Averie Woodward
Bitten by the travel bug or itching to put your PTO to good use? We feel you! Warm weather is a perfect excuse to plan a trip — and there’s nothing like a drive along the coast to remind you that summer’s finally here.
So round up your friends and plan to scope out a few of the following routes this season. Trust us, Insta-worthy views and heart eyes guaranteed.
1. 17-Mile Drive, California
Dreamin’ of the California coast? Skip the jam-packed southern California shores and head to Monterey Bay for a weekend of relaxation, complete only with a trip along the 17-Mile Drive. Though actually only 10 miles in length, this cool route will take you through the windy forest of Pacific Grove and through Pebble Beach, a super exclusive community. Be sure to stop and snap photos of the adorable seals, crisp surf, and famous lone cypress. Time your drive during sunset for an extra spectacular experience!
2. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Great coastal drives don’t necessarily need to happen next to an ocean, and this journey is proof that major metros have it going on too. The windy city offers pristine views of Lake Michigan’s expansive shores, starting north at Hollywood and heading through Jackson Park for a solid 26 miles. It’ll be amazing to see your perspective of the city’s skyline change as you move along, with jaw-dropping sights like the Willis Tower and Root’s Rookery. Love a summer concert series? Plan to hit up a free show in Millennium Park with your crew when you’re done.
3. US 1, The Florida Keys
Cue up the Jimmy Buffet and hit up the Florida Keys (piña colada or cheeseburger in paradise, anyone?), a summertime heaven that’s home to throngs of beachy bars and waves that draw water sport fans from all over the world. This epic island drive runs about 120 miles and will take you across one of the longest bridges in the world! You can expect to spot lighthouses, sparking turquoise waters, and beautiful birds flying overhead. Ah, total bliss.
4. Route 6, Massachusetts
Not much trumps the east coast vibes on Cape Cod in the summer. Experience ‘em all on this 118-mile drive through sand dunes, adorable little fishing towns, and sand dune lined beaches. You’ll also want to stop in Provincetown to scope out some local art and hop aboard a whale watch to see how majestic humpback whales really are. Don’t leave without picking up an authentic Cape Cod bracelet in Dennis — Eden Hand Arts has been creating the cult-crazy screwball style for decades.
5. Park Loop Road, Maine
Acadia National Park is home to this gorgeous route, which takes just about an hour. The 27 miles of rugged coastline, impressive rock formations, and Atlantic waves will fly by and leave you plenty of time to try your hand on a lobster fishing boat. Make time to experience the Thunder Hole too — it’s an awesome oceanside cavern where you can hear the waves crashing into the shore.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
