east coast guy trips

Best US Destinations For A Guys-Only Getaway

A guy's vacation is like a rite of passage to adulthood and the ultimate bonding experience. This kind of trip will never go out of style. A recent study even showed evidence that "bromances" are good for their health because make friendships increase the levels of oxytocin, the "love hormone" in the brain and make people happier.

Business trips with colleagues don't count. Plan a real getaway with your real friends. Pick a destination carefully; a trip should re-energize you, make you forget your troubles for a few days and relax you. The following destinations provide all that – plus joy, laughter and dare.

Louisville, Kentucky

Explore the bourbon capital of the world – Kentucky. This 5-day trip is a must for any bourbon admirers or anyone who would like to know more about this unique American beverage. You will visit nine distilleries and participate in several tastings so you can get feel the authenticity of each final product.

Go on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You will get an idea of the scientific process behind making this native to America spirit while also enjoying the stunning setting in the Bluegrass State. You can also participate in The Innkeepers Bourbon Selection with Dixion and learn about some rare bourbon that you won't find in stores.

There are plenty of other bourbon experiences in Louisville, Lawrenceburg, Bardstown or Clermont. Some even offer classes on how to cook your own bourbon.

Daytona Beach, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana

If you are into fast cars, seeing Daytona 500 or Indianapolis 500 live is a must. These iconic racing events are held on weekends so you can turn the experience into a trip. Daytona is also known as an awesome destination for bachelor parties. Enjoy the beaches, fish on the Sunglow Fishing Pier or visit the Daytona International Speedway for a track tour. As is the case with most beach cities, the nightlife does not disappoint. You'll have plenty of options for dancing, drinking and enjoying live entertainment.

If you're more into motorcycles as opposed to cars, consider an Appalachia road trip. Take West Virginia's Route 50, which is more popular as the George Washington Highway, and head east. You will eventually reach the Skyline Drive, a road on the bucket list of every traveler. It runs through Shenandoah and the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is where you will witness some of the most stunning views ever. You'll finally get the meaning of the famous saying that "Life is about the journey, not the destination." You can start from Front Royal and drive all of the 105 miles on the Skyline Drive. Waterfalls crystallize in the winter. There are many picnic areas along the route. Many prefer the Elkwallow and South River because of the opportunities to "meet" with raptors and many animals.

Silverton Mountain, Colorado

Heli skiing is expensive but the Silverton Mountain Guides have some packages that come at reasonable prices. They guarantee six runs during the day and have access to some of the best big mountain skiing in Colorado's San Juan range, close to Telluride and Crested Butte, which gets a tremendous amount of snow. They take the chopper up to Alaska, where Silverton Mountain Guides offer full week luxury heli skiing vacations.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas is the ultimate guys destination, famously known for some crazy bachelor parties. America's Sin City is a must-visit. It has changed in recent years and many associate it with wild parties as opposed to gambling. The variety of bars, lounges and night clubs in this fun haven will blow your mind.

Ocean City, Maryland

This resort city has plenty to offer – boardwalk for awesome days at the beach and fun party nights. Don't miss out on some of the best seafood in the country. Check out Assateague's famous wild ponies, just 9 miles away. Hike "with" foxes and thousands of birds around you. The golf enthusiasts will be pleased too. Ocean City has some of the most challenging courses around.

Humboldt County, California

Test yourself and your friends and see which one of you can reach the top of 1,500-year-old, 300-foot-tall trees. The answer should be "no one," because doing so is illegal and you may get in a lot of trouble. Join a canopy tour and you'll actually get to climb some of them. A panoramic view of the Redwood National Park is totally worth it. Take a zip line tour for even more fun.

North Maine Woods, Maine

Why not go on a canoe trip on the Allagash River? You will get to live like people in the mid 1800's did. The ride starts at Chamberlain Lake and goes through pine forests and rapids. If you're not careful, this can turn into the ultimate survival experience. You'll definitely need your buddies with you then.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi Gras, anyone? You won't find a place in the U.S. that celebrates it better. Enjoy some of the best food in the South, if not in the whole country, and great music clubs and bars. The atmosphere is unconventional but fun. For those of who need a few days of more quiet time, you'll like the fishing and golf opportunities.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

How does paddling through miles of powerful white waters sound? Extremely challenging and exciting. The whole trip can be more than two weeks long as you navigate the Colorado River through a deep canyon. You'll probably qualify to teach geology classes afterwards. Raft trips are also available for those who prefer a more conventional adventure. Many men go on long mountain-bike trips along the northern rim.

The 9 Ultimate Guy Trips for 2021

Where to go, what to drive, and which places to stay.

By plane! By train! By good ol’ automobile! Who cares where as long as it’s not home, right? These nine unsung guy trips will satisfy your sense of adventure and keep you safe in the kinda/sorta post-Covid world.

FOR THE CLIMBER ...

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

The adventure: Conquer the Via Ferrata

You know the town for its skiing and film festival, but the hiking trails. You’ll find dozens of them, covering more than 60 miles in total, close to town. The must-do is the Via Ferrata, aka the Iron Path, a two- mile trek that includes (but is not limited to) carved steps, rope ladders, suspension bridges, and caves, with a peak summit of 500 vertical feet. On dangerous sections, you can clip your harness onto a steel cable so you’re protected if you fall.

Drive this ...

A Kia Telluride. The name tracks. But you can fit eight people in the SUV. Those are minivan numbers—and this beast drives like anything but a minivan.

Stay here ...

A 500-foot summit not enough? Book a night at the Peaks Resort & Spa, with access to an indoor/outdoor lap pool, three tennis courts, and two pickleball courts to keep you moving.

FOR THE CAMPER ...

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

The adventure: Paddleboard the Three Rivers

Aka the Broad, Congaree, and Saluda rivers. They’re all accessible through the band of national parkland that rests within a half hour of downtown. Warm up with the Broad River Blueway, which is wide and slow. Then it’s up to you what’s next. The Saluda offers quiet, tree-lined waters; the Congaree flows through downtown Columbia, so you may hit (water) traffic.

Sleek enough for city streets but tough enough for off-roading, Subaru’s Outback Wilderness will carry you and your gear to any stand-up-paddleboard put-in spot. Its X-Mode function sets up the chassis and drivetrain for optimal traction in everything from dirt to deep snow.

Pitch a tent next to the scenic Lake Russell at one of Calhoun Falls State Park’s campsites. If roughing it isn’t your thing, rent a two-bedroom cabin (with air-conditioning!) at Santee State Park, which overlooks Lake Marion, the largest lake in the state.

FOR THE MARATHONER ...

SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA

The adventure: Trail-run (or hike) the Ninja Loop

Start at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot, warm up on the slow-descent Coastal Trailhead, climb the Miwok Trail, coast down the Tennessee Valley Trail, power past the horse stables, and move on to Marincello, where you’ll grind upward until you reach views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Refuel from the ten-miler at Copita with tacos al pastor.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E EV is an all-electric SUV with a 230-mile range, which means you can book a hotel in San Francisco or San Jose and still be within range.

After hitting the trails, recover with an in-room deep-tissue massage at the Inn Above Tide, which has waterfront views of Angel Island. If you’re looking for a different kind of recovery, head a half hour north to Sonoma wine country.

FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE ...

LA GRANDE, OREGON

The adventure: Paraglide through the clouds

Cycle along a section of the 134-mile Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway, which runs through La Grande, and take in views of the nearby Wallowa and Blue mountains. When you’re done, Oregon Paramotor offers eight-day paramotor courses (think paragliding but with an engine) to explore the east-Oregon skies.

No lie, the Bronco Sport has a GOAT mode. That’s “goes over any terrain,” a claim backed by its standard 4x4 system and optional lifted suspension. Its roof rack lugs up to 150 pounds, too.

Grab a suite at the Landing Hotel for easy access to the entire valley, or stay farther away at the pet-friendly Barking Mad Farm Bed & Breakfast, where pigs, goats, and chickens roam the land. Just two miles away is the Terminal Gravity Brewing Company, famous for its IPA.

FOR THE ANGLER ....

WANCHESE, NORTH CAROLINA

The adventure ...

Fish the deep sea On the southern end of Roanoke Island sits this fishing village undiscovered by most tourists. Grab a six-pack, charter a boat at the Wanchese Marina, and go battle feisty (and delicious) Spanish mackerel and acrobatic mahi-mahi (also delicious). Bonus: All that reeling counts as a forearm workout.

The Ram 1500 with eTorque Hybrid technology averages 26 miles per gallon, and the quad cab is roomy enough to stash tackle boxes, hard coolers, and camping gear if you’re overnighting it.

Each beachfront, four-bedroom cottage at Nags Head’s Haven on the Banks has its own hot tub and gas grill to cook up your catch of the day. Afterward, head to the beach, start a fire, and take in the views of the area.

FOR THE TRULY WILD ...

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO

The adventure: BASE jump (no, honestly)

First off, you’ll have an experienced jumper with you. Tandem BASE provides the equipment and instruction to leap from the 486-foot-tall Perrine Bridge. You’ll work up the intestinal fortitude to sign a waiver and then plummet toward—and eventually rest easy in—Snake River Canyon.

The all-wheel-drive, 158- horsepower, sporty-as-all-get-out VW Taos is your go-to dependable vehicle when you’re about to head out and do something wild.

After a nine-minute drive from the Snake River Canyon trail, you’ll feel like you’re at home at the Fillmore Inn . . . because it’s literally in someone’s home. The tiny bed-and-breakfast lies at the heart of Twin Falls, just a few minutes’ walk from Koto Brewing Co. and its more than 20 beers on tap.

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER ...

OUAKAM, SENEGAL

The small Dakar suburb is known for its swells and seafood. Surfers from across the globe flock here for the year-round waves.

KOROSKA, SLOVENIA

Beneath Mount Peca, you’ll find three miles of winding bike trails in the tunnels of an abandoned mine. Descend even farther and you’ll see a kayaker’s playground: an underground lake with crystal-clear water and few tourists in sight.

AIN SOKHNA, EGYPT

A one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cairo, the coastal city of Ain Sokhna has several scuba-diving reefs, a kite- surfing center, and pristine beaches to take in the blue waters of the Gulf of Suez.

This article appears in the July/August 2021 edition of Men's Health with the title "Hit the Road!"

.css-1fpt53b{height:1.25rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{overflow:unset;line-height:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{line-height:1.25rem;}}.css-1fpt53b:before{background-color:#D2232E;color:#fff;margin-right:0.625rem;width:1.25rem;height:1.25rem;content:'';display:block;} Men's Health MVP Exclusives

Does Pubic Hair Grow Back Faster Than Other Hair?

The Best Exercises for Your Obliques

This PDF Program Will Build Better Abs

Pick the Right Rep Range for Your Workouts

Try This 20-Minute Arms and Abs Assault

This Kettlebell Complex Will Help You to Muscle Up

Making a Commitment to Himself Changed Everything

Alan Ritchson's Favorite 'Reacher' Moves

This Guy Got Shredded by Trusting a New Process

How to Clear Up Annoying Sinus Problems

How to Retrain Your Nonexistent Attention Span

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

10 Best East Coast Road Trips for History, Beaches, and Seafood

Whether you're a foodie or history buff, prefer hiking or relaxing on the beach, these East Coast road trips will truly deliver.

Unlike the West Coast, where only three states border the Pacific, a total of 14 states lie along the Atlantic shores. Road trips on the East Coast offer plenty of variety, taking in mountains, beaches, rugged seashores, large cities, small towns, and Intracoastal waterways. To top it off, seafood — from Maine's lobsters and Maryland's oysters to Florida's stone crabs — is abundant. Nearly every East Coast state has a culinary specialty as well, making food a memorable part of any East Coast road trip.

We've put together 10 of the best East Coast road trips, and while these have been broken up into easy weekend itineraries you can do from major cities, you could certainly tweak them, connect the dots, and build the ultimate multiday road trip all the way from Maine to Florida. Whatever you decide, there's plenty of adventure and lots of beautiful sights to see, from the incomparable colors of Vermont in the fall to the wild horses on the beaches of Virginia and, of course, grand cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Miami.

Boston, Massachusetts to Burlington, Vermont

If you're on the East Coast when the trees begin to change color, a road trip through Vermont and New Hampshire will deliver some of the greatest autumn backdrops you could imagine. Starting in Boston, head north to Lake Winnipesaukee, where you'll find one of the country's best lake towns . Dubbed "America's oldest summer resort town," Wolfeboro is a place worth spending a night to soak up the Americana aesthetic in this town that many have called "Rockwellesque."

From the lake, drive an hour north on NH-16 to get to North Conway where you can get on the Kancamagus Highway, a top-tier National Scenic Byway for fall foliage lovers that offers scenic stopping points like waterfalls and gorges. The highway travels for 34.5 miles through the White Mountain National Forest . Once you've come out the other side in Lincoln, New Hampshire, you can continue on your way west and cross over into Vermont.

Set your sights next on Stowe, Vermont's most picturesque ski resort town , and the location of the Trapp Family Lodge , the historic home of the real von Trapp family that inspired Rodgers and Hammerstein to write "The Sound of Music." If there's no snow on the ground, the area offers plenty of trails for biking and hiking, or you can enjoy a scenic gondola ride and the charming downtown area. You'll finish the trip when you arrive in the state capital of Burlington, a small city with a youthful personality as the home of the University of Vermont. You can stock up on farm-fresh groceries at the celebrated Saturday farmers market and go barhopping among the city's many craft breweries.

Boston, Massachusetts to Acadia National Park, Maine

There's no shortage of ways to explore Boston — self-guided walking tours, museum visits, and strolls through Little Italy (in the North End) and historic spots like Faneuil Hall and Boston Common are all great options for soaking in the city. Visitors can also take a harbor cruise or ride a seasonal Swan Boat in the Public Garden lagoon. Don't leave town without sampling the city's famous clam chowder and Boston cream pie.

The fastest route on this 285-mile trip takes nearly five hours and passes through Salem, Massachusetts ; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Portland, Maine; and Augusta, Maine's capital, before reaching Bar Harbor. You'll experience New England's scenery and history if you take U.S. Route 1 with a few detours along the way.

