13 Best February Coastal Drives with Lookouts and Short Walks
If you are looking for a scenic escape this February, coastal drives with stunning lookouts and short walks are a perfect way to experience nature’s beauty. The cool air and quieter roads offer a refreshing change from the usual crowds, making it the ideal time to enjoy the open road and take in some breathtaking views. Whether you are winding along cliffs or driving through forests that lead to the shore, each stop offers a chance to stretch your legs and soak in the scenery. With so many places to explore, you can enjoy everything from dramatic ocean vistas to peaceful beaches. The combination of easy walks and breathtaking lookouts makes these drives a relaxing way to connect with the outdoors.
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Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the United States, making it a must-drive for February. Along the way, you can stop at numerous lookouts for panoramic views of the ocean meeting the cliffs. One of the most popular stops is at Bixby Creek Bridge, where you can take in sweeping vistas of the coastline.
The nearby Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park offers a short walk to the stunning McWay Falls, where the waterfall cascades directly into the ocean. This combination of dramatic views and easy-access trails makes it a fantastic option for a winter drive. During February, the crowds thin out, giving you a more peaceful experience. The cool, crisp air adds to the charm of this iconic drive, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy both the view and the quiet.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
Great Ocean Road is an iconic coastal route that stretches along Australia’s southern coastline. One of its most famous spots is the Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Along the way, there are several lookouts offering a variety of perspectives on the coast and its rugged beauty. A short walk to Loch Ard Gorge will reward you with the sight of a secluded beach surrounded by cliffs.
February offers warmer temperatures, making it ideal for a combination of a scenic drive and a relaxing walk. The route also features other trails, like the Gibson Steps, which lead down to a stretch of beach with towering cliffs on either side. This drive is known for its natural beauty, and February gives you the opportunity to experience it without the summer rush.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail offers a unique coastal experience, especially during February when you can avoid the typical summer crowds. This road winds around Cape Breton Island, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands. Several lookout points are scattered along the way, with the Skyline Trail offering a short walk to a high vantage point.
The combination of ocean views and snow-capped peaks during February creates a spectacular setting. The cold air and quiet roads also make this an excellent choice for those looking for a peaceful getaway. Many visitors take the opportunity to visit local fishing villages, where the traditional charm of Nova Scotia can be experienced firsthand. While some areas may be a bit chilly, the scenic drive and easy walks make it worth the visit.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and scenic beauty. During February, the cooler weather makes for a perfect driving experience along this stretch of Highway 1. Stop at the McWay Falls lookout to see the waterfall flowing into the Pacific Ocean, a view that feels almost otherworldly. Several short trails, like the ones around Garrapata State Park, offer hikers incredible views of the coastline.
The lack of tourists during this month also provides a sense of solitude and calm, making it the perfect time for reflection or a relaxing walk. The drive along Big Sur is dotted with scenic pull-offs where you can stop and enjoy the crashing waves below. The coastal air, paired with the towering redwoods, creates a peaceful atmosphere that is ideal for anyone seeking beauty and serenity.
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore is a place where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged cliffs, offering sweeping coastal views. This area is home to numerous short hikes, such as the one to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which overlooks dramatic cliffs and offers fantastic views of the ocean below. The trail to Alamere Falls is another must-do, leading to a waterfall that drops onto a beach, with views of the Pacific in the background.
During February, you can enjoy the coastline with fewer crowds, giving you the chance to experience nature at its best. The lighthouse itself is a historical site, adding a touch of culture to the scenic drive. The area’s unique wildlife, such as elephant seals and migrating gray whales, can often be spotted from the lookouts, making this drive not only picturesque but also educational. February’s mild temperatures make it an ideal time for a coastal getaway.
Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon
The Oregon Coast Highway offers a wide variety of coastal views, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, making it a great February drive. You will find numerous lookout points where you can stop and admire the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. One of the most stunning views is at Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock standing tall in the ocean. A short walk through Ecola State Park will bring you to a viewpoint where you can see the coastline stretch out in both directions.
February is a quieter month on the coast, offering a peaceful atmosphere for those looking to enjoy the views without the usual summer crowds. The weather can be chilly, but the refreshing air makes the experience even more invigorating. The scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the rugged coastlines and quiet beaches that define Oregon’s coastline.
Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Hanauma Bay offers a stunning coastal drive with views of the clear blue ocean and lush landscapes. Though primarily known for snorkeling, the bay’s surroundings offer great lookouts and short walks that lead to amazing panoramic views of the bay. February is one of the best times to visit, as the weather is ideal for exploring, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
You can take a short walk up to the lookout for a wide view of the bay’s coral reef and turquoise waters. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, so be on the lookout for sea turtles and other marine life. A visit to Hanauma Bay combines the beauty of the ocean with the peaceful atmosphere of Hawaii’s coastline. The bay itself is protected, ensuring that its natural beauty is preserved for generations to come.
Channel Islands National Park, California
Channel Islands National Park is a hidden gem off the coast of Southern California, offering a quieter and more secluded experience. The islands are only accessible by boat or plane, but once you arrive, the views are truly remarkable. Several short hikes, such as the one on Santa Cruz Island, lead to scenic lookouts where you can spot seals, dolphins, and sometimes even whales.
February offers a peaceful time to visit, with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, making it easier to explore. The rugged beauty of the islands’ cliffs and the surrounding ocean create a picturesque backdrop for any traveler. Channel Islands National Park is a fantastic destination for those who want to experience California’s coastal beauty in a more intimate setting. The combination of hiking and scenic drives makes it perfect for a coastal getaway.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula offers a diverse coastal experience with lush forests, rugged cliffs, and dramatic ocean views. One of the highlights is the drive along U.S. Highway 101, which runs through the Olympic National Park. The area is home to several short hikes, including the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which leads to stunning panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the surrounding mountains.
February is a quieter month to visit, allowing for a peaceful experience without the crowds. The chilly air adds to the mystique of the landscape, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility. The beaches along the coast, such as Rialto Beach, are perfect for a short walk along the shore. The Peninsula’s mix of forest, mountains, and coastline offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The 17-Mile Drive, California
The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic route that winds through Pebble Beach and the Del Monte Forest. It is famous for its stunning coastal views, with numerous lookout points offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the most iconic spots along the drive is the Lone Cypress, which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean.
There are several short walks, such as the one to Bird Rock, where you can observe sea lions and other wildlife. The cooler temperatures in February make it a comfortable time to explore this drive, and the quieter roads provide a more relaxed experience. The combination of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and wildlife makes this a unique coastal route. The beauty and serenity of the 17-Mile Drive make it an unforgettable experience for any nature lover.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is a charming Victorian seaport town located on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. The drive along Route 20 offers views of the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, with several scenic stops to take in the breathtaking landscapes. The walk to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center provides an up-close view of the marine life native to the area.
February is a quieter time to visit, giving you the chance to enjoy the town’s beauty without the usual crowds. The historic architecture of Port Townsend adds a unique touch to the coastal drive, making it a memorable destination. The town also offers short walks along the waterfront, where you can enjoy the coastal views and see the local wildlife. Port Townsend is the perfect place for a peaceful coastal getaway with a mix of history, nature, and stunning scenery.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful coastal parks in the United States, offering a variety of driving routes with spectacular ocean views. The Park Loop Road provides a scenic route around the park, with plenty of stops at lookouts where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. A short walk along the Ocean Path Trail will take you to views of thunder holes and rocky beaches.
February’s colder temperatures make the park less crowded, providing a serene experience for visitors. The icy waters and crisp air add to the dramatic landscape of Acadia, making it a perfect time to visit. The park is also known for its variety of wildlife, so be on the lookout for birds and other animals along the trail. Acadia’s mix of coastal beauty and mountainous terrain makes it a prime location for both scenic drives and short walks.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly attractions. The scenic drive along Highway 17 offers several opportunities to stop and take in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. A short walk along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk allows you to enjoy the ocean breeze while taking in the sights of the beach and surrounding areas.
February offers milder temperatures, making it a pleasant time to explore the coastline without the summer crowds. The area is also home to several parks and nature reserves where you can take a peaceful walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the coast. Myrtle Beach’s combination of scenic drives, walking paths, and relaxing atmosphere makes it a great winter destination. The beach town offers a mix of fun and tranquility, perfect for a coastal getaway.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.