Road Trip Relaxation: Best Beach Destinations for Drivers

It's the classic experience: heading for the beach in your car. America has some marvelous, seaside destinations just waiting for visitors with ample parking and easy access to the sand and the sun. If you're planning on heading out this summer or any other time of the year, here are some destinations well worth the trip.

Highway One

Stretching from nearly one end of California to the other, Highway One is a scenic wonderland of steep hills, glorious wildlife, and the warm waters of the Pacific. See major cities like San Francisco as well as Los Angeles along the way. Fresh seafood is everywhere along the way with ample California produce for a wonderful meal. Just be mindful of the narrowness of the roads. Driving in heavy congestion can be dangerous on this path so be sure to avoid rush hours.

The Jersey Shore

rnThe garden state is also the beach state. Start with a view of New York City from the area's several northern national beach parks. You can try your luck at Atlantic City, and then admire the wildly colored houses known as the Painted Ladies of Cape May at the tip of the state. Park right next to many boardwalks and sample staple foods like saltwater taffy and fudge.

Ocean Drive in Miami

South Beach in Miami Florida is a picturesque scene to drive by in both day and night. Famous for the Art Deco hotels that line it, and the dazzling neon lights, you’ll get some of the best views from your car window going by this beach. There’s a great Latin vibe here and you’ll find some of the best restaurants and food too.

Park Loop Road

The Acadia National Park in Maine is a 27-mile long route that will give you some of the greatest views of rocky shores and rough beaches. While the beaches can be chilly, the tidal pools and cliffs offer some great hiking with lots to see. This road is only open in summer so be sure to add it to the summer road trip list.

Cape Cod

Massachusetts is home to one of the great beaches of the east coast. Pushing out seventy miles into the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod is an area of windswept beaches, small cottages, and whales just off the shore. For the driver, the cape is also a fabulous place where it is possible to stop in many places and grab a day at the beach. Close by is New Hampshire, and here you can find lodging with amazing amenities from indoor pools to saunas as well as the beach.

The Big Island of Hawaii

If you are lucky enough to visit this part of the world, don't miss out on the opportunity to see it by car. The big island is a marvelous tangle of sand, sea, and sky. You can easily see actual lava flows and lush jungles right in front of your eyes. This is also home to some of the best beaches in the entire country. Leave your car right behind you and then sit with a picnic lunch as dolphins play at your feet. A well-planned beach trip can be the ideal way to see the country and cool off at the same time. Many destinations await the traveler from the seat of a car. Take advantage of the well-kept roads and enjoy one of America's spectacular beaches.