Traveling north on U.S. Route 1 from Boston, you'll pass over the Mystic River. If time allows, watch for the Yankee Division Highway heading east toward Gloucester — a worthwhile detour if you're interested in seeing lighthouses, fishermen's memorial statues, and historic buildings. Back on the highway, you'll drive north, just a mile or so from the sea most of the time, briefly passing through New Hampshire until you reach Portsmouth and enter Maine. Continue through beach towns and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge , and take State Route 9 for a detour to Kennebunkport. Spend the night, dine on Maine lobster, and check out the stunning mansions in this nearly 400-year-old town.

Take Route 9 around the shore, then head back to U.S. Route 1 on Route 208. Continue on U.S. Route 1 to Portland, another great option for an overnight stay. From Portland, three hours on the shore-hugging scenic route will get you to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park .

New York, New York to Newport, Rhode Island

Spending a few days in Manhattan is the ideal lead-in to a relaxing road trip to a quieter town like Newport. After noshing on bagels or pizza, shopping, visiting museums, and strolling through Central Park, it could be time for a change. Don't leave without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, meandering along The High Line , and experiencing The National September 11 Memorial Museum .

When it's time to leave, head north on Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive (FDR Drive) along the East River to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, which spans the Harlem River. Interstate 278 then takes you through the Bronx and onto Interstate 95 through Westchester County. The highway runs northeast, close to the shore of the Long Island Sound into Connecticut. You'll pass through New Haven, home of Yale University, and have an opportunity to explore the campus.

Shortly after the town of Guilford, exit onto State Route 1, which will take you closer to the sea and add about 30 minutes to the four-hour, 185-mile trip — but it's well worth it for the views and beach access. You'll join Interstate 95 again to get back on your way to Newport, eventually exiting onto State Route 102 and then Route 138.

In Newport, park your vehicle and spend a few car-free days along the shore, strolling the three-and-a-half-mile Cliff Walk , exploring vintage mansions, and enjoying fresh seafood. Take a bike ride along one of many trails or relax on a sunset cruise.

New York, New York to Washington, D.C.

Greg Pease / Getty Images

This 226-mile trip takes approximately four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From lower Manhattan, take the Holland Tunnel that passes under the Hudson River to New Jersey. You'll be on Interstate 78 in Jersey City, with views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty . The interstate highway crosses Newark Bay on the Vincent R. Casciano Memorial Bridge, then meets Interstate 95 heading south.

Driving south on Interstate 95 (New Jersey Turnpike), Staten Island, one of New York City's boroughs, will be on your left across a narrow body of water called Arthur Kill — the word "kill" is derived from the Dutch, influential in settling this part of the northeast. Continue south on Interstate 95 through New Jersey — maybe taking a detour to the beaches of the Jersey Shore — until you cross the Delaware River into the state of Delaware. You'll soon enter Maryland, where Interstate 95 is named John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, cross the Susquehanna River, and go on to Baltimore.

Continue south on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (295) into Washington, D.C., where there's plenty to see and do, from museums, memorials, and monuments to outdoor activities on the waterfront. The Smithsonian museums alone could fill several days, plus there's hiking, biking, and boating for those who want to spend some time outdoors.

Baltimore, Maryland to Virginia Beach, Virginia

Starting in Baltimore, this East Coast road trip will take you on a long detour from I-95 that passes through a rare coastal landscape populated by wild horses. From Baltimore, it's a 118-mile drive across the Chesapeake Bay to Delaware's Bethany Beach, a lovely first beach to set the tone for this coastal adventure. From here, travel south along the water until you reach Ocean City, Maryland, a classic American beach town to base your adventures in Assateague State Park. Open to beach campers, this 48,000-acre stretch of grass and sand is considered one of the country's most scenic camping destinations.

You'll find wild horses roaming the landscape on Assateague and further south on Virginia's Chincoteague Island, which is your next stop. There's no main road connecting the two islands (although there are many back-country campsites) so you will have to briefly go back inland to get to Chincoteague, where you'll find even more beautiful scenery, horses, and the famous Pony Swim , which takes place every summer. During the event, spectators can watch as the horses are herded across the bay by the "Saltwater Cowboys" in an impressive display of the animals' swimming chops.

From Chincoteague Island, it's a beautiful 105-mile drive with the Atlantic on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. Make sure to stop for lunch in one of the small towns along the way for fresh seafood. When you reach the end of the island, you'll travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and arrive at your final destination in Virginia Beach, another classic American beach town, where you'll have your pick of chic hotels and a large boardwalk with plenty of restaurants and attractions for all ages.

Washington, D.C. to Nags Head, North Carolina

After taking in the sights, restaurants, and history of our nation's capital, you may be ready to head to the beach — this trip takes you about 280 miles south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina . As with most of these road trips, there's the faster way and the more scenic route. In this case, the scenic drive adds nearly an hour to the approximately five-and-a-half-hour trip, but if you're on vacation, it's worth the additional time.

Head south out of Washington, D.C. on Interstate 395 (which turns to Interstate 95). You'll pass the Thomas Jefferson Memorial , then cross the Potomac River into Virginia. Continue south until you reach State Route 3 around Fredericksburg — head east on Route 3, then south on Route 17. Called Tidewater Trail, Route 17 meanders along next to the Rappahannock River, a spot known for outdoor fun and delicious oysters.

You'll cross the York River and the James River, which empty into the Chesapeake Bay. In the city of Newport News, take Interstate 64 southeast, and in Chesapeake, take Route 168 into North Carolina. The highway meets up with Route 158, takes you along a narrow peninsula to the Wright Memorial Bridge, and south to the Outer Banks town of Nags Head. Relax on the beach, climb to the top of the still-active Bodie Island Lighthouse , or watch the hang gliders at Jockey's Ridge State Park among massive sand dunes.

Charlotte, North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee

For this scenic East Coast road trip, you'll travel to the heart of Appalachia, starting in Charlotte, North Carolina where you can pay a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame . From here, you'll head west to Asheville, another city with a lot of character and a unique history. Consider this your gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . While in town, you should stop by The Biltmore Estate, the impressive mansion of the famously rich Vanderbilt family, and plan to spend sunset at the Omni Grove Park Inn , a historic hotel that once hosted American authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and also has the best sunset views in town.

From Asheville, get yourself to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a road that provides 469 miles to explore the poetic Appalachian Mountain landscape from the comfort of your car — with plenty of stopping points to enjoy a cozy cabin lodge or gentle hike. The road goes northwest through Virginia, but we recommend traveling southwest to finish in the Smoky Mountains and then crossing the national park until you reach Gatlinburg. For a trip this grand, why not plan a big finale and book a night in one of the region's luxury tree houses? The Sanctuary Tree House Resort in nearby Pigeon Forge is home to beautiful feats of architecture with real tree houses boasting trip-making amenities like outdoor hot tubs and swinging day beds.

Wilmington, North Carolina to Savannah, Georgia

Daniela Duncan / Getty Images

Start or end this road trip by spending a few days in the riverfront city of Wilmington, strolling Cape Fear's 1.75-mile Riverwalk , browsing the shops, or dining at one of the waterfront cafes or restaurants. Tour the Battleship North Carolina , just across the river from downtown, to catch a glimpse of its role in World War II's Pacific Theater. Spend a day at the beach or ride in a horse-drawn carriage among Wilmington's historic mansions.

When it's time to begin your drive south to Savannah, you have a few options. The fastest route is inland on Interstate 95, a little less than five hours for 300 miles. But take your time and drive near the coast on U.S. Route 17. While this will add around an hour, you'll pass through small towns and be able to stop for lunch on a nearby beach. If time allows, you could happily take three days or more to enjoy this scenic and historic section of the coast.

Head west across the Cape Fear River, then U.S. Route 17 takes you inland for a few miles south before you get close to the Atlantic shore for most of the drive. You'll pass Shallotte, its river of the same name, and the Brunswick Islands , five barrier islands with beaches, seafood, and a historic atmosphere. North Carolina's Outer Banks region, which comprises 100 miles of shoreline, is a popular summer destination, and you might decide to spend some time (or even a night) in one of the beachside towns.

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina might be your next stop, or you can continue your scenic drive along the shore and spend the night in Charleston. Continue on U.S. Route 17, driving near the Sea Islands — hundreds of barrier islands along the shores of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida — for about two hours, before arriving in Savannah.

Savannah, Georgia to Orlando, Florida

It may not be easy to leave Savannah's squares, parks, riverfront, and restaurants, but if you're planning a visit to Orlando's theme parks and many attractions, it's time to get on the road. Most of the 300-mile trip will be on Interstate 95, which runs fairly close to the coast, but there's a short detour that takes you to Sea Island , Little St. Simons Island , and Jekyll Island that's well worth an extra hour or more.

Take Interstate 16 West out of Savannah to meet up with Interstate 95 South — you'll drive mostly inland, but pass over creeks and streams along the way. Shortly after the Altamaha River, watch for a turnoff onto State Route 99, then take Route 17 south. Take a road to whichever island you want to visit. Then, continue on Route 17, which meets up with Interstate 95 again. Continue south, passing Amelia Island, and on toward Jacksonville, where you'll cross the St. Johns River.

You'll drive near the coast as you pass St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, and a variety of beach towns. At Daytona Beach, home of the Daytona International Speedway , head southwest on Interstate 4, passing Lake Monroe and on to Orlando, where hotels, Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, and entertainment of all kinds await. Explore the natural surroundings at Shingle Creek Regional Park , where you can paddle a canoe or kayak, or enjoy a quiet picnic.

Miami, Florida to Key West, Florida

Artur Debat/Getty Images

This classic road trip takes you to the furthest reaches of Highway 1 and the southernmost point of the continental U.S. From Miami, it's a 164-mile drive to Key West, but it's a trip that should be broken up along the way to enjoy the diversity of the many islands that make up the Florida Keys — and maybe even a detour to Everglades National Park if you've always wanted to see gators in person. Before you set out, make sure you take the proper time to enjoy the scene of South Beach, have a cafecito on Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and take a few shots for the 'gram at Wynwood Walls .

From Miami, embrace the laid-back style of the Keys by traveling slowly, first stopping at Key Largo for a slice of Key Lime Pie at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen . As you roll down Highway 1 past Islamorada and Marathon, you'll see fabulous resorts and cozy bed-and-breakfasts but for an experience that's a little different, park the car and hop on a boat to the celebrated Little Palm Island , a private island resort where you can have your own luxury bungalow. You can spend the entire trip exploring the many wildlife-rich snorkeling and diving spots, especially if you take an excursion to Dry Tortugas National Park , a protected marine reserve.

For literature fans and animal lovers, a visit to the Hemingway Home and Museum is a must, where you can meet the unique six-toed cats descended from the great American author's precious pet Snowball who lived there with him in the 1930s. Of course, with only one way to go from Key West, the drive back is just as scenic as the drive there, so keep track of your favorite spots and make sure you never miss the sunset, which is magnificent from just about every angle.

Planning Away

20 Best Guys Trip Ideas (USA and International Options!)

Have you been thinking about planning a guys trip? Want a weekend getaway to some of the most popular destinations with your friends? A guy weekend is just what you need! 

If you are looking for the best guys trip destinations for a guys weekend, you are in the right spot! These guy trip ideas will help you start planning an epic guy getaway.

We will give you best USA guys trip ideas as well as international locations.

In this post, we are going to list out some of the best places for a guys trip! There are lot of options for guy vacations with fun activiities.

I know you work hard and now is the time to  plan the best guys trip ever! Let's get started! 

If you want to save this information for later be sure to save this post to Pinterest.

This post may contain affiliate links (including Amazon) that will give me a commission at no additional charge to you. 

1. Ski or Snowboard

A ski trip is one of the best guy trips you can do! Some of the best ski resorts in the USA are located out west in Utah and Colorado. These winter wonderlands are perfect for a ski trip! 

There are a few simple steps to planning a ski trip .

• Pick a Location
• Book a Ski Resort or Lodge
• Purchase Ski Clothes
• Rent Skis or Snowboard

If anyone in your group is a beginner skier/snowboarder lessons are essential!  It will make or break your guy trip.  Also, there are better ski resorts for beginners than others.

My dad and his buddies used to do this guy's trip every year or so. They had so much fun hitting the slopes! They loved skiing all day and then coming back to the resort to hot tub.  

Skiing is a lot of fun and is a great idea for a guys trip!

2. Los Angeles Sports

Los Angeles in Southern California is home to ten (10!) pro sports teams and is one of the best cities in the world for championship-caliber sports. If you are looking for one of the best cities for a guys weekend, LA is your place! 

If you and your friends love sports, then ditch the minivan and kids soccer for a weekend and head to LA! October is the best time to go – the weather is still warm enough to relax in the sun at Santa Monica Beach or workout at the famous Muscle Beach and hit up a few games in a single weekend trip.

Pick your Sport

Depending on the time of year, take your pick from NBA pre-season / early season, NFL , college football, soccer, and playoff baseball because they’re all going on in October.

A trip to Dodger Stadium would be a guy weekend to remember. A trip to the iconic Rose Bowl would feature Chip Kelly’s top-15 UCLA Bruins. Or there’s always a reason to catch a game at the Staples Center, with LeBron and the Lakers or Kahwi Leonard and the Clippers.

And on any given Sunday, you can catch a NFL game with either the Rams or the Chargers at the brand new, state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium.

A sports trip to LA with the guys is on of the best guys trip ideas to consider and is one truly worthy of any guys trip bucket list. 

Be sure to book your tickets early!

Contributed By: Theminivanbucketlist.com

3. Working Texas Ranch

4. new braunfels, texas, tubing .

This is one of the best guy trip ideas in the USA! 

5. Lake Havasu City Arizona

If you’re searching for a fun guys weekend, look no further than Lake Havasu City, Arizona.  This is one of the best guys trip ideas out there! 

Less than a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, only 150 miles from Phoenix, and well-known for hosting the jet ski world finals (annually in October), this destination showcasing sparkling blue green water will not disappoint. 

Rent Jet Skis 

Rent some jet skis upon arrival (or feel free to bring your own) and stay at a   local Airbnb   or at the Nautical Beachfront Resort which offers an infinity pool with a bar as well as a private beach and boat launch. 

Things to Do in Lake Havasu City

Visit the famous London Bridge and then enjoy a tasty dinner at La Vita Dolce Italian Bistro & Lounge, Javelina Cantina or Sho-Gun Japanese Cuisine (make hibachi reservations in advance). 

