This Iconic Road Trip Through The Eastern U.S. Features The Best Windshield Views In The Country

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!

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To get you on your way, we’ve created two maps for you that divide the stops in half.

The entire journey encompasses 2,634 miles. Here is the map for the stops from Maine to New Jersey.

1. Fort Kent, Maine

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.