Crashing waves, pastel sunrises, windswept dunes—coastal road trips are the ultimate escape for sea‑lovers. Whether you’re after dramatic cliffs, snorkeling reefs, or lazy beach days, these five routes deliver ocean magic and budget savings in equal measure.

1. Pacific Coast Highway: Big Sur to Monterey

Why Go?
Towering redwoods, jagged coastal cliffs, and hidden coves make this stretch of Highway 1 one of the world’s most iconic ocean drives.

Route & Budget Tips

• Campsite Fee: Pfeiffer Big Sur SP tent sites run ≈ $35/night; reserve on Recreation.gov.

• Fuel: National average gas price is $3.19/gal (Apr 2025).
  Plot pull‑offs and vista stops with Roadtrippers, and fill up where GasBuddy shows the lowest nearby price.

2. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys

Why Go?
Turquoise waters and sandy keys feel like a private Caribbean getaway—great for snorkeling, kayaking, or just lounging.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entry & Camping: $2.50/person; tent camping $36/night + $6.70 reservation fee.

• Best Leg: Arrive via U.S. 1, stop at Bahia Honda Bridge for sunset photography.

3. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Why Go?
Dunes, historic lighthouses, and salt‑sprayed bike trails create a quintessential New England coastal experience.

Route & Budget Tips

• Parking Fees: $15–$25/day (late May–mid‑Sept); America the Beautiful pass accepted.

• Stretch: Cruise Route 6A for seaside villages, whale‑watch launches, and local seafood shacks.

4. Olympic NP: Coast & Hoh Rain Forest, Washington

Why Go?
Experience tide pools at Rialto Beach, then step into the mossy Hoh Rain Forest—two very different ecosystems on one loop.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle (7 days).

• Camping: Coastal sites $20–$25/night; reserve at Recreation.gov.
  Track which campgrounds are open in spring and time your drive for low tide at Ruby Beach.

5. Perdido Key State Park, Alabama

Why Go?
Soft white sands and emerald‑green Gulf waters rival more famous beaches—without the crowds or high fees.

Route & Budget Tips

• Entry: $3/vehicle (up to 8 people) via honor box.

• Nearby Stays: Tent sites and RV resorts from $25/night; check Recreation.gov for best deals.

Tips to Travel Cheap in Spring 2025

• Use Planning Apps: Map your route in Roadtrippers, check up‑to‑date fuel prices in GasBuddy, and secure campsites on Recreation.gov to lock in rates and avoid sold‑out weekends.

• Mix Stays: Alternate tent camping with budget motels or cabins to balance comfort and cost.

Final Thoughts

From rugged Pacific cliffs to sun‑drenched Gulf sands, these five Spring 2025 coastal routes prove you can have shoreline magic on a shoestring. With current campsite fees, average gas rates, and just three go‑to apps, you’re set for an unforgettable—and affordable—seaside adventure.