Take a 25-minute ferry ride to the California side of the lake (only $2 round trip!) to the Havasu Landing Resort & Casino for a night on the town.  Another option is to enjoy a cruise on a paddler-wheeler boat. 

This is one of the best adventures for men to enjoy on a guys trip! 

Contributed By : Globalgameplan.com

6. Grand Canyon

Rafting guys trip.

Another fun activity is to actually raft the Colorado river through the Grand Canyon and enjoy all the stunning views. These adventure tours include camping for the entire stay or you can do easy day tours from the west rim of the Grand Canyon originating from Hoover Dam or Lake Mead Area.

Helicopter Ride

Grand Canyon makes the top 10 guy trip destination USA has to offer.

7. Boulder Colorado

There are endless ways to play outdoors during a long guys weekend in Boulder , one of Colorado’s favorite towns.

Outdoor Adventure for Men 

From mountain biking and climbing to fly fishing and paragliding, all with views of the gorgeous Flatirons from almost everywhere. The 150+ miles of hiking trails around town lead up to epic views of the eastern plains or mountain views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness to the west.

Rent Bikes and Explore

Rent bikes to take a brewery or distillery tour around town. Our favorites are Sanitas Brewing (where on-site McDevitt Taco Supply serves up some of the best tacos in town), Oskar Blues, and Ska Street Brewstillery.

Activities in Boulder Colorado

In the summer months, rent tubes and float down the Boulder Creek. During the school year, the University of Colorado is the place to be for all the college games. Visiting in winter? Take the 20-minute drive to Nederland to hit the slopes at Eldora Ski Area.

Hang out nearly anywhere on Pearl St. for the best food and mountain views, at restaurants like West End Tavern, Rio Grande, Avanti F&B, or Rosetta Hall. 

Where to Stay

A stay at the outdoor-themed Basecamp Boulder (located right downtown) or at A-Lodge will add even more adventure to your guys getaway.

Contributed By: Hikinginmyflipflops.com

8. Yellowstone

If you are looking for the best guys weekend ideas, Yellowstone is a great choice. Camping at Yellowstone National Park is a great way to spend your guy vacation with friends. It's a good opportunity to get away from the norm and try something different.

I have some guy friends that do this multiple times a year. They love Yellowstone. 

Why is it Awesome for Dudes

It's man vs the wild in a manner of speaking. Doesn't matter if you are an amateur outdoor camper or a hardcore enthusiast, spending time away from the city in nature really gives you some perspective.  

Nothing beats hanging out around the fire in the starry night with some cold brews and your buddies to make some good memories. It is the perfect man vacation! 

Where to Stay 

I suggest camping at the Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA site.  It's about 8 miles away from the actual park with plenty of room to stretch your legs.

If you don't feel like camping in a tent, they also have cabins and enough open space to bring in your RV .  It can get cold though so remember to bundle up and keep that firewood aplenty. 

Most Popular Sites 

Yellowstone has some of the most majestic views. It's hard to pick just one popular site.  First and foremost, you should take part of your time to go see Artist Point which overlooks the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. It's truly breathtaking with the majestic landscape and flowing river.

Old Faithful is also a go to. This geyser is a cornerstone of Yellowstone but if you don't get there in time to see it go off don't worry as it's known for its consistency. Just take a stroll around the trail for the next hour to see the other springs and geysers.

Get ready for the wildlife too. Don't be surprised to see a herd of bison just hanging along the road as you are making your way through the park.  Moose, Elk, Wolves, and Bears are also part of the Yellowstone experience but depending on when you go may be difficult to find.

How Much Time to Spend

You don't need a whole week to explore Yellowstone. If you are making good pace even after you're recovering from the previous night you can see most of it within 3-4 days. But don't feel the need to rush. You want to enjoy this as much as possible.

If you want to take a break and revisit civilization, go to West Yellowstone . There are some great food places along with souvenir shops and general stores.

Yellowstone is one of the best guys trip destinations around. 

Contributed By: Theworldoverload.com

9. Utah National Park

A guys trip to the mighty five national parks in Utah is a great guys trip idea.  Southern Utah offers adventure unlike anywhere else.  It is one of the best man getaways.

Best Guy Trips

If you want to plan a trip to Moab you can hit Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park .  You can also do an off-roading adventure on the famous Hell's Revenge trail .   Moab is a great place to plan a camping trip and hang out with the guys. 

If you would like a longer trip, you can then make your way to Capitol Reef National Park and do a little canyoneering.  There are lots of fun spots to explore.

Wrapping up your trip you can explore Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park .  If you want an extreme guy weekend adventure you can get a permit to hike the Narrows.  Angels Landing is also a must-do hike at Zion.  

A Utah National Park road trip is a perfect guys trip. 

Alaska is the perfect guys trip!  It is known as  the “Last Frontier”. You can plan an Alaska trip from Denali National Park all the way to Kenai Fjords National Park .  There is adventure just waiting to happen at every stop.

Things to Do in Alaska

There are lots of things to do in Fairbanks , such as the Great Salmon Bake.  If you are a man with a big apatite,  this is the place you want to go.

In Talkeetna you can hire a plane to take you over Denali, river raft, and enjoy the local restaurants.

Awesome Guy Adventures

Anchorage offers some awesome guy adventures. You can bike along the coastal trail and hike in the mountains.  As you head from Anchorage to Seward on a road trip to the Kenai peninsula, there are scenic hikes, glaciers, and animal encounters along the way.

One of the most popular things to do in Seward is deep-sea fishing for salmon fish.  This is the best place to fish as there are many charters to supply and guide your trip.

Time to pack up and start planning a guys trip to Alaska!

11. Golfing

Golfing is a great guy trip idea.  Of course, you can hit your local courses for a few rounds of golf, but you might want to go on an adventure to one of the top 5 golf courses in the US.   

Top Rated Golf Courses in the US

• Pine Valley Golf Course – New Jersey 
• Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach California
• Shinnecock Hills – New York
• Augusta National – Georgia
• National Golf Links of America – New York

Hopefully, this gets your wheels turning and you can decide where you want to spend a guys weekend golfing! There are probably plenty of golf courses close to your home that would work as well. 

12. Weekend at the Lake

Renting a boat or jet skies and having fun on the lake is a perfect guys' trip getaway.  Make sure to get a lakehouse with a dock right outside of the house.  Some houses will also rent boats through VRBO .  

Top Ten Lakes for Boating

• Lake George – New York
• Lake Champlain – New York and Vermont
• Lake Norman – North Carolina
• Lake Texoma – Oklahoma and Texas
• Lake Powell – Utah and Arizona
• Big Bear Lake – California
• Lake Tahoe – Nevada and California
• Lake Minnetonka – Minnesota
• Lake Michigan – Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan
• Lake Travis – Texas

We also love boating at Grand Lake o the Cherokees in Oklahoma and Canyon Lake in Texas . Boating is one of the best guy trips! It is a great way to relax and forget about all your cares! 

13. Fishing

We mention fishing in Alaska which is incredible but there are a lot of great places in the US to fish that would make a perfect location for a guy's fishing trip. 

You can go on your own or book a fishing charter to any of these great locations. 

Top Places to Fish in the US 

• Florida Keys – Key West Florida
• Outer Banks – North Carolina
• Kona – Hawaii
• Martha's Vineyard – Massachusetts  
• Big Horn River – Montana
• Kobuck River – Alaska
• Colorado River – Colorado
• Thousand Islands – New York
• Cobbosseecontee Lake – Maine
• Lake Michigan – Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin

There are so many great options for fishing guy vacations! Fishing trips are great for weekend trips.

This wraps up our best guys trip ideas in the USA we are going to share a few international options if you want travel a little farther. 

Want an International Guys Trip?

Want a little more options for adventures for men?  Maybe hiking Mt. Everest or exploring Asia is more of the type of guys trips idea you are looking for? 

No problem, the following ideas are for those men who are seeking adventure.

Let's explore some international guy trip destinations! 

14. Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Xcaret is the ultimate guys trip that offers sandy beaches, fun, adventure, and relaxation all in one place. 

Hotel Xcaret is the only   resort in Playa Del Carmen  that offers a fun-guys trip all-inclusive experience, which includes their eco-parks, tours, adventure parks , and their phenomenal hotel for one price. 

You'll need at least five days to enjoy everything this hotel has to offer, but the more time, the better. 

Things to Do Hotel Xcaret

You and your friends can ride in a speed boat, have a late-night fiesta, zip line across a forest, relax in a mud river, snorkel with gorgeous fish, and learn about the Ancient Mayan culture.

All of these activities are included with your stay at the hotel. Along with the delicious restaurants, so no need to plan and schedule tours and transportation; it's all included and provided for you with vip services.

Did I mention there are swim-up bars, along with snacks throughout the resort? Don't forget to stop and have a few shots of Tequila. 

Along with the parks, tours, and parties, there are some fun activities at the resort. There is a dinner theater show with dinner at one of the restaurants. Also, there is kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and some hidden rivers to explore.

Overall, Hotel Xcaret is the ultimate guys trip that takes planning out of your vacatio n.

Contributed By: Izafamilything.com

15. Thailand Island Hopping

One of the best guy trip destinations for a vacation with your buddies is definitely Thailand. Especially the country's huge island world is breathtaking and so perfect for planning   island hopping in Thailand .

In the south, you experience Thailand from its most beautiful side and have the opportunity to undertake unforgettable paradise islands with your best friends.

One of the most beautiful routes starts in Krabi and leads over several dream islands almost to Malaysia, to the tiny island pearl Koh Lipe.

Things to Do While Island Hopping in Thailand 

During your trip island hopping, you will bathe at absolute paradise beaches, can discover clownfish and reef sharks while snorkeling, swim through sea caves and explore a pirate hideout, cruise, take exciting scooter rides, and experience some breathtaking views.

If you need more action, you can book a diving course or paddle down the lonely beaches by canoe.

If you are into the night life. There are some fabulous islands known for their party venues. For example, Koh Lanta , is known for its hippy parties. Or Koh Lipe, where you can party until the wee hours of the morning.

Contributed By: PlacesofJuma.com

16. Gorilla Trek in the DRC

Merely mentioning the Democratic Republic of Congo will probably send the girls running. For the guys, the Congo is one of Africa's most exotic and adventurous places perfect for a thrilling adventure.

Gorilla Trekking 

Gorilla trekking   in Virunga National Park is perhaps the most extraordinary wildlife experience on earth. Park rangers guide small groups of visitors into the jungle-clad volcanoes where these magnificent beasts live. Standing just a meter or two away from these gentle giants is an experience that you'll never forget.

After the gorilla trek, you could choose to climb to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano, to see the world's largest lava lake.  

When you guys have had all your adventures, you can celebrate with a few ice-cold Primus Lagers on the shores of Lake Kivu.

How Much Time to Do I Need?

Plan to spend at least three days in Virunga to go gorilla trekking and climb the volcano. Add a few more days to indulge in the excellent nightlife in neighboring Rwanda, and you have yourself an epic African guy trip.

Lac Kivu Lodge in Goma is the best place to stay during your gorilla trek. The lakeside setting is excellent, and you're likely to meet exciting people (NGOs, UN staff, volunteers, peace corps etc) there.

You will probably want to look into guy trip packages if you are planning something this amazing! 

This trip is sure to bring new memories that will last forever! 

Contributed By : Museumofwander.com 

17. Langkawi Malaysia

Langkawi is the perfect island for a guy’s trip combining both adventure and nightlife as well as plenty of other things to do and see.

Malaysia is a very religious country and alcohol is taxed at a high rate. However, Langkawi is a little bit of a tax-free haven so a lot of tourists come here to party and go shopping. 

Head to the bars and explore the beach-front restaurants which are known for their incredible seafood dishes and street food.

Things to Do in Langkawi 

Of course, a jungle island is a great spot to go on an group trip adventure. Your Langkawi itinerary should include a trip to the famous Sky Bridge which is only reachable via an extremely steep cable car. The island is also very well known for its impressive waterfalls and beautiful mangrove forests which are perfect for boat tours, swimming and snorkeling.

Spending at least a weekend in Langkawi is highly recommended for guy weekend.

Contributed By : Guideyourtravel.com

18. Northern Spain

Northern Spain   is home to some of the most magnificent natural landscapes in the country, and the Picos de Europa National Park is a perfect place for guys to enjoy these views while also engaging in plenty of outdoor activities.

The park, with its mountains, lakes, and rivers, offers many things to do and see, so a trip could be as short or as long as you want to plan it, from 2-3 days to a week (or even more).

Hiking Guys Trip Ideas

For hiking lovers, it doesn't get more scenic than the trail around the picture-perfect Covadonga Lakes, the Cares Trail (passing alongside the Cares River), and the route from Fuente De to Puertos de Áliva, though you'll find countless other hiking options here.

Other than that, you can also enjoy some of the favorite things in the area such as kayaking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, cycling, and much more.

Stay at Hostal Poncebos , conveniently located near the start point of the Cares Trail and an hour's drive from the Covadonga Lakes.

This is one of the best guy vacations in Europe to do with close friends. 

19. UK Zipline

Fastest zip line in the world, go-kart track, climbing and hiking , 20. cycling around vietnam.

Cycling or motorcycling around Vietnam might just be the ultimate guys trip for active travelers. If you have a group of friends or just close friends that love being outside, this is perfect. 

Long and skinny with excellent highways that trace the coast, Vietnam is made for road journeys. Hanoi is a logical place to start – both motorbikes and mountain bikes can easily be hired for long-term rentals.

Plan Your Cycling Route

Start with a couple of days in the capital and  side trips to Ninh Binh   and Halong Bay before starting the journey down the coast. Go caving in Phong Nha , then visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hue.

Next comes one of the most scenic stretches of road in the country, the Hai Van Pass (‘ocean cloud pass’), a 165 km stretch of road north of Da Nang. From there, continue down to charming Hoi An before hitting the beaches and sand dunes in the south.

Finish up in Ho Chi Minh City or continue to the Mekong Delta, the perfect place to end your trip cycling around the coconut groves.

Information About the Cycling Route

The route spans almost 2,000 km and takes anywhere between 1-6 weeks by motorbike depending on your pace (double it if traveling by bicycle). 

Set aside plenty of rest days and extra time for exploring – there is no shortage of magical landscapes, trekking opportunities and cultural encounters to grab your attention along the way. This is a great getaway for the guys! 

