10 top coastal drives in North America

Scenic coastal drives are a challenge. You have to keep one eye on the road and the other on the vast ocean to your right or left so you don’t careen off a cliff when you’re trying to take in the sights of Big Sur or drink in the deep blue hue of the water off of Cape Cod. North America is home to some devastatingly beautiful scenery. Get thee on the road!

By Tricia Romano | Photo editing by Mike Hipple

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VIDEO ON MSN LOCAL EDITION

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dustyroads
Mar 21, 2013 6:18AM
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My favorite you left out, is the coast of Oregon from Brookings all the way to Astoria.  1,000 ft. cliffs  looking down at the ocean  just before Yachats where you can spend time just gazing at the beauty of it all. So many beautiful turns in the road you would think it is a painting.  Most of Oregon is like that.  I love living here; every day has something new.  If you are a beachcomber its even more fun.
Jason C
Mar 20, 2013 12:49PM
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Ive been on 6 of these cruises. HWY 1 in Big Sur is the best IMO. East coast has nothing on the west coast. But to each his own!
Jason C
Mar 20, 2013 12:47PM
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I've driven the stretch of Mexico 200 in Michoacan several times. There are numerous beachside villages with awesome, year round surfing. Be forewarned though, this road is the most curvey road I have ever driven on. Way more sketchy than HWY1 in Big Sur and north of San Fran. Locals drive like mad also, not to mention that around every corner and turn can be a cow in the road or a burnt out car destroyed by the cartel in the area. Not to mention numerous Federalie and mexican army checkpoints. Michoacan is notorious area for gangja growing and heavy cartel presence. To even get into Michoacan, you must go through a military check point and to leave Michoacan, you have to go through another check point. But this part of mexico is very "tranquillo" and is the slowest, most relaxing place you can visit. Lots of tourists from all over the world come thorugh here. If you surf, Michoacan is a must go on your list.  
CHEF58
Mar 20, 2013 12:16PM
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The 17 Mile Drive at Pebble Beach is more than the $9.75 mentioned here.Dont remember the exact price, but it was something like  $18.
Rieser
Mar 20, 2013 10:59AM
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For the "The Hana Highway, Hawaii" slide, there is incorrect information for "There you can visit the Ohe’o Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools, and take in the glorious lush, green views of Wailua Falls.".

Wailua Falls is on the island of Kauai. The Hana Highway is on island of Maui. The waterfall is actually called "Waimoku Falls", a gigantic waterfall drops 400-feet down a sheer lava rock wall into a boulder-strewn pool. The 2 1/2 - 5 hour round trip hike on the Pipiwai Trail is worth it.

1digger
Mar 20, 2013 10:35AM
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Well the photo of Haystack Rock in Oregon, is NOT the one in Cannon Beach but Pacific City about 65 miles south. It also is taller at 327', yet inaccessible by foot, whereas you can reach the one in Cannon Beach by foot.
NucitaReal
Mar 20, 2013 8:28AM
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What about the 7-mile bridge in the Florida Keys? you should've done a top 25 at least! I'm sure there's more than 10 beautiful coastal drives.
J Mellow
Mar 20, 2013 8:26AM
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I can assure you HI and Mexico are a part of North America. And please provide details of scenic drive in Maine.
Mulletbiker
Mar 20, 2013 7:41AM
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How can you leave route 1a & routes 102 & 3 on Mt.Desert Island in ME off this list ?
I have traveled all across North America on my motorcycle & the drive up the Maine Coast and the loop around Mt.Desert Island are the most beautiful in the country in my not always so humble opinion !
And to include HI & Mexico ( which I'm sure are beautiful coastal drives, but aren't in North America MSN ) ???
Anne
Mar 20, 2013 6:56AM
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The burst of color in the foliage - Every comes alive again.
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