Key takeaways
- Match your ride to the route. When you rent a car, you can make sure your vehicle is ready for everything in your itinerary.
- Pick your perfect coast. From the misty horizons of the Pacific Northwest to the sunny shoreline of the Florida Keys, every coast offers a distinctly different flavor.
- Don't sleep on the “Third Coast.” The Great Lakes offer the massive horizons and picturesque dunes you expect out of a coastal region.
- Balance spontaneity with guaranteed comfort. Pre-book a few high-quality stays to anchor your journey, leaving the miles in between wide open for spontaneous roadside detours.
Let the shoreline lead the way on your next vacation
This is the summer you cross something big off your bucket list and take that drive along the coast. Roll the windows down and breathe in the cool, salty air of the ocean breeze. Stop for lunch right on the water and taste the freshest seafood you’ve ever had as you watch the waves crash against the sand.
Whether you’re drawn more to the rugged cliffs of the northern coasts or the golden glow of the south, a drive along one of the United States’ epic coastlines offers the chance to see truly jaw-dropping views.
Before you get on the road, decide what you’re driving
Taking a vehicle you’re familiar with on your road trip can be tempting, but a rental car might be a better way to go. Depending on your own vehicle’s miles per gallon, a rental can sometimes offer better fuel efficiency. You’ll also prevent wear and tear on your vehicle (and keep out the inevitable piles of sand) while getting access to all the latest bells and whistles. Plus, you can choose a car that fits the terrain of your route — not the other way around.
Northwest: Dramatic shorelines and epic views
The Pacific Northwest offers an unforgettable experience, with massive rock formations that seem to burst from the water and sea caves that look like portals to other worlds. While the water is typically too brisk for a relaxing swim, the stormy weather leads to a more powerful surf that roars against the coastline. This is the right trip if you want to feel the morning mist brush against your skin instead of getting a tan — or burn — on the beach.
Where to drive:
- Olympic Highway 101 (Washington): This loop around the Olympic Peninsula offers incredible diversity, taking you from rocky beaches to one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests with moss covering every corner. And you can make Seattle your hub — the “Emerald City” on the Puget Sound.
- Coastal Highway 101 (Oregon and Northern California): Trace the meandering U.S. Route 101 down the Oregon coast to witness massive basalt and dunes that drop into the churning Pacific, with lighthouses that have stood for over a hundred years. If you venture far enough, you can take a break from the waves and witness the Northern California Avenue of the Giants for an up-close-and-personal look at the biggest trees you’ve ever seen.
Where to hit the beach:
- Ruby Beach (Washington): Known for its majestic sea stacks and piles of driftwood scattered across the shoreline, this crown jewel of the Washington coast offers natural beauty.
- Cannon Beach (Oregon): Here the iconic Haystack Rock rises from the water, surrounded by tide pools ready for exploration when the tide is low enough. It’s commonly referred to as one of the best beaches in the country.
Where to stay:
- Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel (Portland, Oregon): Enjoy a cozy retreat on the Willamette River with easy access to the start of your Oregon coastal adventure.
- The Lodge at St. Edward Park (Kenmore, Washington): Just outside Seattle, this restored seminary building is tucked into a lush forest, offering a serene escape next to Lake Washington.
- InterContinental Seattle Bellevue (Bellevue, Washington): Make this modern, luxurious hotel your home base for exploring the Puget Sound.
West: Cinematic twists and turns
In a land known for movie stars, California’s coastline is what really steals the show. Park by the water and sit on the hood of your car to watch the sun set over the waves and see for yourself why it’s called the “Golden State.” This is the place convertibles were built for, where the sun warms your shoulders, and the breeze is the only air conditioning you need.
Where to drive:
- Pacific Coast Highway (California): Highway 1 is the one to beat. This iconic road hugs dizzying cliffs, offering stunning views for the passengers that can be a bit white-knuckle for the driver. Every turn down this snaking path reveals a new postcard-worthy vista. The Pacific Coast Highway is a trip everyone should take in the United States.