Contributed By: Wander-lush.org

Did you Get Some Great Guy Trip Ideas?

Did you get some great “guys trip” ideas? T here are some fun places to hang out with your friends and have a good time.  Hopefully, this helps you plan a guy vacation or guy getaway that will be awesome!  

These are definitely the best guy trips out there. There are so many great guy trip ideas you really can't go wrong, especially if you are planning for Fathers day or a milestone birthday.   

Facebook Community

If you have any questions join my   Facebook Travel  Community .   You can ask any questions you have about upcoming trips and everyone is happy to help you plan your trip.  I also try to give exclusive travel deals that companies send me.  It is a great group to join!

Similar Posts

Best age for disneyland (let’s plan a disneyland trip).

Are you wanting to plan a family vacation to Disneyland? Wondering what the best age for Disneyland is?   You are in the right place! We are going to help you decide what the best age to go to Disneyland is.  There are lots of different opinions on the best age to take a child to…

This is the Place Heritage Park

This is the Place Heritage Park is a must-see in Salt Lake City!  This site will transport you back to the time of the early pioneers that settled Utah. There is so much to learn at this interactive historic site.  Let’s explore all that it has to offer! If you would like to save this…

The 14 Best Idaho Falls to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops

Are you thinking about planning a road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone?  Awesome! There are some great stops along the way that you will love!  My family has traveled from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone many times! We love this route! I am excited to share with you some of the best things to do…

Visiting Dinosaur National Monument – An Amazing Guide

Do you love or do your little ones love dinosaurs? Are you wondering if Utah has a Dinosaur National Park? Well, it isn’t a national park but visiting Dinosaur National Monument is where you will find real dinosaur bones!  We recently went to the dinosaur quarry located on the Utah side of the Dinosaur National…

Best Hikes in Badlands National Park (Plus, Badlands Scenic Loop Overlook Guide)

Are you looking for the best hikes in Badlands National Park? Want to know what Badland trails are the best? Need to plan a Badlands National Park itinerary? You are in the right spot! On our most recent trip visiting Badlands National Park, we made hiking the badlands our top priority. We wanted to find…

12 Awesome Things To Do in Seward Alaska

Are you planning a visit to Seward, Alaska? You might be asking if Seward Alaska is worth visiting. If that is the case, don’t worry, you will not be disappointed.  There are so many fun things to do in Seward Alaska.  It is 100% worth the visit.   Seward is a small town located on the…

25 Comments

I have to show this list to my husband! The helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon looks amazing!

That would be cool!

Sounds like these are all great dude choices!

Exactly! Such a great list!

These are such great guys trip ideas! I wouldn’t mind doing most of these myself.

There are some fun ones!

These are fun ideas! The men need getaways too.

It is true. They work really hard!

What a brilliant idea to create a list of guy trip destinations. I must admit that I wouldn’t mind going on a few of these adventures myself.

I know there are some fun ones and then there are ones I would gladly let my husband do with friends!

Never mind the guys… I would love to do a few of these! Yes please to Thailand!

That would be fun!

These are some great ideas for guy’s trips. My husband would enjoy the Utah National Parks. Maybe I can convince him to go! LOL

That would be awesome!

Great list of guys trip ideas. I know my hubby would enjoy some of these. He also goes hunting every November.

I know my husband would love several ideas from this list of guy trips around the world. I think he might lean towards to skiing though.

There are some great guys trips in this list!

These look amazing! I’m sure the guys would have a fun time, but I totally would too! I might have to sneak into that!

Exactly! Although I would probably be okay if the guys did the sporting events together without me.

These are great! I keep trying to talk my husband into a guys trip, Ill have to see which one of these motivates him to go!

I think it would be fun for my husband to go on a guys trip!

These are some great trip ideas!

There are some fun ones forsure!

These are some great trip ideas. I’ll have to share this with my husband!

Awesome, I hope he finds a good guys trip to go on!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

East Coast Road Trips & Tours

Travel down the East Coast of the USA on a road trip that captures all the best East Coast highlights.

If you love diverse cities, historic neighborhoods and old-world charm, an East Coast adventure is calling your name. We're turning this road trip into a time machine and exploring some of the United States ' most historically significant places, from Boston 's coastal charm to the iconic landmarks of Washington, DC. We've got a couple of centuries and a few hundred miles to cover, so fuel up with a slice of New York style pizza , a bowl of New England clam chowder or a Philly cheesesteak to keep your (metaphorical) tank full and happy. Fasten your seatbelt, we're headed East... first stop: The City that Never Sleeps.

Our East Coast trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

East Coast highlights

East coast tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Georgia History Trail to Nashville

Charleston to Savannah: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture

Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans

East Coast travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to United States?

It depends on where you’re from. Many countries now operate under the United States Visa Waiver Program, meaning a visa isn’t required for stays of up to 90 days for travel purposes. There are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand, Germany and Spain.

If you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain a letter of authorization before you travel to the States. This can be obtained by submitting an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ).

If you’re a national from a non-participating country of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa. Please see the Department of State website for more information.

If you have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen or the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on or after 1 March 2011, you are ineligible and must apply for a non-immigrant visa instead.

People from a participating country who are also citizens of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan must also apply for a non-immigrant visa.

Last updated: 6 March 2024 

Is tipping customary in the US?

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids.

People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of income.

In general, leave 15 to 20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

What is the internet access like in the US?

Internet access is excellent in the US, and internet cafes and Wi-Fi hot spots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell phone while in the US?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in most parts of the US although coverage may be patchy in remote, mountainous areas like national parks and canyons. Ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive.

What are the toilets like in the US?

Western-style flushable toilets are the norm in the US.

What is ATM access like in the US?

ATMs are common in the US, so finding one won't be a problem in most towns and cities.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » USA » East Coast

EPIC East Coast Road Trip Guide (2024)

If you want to explore America’s past and sample some of its splendor, then you can’t go wrong with an East Coast road trip!

On the East Coast, you’ll discover some of the most significant historical sites in the entire nation, not to mention a huge array of landscapes and an even greater diversity of people. While the West Coast gets most of the attention for its weather, natural beauty, and upbeat residents, the East Coast is usually considered the foundation of the nation.

But planning a road trip alongside the Atlantic Ocean can be stressful. With so many states and so many places to stop, it can be hard to know what NOT to miss and what you’d be better off skipping.

And that’s exactly why I wrote this East Coast Road Trip insider guide : so YOU know exactly what to do and where to stay along the USA’s Eastern Seaboard.  We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article including some East Coast road trip itineraries, food, lodgings, and sticking to a budget during your vehicular adventure.

Now without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have an EPIC East Coast Road Trip!

A note on the format of this guide: Because the East Coast is massive and we have already written separate guides on New England, New York City, and Florida, this article will often refer you to other sources too. In order to best understand the East Coast, it’s very advisable to read these separate articles alongside this guide.

East Coast USA Road Trips Costs

Where to stay on your east coast road trip, best east coast road trips, places to visit on the east coast, east coast road trip tips, apartments and hotels on the east coast, renting a car or campervan on the east coast, final thoughts on an east coast road trip.

It’s hard to say how much the average cost of a road trip up the East Coast will be because there are so many routes one could take, not to mention each state is more or less expensive.

Almost every expense associated with going on an East Coast driving trip, including gas, lodging, food, drink, and whatnot, will vary depending on the state which, again, makes costs difficult to gauge.

I can say with certainty, however, that going on a road trip along the East Coast–like traveling in the USA as a whole– will not be cheap. All of the aforementioned costs add up very quickly and can be a substantial burden on your wallet. This is especially true if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t pay attention to their spending…

Luckily you have us; we’re always looking for ways to travel cheap and love sharing the best tricks with you, the readers. Even if we are unable to travel on $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses. Plus, there are plenty of East Coast budget adventures to be had.

A ballpark estimate for an East Coast road trip budget would be around $175-$225 . This covers food, lodging, a rental car, gas, and entertainment.

There are a couple of things that you need to be mindful of while driving in the USA :

• Gas will be your biggest expense as you’ll be traveling a lot; more than you’re probably expecting.
• Hotels and lodging will be very expensive in popular destinations e.g. New York City, Florida beach resorts, the national parks, etc.
• Food will cost more or less depending on how often you eat out and how much you cook for yourself.

Average Costs of an East Coast Road Trip

This breaks down exactly how much you can expect to spend while traversing the East Coast.

Rental Car: $30 – $100/day

RV Rental: $100 – $300/day

Gallon of Gas: $3.50 +

Cheap Airbnb: $80 – $100

Hotel room: $130 – $150

Hostel: $15 – $35

Campground: $0 – $50

Sandwich: $4 – $9

Beer at a bar : $4 – $8

Coffee: $2-$5

Attractions : $0-$20

Dinner for two: $25 – $75

Looking for specific accommodation recommendations? Here are some of the top places to stay on an East Coast road trip:

Best East Coast Mountain Getaway: Bear Ridge Lodge

The Bear Ridge Lodge in New Hampshire is the absolute PERFECT East Coast road trip stop. The beautiful, secluded log cabin has been featured in several magazines and boasts epic mountain views without any neighbors in sight. You can relax on the beautiful porch, use the stone fireplace as a nightcap, or start a hike anytime as miles of trails are right outside the door. The lodge can sleep up to 8 guests and is a 15-20 minute drive from restaurants and stores.

Best East Coast Oceanside Cottage: Island Beach Living

Located on Pass a Grille beach alongside Florida’s West Coast, this idyllic oceanside cottage is the perfect beach stop on your East Coast road trip. Peaceful, secluded and free from the perils of mass tourism that plague most of Florida’s beaches, this cottage is literally steps from the ocean, and comes with a cycle! You can also utilize the full kitchen, or if not, several restaurants and shops are also within walking distance. This beach cottage can host two guests, and also has an outdoor shower to wash off after a sandy day!

Best Airbnb in Boston: Historic Beacon Hill Apartment

This Boston Airbnb is the best in the city for several reasons. First off, it’s located in a historic brownstone and is just minutes from the T and just a bit longer to some of Boston’s most iconic attractions. The booking gives you the entire apartment, which was recently renovated and can accommodate up to 3 guests. The picturesque space is well maintained and even has a fully functioning kitchen if you want to save money on meals!

• Boston to Washington D.C – 7 days
• East Coast Historical Road Trip – 14 days
• Ultimate East Coast Road Trip – 21 days

Below is a list of suggested itineraries for driving the East Coast of America. Varying from 7 days to 21 days in length, they cover many of the East Coast’s top attractions.

Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good East Coast road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Boston to Washington D.C – 1-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

This is a great East Coast road trip if you only have 7 days, and you want to explore some of the USA’s best and most historic cities: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

With 7 days you can see each of these cities’ highlights and best cultural attractions, and camp one night in Shenandoah National Park.

• Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park Walking Tour and Game
• Exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Philly’s Liberty Bell
• The Lincoln Memorial
• White House
• Shenandoah NP and the Blue Mountains

Hyatt Regency Boston

Freehand New York

Hotel Baron (D.C.)

• Boston – Sam Adams Brewery
• Brooklyn – Brooklyn Brewery, Smorgasburg
• Philadelphia – Monk’s Cafe, Evil Genius, Yards, Love City, and Crime and Punishment for a good brew. Northern Liberties neighborhood, and Steve’s Prince of Steaks for… cheesesteak.
• Washington D.C. – Adams Morgan and The Shaw for nightlife.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

• Governor’s Ball (June in NY)
• Tribeca Film Festival (NY)
• Philly Beer Festival (February)
• By the People Art Festival (Washington D.C in June)

Things to Do in 7 Days on the East Coast

• See the highlights of Boston
• Watch a game at Fenway Park
• Walk along the Freedom Trail
• Explore the Boston Commons
• Go on a Little Italy food tour
• Hit the food markets in NY
• Eat and go out in SoHo and Chelsea
• Walk the Highline
• Cycle in Central Park
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Get some views from the top of the Empire State Building
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn’s nightlife
• Eat some NY pizza .
• Walk around historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• The Betsy Ross House
• Visit the Museum of the American Revolution .

Explore the historical sites of Washington D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• Capitol Hill
• The Smithsonian Museum
• The White House

PLUS take a scenic drive in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and camp in the woods.

Many of the activities on this itinerary are great for history buffs and learning about the East Coast’s culture.

Historical Route from Boston to Savannah – 2-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

With an extra week, you can really explore the East Coast’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. Any history buffs will love this East Coast itinerary as it will start with you exploring Boston and end all the way down to Savannah, Georgia, exploring some of the country’s most significant attractions along the way.

Along the way, you’ll pass through NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Gettysburg, D.C, Williamsburg + Fort Raleigh, and the must-visit Charleston.

• Plymoth Plantation
• Fort Raleigh
• Roanoke Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
• ARC THE HOTEL Washington DC
• Charleston – The Obstinate Daughter, Lewis Barbecue, and Bangkok Lounge for drinks and karaoke.
• Savannah – The Grey and Fox and Fig
• Scenic route on the Carolina coast to Savannah
• The entire Blue Ridge Parkway
• Savannah Music Festival (March)
• MOJA Arts Festival (Charleston)

Things to Do in 14 Days on the East Coast

Here are some of the best things to do in 2 weeks on the East Coast!

• Visit Bunker Hill
• Spend a day at Plimoth Plantation
• Visit the New-York Historical Society
• And the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Spend a day at Battery Park
• Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
• National Museum for African American History
• National Gallery of Art

Visit Colonial Williamsburg and the first English settlement

PLUS stop by Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, visit the plantations outside Charleston, and walk the cobblestone streets of Savannah.

Ultimate East Coast USA Road Trip – 3-Week Itinerary

This is the  ultimate 3 week East Coast itinerary. While the previous itinerary focuses on cities and historical sites, this itinerary also leaves plenty of room to discover this side of the coast’s best beaches, hikes, and parks.

Unlike the previous routes, we’ll be starting in Maine, one of the United States’ gems. If you like good seafood and great beer, you’re going to love Maine.

Next, you’ll continue down the East Coast in a similar fashion as itinerary #2, but will also visit Acadia National Park (in Maine) Shenandoah National Park, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains.

This is the best itinerary for you if you want to explore some of the country’s most beautiful forests and beaches as well as the most eccentric concrete jungles. Make sure to check out some awesome bed and breakfasts in Maine along the way.

