Why Women Over 60 Are Falling in Love with These East Coast Road Trips

Do you enjoy road trips? Do you specifically like coastal road trips? There’s a special pleasure in moving slowly through coastal towns, pulling over for a local meal, and listening to the stories that give each place its character. Women over 60 who enjoy the freedom of the open road and connecting with nature are falling in love with East Coast road trips for a reason. 

Canada’s Atlantic provinces offer spectacular road trip opportunities, including the chance to see North America’s largest gannet sanctuary and the possibility of crossing one of the longest bridges in the world. While road tripping on the East Coast of the USA, you’ll get to see Maine’s most iconic lighthouse and do a full loop of the USA’s largest estuary.

Freedom to Explore on Our Own Terms

Women over 60 are hitting the road more than ever before. When opportunity presents itself, we don’t shy away from packing up the car or RV and heading out on road trips on our own terms. 

There is nothing wrong with guided tours, but road trips give you the flexibility to set your own schedule and decide where and when to stop.

Read more: What to Wear on a Road Trip – Outfits to Inspire You.

Fall in Love with these East Coast Road Trips

I have curated a list of East Coast road trips in Canada and the USA. I have also highlighted the top things to do and see for each trip. 

East Coast Road Trips in Canada

I have done all of these Canadian East Coast road trips, some more than once. 

Gaspésie Peninsula, Québec

Google Maps

At the tip of the province of Québec is a peninsula called Gaspésie (or The Gaspé Peninsula), just north of the province of New Brunswick. I have done this road more times than I can count, because that’s where I was born and raised, and I still go back to visit family and friends as much as I can. 

The main road is Route 132, which circles the peninsula. You can start your trip from a major city, like Montreal or Québec City, and head east. You can plan your road trip by beginning from either the north or south side of the peninsula. Either way, you will end up at the same spot at the end. 

The road trip around the entire peninsula can easily be done in 4 or 5 days, with 3 hours on the road per day and some sightseeing. 

Top things to do and see in Gaspésie:

See the Percé Rock

The Percé Rock rises dramatically from the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its name derives from the French word “pierced,” referring to the massive arch. 

You can see it from the shore or take a boat ride around the impressive rock.

Visit the Largest Gannet Colony in North America

While in the town of Percé, from the local pier, take a short boat ride to Bonaventure Island to see the largest Gannet colony in North America.

Shop for Local Art in L’Anse-au-Beaufils Harbor:

Stop for a meal and shop for some local art in L’anse à Beaufils. La Vielle Usine, located in the local harbor, has a bistro, an event room, and a boutique. 

Museums worth exploring:

• The Gaspé Museum is located in the town of Gaspé and features exhibits exploring Mi’kmaq heritage, early European settlers, and fishing traditions.
• Parc national de Miguasha – Fossil Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, with specimens dating back about 380 million years. 

Visit the Bonjour Québec website for more information about Gaspésie.

Tip: You may want to have a handy translation app on your phone if you don’t speak French. 

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail is a 298 km (185-mile) loop on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, winding through the coast and highlands, sometimes hugging cliffs where mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean.

The trail is a loop, so you can start from the north or the south.  You can reach the start of the trail with an easy drive east from Halifax, which should take you a little over an hour. This road trip can be done in 2-3 days.

Top things to do and see on the Cabot Trail:

Go Whale Watching in Pleasant Bay

From Pleasant Bay, you can join a whale watching boat that takes you out to see spot minke, pilot, and even humpback whales (seasonal, typically June–October).

Experience Celtic Culture in Chéticamp

The Acadian village in Chéticamp blends French Canadian and Celtic traditions with live fiddle music, seafood restaurants, and local crafts.

Savor Fresh Seafood

This is lobster territory, and you can’t road trip the Cabot Trail without having a local lobster feast.

Visit the Cape Breton Island website to learn more about this incredible East Coast road trip in Nova Scotia. 

Prince Edward Island

Google Maps

To get to Prince Edward Island (P.E.I), you have to cross the 12.9-kilometre (8-mile) Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick to the island province. 

The circumnavigation road trip around the island can be done in 4-5 days with plenty of time to sightsee every day. You can easily break down the island into 3 sections:

• North Shore (Cavendish to North Cape) – Beaches and cliffs.
• East Point – Lighthouses and quiet fishing harbors.
• South Shore (Charlottetown and Victoria-by-the-Sea) – History and small coastal towns.

Top things to do and see in P.E.I:

Walk Beaches… Some with Red Sand and Some with Singing Sand

P.E.I.’s limestone-red earth is iconic. The contrast between rust-colored sand and blue water is one of a kind. 

Top beaches to visit:

• Cavendish Beach
• Brackley Beach
• Basin Head Beach (Singing sand)

Go Lighthouse Hopping

P.E.I. is a relatively small island with many historical lighthouses you can visit. Overall, there are over 60 lighthouses on the island. Some are restored and open to visitors, while others are simply beautiful photo opportunities.

• Covehead Harbour Lighthouse
• Souris Historic Lighthouse
• Point Prim Lighthouse – P.E.I’s oldest lighthouse

Photo: P.E.I. Heritage Buildings

Visit Green Gables Heritage Site

If you are a fan of the Anne of Green Gables novel, then a stop at the Green Gables Heritage Place is a must-visit for you.  

Charlottetown, the Birthplace of Canada

Charlottetown is the capital of the province and is where, in 1864, a group of elected officials gathered to discuss uniting jurisdictions, which led to the founding of Canada.

