U.S. Route 101 in Oregon, USA

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Down the snaking shoreline from Washington State to the California Redwoods, Oregon's Highway 101 puts on a show, from broad Cannon Beach to dozens of outstanding state parks with even better names (see: Devils Punchbowl, Cape Perpetua). Each detour is distinctive, and the drive is—dare we say it—as lovely as California's Highway 1.

[post_ads]Where to stop: Thanks to its appearance at the end of the 1985 kidventure flick The Goonies, Haystack Rock is forever known as "Goonies Rock." The sea stack rises 235 feet above sea level, and is a visible beacon calling you to Cannon Beach.

Where to eat: Pelican Pub and Brewery in surfers' cove Pacific City lets you drink a locally brewed porter with your toes in the sand. Nothing wrong with that.

Where to stay: Built in the early 1890s, the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse—just five miles from Cape Perpetua—has an adjacent light keeper’s house that's now a plush bed and breakfast (with a memorable multi-course meal in the morning). If you're the sporting type, Bandon Dunes golf resort is nationally renowned and a great place to stay for a day or two.