The landscape of this country is simply amazing. From the Pacific to the Atlantic Coasts, and between the northern border with Canada to the southern border with México, there is so much glory to behold. And one of the best ways to take in the sights is by embarking upon a road trip. Well, we’ve definitely got one for you – an epic Eastern U.S. road trip with the best windshield views in the country. The sights featured along this route are not just to be seen from your vehicle, however. You really need to get out and take it all in – up close and personal.

Featuring a dozen awesome spots from state parks to lookout points, funky roadside attractions, and more in twelve states along the East Coast from Maine down to the Florida Keys, this sojourn promises to be one you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Want to discover more USA road trips? You’ll love OnlyInYourState’s newest series, On The Road, which explores magnificent routes across America catered to nature lovers, foodies, budget travelers, adventurers, and more.

To get you on your way, we’ve created two maps for you that divide the stops in half.
Google Maps
The entire journey encompasses 2,634 miles. Here is the map for the stops from Maine to New Jersey.

1. Fort Kent, Maine

Fort Kent, ME 04743, USA
llflan / iStock viaGetty Images Plus via Getty Images
Located at the northernmost point of U.S. Route 1 in Maine, Fort Kent typifies unspoiled Maine at its finest, all year round. The area is a haven for all kinds of outdoor sports from biking to hiking, ATV trekking, running, and canoeing along the spectacular Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

2. Bash Bish Falls, Massachusetts

Bash Bish Falls, Mt Washington, MA 01258, USA
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Moment via Getty Images
Our second stop is in southwestern Massachusetts at the stunning Bash Bish Falls. Located at Bash Bish Falls State Park, the falls are the tallest in the state. Once you embark upon a short out-and-back two-mile trail to get there, you’ll be in awe of the water plunging down 200 feet, landing in a crystal-clear pool below.

3. Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, Rhode Island

Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, North Kingstown, RI, USA
Shobeir Ansari/Moment via Getty Images
Next, we come to Jamestown, Rhode Island for a stop at the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. The 7,350-foot-long bridge celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 as the replacement for the original bridge built in the mid-1960s. From here you can catch some dramatic sunrises and sunsets.

4. Five Mile Lighthouse, Connecticut

Five Mile Lighthouse, New Haven, Connecticut
DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Five Mile Lighthouse is an iconic state landmark. Also known as New Haven Harbor Light, it sits in the city’s Lighthouse Point Park at the Long Island Sound harbor entrance.

5. The Big Duck, New York

The Big Duck, 1012 NY-24, Flanders, NY 11901, USA
Barry Winiker/Stockbyte via Getty Images
If you love the unusual and quirky, you’ll definitely love The Big Duck. Located in the town of Flanders on Long Island, it was built in 1931, stands 20 feet tall, and measures 30 feet from beak to tail. At night be sure to check out its eyes which are made out of Ford Model T taillights!

6. Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, New Jersey

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, 72 McBride Ave Ext, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA
joe daniel price/Moment via Getty Images
Moving further on south, you’ll arrive at beautiful Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Located in the town of Paterson where it gets its name, the falls are among the largest by volume on the East Coast. You’ll find this to be a true urban oasis here with views like these. Stop for a while and enjoy a meal at any of the park/s inviting picnic tables.

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We trust that you are enjoying this East Coast U.S. road trip so far, and there’s so much more to see and enjoy!
Google Maps
Our second map starts in Maryland, snaking its way down to the Florida Keys. Hop back in your vehicle and let’s go!

7. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

Chesapeake Bay, United States
Cyndi Monaghan/Moment via Getty Images
The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland is a site to behold. It holds a great deal of history from the time of the Native American tribes, through its early European settlers, the Civil War, and more. Today it is the source of a wealth of seafood sold all over the country, as well as for recreational activities including kayaking, boating, fishing, and hunting.

8. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
beklaus/E+ via Getty Images
Aaaah! Virginia is for lovers, and if you have an infatuation with nature, stunning Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is sure to capture your heart. Besides the simply stunning views, there are a wealth of things to do like hiking, biking, bird watching, leaf peeping in the fall, and more.

9. Oconoluftee Valley Overlook, North Carolina

Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
KenCanning/E+ via Getty Images
The Oconoluftee Valley Overlook is a popular stop for folks traversing through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is found near the town of Cherokee at the southern entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway. With jaw-dropping views like these, you can see why it is a must-stop along the way.

10. Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach, SC, USA
Daniela Duncan/Moment via Getty Images
Folly Beach is a big draw for vacationers from all over the state, as well as further afield. The beautiful sand here is spectacular, as are the quaint shops, boutique accommodations, delicious restaurants, and so forth that you’d expect to find in a charming beach town.

11. Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Plum Orchard Dr, St Marys, GA 31558, USA
Wilsilver77 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Our next stop is at the Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia. It is the state’s largest and southernmost barrier island, encompasses 10,000 acres of Congressionally-designated Wilderness area, and is very popular with visitors who love to watch the scores of wild horses here that run free.

12. The Seven Mile Bridge, Florida

Seven Mile Bridge, Florida, USA
Danny Lehman/The Image Bank via Getty Images
And last but certainly not least, is the famous Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. This stunning bridge is the connector between Knight's Key in the Middle Keys, to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. The name is a bit of a misnomer, however, as it really spans 6.765 miles (seven miles is much easier to say!) and its longest span is 135 feet. Regardless, it is beautiful and the views from it are amazing.

Didn’t you just love this epic Eastern U.S. road trip? Have you ever been to any of these fantastic places? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about the best road trips in the eastern US that you’ve taken in the comments.

If you’re still in the mood for more iconic U.S. sites, take a look at this video about breathtaking Acadia National Park:

To help you make sure you have everything you need for the road, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

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More to Explore

Iconic Road Trips In The US

Chris Muras | April 11, 2024

What are the most scenic road trips on the East Coast?
Whether you enjoy New England coastal towns or some of the nation's best waterfalls, these scenic road trips on the East Coast will surely treat you right:

  • Eastern US waterfall road trip: This epic waterfall tour starts in the Midwest at Minnesota's High Falls near Lake Superior. You'll wrap around Superior and pass by each of the Great Lakes as you hit waterfalls in Michigan, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. With over 2,200 miles to explore, this epic road trip will allow you to see some of the most scenic spots in the US.
  • Golden Road Scenic Byway: The Golden Road Scenic Byway in Maine might only be 96 miles long, but it offers some incredible views. Without stops, you are looking at about four and a half hours to run from Millinocket, Maine to the St. Zacharie Quebec border. But you'll want to plan for a few stops to enjoy scenic overlooks, and hiking trails, and perhaps hole up in a mountain cabin for a night near Greenville. Some of the beautiful scenery you'll be treated to includes Ambajejus Lake, Seboomook Lake, and views of Mount Katahdin. It is a pretty rugged road in spots some of it being unpaved, but if an off-roading adventure gets you excited, this is the drive for you.
  • Connecticut fall foliage road trip: A fall road trip should be on everyone's bucket list. Connecticut is a pretty special state to drive through when colors are at their peak. This road trip will take you to stunning state parks like Sleeping Giants, Mount Tom, and Talcott Mountain. You'll also pass through several beautiful state forests like Pachaug, Mohawk, and Shenipsit. You'll even enjoy a section along Block Island Sound with incredible water views.

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