• Acadia National Park
• Aloft Miami Brickell (Miami)
• Generator Hostel (Miami)
• Scenic route on the Carolina Coast to Savannah
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Florida Keys highway
• Asheville Wine & Food Festival (August),
• Brewgrass in Asheville (October)
• Daytona 500 (February)
• Ultra Miami Music Festival (March)

Things to Do in 21 Days on the East Coast

• 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 Hills State Park on your way to Boston to gawk at some quintessential New England coastline.
• Explore some of the country’s most famous campuses like MIT and Harvard in Cambridge.
• Outside of Boston, visit Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived.
• Visit NYC’s best landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Eat yourself full in Queens.
• Visit all of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks.
• Explore Washington D.C’s National Mall.
• Visit some of the country’s best museums like the Smithsonian.
• Drive along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
• Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Visit the hipster town of Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
• Explore the Charleston plantations and Carolina coastline
• Check out the Savannah Historical Center.
• Driving through Florida: Amelia Island, Castillo de San Marcos, Daytona Beach, and every beach in between.
• Hang out at on the beaches of Clearwater.
• Explore the historic city of St. Augustine.
• Take a boat ride in the Everglades.
• Explore Wynwood, stay on Miami Beach, and admire Brickell’s galleries.
• Shopping in Miami.
• Hit the town at night too; this is one of the best places to party in the USA..

PLUS, for more nature, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and take a  Key West road trip to the Florida Keys, where you can check out places like Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo, the southernmost point of the US and, of course, the legendary Key West itself.

Below is a list of the best road trip destinations on the East Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

New England Road Trip

New England is often considered the cradle of American society because of its role in the early colonial days. Many of America’s original colonies were founded here but much of their remnants still remain. It’s one of the most quaint places to visit in the United States .

Those on a road trip on the Northeast Coast of the USA will find a treasure trove of historical sites, not to mention amazing coastal scenery, hearty food, and memorable locals too.

New England is a large region that is composed of 6 different states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, so in this section, we’re only going to be able to highlight the best of New England.

Staying in Boston is guaranteed to be a good time. It’s one of the best cities on the East Coast and it’s a truly awesome place to explore.

When in Boston, be sure to check popular local attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Commons, Trinity Church, and Uptown. Try attending a sports match, which is like church for Bostonians, and be sure to grab a drink in a local New England pub. I also HIGHLY recommend staying in Cape Cod for a few days if you get the chance.

The rest of New England is defined by pastoral villages, rugged coastline, and expansive woods. A bed and breakfast in Vermont is the perfect place to unwind in lush, mountainous greenery while famous coastal destinations like Acadia National Park, and the Connecticut Coastline are unlike any other beaches in the USA.

There are a ton of awesome bed and breakfasts in Connecticut where you can stay in a historical building and enjoy that welcoming East Coast hospitality.

Also consider driving through the New England countryside, particularly around the Litchfield Hills, Mohawk Trail, and the White Mountains. If you’re on an East Coast road trip during the autumn, you’ll be treated with the magnificent fall foliage that New England is so famous for.

New York Road Trip

New York, New York. It is the very symbol of the USA and probably its most well-known city. It is a bewildering busy place with an insane amount of people, who bounce around the city like atoms in a nuclear reactor. New Yorkers like to say that if they can make it in this city, then they can make it anywhere because where else could they feel so alive?

Traveling in New York City shouldn’t be taken lightly–the city is an absolutely enormous place that has more districts than one can count. It would take a lifetime to explore all of NYC’s neighborhoods – and I’m about to explain New York in the course of around 300 words. If you think this is a vastly underwhelming number, then we agree.

NYC is one of those places that’s absolutely worth spending some time in– staying in NYC is quite the experience!

New York is one of the greatest economic engines on the entire planet. This city churns out more money than most countries. Its skyline, which is one of the most recognizable in the world, is a representative of the city’s financial success. At the same time, New Yorkers, reaping the benefits of the economy, like to celebrate after a paycheck, often.

Hotels and Airbnbs are often expensive in and around the Big Apple, but elsewhere in the state you can look at staying in New York motels which are designed for road trippers!

As for gastronomy, people love to eat and drink in NYC. This city hosts one of the craziest nightlives in the world and more world-class restaurants than I can bother to imagine. Meeting up with friends after a hard day’s work or just visiting a local attraction like the MET, One World Trade Center or Central Park , is undoubtedly the top thing to do in New York.

There’s more to New York than just the city. Be sure to visit the oft-forgotten Upstate New York. Niagara Falls , the Hudson Valley , Catskills , and the picturesque stays in the Adirondacks should all be included on a road trip from New York.

New Jersey Road Trip

New Jersey is often seen as the butt-end of New York City – a state that only serves as a giant suburb for New Yorkers who want to settle down but still be close to the city. While its close proximity to the top places in NYC is certainly a boon – you can literally see Manhattan across the Hudson in New Jersey – it’s much more than New York’s backyard.

New Jersey has a lot to offer those on a road trip down the East Coast USA, including mountains, some of the best beaches in the Northeast, and lots of agrotourism opportunities. In fact, a bed and breakfast in New Jersey is so much cheaper than staying in the Big Apple, that many tourists visiting New York opt to stay in Jersey City/Newark and commute in.

The greatest density of people in New Jersey is in Jersey City/Newark , which, to little surprise, is right next to New York City. These places are often used as a cheaper base for exploring the city but are worthy of seeing as well.

As for what to do in Jersey City , you can eat and drink just as well as in NYC and, best of all, enjoy the best views of skyline without having to deal with the massive crowds. Newark has an excellent selection of museums and art galleries.

Most who visit New Jersey head straight for the beaches, which are very fine. Atlantic City , infamous for its gangsters and casinos, is the most visited coastal city in New Jersey and arguably the most famous resort town on the East Coast. Though many come here for more carnal reasons, Atlantic City still benefits from some gorgeous beaches and surfing opportunities.

Other popular beach getaways include Belmar, Asbury Park , the Wildwoods , and Sandy Hook . You can also opt to stay on Cape May for a truly spectacular Jersey seaside experience.

Few people realize that New Jersey has mountains! The Kittatinny Mountains , a subsection of the Appalachians, run along the western edge of the state and offers many hiking trails. Further south is the expansive Pine Barrens , which is great for camping and berry picking.

Pennsylvania Road Trip

Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant states in the entire USA. The state has been the theater for many of America’s most important revolutionary events and has also been the birthplace of many of its greatest industries.

Coal, steel, mining, and even Amish woodworking are among Pennsylvania’s proudest exports and each of these paint a clear picture of what the state is today. A road trip through Pennsylvania will be an excellent insight into middle American life, both old and new.

You can’t pass through the state without visiting Philadelphia , which is one of the most historical cities in the USA. Philadelphia’s most important landmarks include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall , the latter of which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Philadelphia also hosts a wide variety of museums and historic sites that are some of the finest on the East Coast. Most famous is the Philadelphia Museum of Art , which, aside from having an excellent collection, also hosts the steps that Rocky Balboa trained on.

The rest of Pennsylvania is mostly rural. Much of Pennsylvania’s natural splendor is found here, and it’s particularly beautiful if you stay around the Poconos , Lake Eerie, and the Laurel Highlands . Famously, the Amish also live in the Pennsylvania countryside, mostly around Lancaster .

If you make it as far as Pittsburgh in the western portion of Pennsylvania, you’ll be rewarded. Pittsburgh was once the steel capital of the USA and, though it had a couple of rough years, is now becoming one of the coolest East Coast cities. There are plenty of great places to stay in Pittsburgh too.

Maryland and Delaware Road Trip

Maryland and Delaware are two of more historically significant states in the country. Much of their two histories are defined by the vital Chesapeake Bay , which served as an extremely important waterway during colonial days.

Nowadays, Maryland and Delaware are pretty quiet and mostly act as residences for rich folk from DC. The states still benefit from being located next to the Chesapeake – the seafood here is some of the best on the East Coast and there are lots of little coastal haunts worth checking out. These, in addition to the many historical attractions, make both states worth seeing.

Baltimore , Maryland is the largest city in the region and hosts the densest collection of attractions. Staying in Baltimore , made famous for its criminal elements thanks to The Wire , is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be and is actually one of the most desirable cities on the East Coast.

It has several interesting neighborhoods -like eclectic Fell’s Point , vibrant Hampden , and the artsy, somewhat ritzy Midtown – that make Baltimore worth visiting. Visit these areas and be sure to grab a famous Blue Crab around the Inner Harbor .

East of Baltimore is the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula, which is where you’ll find most the region’s coastal charm. The Delmarva is shared by both Maryland and Delaware. Interestingly, the peninsula is culturally unique from the rest of the Atlantic states in that it identifies more with the South for both historical and geographic reasons. You’ll find many awesome cabins in Maryland to make a pit stop in these coastal towns.

Delaware is a very small state situated almost entirely on the Delmarva Peninsula . Almost all of the state’s attractions are found in Wilmington and on the coast.

Although it’s the largest city in Delaware, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Wilmington aside from maybe visiting nearby Brandywine Country . The Delaware Coast at least has some nice beaches. Noteworthy Delaware beaches include Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach .

You can also check out some of the cool best bed and breakfasts in Delaware , many of which are ideally located close to the beach!

Washington DC Road Trip

Washington DC is the glorious yet under-privileged nation’s capitol. It’s a perfect example of American exceptionalism and, at the same time, economic stratification. At the end of the day, staying in Washington DC is one of the best cities on the East Coast to visit, if not for its sheer beauty then for its relevant social dynamics.

Few can argue against how gorgeous the city of Washington DC is. The city itself is the product of a city planning movement that was meant to represent a new age in America. As such, Washington DC is designed to be a very modern metropolis with perfect gridwork and several large areas designated for monuments.

Most of DC’s top things to do monuments are located in or near the Mall District – a 2-mile long park that runs through the center of the city.

Most of the city’s greatest landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument , the Smithsonian Museum , and the White House are located in this park. The Mall District is certainly one of the must-see places on any East Coast road trip route and makes for a very lovely day of walking.

On the edges of the Mall are the rest of Washington DC’s most iconic places . North is Adams Morgan and The Shaw , which is where you’ll find much of the city’s surprisingly active nightlife.

East is Capitol Hill where most of the United States’ politics are done. South is the gorgeous Jefferson Memorial and, across the Potomac River, the hallowed Arlington Cemetery .

One should definitely add the outskirts of the city to their Washington DC itinerary to experience a “realer” side of the capital, where gentrification is in full effect. Much of DC’s satellite neighborhoods, where most natural-born residents are from, were socially neglected in the 90s.

Nowadays, these districts are being renovated aggressively and, in the process, are losing their identity. Visit H Street, Columbia Heights , and the Near Northeast for a taste of the new DC, both the good and bad of it.

Virginia Road Trip

Virginia is a transition state where Southern culture begins to take hold. As the former capital of the US Confederacy during the Civil War, the state is certainly not lacking its historical landmarks.

Virginia also has some of the finest scenery in the Eastern United States–you’ll even find cool wonders like the Natural Bridge State Park. Those on a road trip down the East Coast will be both delighted and captured by Virginia’s beautiful cabins that give a full dose of nature.

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It’s a very old and historically significant city that has been around since the Colonial days. Much of its original architecture was destroyed in a great fire that occurred after the Confederates fled the city but, regardless, Richmond is still full of history and pride.

Virginia Airbnbs are plentiful in Richmond and beyond–do try them out for a more local, residential feel.

Richmond is a fairly spread-out urban area with several neighborhoods. Strewn sparsely among them are several museums dedicated to everything from poetry to historic landmarks. Aside from these, Richmond is also an arc for art and music and there are several clubs spread throughout the city.

The Virginia Coastline is where you’ll find the largest population in Virginia in addition to the usual beachside resorts. Here you’ll find Virginia Beach, Chesapeake , and Norfolk , which sort of combine to form their own metropolitan area. This part of Virginia has lots of excellent beaches to lay on but most of them are family-oriented. Staying in Virginia Beach is a great choice if you want to relax for a bit.

The interior of Virginia is mountainous and is home to a couple of beautiful national parks, like Shenandoah . Many people visit Virginia to see these parks and make road trips on the gorgeous Skyline Drive .

There are many quaint bed and breakfasts in Virginia that offer an authentic experience and are usually in renovated historical buildings. I highly recommend checking one out and experiencing that warming East Coast hospitality.

You can navigate this route all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains if you want, and can take a break at any time to go on hikes or to visit local landmarks. The Natural Bridge and the town of Winchester are good stops.

Consider taking part in the Brew Ridge Trail , which is one of the best East Coast brewery road trips!

North Carolina Road Trip

If there were one Mid-Atlantic state that offered the most, then it would probably be North Carolina . North Carolina has beaches, interesting cities, awesome mountains, and, of course, plenty of southern charm.

There are several urban centers in North Carolina. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and is becoming increasingly hip each and every day with more and more things to do . There are many cool Charlotte Airbnbs to choose from for your stay.

It’s a working man’s city with a booming economy and growing entertainment district that will soon be the next Southern jewel. It is, admittedly at the moment, still a bit dull compared to some other East Coast cities though. But you can find some cool and trendy North Carolina Airbnbs to enjoy your road trip stop at–for a much better rate than New England, that’s for sure.

Raleigh and the surrounding communes of Chapel Hill and Durham are much more fun. These cities are home to several universities, including the popular North Carolin State University and Duke , which means that there are lots of young people looking to have a good time.

The cities themselves are often ranked as being some of the most livable in the country and so make for great East Coast road trip stops.

The North Carolina Coast is awesome, filled with white sandy beaches and some of the best destinations for an East Coast road trip. Here you’ll find the extremely historical Roanoke Island as well as Kitty Hawk aka the birthplace of modern aviation. Some of the best beaches in North Carolina are Holden, Carova, Carolina, and Corolla .

North Carolina’s greatest treasure may be the fabled Great Smoky Mountains , which is home to some fantastic hiking trails. Cloaked in mist and legends of bootleggers, the Smokies are one of the most storied parts of the USA and, consequently, the most visited national park as well.

Be sure to stay in Asheville while in the Smokies, which is hands down one of the best East Coast cities to visit. Asheville has an amazing art and beer scene, and is often compared to eccentric places like Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. The grand Biltmore Estate is also near Asheville.

