10 Underrated Coastal Routes Families Can Drive Together

Coastal drives can turn an ordinary weekend into something relaxed and fun. Shelling beaches, gentle waves, and shaded picnic tables keep energy steady. Short nature trails near the road add a little stretch time for all ages. Photo overlooks make great break points without crowding your schedule. Off season mornings bring open views and easy parking in many towns.

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Oregon Coast 101 from Cannon Beach to Newport

Families find this stretch easy to love with wide beaches, tide pools, and short hikes. The route runs about 115 miles and usually takes three to four hours with stops. Haystack Rock, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Yaquina Head give quick wins for kids. Towns offer frequent restrooms, picnic spots, and seafood shacks. Spring and fall bring lighter traffic and clear views.

Set out with layers since wind can shift from warm to chilly in minutes. Parking is simple near main viewpoints and most lots accept cards. Small towns like Manzanita and Depoe Bay add ice cream breaks and whale lookouts. Fuel is available at steady intervals along 101. State park day passes cover several stops in one go.

California Big Sur from Monterey to San Simeon

Parents appreciate this dramatic drive where sea cliffs and redwoods sit side by side. The distance is about 90 miles and many families spend five to six hours with photo breaks. Bixby Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach, and McWay Falls offer short walks with big scenery. Pullouts are frequent and most have safe shoulders. Wildlife sightings can include sea otters and harbor seals.

Start early to secure parking at small coves and trailheads. Cell service drops in canyons so offline maps help a lot. Picnic tables appear at state parks and beaches along the way. Gas is limited between Big Sur village and Ragged Point so top off in Monterey or Carmel. Fog can roll in and out which makes midday a good bet for views.

Maine Coast on US 1 from Portland to Bar Harbor

With lighthouses and lobster shacks, this classic run draws families who enjoy a slower pace. The route covers roughly 160 miles and works well as a relaxed full day. Portland Head Light, Boothbay Harbor, and Camden Hills add simple, scenic detours. Town centers provide parks, restrooms, and easy street parking. Summer brings energy while early fall offers calmer roads.

Plan on frequent stops since short side roads lead to pocket beaches. Ferry rides to small islands can split the day for restless kids. Local diners serve warm chowder that travels well to picnic tables. Scenic overlooks are signed clearly near village edges. Lodging ranges from roadside inns to cottages for a quick overnight.

North Carolina Outer Banks on NC 12 from Corolla to Hatteras

Coastal families enjoy soft sand, wild horses near Corolla, and broad horizons. The distance is about 120 miles and runs longer with beach time and photo stops. Currituck Beach Light and Bodie Island Light add short climbs with big payoffs. Public beach ramps and boardwalks keep access easy for strollers. Breezes help on warm days and keep bugs away.

On some days you can extend to Ocracoke with a free ferry that adds adventure. Stores sit close to the highway so snacks and sunscreen are never far. Beach parking fills by late morning which favors an earlier start. Shelling after low tide gives kids a hands on hunt. Weather can change fast so watch local alerts.

Cape Cod Old King’s Highway on Route 6A from Sandwich to Orleans

For a short hop with charm, this road winds past salt marshes and colonial homes. The distance is roughly 34 miles which makes it perfect for half a day. Sandwich Boardwalk, Brewster flats, and Scargo Tower add quick breaks with views. Small museums and ice cream shops keep spirits high. Late spring and early fall bring calm traffic.

Pull over at marsh overlooks to watch birds hunt at low tide. Most beaches require a day pass and kiosks accept cards. Side streets lead to quiet landings where kids can wade. Local farm stands sell snacks and cold drinks near the road. Sunset over Cape Cod Bay ends the day on a gentle note.

Nova Scotia Lighthouse Route from Halifax to Lunenburg

History fans find bright harbors and colorful homes along this easy shoreline drive. The route runs about 60 miles and pairs well with a late breakfast start. Peggy’s Cove, Queensland Beach, and Mahone Bay give short walks and photo stops. The fishing heritage shows up in small museums and dock views. Summer brings soft light and cool evenings.

Carry a light jacket since ocean air feels crisp year round. Parking near Peggy’s Cove is managed and moves quickly outside peak hours. Lunenburg’s waterfront boardwalk works for strollers and small legs. Seafood shacks offer fresh rolls that pack well for benches. Local artisans sell souvenirs that do not take up trunk space.

Great Ocean Road in Australia from Torquay to Port Campbell

Coastal curves and sea stacks turn this drive into a rolling lookout. The distance is about 110 miles and works best with a full day plan. Bells Beach, Kennett River koala spots, and the Twelve Apostles deliver quick highlights. Visitor centers provide clean restrooms and simple maps. Summer brings warm days while shoulder seasons feel relaxed.

Stay alert for one lane bridges and sharp bends near cliffs. Pullouts at famous viewpoints fill early which favors a morning start. Picnic areas near Lorne and Apollo Bay break up the ride well. Rental car counters provide child seats with advance notice. A light jacket helps when winds pick up along exposed points.

Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales around St Davids and Solva

Many travelers choose this loop for small harbors, gentle cliffs, and sandy coves. The distance varies by turns yet a 40 mile circuit covers main highlights. Whitesands Bay, St Justinians, and Solva Harbor give easy steps from the car. Small villages supply tea rooms, toilets, and kid friendly menus. Late spring wildflowers color the headlands.

Bring coins for some pay and display lots near beaches. Coastal paths join parking areas and allow short, scenic walks. Tidal charts matter for safe beach play and rock pool hunts. Boats run to Ramsey Island in calm conditions for wildlife viewing. Local craft shops add a quick indoor break if showers pass through.

Costa Brava in Spain on GI 682 from Tossa de Mar to Sant Feliu de Guixols

Coastal cliffs and hidden coves make this short run feel like a discovery. The road measures about 14 miles yet curves keep speeds low and views high. Miradors appear often and most have stone walls for safe photo spots. Beaches like Cala Giverola and Cala del Senyor Ramon sit down short paths. Clear water invites a quick swim in warm months.

Pack light sandals for steps that lead to terrace cafes. Parking lots near beaches fill by midday which makes early starts helpful. Local buses can return you to the car if you decide to walk a longer stretch. Shade appears in pine groves along the road for picnic breaks. Family rooms in seaside hotels book quickly during high season.

New Zealand Coromandel Coast from Thames to Whitianga

Parents pick this route for gold sand beaches, pohutukawa trees, and calm bays. The distance is about 55 miles and the curves invite an easy pace. Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach add short walks with fun payoffs. Holiday parks, playgrounds, and ice cream stands welcome younger travelers. Late summer evenings stretch long for beach time.

Carry towels and a small shovel if you plan to dig a warm pool at low tide. Fuel and groceries are available in Whitianga and Tairua which keeps planning simple. Short detours lead to boat tours that spot dolphins on clear days. Road shoulders widen at viewpoints for safe stops. Local markets sell fruit and snacks that pack well for the next cove.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.