- 17-Mile Drive (California): If those cliffs sound a bit too intense, a slower, more manicured experience might be more your thing. This private road with a vehicle entrance fee winds through the Del Monte Forest, whose skinny trees stand and watch the waves from above. You’ll drive past Carmel-by-the-Sea — a charming town that’s like stepping through a storybook. And why not stop by the Monterey Bay Aquarium to see what’s below the surface.
Where to hit the beach:
- Baker Beach (Northern California): Get one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge while lounging on soft, golden sand.
- Santa Monica Pier (Southern California): Feel the ocean breeze against your face as you ride on the pier’s signature roller coaster. This classic boardwalk offers stunning views of the ocean from its variety of attractions — especially the Ferris wheel.
Where to stay:
- InterContinental The Clement Monterey (Monterey, California): This hotel puts you on the water’s edge, literally — so close you can taste the ocean air.
- Hotel Californian (Santa Barbara, California): This Spanish Colonial Revival hotel features romantic architecture and a rooftop pool with an unbeatable view.
- Sanctuary Beach Resort (Marina, California): Nestled in the dunes near Monterey Bay, this secluded experience invites you to fall asleep to the sound of the surf.
Midwest: America’s unsung coastlines
They’re called the Great Lakes for a reason. Commonly referred to as the country’s “Third Coast,” these lakes offer a true coastal experience — just without the salt. You’ll trace the edges of water so vast you could easily mistake it for an ocean, with a shoreline that shifts from urban city centers to quiet, windswept dunes.
Where to drive:
- DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Illinois): Nestled between Chicago skyscrapers and the expansive Lake Michigan, this iconic route offers the perfect blend of architecture and nature — with easy access to all of Chicago’s next-level attractions. From above, it gives the illusion of the city delicately floating atop the water.
- Door County Coastal Byway (Wisconsin): Often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” this loop has Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. As you journey around the Door Peninsula, you’ll encounter limestone cliff faces and blooming cherry orchards with white flowers that look like they’ve been dusted with a layer of snow in the spring.
- Lake Erie Coastal Trail (Ohio): This scenic byway stretches nearly 300 miles, taking you past gigantic roller coasters in Sandusky where you can hear the joyful screams from the road, state parks with pristine sandy beaches and the rocking city of Cleveland. And if you’re feeling even more adventurous, extend your drive north toward Canada to see Niagara Falls.
Where to hit the beach:
- Oval Beach (Michigan): Just a couple hours northeast of Chicago, you can visit one of the best freshwater beaches in the country, with gentle dunes and seaside grass that sways in the wind.
- Cedar Point Beach (Ohio): After a long day of twists and turns at the roller coaster capital of the world, enjoy a much-needed rest or continue the fun with trivia games, cornhole or sandcastle contests — all hosted on the shore.
Where to stay:
- Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile (Chicago, Illinois): Just a few blocks from Lake Shore Drive, this hotel brings French elegance to the Windy City.
- Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): About three hours south of Door County, this industrial-chic hotel can serve as a starting point to your Wisconsin journey.
- InterContinental Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio): This luxurious stop along the Lake Erie byway offers sophisticated comfort and easy access to the city’s museums and parks.
Northeast: Historic harbors and wild waters
The northeastern coastline features rocky beaches teeming with tidepools and wildlife. You’ll find some of the freshest, most mouth-watering bites along the North Atlantic coastline in restaurants that sit right on the water. The beaches are often flanked by forests, where the scent of rich pine melds with the sea spray, and you can watch fishing boats bob in the distance — hard at work catching your next meal.
Where to drive:
- Bold Coast Scenic Byway (Maine): This route offers a wild beauty, connecting a network of conservation lands — prime territory for puffins, otters and seals. You’ll drive past blueberry barrens so sweet you can almost taste them from your car and coastal forests where you might spot the occasional moose.