Charleston to Savannah Road Trip

Charleston (South Carolina) and Savannah (Georgia) are two cities that are fighting for your attention! Like squabbling children who want mommy to listen to them, these two cities have been in a fierce competition for generations. Visiting both of these cities will definitely be a highlight on your East Coast USA road trip.

Charleston is often considered to be the quainter and more intimate alternative to Savannah. It’s a small city that hosts some of the most well-preserved Southern architecture in the region. The French Quarter, Magnolia Plantation, Rainbow Row , and Boone Hall are all wonderful examples. A night in Charleston should definitely be prioritized, as should the epic Charleston City Market.

Savannah, on the other hand, is often seen as the larger and more charged of the two cities. As the birthplace of Georgia and a vital economic center for the South, a stay in Savannah has become much grander and, some locals would argue, more fun than Charleston.

Though Savannah lacks some of the singularly amazing landmarks that Charleston has, it still has that classy Antebellum style that we love about the South.

Savannah’s Historic Quarter is one of the largest in the USA and is most well-known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and large public squares. Forsyth Park is a fantastic place to spend some time in, and there are also a lot of historic Georgia vacation rentals you can spend your trip in. Taking a walking tour in Savannah is arguably one of the best things to do on an East Coast road trip.

In the end, there are too many intangibles when it comes to Charleston and Savannah. The best way to experience these cities is just to visit them and compare the two yourself. Note how each prepares local Southern food and how each has worked to preserve their respective images.

Both the states of South Carolina and Georgia are much bigger than Charleston and Savannah. There are also lots of things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Consider visiting this beach resort town in South Carolina for your family getaway. Alternatively, head to Kiawah Island for an ocean escape.

A ways inland is Atlanta , which is the largest city in Georgia and arguably the cultural capital of the Deep South.

Florida Road Trip

Welcome to Florida ! Home to amazing tropical beaches, abundant sunshine, and most of the East Coast’s retirees. If you’ve been craving some Vitamin C and some delicious Latin food, you should be very excited to visit Florida.

If you’ve made the arduous road trip from Maine to Florida, congratulations – your beach chair and pina colada are waiting for you.

Florida is a gorgeous state with a shit ton of attractions and cities to visit. Staying in Florida is sure to be one hell of an experience. There isn’t another state quite like it, for better or for worse.

In order to better understand the Sunshine state, we highly recommend you read it.

The first place most people think when they hear Florida is Miami. (Cue corny Will Smith song.) Though much of what you hear about Miami is true – it’s glamorous, full of amazing beaches, and sometimes a shitshow – there’s a lot more to it.

Visiting Miami also means getting to experience an amazing art scene, which is best experienced in the Design District, Wynwood , and Midtown neighborhoods.

Thanks to its enormous immigrant population, Miami also has some most authentic Latin and Caribbean communes outside of their respective regions. Be sure to visit Little Havana and Little Haiti for the amazing cultures and food.

While Miami is safe for tourists, avoiding the neighborhoods of Overtown, Liberty City, and Opa Locka are musts. Luckily, there’s nothing for travelers to do in those places anyway.

The rest of Florida is defined mostly by endless stretches of beach, swamps, and Southern hospitality. The Everglades are one of the most important wetlands in the nation and are an impressive natural wonder.

Stunning beaches are a dime a dozen in Florida though the ones around the Emerald Coast, Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, and Atlantic Coast are particularly great (and yes, that’s just about everywhere.)

The only thing more numerous than beaches in Florida is Southern folk. Contrary to popular belief, only the area around Miami is predominately Latin – Central and Northern Florida are more similar to the Deep South. Expect lots of BBQ, fried gator, and charm. Places to stay in St. Augustine still have much of their Spanish colonial history and make great places to stay for a rest stop.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Off The Beaten Path East Coast Road Trip Ideas

Want to expand your road trip on the East Coast? Try connecting it with one of these other regions! They’re a bit off the beaten path but are worth visiting.

Why not just continue all the way into the Great White North for some good Canadian fun, eh?! With lovely people, hugely fun cities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, it’s no surprise that visiting Canada tops many’s bucketlist.

Visit the likes of Montreal , Toronto , Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland to experience some of the best of Canada.

2. Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are the greatest mountain chain on the East Coast, which separates it from the Midwestern and Great Plains regions. It is a relatively isolated place that, over the years, has developed its own distinct culture and identity. Renting a cabin in West Virginia will give you a real look into Appalachian life, which is notably different from most other US states.

Tennessee and Kentucky, though Southern leaning, are arguably a part of this region. There is no better way to experience the Appalachians than the epic Appalachian Trail, which traverses a staggering 2,200 miles and takes over 6 months to complete.

Perhaps you’re the type who likes frigid weather and lots of dairy products? Make a detour to the Midwest then for a chance to experience some of the warmest hospitality in the country.

Surrounding the Great Lakes are welcoming states like Michigan and its up-and-coming capital Detroit, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois that have been the subject of much love and ridicule (because of those funny accents). The Midwest hosts a number of cool cities–you cant go wrong with a visit to Chicago or Minneapolis.

4. Deep South

If you’re looking for pleasant winter weather and a chance to experience more Southern comfort, why not head further inland into the Deep South to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. If you drive through Alabama, check out some of the cool and unusual hotels in Birmingham and stay for a few extra days to sample some of the real staples of Southern living.

Larger cities are quite cosmopolitan–you can’t drive through the region without visiting New Orleans ! On the other hand, states like Mississippi and Alabama are where things just get plain weird.

Historical East Coast Road Trip Attractions

Want to travel through America’s history? Then stop by one of these many historical East Coast road trip attractions to learn more about how the US was made!

• Bunker Hill (Charlestown, Massachusetts) – Site of one of the earliest and most important battles in the American Revolutionary War. A granite obelisk now stands at this location. One of the first monuments erected in the USA.
• Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Massachusetts) – An open-air museum located on grounds of the former Plymouth Colony. Attempts to recreate life as the settling English pilgrims experienced it.
• Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) – Battleground for the largest battle of the American Civil War. Gettysburg was a decisive victory for the Union and it proved to be a turning point in the conflict. A sobering cemetery and military park are the only remains of the fight.
• Mt Vernon (Alexandria, Virginia) – Former home and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington. Open 365 days per year as ordained by the president himself.
• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia) – A section of modern Williamsburg that was preserved in order to appear like an original colonial settlement. Includes American colonial buildings, educational tours, and actors dressed in anachronistic apparel.
• Biltmore Estate (North Carolina) – An enormous mansion built by the Vanderbilts, one of the foremost tycoon families of the American Gilded Age. Still owned by the Vanderbilts and still the largest private dwelling in the USA.
• Fort Raleigh (North Carolina) – The preserved remains of the Roanoke Colony, the first-ever English settlement in the USA. Shrouded in mystery as the residents famously disappeared after they lost contact with the crown.
• St. Augustine (Florida) – A modern-day city that actually has some of the most significant Spanish colonial architecture in the country. The impressive Castillo de San Marcos is the grandest and most popular attraction in the town.

National Parks on the East Coast

The national parks are among the must see places on the East Coast as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Consider stopping by one of the following parks…

• Acadia (Maine) – A jewel of the Northeastern coastline. Features some of the best and most rugged coastal scenery in the United States. Great beaches, great fall foliage, and great attractions for a road trip up the East Coast. For easy access to the national park, we recommend staying in Bar Harbor as it’s one of the nearest towns.
• Shenandoah (Virginia) – A slim national park that is mostly visited by those making the superlative Skyline Drive. Mountainous scenery that bursts into color during the autumn. Lots of hidden vistas and waterfalls available to hikers.
• Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina) – One of the best places on the East Coast, though it’s actually a bit far from the ocean. Spending time in the Great Smoky Range means visiting the highest mountain chain in the entire Eastern USA. One of the most ecologically diverse places in the USA and officially the most visited national park in the country. The “smokey” title comes from the frequent fog that likes to hang around the mountains.
• Congaree (South Carolina) – A very large and well-preserved tract of hardwood forest that hosts some of the largest trees on the East Coast of the USA. It floods regularly, which brings in huge amounts of nutrients for local ecosystems. Overall, a very ecologically diverse park.
• Everglades (Florida) – Massive wetlands that are one of the most important natural habitats in the USA make Everglades National Park a must see. Features endless groves, glades, and inlets that hide several threatened species including the Florida panther, manatee, and the American crocodile. Usually explored by airboat or on foot via several trails.
• Dry Tortugas (Florida) – A small chain of keys that hosts the astounding Fort Jefferson, which is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Being a part of the iconic Florida Keys , Dry Tortugas also has excellent diving opportunities and that beautiful Caribbean water. Can only be reached by boat.
• Biscayne (Florida) – A offshore park that shelters an enormous amount of aquatic life. A very popular place among divers and fishers. 90% of the park is located in the ocean so camping and hiking opportunities are pretty limited.

East Coast Scenic Drives

Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more East Coast road trip ideas! Each one features more of the best places on the East Coast to visit.

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) – The most scenic road trip on the East Coast. A very long road that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects Shenandoah with the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Skyline Drive (Virginia) – A road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, which is arguably the most popular destination in the park. Offers breathtaking views of the mountains and also provides access to several hiking trails, including the ACT. Connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south.
• Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) – A spectacular East Coast road trip route through the White Mountains. Most popular during the fall when the mountains explode with autumn color. Several campgrounds and viewpoints are found along the 35-mile stretch.
• Florida A1A (Florida) – A highway that runs the entire length of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The route hugs the entire coastline to Miami and affords amazing views of the ocean. Also includes the Florida Keys Scenic Byway, which is arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the USA.
• Acadia National Byway (Maine) – Ring road that offers the best sights of Acadia National Park . Most of the park’s top attractions can be reached via the byway including Sandy Beach and Jordan Ponds. Popular in fall when the trees are changing colors as well.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Maryland) – A historical East Coast road trip route that follows the trail of the Underground Railroad – one of the most important escape routes for African slaves during the Civil War. Along the way, you’ll visit many museums, churches, and former residences that educate you about the railroad. Not very scenic but very humbling. Baltimore is a very cool city if you fancy hanging out a few days.

A few insider tips to help your East Coast Road trip go just a lil’ bit smoother!

Getting Insured

Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. Have fun on your road trip, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of East Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient so you’ll save on fuel.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking .  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove . Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the East Coast! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the East.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment. Purified water is easy to come by in the States versus other countries.

Feeling a little gross after hanging out in the Great Smoky Mountains ? Got sand in every crack and corner of your body after laying on the beach too long? Maybe it’s time to take a break from your camping road trip on the East Coast and to check into a hotel.

Thankfully, hotels are everywhere in the USA and come in all shapes and sizes–there’s even quite the selection of USA budget hotel chains . You could perch yourself in a high-rise condo in the middle of the city or perhaps laze away in a small inn on the countryside.

If you’re on a budget East Coast road trip and need to cut costs, you’ll most likely have to settle for cheaper guesthouses and motels . These types of accommodation are fairly generic, drab, and offer a pretty limited amount of amenities. If you’re using hotels in more expensive states, than you’ll still end up paying $80/night minimum.

No matter what you end up choosing though, one thing is for certain – hotels on the East coast are expensive. Airbnbs in the US are a much better option than chain hotels most of time, and you can see plethora of reviews beforehand.

If you needed to save the most money on your East Coast road trip, then you should take advantage of hostels and campgrounds .

They are by far the most affordable type of accommodation on the East Coast, and are actually quite fun to stay at. Though hostels in the USA can be a little weird (we know: we’ve stayed at several), most are perfectly decent even if they’re not as rad as the ones in Europe or Asia.

Best Places to Stay on the East Coast

Here are some of the absolute best places to stay on your East Coast road trip:

East Coast Camping Road Trip

Spread across the entire Eastern seaboard is an endless variety of campgrounds set amongst dozens of landscapes. An East Coast camping trip is a fantastic way of seeing everything that the region has to offer, and you should rarely be left uninspired by the amazing selection.

There are all kinds of campgrounds in the East that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

• Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.
• Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a drop box at the camp.
• Dispersed – aka wild camping, primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.
• Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot.

If there are no campgrounds left at a specific place, there may be walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

You can definitely camp for free while on a road trip down the East Coast! Most of these campgrounds are pretty remote or located on some sort of specially mandated land.

Each state offers different types of free backcountry camping so you will need to research each. To get started, check this website for a compendium of free camping on the East Coast.

Camping on the East Coast – Gear Checklist

The East Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the East Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend adding ton your road trip packing list …

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Don’t forget the insect repellent either!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around the Eastern USA. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

You can drive your own campervan around the country, but this is only practical if you already own one and are importing it into the country, or have a long enough US visa to make the most out of your wheeled home.

I suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the East Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Appalachia and the swamplands will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you need any extra motivation to book that trip, here is the perfect mix of cheesy and inspirational road trip quotes . I’m sure they’ll give you the nudge you need.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• Reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Imoova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

The East Coast is a massive region that is subject to more than a dozen different climates. While on a road trip along the East Coast, USA, you could potentially experience rain, sunshine, snow, and tropical storms – all in the course of a few weeks!

Depending on what you want to do, you could visit the East Coast at any time of the year. Summers generally have the most reliable weather though you might get dumped on in Florida.

On the other hand, if you were on an East Coast road trip in the winter, you could totally go skiing in New England and then surfing in Florida! Just don’t forget a high-quality ski jacket .

I have broken the East Coast into three different climate categories. These are broad generalizations and, in reality, each state has much more complex weather patterns. These categories are relevant enough for you to understand how the weather works on the East Coast.

Northeastern States (New England -> Pennsylvania) – These states are subject to 4 distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, semi-humid summers. Winters in these states can be frigid as the Canadian winds wreak havoc. Summers are mostly mild but heat waves are still common.

Central Atlantic States (Maryland -> Georgia) – These states receive more regular rainfall throughout the year and less dramatic temperature swings. Winters are still relatively cold and summers are the hottest time of the year, which means that these states are still classified as having 4 seasons. Though rare, Georgia and the Carolinas can actually receive snow in the winter.

Tropical States (Florida) – While the climate of Northern Florida is more similar to Georgia’s, Southern Florida is textbook tropical. Rain comes in bucket loads during the summer, sometimes dangerously in the form of hurricanes. Winters are mild and clear.

