Region

East Coast, USA

Country/State

  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • South Carolina
  • North Carolina
  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • Delaware
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Connecticut
  • Rhode Island
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • Maine

Place(s)

The East Coast is a home to some of the nation's most incredible attractions:

  • The Hamptons
  • Portland
  • Florida Everglades
  • Miami
  • Washington D.C.
  • Baltimore
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • New York
  • White Mountains
  • Roanoke
  • Acadia National Park
  • Salem
  • Boston
  • Philadelphia
  • Charleston
  • South Carolina
  • Savannah
  • Charlotte
  • Myrtle Beach
  • South Carolina
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • Tennessee and North Carolina
  • Orland
  • Niagara Falls

Best Time to Visit

  • Season(s): The Fall Season or the Spring Season
  • Month(s): September-October

Uniquely Popular For

  • Lively cities
  • spectacular beaches
  • leafy seaside towns
  • the 2,000 miles of shoreline
  • unique culture
  • beautiful colours
  • adventure
  • endless shopping spree
  • nature walks
  • European architecture
  • national parks
  • the Appalachian Mountains
  • Broadway
  • places and monuments of historical significance to the American Revolution
  • spectacular beaches and happening night life

General Tourist Attractions

No matter what type of traveller you are (adventurer, artsy, family, historical, or laid-back), you'll find a perfect vacation in one of the East Coast states.

There are so many things to do in this region that it can be hard to choose where to go. From watching a musical on Broadway to visiting the White House to climbing one of the Smoky Mountains or lounging on the soft, Floridian sand, you won't ever get bored!

  • When in New York, do not miss the major tourist spots that include the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge
  • Also do visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, Guggenheim, and American Museum of Natural History in New York.
  • If you wish to see the beautiful Mirror Lake, which perfectly reflects the colorful fall foliage, do visit the Lake Placid
  • And do not miss the most important one, the most majestic Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls
  • It's easy to fall in love with Boston. The city's cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful harbour beckon visitors to grab their cameras and stay a while. In the heart of the town center, charming Quincy Market invites tourists to sample delicious foods and practice a bit of retail therapy.
  • If you’re a history buff, make sure to not miss out Freedom Trail, Boston Common and the New England Aquarium while in Boston
  • Miami Beach and The Broadwalk are the main attractions of Miami, Florida, so do not miss these two wonder spots.
  • If you wish to see the Mosiac magic, go visit Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, an incredible immersive mixed media experience, features walls (and floors) covered in mosaics.
  • Or Hop in a horse and buggy and ride through Independence National Historical Park, or shop for local produce, Amish bread, clothes, and jewellery at the Reading Terminal Market.
  • Also go and explore the spectacular European architecture - Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
  • Tour the White House, White House Visitor Center, Explore President's Park, Northern Trail (Lafayette Park) Southern Trail (Ellipse), White House Garden Tour. Easter Egg Roll. National Christmas Tree, White House Kitchen Garden.
  • Visit the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. From halls of power to food halls, historic Capitol Hill is forever hopping with activities and events. Catch lawmakers in action with an advance pass from your Senator or House Representative. Or take a picnic to the park at the Bartholdi Fountain. You may also explore a foodie haven near Eastern Market. Make Barracks Row, the city’s oldest commercial district, your next destination here.
  • Go to a play at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Take a self-guided tour of the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Progress for a patriotic march to the Library of Congress, The largest library in the world makes for a fascinating historical and literary experience in the nation’s capital. 
  • Escape into the green world of the U.S. Botanic Garden. Hunt for farm-fresh produce, crafts and antiques at Eastern Market.
  • Sneak away to the summerhouse on the U.S. Capitol Grounds Revel in a patriotic parade at the U.S. Marine Barracks. Do not miss Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.
  • There are a ton of other visit-worthy attractions, especially for those in search of first-hand political history. The vast National Mall houses most of the city's grandest icons, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
  • There are a ton of other visit-worthy attractions, especially for those in search of first-hand political history. The vast National Mall houses most of the city's grandest icons, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
  • Don't miss the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art, or the National Museum of Natural History
  • Whale-watching tour at the Acadia National Park, Maine
  • Take a tour to the beautiful, quirky, adorable and charming Balitimore, Maryland. It features a good mix of the historic (like Fort McHenry, which inspired the National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner) and trendy (like boutique hotels and eclectic shops), Baltimore is worth a visit at any time of the year.
  • Top attractions include Walters Art Gallery, the National Aquarium, and the American Visionary Art Museum.
  • Racing fans won't want to miss the NASCAR Hall of Fame, at Charlotte, North Carolina while flying enthusiasts will covet time spent at the impressive Carolinas Aviation Museum. 
  • The younger, more energetic generation will love you forever if you take them to Paramount's Carowinds, an amusement and water park that boasts animatronic dinosaurs.
  • Freedom Park is the place where locals come to unwind. In addition to offering a ton of sporting options (i.e. volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts), walking paths, and baseball diamonds, the park hosts concerts and houses a playground.
  • Smiling and cheerful locals will direct you through Charleston, South Carolina’s brick-laid streets to its most stellar attractions, like the harbor's Waterfront Park, Middleton Place Plantation, and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.
  • Take a tour to the Historic Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia home to City Hall, also houses Chippewa Square, which you might recognize from the film Forrest Gump.
  • Don't miss Forsyth Park, a mid-19th-century marvel featuring a huge cast-iron fountain. You'll also want to add the National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force and Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences to your "to-see" list.
  • While visiting a cemetery may not top your "things to do" list, Bonaventure Cemetery will change your mind. The stone monuments, obelisks, and lush blooms are so beautiful, you'll forget that some believe this place is haunted.
  • Indulge into some wonderful theme parks at Orland, Home to theme park giants Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, this top US vacation destination also houses SeaWorld Orlando, where visitors can pet a dolphin or hop on a manta ray-themed roller coaster.
  • Meet the mystic mountains The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
  • The park's jagged mountain peaks, mist-covered summits, cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and blossoming wildflowers join to create a magical utopia.

