10 Must-See Destinations on a Road Trip up the East Coast
Are you planning a road trip up the East Coast and wondering which destinations you shouldn’t miss? Look no further! From breathtaking natural wonders to cultural landmarks, we have compiled a list of 10 must-see destinations to include in your itinerary.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine
Start your trip by exploring the pristine wilderness of Acadia National Park. With over 47,000 acres of rugged coastline, forests, and mountains, Acadia offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Don’t miss the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak on the East Coast.
2. Salem, Massachusetts
Get in the Halloween spirit by visiting Salem, famous for its witch trials of 1692. Explore the Witch House, the only surviving house with direct ties to the trials, and the Salem Witch Museum, which offers an informative and interactive exhibit on the trials and the history of witches.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Take a step back in time by touring the opulent mansions of Newport. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers tours of several historic homes, including The Breakers, the summer home of the Vanderbilt family, and Rosecliff, which has been featured in many films and television shows.
4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Relax on the sandy beaches and charming towns of Cape Cod. Don’t miss the Cape Cod National Seashore, which offers 40 miles of pristine beaches and dunes, as well as hiking and biking trails. Take a stroll through the quaint town of Provincetown, known for its art galleries and LGBTQ+ community.
5. Mystic, Connecticut
Explore the maritime history of Mystic, home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. This living history museum offers exhibits on whaling, shipbuilding, and 19th-century life, as well as a replica of a 19th-century village. Take a sunset cruise on a schooner or visit the Mystic Aquarium, home to beluga whales and sea lions.
6. New York City, New York
No East Coast road trip is complete without a stop in the Big Apple. Take in the skyline from the top of the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center, explore the world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or catch a Broadway show in the Theater District.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Visit the birthplace of American democracy in Philadelphia. Explore Independence National Historical Park, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed, and see the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American freedom. Don’t miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its “Rocky Steps.”
8. Washington, D.C.
Discover the nation’s capital by visiting the many monuments and museums in Washington, D.C. See the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, and the White House, or explore world-class museums like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Experience the Southern charm and hospitality of Charleston. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, visit the magnificent plantations like Boone Hall and Magnolia, or savor the delicious Lowcountry cuisine.
10. Savannah, Georgia
End your road trip with a visit to Savannah, known for its charming historic district and Spanish moss-draped trees. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, visit the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, or take a riverboat tour on the Savannah River.
In conclusion, a road trip up the East Coast offers a diverse range of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone on this unforgettable journey.