Food on the East Coast

A road trip on the East Coast will afford endless opportunities for you to try different foods. The food of this region is so diverse and so different that it’s not possible to put all of it into one category (except, of course, a delicious category).

Each state has its own local delicacies. You could make a culinary road trip from Maine to Florida in pursuit of these dishes and it would certainly take up a lot of your time and attention!

But let’s briefly talk about what you’ll find on each part of the East Coast…

New England is famous for its seafood , which is often baked, stewed or steamed to divine results. Chowder is perhaps the most famous dish here, though you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ clambake or lobster roll. On that note, Maine lobster is highly regarded. Food in Boston is particularly famous for its clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and being a legendary baseball city, hot dogs.

New York City has just about every type of food imaginable because of its enormous immigrant population. You can seriously eat some of the best food from around the globe in one city. If there was one or two foods that could be called true New York food, it might be bagels and pizza . As pizza in the city is often priced at backpacker-friendly rates, just pair it with a cheap NYC hostel for an affordable adventure.

Pizza and, for that matter, Italian food is fairly common in the Atlantic states. Some places, like New Haven (Connecticut) and Scranton (Pennsylvania) even claim to have the best in the world.

The sandwich is also a staple of the East Coast and comes in many varieties. New Jersey is famous for inventing “the sub” while you can’t say you’ve visited Philadelphia’s tourist attractions without savoring its very well-known Philly cheesesteak.

As we drive further south the food begins to change. Southern cooking becomes the dominant trend and BBQ and fried foods are heavily featured. The Carolinas are particularly famous for their version of BBQ, though the Georgian variety is no slouch either.

Finally, Southern Florida has some of the best Caribbean and Latin food that you’ll eat in the USA. Cuban, Jamaican, Dominican, South American – all of these culinary styles are represented very well in Miami and the surrounding area.

Get your Buzz On

The East Coast is called the Beast Coast for a reason – people get wild on a regular basis and throw some of the best parties in the USA! You can party in a myriad of ways while on a road trip up the East Coast – you could go to a speakeasy in New York City, drink with rowdy Southies in a Boston dive, rub shoulders with politicians in Washington DC or dance all night in Miami. The possibilities are limitless.

Just make sure you know your personal limits (and that of your wallet) before dabbling in drug tourism, that’s all!

Drinking on the East Coast, particularly in the bigger cities, is by no means cheap though. Cover charges, exorbitant drink prices, and taxi fees add up very quickly; you could easily drop more than $100 in a single night.

I advise drinking at local dive bars for the cheapest drinks and taking advantage of the ubiquitous happy hour. You can get a beer for as low as $1 in some bars.

Beer is probably the most popular drink on the East Coast and is found in abundance at nearly every bar. No matter which bar you end up in, you’ll usually have a huge selection of domestic, craft, and imported choices. Best of all, it’s usually the cheapest drink!

One idea is to go on a brewery tour of the East Coast! There are hundreds of breweries on the East Coast making everything from shitty lagers to divine ales. I suggest visiting Brooklyn Brewing, Wicked Weed in Asheville, Ommegang in upstate New York, and Creature Comforts in Athens, Georgia.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use in several New England states! While on a Northeast coast road trip, you can drop by a dispensary and pick up a dime bag. All you need to buy weed is an ID proving that you’re over 21 and cash.

Be sure to brush up on local laws and don’t bring marijuana across state borders (especially into illegal states).

Being a Responsible Backpacker

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your East Coast road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Be a responsible traveler , and grab a Grayl!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I hope this epic East Coast road trip guide has prepared you for your overland journey along the Atlantic Ocean. This region of the country is filled with unique landscapes, plenty of history, and some truly delicious food.

Traveling here will help you get to know the US, and give you a look at the diversity within it. Just look at the differences between Miami and Maine!

This is a lot to take in, but remember that road trips can be spontaneous. That’s half the fun! On the other hand, if you just can’t quite decide where to start, you can’t go wrong with the Ultimate East Coast Road trip, which truly hits all the best stops on this side of the United States.

So make those last-minute van repairs or secure your rental.

An East Coast road trip awaits !

Updated April 2023 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

I noticed a typo. The South Carolina State University is not located in Raleigh, NC. It should read North Carolin Satate University.

Awesome high level ideas for the ultimate East Coast road trip! As a Florida local, I’d recommend travelers check out some of the smaller, lesser-known FL West Coast areas like Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa or Sanibel if you’re heading even further south. All said and done, your guide did Florida justice — from visiting the Dry Tortugas to trying our BBQ and fried gator.

Wow, really long and informative article! Don’t have much to add but two tips that fall under the category general (obvious) advice:

– Don’t set the stops in stone and don’t try to keep a timeline. Take your time to explore places and stay flexible. Your trip will benefit greatly. – Keep a track of gas stations on your route. Because obviously there’s nothing worse but to run out of gas on a rainy day in the middle of nowhere…

Totally agree! You should really check out that ViaMichelin app for gas stations and what not. It’s brilliant.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

The Best East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year—And Beyond

By Paul Rubio and Alex Erdekian

Perhaps more than any form of travel, the road trip is stamped in the American imagination. And when it comes to an East Coast road trip, no region is as underrated. Sure, it lacks the sprawl of the middle and west of the country , but the vast number of states, four distinct seasons (beyond Florida’s endless summer, that is), and incredible range of cultures prove the East Coast is the coast with the most—and the only possible way to sample its infinite variety is behind the wheel. Here are nine of our favorite East Coast road trip itineraries, including where to stop, where to stay, and what to eat along your drive.

This gallery was originally published in August 2017. It has been updated with new information. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Small but mighty: New Haven to Newport

Hit the highlights of two of America’s smallest states, Connecticut (#3) and Rhode Island (#1) with the 100-mile drive along US-1 from New Haven, Connecticut, to Newport, Rhode Island. This journey is a cinch for Bostonians and New Yorkers alike, and is chock-full of underrated pizza spots, scenic cliffs, and, of course, historic mansions. Anticipate the best views along oceanfront Scenic Route 1A in Rhode Island from Westerly to Wickford (At 39.6 miles, that’s a long distance in Rhode Island terms.)

Where to stop: When you stop in Newport, head to the cliff walk, a light and breezy 3.5-mile hike with panoramic bay views and sights of the Vanderbilt estate known as the Breakers, among other Gilded Age mansions. Experience a different side of the Breakers on a “ Servant Life Tour ,” which exposes the back-of-house operations that fueled socialite events at the 65,000 square-foot mansion designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt.

Where to eat: Fuel up at the start of your journey in New Haven with the famed clam pie at Frank Pepe’s pizzeria (as featured on Ugly Delicious among many other hit shows). The accolade-racking pie is well worth the wait.

Where to stay: If you’re itching to splash out, look no further than The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, which has landed on our Readers' Choice Awards . We’re partial to the Martha’s Vineyard villa, with its ocean view and canopied four-poster king bed.

Tropical temptations: Miami to Key West

Florida’s Overseas Highway is a 107-mile highway that connects the southernmost reaches of Miami , near Everglades National Park, to the southernmost point of the continental United States in Key West . It’s about a four-hour drive across countless coral and limestone islets on a two-lane highway, so use the slow-moving traffic as an excuse to stop to sightsee, eat, snorkel, or swim. After crossing the long and narrow seven-mile bridge, look forward to the most beautiful—and famous—parts of the Florida Keys, including Bahia Honda State Park and the self-proclaimed Conch Republic (aka Key West).

Where to stop: Swim among Technicolor tropical fish at either John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo or Sombrero Reef off Marathon in the Middle Keys. Organized snorkeling tours are available at both. Also get some beach time at Bahia Honda State Park. Sitting at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico at mile marker 37 of US-1/Overseas Highway, this 524-acre beach park has some of the finest stretches of sand in the Florida Keys . There are both secluded and more trafficked spots for sunbathing and excellent photo opps of the largest intact section of Henry Flagler’s elevated overseas railroad.

Where to eat: Where Miami ends and the Overseas Highway begins, there’s an option for taking a secondary road, Card Sound Road, to initially reach the Upper Keys (you’ll then connect to the Overseas Highway). Take the Card Sound detour, and stop for lunch at Alabama Jacks , a waterfront dive bar and eatery with the best conch fritters and mahi mahi sandwiches in the Keys. If opting for the entirety of the Overseas Highway, stop for lunch at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen , ordering the catch of the day (usually snapper) and an obligatory slice of key lime pie (note: they have whole pies available to-go).

Where to stay: Spend the night relaxing at The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton , located on a quiet stretch of beach but just a short walk from the bustle of central Key West.

Giving it 100: Vermont Route 100

Spanning more than 200 miles of idyllic New England countryside and almost the entire length of Vermont, this route takes you through countless Norman Rockwell-esque towns. Pass country stores and farm stands and explore the well-traversed stops of Wilmington, Ludlow, Killington, Warren, and Stowe.

Where to stop: In Weston, browse around the Vermont Country Store (est. 1946) where you’ll find everything from old-fashioned fudge to seersucker pajamas. In Brookfield, stock up traditional goat milk’s caramel sauce at the family-run Fat Toad Farm and watch the crew making the good stuff on this working farm (There are no tours per se but you can observe the process during daylight hours most Mondays-Thursdays). Take the time to drive slowly—and stop often—to take in the natural splendor between the mountain ridges of Stowe and Waterbury on the 14-mile Green Mountain Byway (a jazzed-up name for this highly scenic stretch of VT Route 100).

Where to eat: You can get casual authentic Mexican eats at an outpost of the no-frills, Vermont favorite Mad Taco in Waitsfield. In Stowe, dine at Plate , a small and stylish family-owned restaurant that showcases the best of Vermont’s farm-to-table riches and offers incredible vegetarian and vegan options (the veggie burger and vegan “crab cakes” are equally epic).

Where to stay: In Stowe, take in New England’s all seasons outdoor pursuits at the family-friendly (four-legged members included) Lodge at Spruce Peak . Depending on the time of year, pursuits such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, ice climbing, and canoeing may be on offer. There are also concert series, specialty dining events, movies under the stars and seasonal installations (such as an ice-skating rink in winter), all taking place in the Spruce Peak Village next to the lodge.

Quintessential coastal charm: Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Bar Harbor, Maine

There’s nothing like an extended northern New England coastal drive , dotted with impossibly quaint seaside villages. From Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and all the way up the coast of Maine , roll past endless beaches and fishing harbors, artists’ colonies and historic districts.

Where to stop: Plan to spend a few mealtimes in Portland . Though Maine's is the smaller and lesser-hyped Portland, it’s become a hot foodie city where lots of young chefs—alumni of bold restaurants in New York—have gone to open their own first spots. Further north near Bar Harbor, plan a day in Acadia National Park. Take the 27-mile Park Loop Road, which curves along the boulder-strewn coastline, through dense deciduous forest, and passes sights like the iconic Cadillac Mountain. For more intimate experiences with Acadia, detour on to unpaved roads; or better yet, park the car for a bit and cycle, hike, or venture on horseback on the myriad, carless “carriage roads” that zigzag through the heart of the park. Also, make sure to hit Sand Beach, the only non-rocky beach in the park and arguably Maine’s most stunning swathe.

Where to eat: Besides all the great restaurants in Portland, treat yourself to briny local oysters and local seafood delights at Row 34 Portsmouth. In Camden, indulge in a creative, five-course, wine-paired lobster-tasting menu at award-winning Natalie’s Restaurant .

Where to stay: At one end, check into the cozy Hotel Portsmouth , which screams Americana by design and is within walking distance to the town’s prolific craft breweries and awesome restaurants. At the other, go luxe at the Camden Harbour Inn , a boutique property of Relais & Chateaux pedigree with an enviable location near the harbor action.

Florida beach bliss: Miami Beach to New Smyrna

With scenes that are both cocktail- and kid-friendly, Florida has beautiful beaches to suit every personality. Experience some of the Sunshine State’s superlative spots with a road trip that covers most of 339-mile highway A1A, starting in the flash of South Beach and ending in the unexpected surf town of New Smyrna Beach. After your fill of Art Deco, beautiful people, and parties in Miami Beach, inch up to the wide, sparkling beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Gawk at the mansions of tony Palm Beach and later cross over to the nature-steeped environs of Vero Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Merritt Island, where manatees, sea turtles, and seabirds rule.

Where to stop: Participate in naturalist-led turtle walks during nesting and hatching seasons (June-September annually) at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge . Located between Melbourne Beach and Wabasso Beach, the Refuge is the world’s most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting and North America’s most significant area for green turtle nesting. In New Smyrna Beach, hang ten or simply immerse yourself in the surf culture of this small stretch of Florida, which often receives accolades as one of the top surf towns in the U.S.

Where to eat: Experience the Miami trend of restaurant-club hybrids that promise fine dining early evening but all-out throwdowns until the wee hours. Check out downtown’s Sexy Fish , an ocean-themed, seafood-centric, Asian restaurant that dazzles by design, with over-the-top, aquatic-imbued glass mosaics and sculptures plus works by the likes of Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry. On the beach, dress to impress at MILA , a vibe-heavy rooftop Mediterrasian restaurant that attracts Miami’s style set.

Where to stay: To truly take in the pulse of South Beach, consider staying at The Betsy - South Beach , 1 Hotel South Beach , or The Setai Miami Beach —all 2021 Readers’ Choice Award winners. Upon reaching the quieter shores of A1A, settle into a room at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa , located on Central Florida's Treasure Coast.

Brooklyn goes bucolic: A trip up the Hudson Valley

Many New Yorkers will tell you that the Hudson Valley makes for a great trip no matter how much time you have to spend—a day trip , short and sweet overnight, or a weekend getaway road trip from the city , you name it. Zip upstate on I-87 and meander through Beacon, Kingston, and Hudson, each with its own country-cool “over the city thing” vibe (think: Brooklyn in the woods). These destinations can be a road trip on tracks, too. Just hop aboard the Metro North.

Where to stop: A favorite Hudson Valley attraction is Storm King , a 500-acre sprawling lawn where you’ll find sculptures galore and more in an outdoor museum. If you don’t bring your own, rent a bike for the downhill adventure at Windham Mountain Bike Park , the longest jump trail on the East Coast, located about 30 miles west of Hudson.