Memorable Pursuits

  • Lovers of Literature can always enjoy theatre shows at Broadway which are one of a kind.
  • Explore Boston on foot for a lesson in history, culture and food. Do not miss the Trinity Church, the Hancock Building, Boston Common and the Boston Ships Tea Party & Museum
  • Enjoy the serene beaches and the explorative historic ruins of the Jekyll Island
  • If you are visiting New York, the enchanting city, make sure you take the time to catch a Broadway Show. Take a stroll through Central Park or check out the Statue of Liberty, a historic US landmark.
  • Head to the coast to see the Portland Head Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, which was first lit on January 10, 1791. Walk along the amazing shores of Fort Williams Park to take in the breathtaking views
  • Disney World, how can someone miss this wonderland! This is a classic vacation spot that you just can’t miss! Release your inner child at Disney World.
  • If you get hit with an unexpected rainy day and have to stay inside, consider visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where you can view one of the most impressive art collections in the world. 
  • It’s full of tourists all year round but you cannot miss a trip to the iconic Times Square.
  • Stowe, Vermont: This little town functions as a fabulous ski resort in the winter and offers gorgeous landscapes in the summer! 
  • Nashville, Tennessee: Known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville is a must visit for all those who enjoy country music.
  • Take the time to pay tribute to the 2,977 victims killed in the attacks by stopping by the 9/11 Memorial. This is where the twin towers originally stood and now features a museum in which you will have the opportunity to learn about some of the heroes who died while assisting others on that dark day in our nation’s history. 
  • If you only have a day, check out Copley Square or the beautiful Boston Public Garden. Fenway Park, the official home of the Boston Red Sox, is a must see destination for any baseball lover. The New England Aquarium is also a popular tourist attraction and offers fun for the whole family.
  • Philadelphia definitely has a more modern side to it too, with a bustling nightlife complete with a variety of different kinds of restaurants and museums. You can’t leave the city before tasting a Philly cheesesteak. 
  • Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, a strip filled with shops, restaurants, and museums. The Fort McHenry National Monument is sure to be appreciated by any history lover. 
  • Newport is one of the most idyllic cities on the East Coast. With a distinct New England feel, Newport is a great city to walk around or explore by bicycle. The Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue are a must see, with the above photo being of the mansion used to film the first Great Gatsby film.
  • This lakeside retreat in Maine’s western mountains is a testament to nature’s beauty. Come winter, Rangeley transforms into a majestic snowscape with epic snowmobile trails.
  • Visit bloack Island. In the warm months, hike along the glacial outwash plain at Rodman’s Hollow. Come fall and winter, the tourist crowds disperse, leaving peaceful, deserted beaches as far as the eye can see. It’s rare to find such unspoiled beauty, which makes Block Island one of the must-see places on the East Coast.
  • Last but not least, a New Yorker’s favourite city escape is to board the train to Hudson for a weekend getaway. Hudson is the quintessential upstate New York getaway complete with artisans, quaint cafes and plenty of cute apartments to rent.
  • Do some sky-scraping of your own on this helicopter tour of Manhattan’s lofty landmarks
  • A picture of perfection, Duxbury is a charming New England town on Cape Cod Bay. Summertime invites you to stroll among the wildflowers at Bay Farm, search for seashells along Duxbury Beach, and watch the oystermen at work at Shipyard Lane Beach. When winter rolls through, snow blankets the sandy shores, creating a magical seascape—it’s no wonder Duxbury is one of the best places to visit on the East Coast for a strong dose of beauty.
  • The capital city of Virginia, ​Richmond, offers a nice blend of historical destinations and trendy new restaurants and bars, making it an ideal vacation for a casual weekend trip or a romantic getaway with someone you love

