Fill up the tank and prepare for an adventure from Maine to Florida along America's longest interstate, where there's plenty to see, do, and eat along the way.
Roadside attractions
What's a road trip without roadside attractions? These sometimes quirky, sometimes crazy, and sometimes just odd sights make any driving trip memorable. The Atlantic Coast is packed with these highlights; here are a few of our favorites. Of course, roadside attractions aren't limited to the East Coast.
Hood Milk Bottle, Boston
We guarantee this 40-foot-tall snack stand, shaped like a glass milk bottle, will make you crave a cookie to dunk.
Lucy The Elephant, Margate, New Jersey
This massive, six-story pachyderm dates back to 1881. You can actually climb inside!
The Mutter Museum, Philadelphia
This museum of medical oddities isn't for the faint of heart, but it's worth a stop if the macabre is your thing.
South of the Border, Dillon, South Carolina
You'll spot signs for this quirky wonderland long before you actually get there. Situated exactly halfway between New York and Florida, on the border of North and South Carolina, it features a bizarrely festive faux-Mexican shopping and dining complex.
Maine
Route Distance: 303 miles
Suggested Length of Stay: 2 days
Begin your Atlantic Coast road trip at the northernmost border of the United States and Canada in Maine (you can also start in Miami and head north). Maine boasts spectacular natural settings, including the mountains of Acadia National Park, one of the 15 best national park road trips to take.
Where to Eat and Stay: For classic Maine summer fun, head to Kennebunkport. Enjoy a lobster roll at the Clam Shack in the fresh air—it's a must. Lobster rolls are selling for around $35 or even more EACH right there in Maine.
Spend a night at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of town. The hotel offers stunning views overlooking the harbor side of the Kennebunk River from panoramic windows, private balconies, and an expansive outdoor deck. Prices start from $229.
New Hampshire
Route Distance: 16 miles
Suggested Length of Stay: 1 day
Interstate 95 cuts through New Hampshire for just 16 miles, but it treats you to a scenic journey along the New England coastline, passing through Portsmouth, a delightful coastal town that's sure to captivate you.
You'll want to get out of the car and explore this walkable city, which is full of boutique shops and delicious dining spots. Take a harbor tour by boat or visit Strawbery Banke, a living history museum that explores life in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Where to Eat and Stay: Check out Row 34 for oysters and seafood dishes in a sleek, hip space, or head to "The Decks," a row of restaurants on the Piscataqua River. The best dish Coquilles St Jacques, Seared Scallops topped with bechamel sauce and parmesan is around $26.50 -Extra scallops are around $5.50 each.
Although you can visit the city in a day, consider spending the night at the Wentworth by the Sea (around $199 per night) in New Castle or the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, (around $429 per night) a modern perch right on the harbor.
This epic journey touches down in some of the most historic, scenic, and iconic spots along the Atlantic Coast.
What are your thoughts after reading this article? Feel free to share your ideas and experiences with us!
