Coastal Towns: Think Journey — Not Destination
Taking an Odyssey from Maine to Florida
Image Caption:
Interstate-95 runs a pretty straight course 1,924 miles south-southwest from Houlton, Maine, to Miami, Florida. It goes near or around almost a dozen major metropolitan areas. And, if going from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, it’s not a bad choice.
But especially after leaving the bustling Northeast behind, the options along scenic byways become more inviting and accessible.
This Blog explores Coastal Towns primarily in the Southeast from Virginia to Florida. But if you’re heading south from the Northeast and want to meander, heading over to the Jersey Shore might be a good starting point.
More on the Shore
Leave 95 in Philly or Wilmington and Head to Atlantic City or Ocean City, and follow US 9 or the Garden State Parkway south to Cape May – well worth a stop to view its beachfront Grand Victorian Houses. Cape May boasts the second-largest collection of fine Victorians in the country, second only to San Francisco. Miles of beaches, outstanding birding, and a pedestrian-friendly downtown add to its charm.
Catch the Cape May Ferry – easily holds a 45-foot motorhome and its tow — and follow US 113 through eastern Delaware and Maryland into Virginia, where the town of Chincoteague awaits on the Eastern Shore.
The Pony Stroke
Made famous by the children’s book, “Misty of Chincoteague,” detailing the annual roundup-swim of wild ponies from nearby Assateague, Chincoteague offers an easy-to-stroll downtown, an array of shops and dining spots — plus multiple RV parks.
Following the beach road (US Hwy 13) south brings you to the engineering marvel that is the 23-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, combining bridges, tunnels, and causeways. There are rest areas, scenic view pull-offs, and, yes, a toll.
At the southern end of the bridge is Virginia Beach, featuring miles of beaches, a boardwalk, and lots of attractions in a larger town.
To get back off the beaten path, take U.S. Route 17 south through the Great Dismal Swamp to Elizabeth City and on to Point Harbor before crossing over Currituck Sound and reaching North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Where Wrights Took Flight
Explore Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers monument, Manteo for its small town ocean-front charm, Nags Head, Rodanthe, Frisco, and Hatteras. Climb the lighthouses, munch on barbecue and soft-shell crab, and relax on the sand. Kite sailing and wind surfing are popular activities — try it yourself or watch the colorful sails and chutes glide through the air.
A ferry takes you onto Ocracoke Island and its beaches and wild ponies, and another ferry goes on to the mainland at Cedar Island, NC. Head east along the beaches toward Jacksonville, where you can once again pick up U.S. Route 17.
From there, Hwy 17 will take you to well-known towns such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah. But be sure to check out the charm in lesser-known, but historic hamlets, such as Little River, Murrells Inlet, and Litchfield by the Sea, near Myrtle Beach, and Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, and Isle of Palms near Charleston.
And, of course, if you’ve never visited Charleston and Savannah, do take time to tour, dine, marvel at the architecture, and enjoy the vibe. For great beaches, try Tybee Island, near Savannah, and then head on down U.S. Route 17 to Jacksonville, FL, where you can pick up historic U.S. Route 1 that continues on and off all the way to Key West.
Long Coasts, Small Towns
In between big cities, both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of Florida are dotted with charming, historic small towns that boast fishing hotspots, dining, wildlife, gardens, kayaking and paddleboarding spots, and quirky and fun attractions.
Be sure to visit St Augustine, the Kennedy Space Center, the Keys, the Everglades, Marco Island, Sanibel, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Homosassa Springs, and Crystal River.
After the state bends to the west, the Panhandle offers beautiful beach after beautiful white sand beach. Seaside is a popular spot to visit, but don’t miss the drive through the Gulf Islands National Seashore with its miles and miles of protected wild dunes and public beach access. The Seashore ends at Fort Pickens off the coast of Pensacola. Both fort and city offer interesting history and lots to see and do.
All along your route – whether traveling highways or byways, you’ll find Good Sam parks ready to welcome you and offer hospitality on your journey.
Bob & Becky Bazemore
Bob and BeckyBazemore are former journalists and 16-year consultants with Good Sam. Their travels and work have taken them through Alaska, western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and much of the Eastern Seaboard — RVing the U.S. along the way. After 12 years full-time RVing, they now hang their hats in Port St. Lucie, Florida, when not on the road.