Something Leisurely

  • Surf or rent a bike and explore the South Beach in Martha’s Vineyard. Sit back and relax, and enjoy the seafood straight from the Atlantic Ocean in the Rockport Village
  • Urban Spirit Art Crawl, Miami: Combine culture and cocktails on this street art walking tour
  • Notable bars and restaurants that you can explore: Sam Adams Brew (Boston), Brooklyn Brewing, Smorgasburg (Brooklyn), Monk’s Cafe, Evil Genius, Yards, Love City, and Crime and Punishment (beer in Philadelphia), Northern Liberties for clubbing (Philadelphia), Steve’s Prince of Steaks (Philadelphia), Adams Morgan and The Shaw in D.C for nightlife.
  • Watch a game at Fenway Park, explore the Boston Commons, marvel at Trinity Church, and walk around Uptown and Cambridge in Boston.
  • Hit the food markets in NY, eat and go out in SoHo and Chelsea, walk the Highline, nap in Central Park, visit the MET in NY, get some views from the Top of the Rock or Empire State Building, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, explore Brooklyn’s nightlife, shop in Williamsburg, check out Bushwick’s art, catch an outdoor flick, and eat some NY pizza.
  • Walk around historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and a visit to the Museum of the American Revolution.
  • Explore some of the best in D.C. and check out the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museum, and the White House.
  • Take a scenic drive in Shenandoah NP and camp in the woods.
  • Many of the activities on this itinerary are great for history buffs and learning about East Coast culture.
  • Explore some of the best in D.C. and check out the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Museum, National Museum for African American History, and National Gallery of Art.
  • Visit Colonial Williamsburg and the first English settlement at Fort Raleigh and Roanoke Island.
  • Stop by Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, visit the plantations outside Charleston, and walk the cobblestone streets of Savannah.
  • Grab a lobster roll in Portland Maine and explore the craft brew scene. Watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park before anyone else in the US. Stop by Camden on your way to Boston to gawk at some quintessential New England coastline.
  • Explore Boston and the Freedom Trail, spend a day at Plimoth Plantation, and consider exploring some of the country’s most famous campuses like MIT and Harvard in Cambridge. Just outside of Boston you can also visit Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived.
  • A visit to Please Touch museum. It’s not a dirty museum, people; it’s a kid’s museum!
  • Visit NYC’s best landmarks and neighborhoods. Eat yourself full in Queens. Visit all of Philly’s historical landmarks.

Quick Tip(s) from the Locals

Festivals and Events:

  • Governor’s Ball (June in NY), Tribeca Film Festival (NY), Philly Beer Festival (February), By the People for art (Washington D.C in June), Savannah Music Festival (March), MOJA Arts Festival (Charleston), Asheville Wine & Food Festival (August), Brewgrass in Ashville (October).
  • Make sure to keep your passport on your person at all times. Also, ensure that you’re up to date on your vaccinations because the officer at the customs take vaccinations very seriously.