A few classic coastal drives travelers keep coming back to.
Coastal routes tend to combine dramatic scenery with slower average speeds, so budget more time per mile than you would on an inland highway. Many of the most scenic coastal roads are also narrower and more winding, which is part of the appeal but worth factoring into your pacing.
Pack for changeable weather, since coastal microclimates can shift quickly even within a short drive. Scenic pullouts fill up fast in peak season, so an early start often means better photo stops with less traffic.