There’s a romance to the road that only coastal routes can deliver. The scent of salt in the air, the rhythm of the waves, the endless blue horizon on one side and dramatic cliffs or towering forests on the other. For RVers, these roads are more than just a way from point A to B—they're part of the adventure. If you're chasing ocean breezes and panoramic views, here are the best coastal RV routes in the U.S., complete with a touch of history and what to expect along the way.

 

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)

Route: Dana Point to Leggett, California
Miles: ~655 miles

Arguably the most iconic coastal drive in America, California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has long been a bucket-list journey. Completed in the 1930s, this engineering marvel hugs the rugged cliffs of the California coastline, connecting beach towns, surf havens, and dramatic natural landmarks. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, generally starts at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point, south of Los Angeles, and ends where it merges with Highway 101 at Leggett, south of Eureka. 

What to Expect:

• Breathtaking cliffside views near Big Sur
• A stop in Monterey to visit the world-famous aquarium
• Charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Cambria
• The elephant seals at Piedras Blancas
• Sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge if you detour into San Francisco

RV Tips: Some portions of the highway are narrow with tight curves, especially through Big Sur. Plan accordingly and drive slowly to soak in the views—and for safety.

 

2. U.S. Route 1 – The Florida Keys

Route: Miami to Key West, Florida
Miles: ~113 miles

The Overseas Highway is a tropical dream come true. Built atop a former railroad route destroyed by a hurricane in 1935, this road stretches over 40 bridges, connecting the coral cay archipelago of the Florida Keys.

What to Expect:

• Turquoise waters on both sides of the road
• Key Largo’s underwater park: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• A slice of old Florida in Islamorada
• Fresh seafood and sunsets in Key West
• Marine life galore, from dolphins to manatees

RV Tips: Parking and campgrounds can be limited in the Keys. Book well in advance, especially in peak season (December–April).

 

3. The Oregon Coast (U.S. Route 101)

Route: Astoria to Brookings, Oregon
Miles: ~363 miles

A journey down Oregon’s U.S. 101 is like paging through a living travel magazine. This route was once part of the Pacific Highway, the first major road to connect the West Coast. Oregon preserved its entire coastline for public use, offering RVers uninterrupted access to dramatic sea stacks, wide beaches, and dense forests.

What to Expect:

• Iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach
• Seaside towns like Newport and Florence
• Lighthouses, tidepools, and driftwood beaches
• The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Delicious local seafood and craft breweries

RV Tips: Most state parks along the coast have excellent RV facilities. Weather can be unpredictable be sure to pack for sun, wind, and rain.

 

4. Cape Cod Scenic Byway (Massachusetts Route 6A)

Route: Sandwich to Provincetown, Massachusetts
Miles: ~62 miles

This historic route runs along the northern edge of Cape Cod, a region rich with colonial charm and maritime heritage. Known as "Old King’s Highway," Route 6A dates back to the early days of the American colonies and passes through some of the oldest villages in the U.S.

What to Expect:

• Quaint New England villages with clapboard homes
• Cranberry bogs and salt marshes
• Whaling history in Provincetown
• Beautiful beaches and lighthouses
• Art galleries, antique shops, and roadside seafood shacks

RV Tips: The route is narrow in parts, and larger RVs should stick to designated routes for parking and camping. Fall is a quieter time to visit with spectacular foliage.

 

5. The Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina)

Route: Whalebone Junction to Beaufort, North Carolina
Miles: ~138 miles (plus two ferry rides)

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway weaves through barrier islands and small fishing towns, offering a quieter coastal experience. With roots tracing back to the first English settlements in America, the route is steeped in history and mystery—including tales of pirates and shipwrecks.

What to Expect:

• Windswept dunes and remote beaches
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Wild horses of Corolla
• Ferry rides that add to the sense of island adventure
• Fresh seafood straight from the docks

RV Tips: Reservations are essential for ferries. Many campgrounds along the route offer oceanfront spots, but they fill fast in summer.

There’s something extraordinary about coastal RV travel—the rhythmic crashing of waves, the salty breeze through your window, and the freedom to stop wherever the view calls your name. Whether you're drawn to the rugged cliffs of the Pacific, the tropical allure of the Keys, or the historic charm of Cape Cod, there’s a coastal route waiting to become your next unforgettable journey.

So, fuel up, roll down the windows, and let the ocean guide your wheels. Adventure is out there—just follow the coastline.