road trip

Question

I live on the coast of NC and I want to drive up to Maine via the coast . Can you give me any info and routes to take. I have been told to go on Hwy 1

Answer

A road trip from the coast of North Carolina to Maine along the coast is an excellent idea! The drive offers stunning views, charming seaside towns, and plenty of interesting stops along the way. You're correct that U.S. Highway 1 (also known as U.S. Route 1 or the "Coast Highway") is one of the most scenic coastal routes, but there are a few variations and alternative routes to consider depending on your time and preferences. Here are some options and tips for your journey:

Start on U.S. Highway 1 (U.S. 1) from North Carolina:
U.S. Highway 1 runs from Key West, Florida, all the way up to Maine, passing through various cities and coastal towns. If you start your trip along the NC coast, you’ll be driving through scenic towns such as:
- Wilmington, NC – A charming historic city with beaches and great food.
- Outer Banks, NC – If you have time, detour through this beautiful chain of barrier islands. Explore towns like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Ocracoke Island.
- Virginia Beach, VA – Known for its long boardwalk and beautiful shoreline.
Alternative Route Along U.S. 17 or Coastal Byways:
U.S. Highway 1 is not always the closest route to the coast in certain areas, so you may want to switch to other scenic routes, such as:
- U.S. 17 (The Coastal Highway): This route runs along the coast of North and South Carolina, passing through charming towns like Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. It's known for its beautiful landscapes and coastal vistas.
- Scenic Byways: Some states offer designated scenic byways that run closer to the coast. For instance, North Carolina’s “Outer Banks Scenic Byway” and Virginia’s “Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel” route are highly recommended for coastal views.
Major Stops Along the Way:
If you're looking to break up your trip and explore the coastline, there are several great places to stop:
- Charleston, SC – A historic city with beautiful architecture, waterfront parks, and renowned restaurants.
- Wrightsville Beach, NC – A laid-back beach town near Wilmington, perfect for relaxing by the water.
- Virginia Beach, VA – Great beaches, a lively boardwalk, and plenty of oceanfront dining.
- New Jersey Shore – If you have extra time, consider a detour through towns like Cape May or Atlantic City.
- Long Island, NY – Head through the Hamptons and explore scenic coastal towns along the island.
Arriving in Maine:
Maine is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, and quaint towns. Some must-see spots include:
- Portland, ME – A vibrant city with a thriving food scene, beautiful waterfront views, and historic sites.
- Acadia National Park – If you have time, make sure to visit Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It’s a breathtaking park with trails, cliffs, and stunning views of the Atlantic.
- Bar Harbor, ME – A charming town with great seafood, shops, and access to the park.

Depending on how much time you have and how many stops you'd like to make, this road trip can span from several days to even a week or more. Here are some additional tips:

Timeframe: Depending on the route, the drive from North Carolina to Maine could take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, without considering stops.
Plan Your Stops: Since you'll be traveling through some beautiful towns, try to break up the drive and explore some local attractions or beaches.
Weather Considerations: Make sure to check the weather forecast, especially during the colder months, as coastal roads may experience fog, wind, or rain.

Enjoy your road trip! Maine's coast is beautiful, and this drive will allow you to experience some of the best coastal landscapes in the U.S.