel from lower Manhattan, then Interstate 78 through Jersey City while enjoying views of the Statue of Liberty. Continue on Interstate 95 through New Jersey and into Maryland, concluding in Washington, D.C., where museums and outdoor activities abound.

Baltimore, Maryland to Virginia Beach, Virginia

Starting in Baltimore, embark on a coastal adventure through the picturesque landscapes of wild horses. Make a stop at the charming Bethany Beach and head to Ocean City for fun-filled activities in Assateague State Park. Spend time with the wild ponies and travel south into Virginia Beach, where vibrant boardwalks and attractions await.

Washington, D.C. to Nags Head, North Carolina

After experiencing Washington, D.C., you may be ready for the beach. This journey takes you about 280 miles south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Traveling along scenic highways and bridges, explore charming coastal towns and relax on the beach at Nags Head. Take the time to visit local attractions and enjoy the local ecosystem.

Charlotte, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This scenic journey to the heart of Appalachia begins in Charlotte, North Carolina, where you can visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Continue west to Asheville, a vibrant city providing access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the famous Biltmore Estate and wrap up the day with a stunning sunset view at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn.

Wilmington, North Carolina to Savannah, Georgia

Start or end your journey in Wilmington, North Carolina, where you can explore shops and restaurants along the riverwalk. When it’s time to go south to Savannah, you can either take the fast route via Interstate 95 or enjoy a more scenic drive along U.S. Route 17. Explore the charming coastal towns and savor delicious local cuisine along the way.

Savannah, Georgia to Orlando, Florida

It may not be easy to leave Savannah behind, but a visit to Orlando’s theme parks and attractions awaits. This 300-mile journey will primarily take place on Interstate 95, but consider taking a detour to the beautiful Sea Islands. As you approach Orlando, enjoy the coast, cross over the St. Johns River, and get ready for the fun activities waiting at the various entertainment venues.

Miami, Florida to Key West, Florida

This iconic road trip takes you to the southernmost point of the continental U.S. From Miami, it’s essential to savor the local culture and culinary offerings along the way. Traveling down Highway 1, indulge in fresh Key Lime Pie and explore the gorgeous islands that make up the Florida Keys. Furthermore, visit local attractions like the Hemingway Home and Museum before witnessing the stunning sunsets at every point along the way.