- U.S. Route 1 (Maine): Journey through the beautiful seacoast of New England and discover the legendary Acadia National Park, where the ocean meets a sprawling mountain range. When you’re done exploring the park’s winding paths, stopping by a roadside lobster shack to enjoy one (or two) of the region’s famous lobster rolls is a must.
- Route 6A (Massachusetts): Also known as the Old King’s Highway, Route 6A was the first major road built by the English to connect colonies. Today this curling Cape Cod drive takes you through the largest contiguous historic district in the country. You’ll meander past canopies of trees that have stood for decades, the homes of infamous sea captains and tidal flats that seem to stretch for miles at low tide.
Where to hit the beach:
- Old Orchard Beach (Maine): Home to the only beachside amusement park in New England, this town is known for its large selection of local shops, making it a great place to grab some tasty seafood and a view of the ocean.
- Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts): From pristine dunes to dense forests, this 40-mile stretch of coastline offers a variety of breathtaking sights.
Where to stay:
- Cliff House Maine (York, Maine): From its perch atop the rocky coastline of Southern Maine, this stunning resort’s panoramic ocean views will make you feel suspended above the water.
- InterContinental Boston (Boston, Massachusetts): Located in the vibrant Boston waterfront, you can head north from this hotel to hit Maine’s Route 1 and Bold Coast or travel south to catch Route 6A.
- The Nantucket Hotel & Resort (Nantucket, Massachusetts): A one-hour ferry ride from the Route 6A drive, this island hotel captures New England’s signature charm.
Southeast: Island-hopping highways
In the Southeast, the roads don’t just follow the coastline; they glide across it. The drives are effortless — no cliffs that make your stomach drop. It’s just you, the road, the ocean waves and the seemingly endless horizon. Watch as the water shifts from rich turquoise to clear as glass.
Where to drive:
- Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina): A series of ferries and bridges carries you through this thin strip of barrier islands. The road often feels like a ribbon of land in the middle of the water. You’ll pass the occasional wetlands that provide refuge for migrating birds — get ready to spot them flying by your window.
- State Road A1A (Florida): This iconic strip is the main road through Florida’s coastal towns and major cities. It’s a quintessential summer vibe, offering unobstructed views of the beach and swaying palms, with skyscrapers that sit on the edge of the water in Miami.
- The Overseas Highway (Florida): This engineering marvel connects the Florida Keys via 42 bridges that stretch over 100 miles. Roll the windows down, let the wind in and just cruise above the waves as you head out to sea.
Where to hit the beach:
- Outer Banks (North Carolina): If you take the scenic byway, you have to stop and explore the beach. Here, the waves are almost as wild as the horses you may see trotting by.
- Siesta Beach (Florida): Frequently voted as the number one beach in the country, you’ll get to walk along sand that shimmers against the sun — its white quartz crystals keeping it cool to the touch. The calm and clear waters also make it a great place to snorkel and get up close and personal with the local marine life.
Where to stay:
- Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina): If you end up heading south of the Outer Banks, this is a great seaside spot with direct beach access.
- Pelican Grand Beach Resort (Fort Lauderdale, Florida): Sitting directly on the Atlantic, this grand resort offers a lazy river and balconies perfect for watching an ocean sunrise.
- Islander Resort (Islamorada, Florida): Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, you can stay in a cottage right on the sand.
Hitting the road with Citi Travel
Savvy road trippers will book a few high-quality hotels ahead of time but leave room for improvisation. That way, your trip can stay flexible, but you can also rest assured you have multiple spots with ocean views and easy access to serene beaches waiting for you. With Citi Travel, you can book your hotels in one place — and even add a rental car.
To cover trip expenses, eligible cardmembers can get even more flexibility by using ThankYou® Points, your Citi® card, or a combination of both, so the only thing you have to worry about is the open road.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
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