From Sea to Shining Sea: Experience America’s Coastline

There’s something unforgettable about standing at the edge of a continent, and America’s coastline is brimming with the kinds of places that make you pause. Dramatic cliffs, wind-brushed dunes, historic harbors, volcanic shorelines — some of the country’s most awe-inspiring scenes are found where land meets sea. And with thousands of miles of American coastline, there’s no shortage of memorable destinations to explore.

From Maine to Alaska, here’s a look at some of the country’s most spectacular shoreline spots, along with the expertly planned, expertly guided tours that can take you there in America’s 250th anniversary year.

Cape Cod & the Islands

Windswept beaches, dune-backed roads, and sea captains’ homes — Cape Cod and its neighboring islands are classic New England. On Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, cedar-shingled cottages and iconic lighthouses harken back to centuries of maritime history. In quintessential mainland towns like Hyannis, stroll along the harbor front and catch a glimpse of boats bobbing in the bay. All this coastal charm is made even better by that oh-so-delicious clam chowder.

Experience it on Islands of New England.

Maine

Whereas Cape Cod charms with its classic New England towns and beaches, Maine is quiet, weathered, and wildly beautiful. Acadia National Park is one of its crown jewels, with granite cliffs, forested trails, and shoreline views that go on for miles. Located primarily on an island just off the mainland, it’s the only full-fledged national park in America’s northeast. Beyond the park, majestic lighthouses like the Portland Head Light punctuate the dramatic coastline and make for postcard-worthy photo ops.

Experience it on Roaming Coastal Maine.

Charleston & Savannah

There’s a timeless elegance to be found in the Lowcountry coast. In Charleston, South Carolina, historic homes face the harbor, barrier islands sit just offshore, and sandy beaches offer perfect access to those Atlantic waters. Just down the coast in Savannah, Georgia, you can get a taste of riverfront beauty. Here, moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets create a charming backdrop near waterfront parks and marshes.

Experience them on Southern Charm.

The Pacific Northwest

In the Pacific Northwest, the coastline is bold and ruggedly beautiful. Spots like Newport and North Bend, Oregon are tucked between sea cliffs and sandy beaches, with tall pines scattered about. (North Bend also holds another wonder: towering sand dunes, some of which soar up to 500 feet above sea level!) South of the Oregon border in Redwood National Park, massive, ancient trees stand behind dramatic coastal cliffs, creating a striking display of untamed nature.

Experience it on Pacific Northwest & California.

California

California’s coast changes mile by mile. In San Diego, the beaches feel endless. In Santa Barbara, examples of Spanish-style architecture sit by the ocean. In Pismo Beach, golden sand stretches below rugged bluffs. With over 800 miles of coastline stretching from southern to northern California, each stop offers its own take on West Coast beauty.

Experience it on Sequoia & King’s Canyon National Parks.

Alaska

Alaska’s coastal scenery offers a scale and grandeur that few places can match. Here, nature takes center stage, from massive glacier walls to the snow-covered summits that dominate the skyline. It’s enough to simply stand at a viewpoint and take it all in. Or, cruise past spots like Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier and witness nature on the move as ice calves into the sea.

Experience it on Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise.

Hawaii

Whereas Alaska’s coastline is defined by glaciers, fjords, and snow-capped mountains, Hawaii’s shores are lush, warm, and full of volcanic beauty. The island chain offers a completely different kind of coastal experience, where green valleys open to the sea, steep cliffs drop into turquoise ocean, and palm trees sway over black-sand beaches. Every island offers its own spectacular scenery, from the Big Island’s lava fields to the waterfalls and rainforests lining Maui’s Road to Hana.

Experience it on Grand Hawaiian Adventure.

Experience the Top U.S. Coastal Destinations

Whether it’s Maine’s picture-perfect lighthouses or Hawaii’s palm-lined shores, the country’s coastlines offer an incredibly diverse array of unforgettable scenery. And with America’s 250th Anniversary ahead in 2026, there’s no better time to embrace all that beauty.

Ready to experience it? Explore Collette’s expertly planned, expertly led tours across the United States.