Visit the Discover Charlottetown website to learn more about current activities and events in the city.

Read more: Ultimate Guide – Things to Do in Atlantic Canada This Summer.

East Coast Road Trips in the USA

Now, let’s move south and explore East Coast road trips in the USA.

New England Coastal Route

Image created with AI

This road trip will take you from Maine to Connecticut. You’ll drive along the Atlantic shore, going through fishing villages and historical ports. Consider allowing 7 to 10 days for this road trip. This is a great road trip to take in the fall, when the trees turn bright hues of red, orange, and yellow. 

You can break it down like this:

• Maine – New Hampshire – Massachusetts  – Rhode Island – Connecticut

Coastal Maine

Start in Bar Harbor and drive the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park before heading south along the East Coast. Follow coastal roads and short stretches on Highway 1. You’ll want to stop in coastal villages and eat great seafood. Don’t forget to put Portland on your list for its lively food and art scene.

New Hampshire and Massachusetts  

The New Hampshire shoreline is quite short, so you won’t spend much time in this state. It’s worth stopping in Portsmouth to visit the historic downtown and waterfront.

The next part of the road trip is filled with rocky harbors, fishing boats, and small towns with deep maritime roots. Make time for stops in Salem, Rockport, and Gloucester. If you enjoy cities, Boston should be on your list of stops. Boston has plenty of museums and historic neighborhoods to discover.

Next is a drive around Cape Cod, the hook-shaped peninsula where beaches, dunes, and small towns are all shaped by the ocean. 

Rhode Island and Connecticut

As you cross into Rhode Island, make your way to Newport to tour historic mansions and stroll the harbor and wharves. After leaving Rhode Island, head west into Connecticut to discover Mystic and Old Saybrook.

Top things to do and see in New England:

Stand at Portland Head Light

Perched on rocky cliffs, this is Maine’s most iconic lighthouse.

Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston

A historical path through the city that connects neighborhoods and the harbor. 

Spend Time on the Dunes of Cape Cod National Seashore

Walk the long, endless wind-shaped beaches on Cape Cod.

Read more: How Solo Road Trips Can Be Fun at Any Age.

Great Chesapeake Bay Loop

Google Maps – suggested route.

Another iconic road trip to add to your road-tripping bucket list is the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop, which can be completed in 5 to 7 days. The Chesapeake Bay is the USA’s largest estuary, which winds through Maryland and Virginia. 

A good starting point is Annapolis, Maryland, and to do the loop clockwise like this:

Annapolis – St. Michaels – Cambridge – Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel – Norfolk/Virginia Beach – Williamsburg – Back to Annapolis.

Top things to do and see in Chesapeake:

Harbor views filled with Sailboats in Annapolis

Annapolis is the USA’s sailing capital. Walk the docks and historic streets to get the feel of sailboat culture.

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

The museum that lets you discover Chesapeake Bay’s maritime heritage is located in St. Michaels, a picture-perfect coastal town. 

Cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel

Driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel is an experience! The bridge-tunnel is 17 miles long, spanning open water and passing through tunnels. 

Discover Naval History in Norfolk

Photo: Navsea

Visit the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

Walk the riverfront and discover where the American Revolution officially came to an end. 

Florida A1A Highway – The Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway

Google Maps

The iconic A1A Highway spans almost 600 miles in eastern Florida from Jacksonville to Key West. In 2024, Florida officially designated A1A as the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway.

The road trip can take 7 to 10 days if you want to drive the whole way. You can also choose to do parts of it. It’s the type of road trip that you don’t want to rush. A1A runs right beside the ocean and even directly on the beach in certain areas. Roll down the windows and enjoy the ocean breeze. 

Top things to do and see on the A1A in Florida:

Visit the Oldest City in the USA

St Augustine claims to be the oldest city in the USA. Enjoy the cobblestone streets and unique Spanish architecture. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. 

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in Daytona Beach

Climb the tallest lighthouse in the USA. Standing at 175 feet, it is a National Historical Landmark.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cocoa Beach

Are you into space missions? Visit the Kennedy Space Center and maybe get the chance to witness a launch.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo

At the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you can take a boat ride on a glass-bottom boat to discover coral reefs and the wonders of the ocean.

Cross the Seven Mile Bridge

This is one exciting drive! Get on the 7-mile bridge that takes you through the beautiful Florida Keys. 

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West

Are you into literature? Is Ernest Hemingway one of your favorite authors? If so, a stop at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is for you. 

Live the Buffett Philosophy

This road trip isn’t about ticking off sights. It’s about:

• Barefoot walks
• Seafood by the water
• Live music drifting out of bars
• Taking the long way simply because you can

Don’t forget to blast Jimmy Buffett songs on your A1A road trip!

Ready to Hit the Road?

Road tripping is so much easier than before, when we only had paper maps. Remember those days? I crossed Canada from coast to coast in my twenties with a map book and nothing else. I can’t imagine doing that today! Now all you have to do is use a GPS app, like Google Maps or Waze, to perfectly plan your ideal itinerary. 

Women over 60 are falling in love with these road trips because they are easy with short daily drives and are safe. They are a mix of walkable towns, history, nature, and good food. These road trips support slower, intentional travel, where we can enjoy the journey as much as the destination. 

Read more: 12 Iconic USA Road Trips for Women Over 50.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you enjoy coastal road trips? Which of these road trips have you done? Which of these road trips will you put on your bucket list? Tell us about it in the comments below.