Whether at sunrise, at sunset, in the middle of the day or even at night, the majesty and tranquility that go along with the sights and sounds of relentless crashing waves and lights reflecting off the water is a magical experience.
Bill Belei, Founder & Editor, motorcycleroads.com
THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY (CALIFORNIA)
In the United States, the granddaddy of all coastal rides is the world famous Pacific Coast Highway. This world-class scenic route takes you along the famed California Route 1 starting (or ending) in Monterey, California and ending (or starting) in Morro Bay. The route is 1 of 9 original US routes to be named by the US Department of Transportation as an “All American Road” which is a designation given only to the very best scenic roads in America (see America’s Byways program at www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways).
Along with the great scenery, you’ll have access to some amazing stops along the way. In fact, there are seven state parks, a state reserve, a botanical area and many historical areas of interest such as a preserved 18th century Spanish mission.
Additionally, you’ll be passing through many vibrant tourist towns along the way such as Morrow Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey, California.
One of the must stops is California’s most visited tourist site – “Hearst Castle.” This mansion was built for publisher William Randolph Hearst at the beginning of the 20th century and took nearly 30 years to be complete…you will be amazed by this National Historic Landmark.
TUNNEL OF TREES ROAD (MICHIGAN)
When you think of coastal drives, you probably don’t think of the Midwest. However, the Tunnel of Trees Road on the east coast of Lake Michigan is not only a great coastal ride, but it is simply one of the most popular motorcycle roads in the entire United States of America!
The original author of this route, Craig Northouse, said: “This road hugs the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan through a dense forest. On one side you get glimpses of old summer cabin homes tucked back in the forest and on the other side you get brief glimpses of the Lake Michigan shoreline. This is a very narrow and twisty road that runs through the dense forest of trees and is literally one of those roads that you always see photos in travel magazines that make you crave to drive down.”
BEAUFORT SCENERY (SOUTH CAROLINA)
South of Charleston, South Carolina, and north of Savannah, Georgia, along the Atlantic Coast is a great coastal ride called “Beaufort Scenery.”
This route is described by its original author, Jim Strickland, like this: “Water, water everywhere. Beaufort has a small historic district, rivers, barrier islands, a state park (Hunting Island) with oceanfront camping and cabins for rent, a fishing pier, wildlife viewing areas, boardwalk style nature walks and a number of scenic areas for photos. Don’t forget the cameras, you’ll have a field day if you enjoy photography. Most roads into Beaufort are recently expanded, bridges into town are new. The older bridges and some parts of the historic district can get a little crowded and the historic district streets often make good parking a challenge. The pace is very slow in Beaufort and I see more safe driving than usual…a nice change of pace.”
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND LOOP (MAINE)
Off the coast of Maine lies Mount Desert Island home of both the Arcadia National Park, the town of Bar Harbor, and a coastal motorcycle ride called the “Mount Desert Island Loop.”
This route is a 35-mile loop around the island offering great coastal views from both the roads that line the water’s edge, as well as roads that wind through the island’s high country.
The route’s original author, Ron Hackley, describes the scenery on the island and particularly in Arcadia as follows: “The park has dense forests, a 1,530 ft mountain and plenty of shoreline driving. While on the island, make sure you travel to the top of Cadillac Mountain to get a great 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean.” Ron goes on to say “Overall a nice winding road with some slight inclines and declines. Depending on the time of the year and local tourist activity the road can get a little crowded. The wonderful town of Bar Harbor is nearby this route and offers first class vacation and tourism accommodations.”
NAPLES TO KEY WEST (FLORIDA)
A listing of US coastal motorcycle roads would not be complete without a ride through the Florida Keys.
This route, however, adds the bonus of a section that passes through the Florida Everglades as you ride from Naples to Key Largo. On this first section, you’ll get a glimpse of not only the Everglade scenery but also the local wildlife which includes both alligators and crocodiles, bobcats, fox, deer, and you may even get to see the rare Florida Panther.
Once you reach Key Largo, the second half of this ride and the coastal section begins as you travel along the Florida keys and take in the magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico on both sides of the road.
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