7 Most Scenic Drives on the Atlantic Coast

Imagine driving down miles of coastline and open roads, spending the day singing along to your favorite songs in the car with your friends while passing by UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lighthouses, fishing villages, and vineyards. This is what visitors can expect on a road trip along the Atlantic Coast. The Atlantic coast is the boundary separating the eastern part of Canada and the United States from the Atlantic Ocean. This has historically been a significant area due to its location along trade routes. Today, this area is home to many major cities and important cultural centers. While the region has many beautiful roads to explore, these are some of the best.

Fundy Coastal Drive, New Brunswick

Stretching 286 miles, from St Stephen to Aulac, the Fundy Coastal drive takes visitors along the awe-inspiring Bay of Fundy coastline in New Brunswick, Canada. This area is famous for having the highest tides in the entire world. The road takes visitors through Saint John and Moncton as well as the coastal town of St. Andrews.

Some unique landmarks to stop, stretch your legs, and explore on the drive include fossil-filled mudflats, the Hopewell Rocks, and coastal islands. Make sure to watch the waves; the sea life on the coast is magnificent, and sometimes visitors are lucky enough to spot whales breaching off the coast. Beyond seeing the beauty of the waters, this drive also takes visitors near lush landscapes and through provincial parks, including world-famous Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, and the spectacular Fundy Trail Provincial Park.

Park Loop Road, Maine

Park Loop Road is a 27-mile road that weaves through lush forests, goes near the coastline, and winds over rocky cliffs, offering spectacular views of the Acadia National Park in Maine. The road is on Mount Desert Island, and takes between three and four hours to drive down. Visitors can start their drive on Park Loop Road from different access points, including Hulls Cove Visitor Center and Jordan Pond. There are many attractions on the route that make for a good stop. The Sieur de Monts is on the path; this is home to the Wild Gardens of Acadia and a Nature Center that explores the local ecology.

Thunder Hole is a breathtaking natural inlet where waves create a thunderous noise, which inspired the inlet's name. This spot is best visited before the high tide and is a great place to admire the area's natural beauty. Sand Beach is another spot to admire the water and is a great place for swimming in the summer months. On this drive, make sure to stay alert for wildlife. There are deer and other animals that sometimes cross this road. Overall, the Park Loop Road drive is an excellent way to experience the stunning scenery of Acadia National Park.

Irish Loop, Newfoundland and Labrador

Drive along the stunning southern coast of the Avalon Peninsula on the Irish Loop scenic drive in Newfoundland and Labrador. The area gets its name from Irish immigrants who first settled in the area. The loop goes from St. John’s to Trepassey, Cape St. Mary’s, and Placentia. This is a drive perfect for wildlife lovers. Anything from whales, seabirds, and caribou can be seen from the road.

There are some beautiful natural wonders to enjoy as a road stop on the Irish Loop. A couple of unique ones include 565-million-year-old fossils at Mistaken Point, and stand cliffside at Cape St. Mary’s. Stand Cliffside is home to thousands of nesting Northern Gannets and other seabirds, which is a breathtaking sight. Another remarkable stop is Aquaforte, where the harbor resembles a Norwegian fjord.

Central Coastal Drive, Prince Edward Island

This is a unique drive that goes through the heart of the iconic Anne of Green Gables land in Canada's Prince Edward Island. Relax as you drive past bold red cliffs near the sea, charming villages, white sand dunes, and green pastures. The 157-mile-long road is best experienced when visitors have time to make a few stops along the way, as there are numerous unique landmarks to enjoy.

Visitors should stop to visit the coastal resort town of Cavendish and PEI National Park. The park features several trails, making it an ideal spot to stretch your legs after a long drive. At the end of the drive is Prince Edward Island's vibrant capital, Charlottetown. This is a great place to grab a meal and unwind after enjoying the sights on the drive.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Driving on the Cabot Trail is bound to leave anyone feeling as though they are driving through the scene of a stunning movie. This drive is considered one of the most scenic in the world, and for good reason. Imagine driving down a 185-mile road, surrounded by dense forest, green rolling hills, and bright blue shoreline from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. This is what visitors can expect on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.

Baddeck is a great starting point for the drive, and from there, visitors can drive either clockwise or counterclockwise. Along the drive, visitors will pass through the gorgeous Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This park is home to an abundance of wildlife, and visitors might see anything from moose to a black bear or bald eagles. Cape Brenton is also a great stop for visitors to enjoy a hike amongst some of Nova Scotia's most breathtaking scenery. Skyline Trail is just fifteen minutes from the park entrance, making it a great option for visitors looking for a quick stop.

Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Florida

One of the most iconic road trips in Florida is the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Stretching for 113 miles on the U.S. Route 1, the highway takes visitors through Key Largo to Key West through a series of islands. The drive is particularly unique because visitors drive over turquoise waters and through colorful beach towns with palm trees and tiki bars. Technically, the drive takes 3.5 to 4 hours; however, many people prefer to explore the route with a few stops on the way, taking anywhere from 4 to 7 days.

There are many beautiful national parks on the drive, with stunning natural scenery. A few to consider stopping at include the Everglades, Biscayne, Key West, and Dry Tortugas National Park. While visitors can start driving the route in any direction, most people recommend driving from Miami to Key West. This way, the mile markers count down, and visitors end up at the biggest attraction at the end, Key West.

Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina

One of the most beautiful pavement paths in North Carolina, the Outer Banks Scenic Byway makes for a great road trip and is 138 miles of drivable road. The road includes two ferries, 21 coastal villages, and miles of breathtaking scenery. Visitors can start their road trip at the northern entry to the Outer Banks Scenic Byway at Whalebone Junction. From here, tourists drive south, over the Bonner Bridge, and to the southern part of Hatteras Island. From there, ferry trips are needed to continue on the scenic byway.

The byway also provides the opportunity to explore some of the different islands, such as Ocracoke Island. Along the road, several interesting attractions make great resting spots, including four lighthouses, multiple museums, and the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Preparing for your Next Adventure

Overall, these drives are some of the best on the continent and would make for an unforgettable road trip. Anyone looking to be immersed in the natural beauty of the coast, while experiencing the local culture, should consider taking a road trip on the Atlantic Coast. Whether you are excited about sandy shorelines and potential wildlife sightings, or historical landmarks and hiking trails, there is something for everyone on road trips along the Atlantic coast. You can spend a few days, a few hours, or a week on these routes. A road trip can be a great way to disconnect and rejuvenate or reconnect with friends. Next time you are considering a road trip, take a trip to the Atlantic Coast. The views will not disappoint you or your friends.