Where to eat: Backbar may look like an antique garden shop, but it’s actually a bar. The creation of Zak Pelaccio (formerly of Manhattan’s Fatty Crab) is worth driving two hours to Hudson just for the dumplings and tequila-spiked-slushies. In Beacon, sample chef Brian Arnoff’s multi-course menu at his wildly popular Kitchen Sink Supper Club . The menu changes every four weeks based on what’s in season and available and is offered exclusively on Fridays and Saturday evenings.

Where to stay: Make a home base in Kingston at Hotel Kinsley , which is housed in a former State of New York bank building and offers high design in a low-key environment. Alternatively, book Hutton Brickyards , located on a 73-acre riverfront campus that was once home to a brick factory.

Mass magic: Salem to Provincetown

Massachusetts is rife with personality-filled towns and cities, the best of which lie off the 135 miles of highway connecting spooky Salem and the colorful tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown. On the mainland, expect plenty of historical sites, important monuments, and major universities while the curling bicep of Cape Cod via U.S. Route 6 promises riveting marine experiences and a restorative salty breeze, ending in the impossibly fun LGBTQ+ Mecca of Provincetown.

Where to stop: Let Salem cast a spell on you. The city’s prolific 18 th century facades now house the likes of cool coffee shops, pop-up shops, galleries, and boutique hotels. Next, experience a different side of Cape Cod through a once-in-a-lifetime research expedition with Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC), conducting great white shark research off the southern cape near Chatham. Just south of Provincetown, pop into Truro Vineyards + South Hollow Spirits , which is both a winery and a distillery that makes gin and rum. Once in Provincetown, explore the uninhabited sand dunes of the northern Cape with Art’s Dune Tours or set sail on a highly rewarding whale watch with eco-conscious company Dolphin Fleet .

Where to eat: Experience Boston ’s foodie renaissance at restaurants like Coquette , Wood Hills Pier 4 , and Fox & The Knife . For a fancy Cape classic, dine at the Chatham Bars Inn restaurant. The waterfront dining is on Chatham Harbor, offering those much-needed views and the premium quality seafood to match. The New England clam chowder is legendary.

Where to stay: In Provincetown, settle into AWOL , a seasonal 30-key inn by Lark Hotels, located within walking distance of both Herring Cove Beach and the town’s principal thoroughfare.

Northern exposure: The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

Okay, this one's going to mean crossing a border, but the minor inconvenience is well worth it. Head north—way north—to the tip of Atlantic Canada for the 185-mile Cabot Trail , a highly rewarding loop through the wilds of northeastern Nova Scotia, hugging the craggy coastline of Cape Breton Island and traversing the canyons and valleys of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The well-marked trail is dotted with small towns, fishermen villages, lighthouses, and pubs as colorful as the locals.

Where to stop: Stop in Chéticamp for a riveting zodiac whale watching experience and the chance to see some 10 species in their natural environs (Charismatic pilot whales are most often sighted). Captain Zodiac leads tours during the migratory season (June to September) to marvel at these highly intelligent creatures.

Where to eat: Grab a seat on the oceanfront terrace, and feast on fresh lobster rolls or grilled haddock and scallops at no-frills, Nova Scotian mom-and-pop Seagull Restaurant in Ingonish.

Where to stay: Unpack at the 72-room, waterfront The Lodge at Cabot Links . Golf enthusiasts will appreciate its world-renowned courses, but non-golfers can simply enjoy the views and comforts of the most modern accommodation in all of Cape Breton and a home base from which to explore the far reaches of the Cabot Trail.

Historic southeast: St. Augustine, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina

Journey through coastal American history —and the southern spaces that fully embrace their historic allure—starting at the nation’s oldest city (c. 1565), Spanish-influenced St. Augustine. Then, head to the South’s two most iconic cities, Savannah and Charleston , linked by US-17, where horse farms and churches mix with war relics and towering oak trees. After taking in all the southern charms of Charleston, continue to the tranquil beaches of Sullivan Island.

Where to stop: In St. Augustine, visit the famed yet kitsch “Fountain of Youth” (yes, that Fountain of Youth.) Between Savannah and Charleston on US-17, stop at lesser-known historic site Sheldon Church Ruins, the remains of a circa-1753 church set ablaze first by the British during the Revolutionary War and then by the Union Army during the Civil War.

Where to eat: Savor the cuisine of Charleston's it chef, James Beard winner Mike Lata, at his two institutions, The Ordinary and FIG (which stands for Food is Good). Experience the apex of low country fare at Circa 1886 , where Executive Chef Marc Collins uses regional ingredients and reinterprets recipes and dishes of decades past to create thoughtful dishes that keep culinary history in style (Don’t miss the “Southern Grilled Cheese” a pillow of grilled brioche stuffed with pimento cheese mousse, Surryano ham, and paddlefish caviar).

Where to stay: Stay in the center of Charleston’s historic district at The Charleston Place . Formerly part of the Belmond collection, this iconic hotel has gone independent under the direction of new ownership, which is infusing some $200 million into the storied property.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

20 Beautiful Weekend Getaways on the East Coast of the USA

Discover these gorgeous getaways on the East Coast of the USA that are perfect for a weekend break.

If you’re reading this post, you are probably looking for ways to leave your city for an exciting weekend getaway in a new place. As a young professional working on the East Coast, I TOTALLY understand this feeling. During a busy week, I’m always looking for ways to escape the office for a bit and avoid burnout at work.

Sometimes, a weekend trip full of new experiences is all it takes to rejuvenate the body and the mind. That’s why you’ll love these beloved weekend getaways on the East Coast.

Best Weekend Getaways on the East Coast

Savannah, georgia.

Savannah is a jewel of the American South and an enchanting weekend getaway for those looking for culture and lots of relaxed charm. 

The first time I went to Savannah, Georgia, the thing that surprised me most was the moss in the trees. I’d never seen anything like it – the spooky way the gray strands hung from the branches in the live oak trees, especially when shrouded in the fog of the morning.

This city is also one of the most historic places in the US, and also supposedly one of the most haunted. Here, there’s no shortage of charming bed and breakfasts, cute shops and market stalls by the riverfront, among many other things to do on a weekend in Savannah.

Kick things off in the Savannah Historic District where you’ll find cobblestone streets, quaint shops and an old-world atmosphere. The Gothic Revival Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a real highlight. 

Given the city’s spooky stories, it’s also fitting to head to the Bonaventure Cemetery, a sprawling mass of intriguing tombstones including the famous “Bird Girl” statue. 

Spend a weekend meandering through some of the old neighborhoods in the city, taking a walking ghost tour, or simply sipping on a coffee and people-watching by the river.

Recommended Stays

If you’re looking for an authentic bed & breakfast experience in Savannah, the Justine Inn is super cute and cozy, and offers great value for your money. The Marshall House is a lively, historic boutique hotel located in the heart of the city that many travelers enjoy.

See all accommodation in Savannah

Asheville, North Carolina

With its charming streets surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Asheville is quite possibly the perfect place for a weekend escape on the East Coast. I’ve always found the city to be quite an unusual oasis that’s otherwise in the middle of nowhere.

Situated in a perfect vantage point in the mountains, we enjoyed some beautiful hikes and drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the evenings, we sipped on local cocktail specialties and ate AMAZING farm-to-table foods and delicious North Carolina style BBQ. There are also great options in the area to plan a romantic east coast weekend getaway.

Of course, the city affords more than just hiking and food. Say Asheville and many people will think of the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home and a French Renaissance style castle with stunning landscaped gardens. 

After something a little more offbeat? Asheville was actually the filming site of a recent Academy Award winning film – Three Billboards – and the state has even made a guide for fans to visit famous scene locations. In fact, art-lovers should rejoice as there are tonnes of galleries and studios – particularly in the River Arts District. 

For a cozy, homey good night’s rest, the Princess Anne Bed & Breakfast is a traveler favorite. One of the top-rated, locally-owned Asheville inns is the Albemarle Inn . It’s built in a beautiful, southern-style plantation home and looks comfortable and inviting.

See all accommodation in Asheville.

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Asheville NC

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park sits just a few hours from Washington, DC, a beautiful mountainous expanse in western Virginia. Whenever I’m feeling stressed and want to disconnect for a while, I pack my backpack and head here… and you should too. 

The Appalachian Trail passes right through the park, with miles of hiking trails that are accessible to anyone passing by. One of my favorites is the hike to Old Rag Mountain , a tough trail with scrambles and hella beaut views, but there’s also more relaxed ones, like the Dark Hollow Falls Trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall. 

Within the park, and directly outside of it, there are camping areas, lodges, and parking areas for camper vans – perfect for a weekend trip in the wild, without having to drive too far from civilization.

If hiking and camping doesn’t strike your fancy, you can enjoy the picturesque drive through the park on the famous Skyline Drive. There are scenic viewpoints of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains every few miles where road trippers can watch the sunset or have a picnic.

For the history buffs out there, the park also has an incredibly interesting and tumultuous history that you can learn about in the visitor’s center. 

Taking a hop-on-hop-off bus to the different wineries and breweries in nearby Crozet offers cool respite from the sun (with beverages and snacks to boot!).

The best way to experience the park 24 hours a day is to camp. There are a variety of campsites operated by the National Parks Service available in Shenandoah National Park, many of which have both advanced reservation sites and first-come first-serve spaces. Several travelers in the area recommend Caledonia Farm -1812 Bed & Breakfast in Flint Hill , VA. Situated on a quiet farm, it’s a great place to unwind after long days of hiking, driving, and exploring the park.

Annapolis, Maryland

Rich in maritime history and a glorious maze of charming colonial streets, Annapolis is a delightful destination. 

As a laid-back city that’s very much the opposite of Washington, DC, I find myself wanting to stroll through the colored homes and brick sidewalks of Annapolis quite often. Some weekends, I’ll drive out there simply to catch a whiff of the sea air and drink a coffee.

Kick your weekend off by exploring the United States Naval Academy, delving into the nation’s naval history in a Beaux-Arts setting. That done, spend time wandering around the historic downtown, where 18th-century buildings house unique shops, art galleries and cafes. 

History-buffs will also want to go to the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol that’s still in continuous legislative use.

In Annapolis, you can sip on seafood soup, or try on some handmade shoes. Peruse an art shop, or stroll through the colored neighborhoods by the waterfront. 

One of the best (and most colorful) B&B’s in the city center is the Academy Bed & Breakfast Just look at it! It’s so cute! Travelers in the area highly recommend the State House Inn .

See all accommodation in Annapolis

Portland, Maine

Many people rave about the Portland of the west, but the Portland of the east is equally as wonderful. It’s the perfect blend of gorgeous scenery, stellar food and artsy fun that I absolutely love. 

Begin your adventure by exploring the Old Port – a historic district with cobbled streets and 19th-century buildings that house cool boutiques and local art galleries. Head to the Portland Observatory for some of the best views of the city (along with a bit of history too). 

I’ll make no secret of it – Portland is a foodie’s paradise. You could spend the weekend sampling lobster dishes and craft beer (a Maine specialty) and call it one well spent.

Or, simply slip on some comfortable travel shoes and wander around the vibrant streets of the city. If you want to get a taste for local living, the farmer’s market in Portland is one of the most well-known in the East Coast, and happens year-round.

Recommended Stays 

If you’re planning a stay in Portland, the Inn at St. John provides comfortable accommodations at a great value. One of the most well-known and highest rated boutique hotels in Portland is the Portland Harbor Hotel.

See all Portland accommodation

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont might be one of the only places on our list that’s actually most wonderful to visit in the fall or winter. While there are tons of things to do in Vermont , Stowe is one of our favorites for its natural beauty and fun outdoor activities.

Nestled in the Green Mountains, September and October bring gorgeous fall colors – reds, oranges, and yellows – to the surrounding forests and hills, while the winter brings snow and some of the best slopes for skiing on the East Coast . Verdant forests and outdoor activities like hiking greet tourists in the spring and summer.

Of course, what you’ll do will change depending on the season but should always involve spending time in the local shops, art galleries and eateries. Take a stroll along the Stowe Recreation Path, a paved trail that winds its way through stunning countryside. 

If you’re looking for a truly varied year-round east coast destination, Stowe is the perfect place for you.

For a closer look, read what Amy of Two Drifters has to say about Stowe, Vermont as a perfect romantic weekend getaway !

The coziest-looking (and, coincidentally, the most highly-rated) hotel is a Bed & Breakfast-style hotel called Green Mountain Inn . Open year round, one of the most beloved resorts in the area is the Lodge at Spruce Peak (formerly Stowe Mountain Lodge).

See all accommodation in Stowe

Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Saint Simons is a small island off the coast of Georgia, where many local people have summer homes. Part of the famed Golden Isles, it’s quiet – the perfect place for a weekend respite – and home to miles of beaches and historic sites like Fort Frederica and the lighthouse.

In the summer months, there’s no better way to start your weekend than with some time on the beach. East Beach is one of my favourites, thanks to its pretty shoreline and dolphin-spotting opportunities. 

Perhaps the most unique thing about Saint Simons island is its lovely driftwood beach. Spanning for miles, this beach is full of warped driftwood pieces, some the size of entire trees. It’s such a unique and romantic place to walk around and snap a few photos.

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is one of the best and most charming beach hotels you can find on the island. 

See all accommodation in Saint Simons 

Harper’s Ferry and New River Gorge, West Virginia

West Virginia is often known for its historic coal mining operations and its rock climbing, but there are also some amazing hiking and skiing opportunities, too.

Within West Virginia, Harper’s Ferry (a national historic park) is a cute little town to visit, marked by Civil War landmarks, brick houses, and sweeping industrial bridges. Did you know that it’s considered to be the site of a raid that helped spark the Civil War?

Delve into the history with a trip to the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park – a collection of museums and historic buildings that pull you back in time. 

That’s not all though, the town is a hiking hub – thanks to its prime position at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and landscape dotted with beautiful trails and even better views. 

The nearby New River Gorge Bridge shouldn’t be missed either, a magnificent structure built atop a staggering valley. If you’re looking for mountains and woods, West Virginia is an easy and accessible weekend getaway.

For those of you who want to stay local, the Light Horse Inn is one of the most highly rated properties in the area. 

See all accommodation at Harper’s Ferry 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

With its tranquil atmosphere and abundance of lavish vacation homes, Cape Cod is a gem on the coast of Massachusetts and one of the most beautiful places to visit in New England . 

The miles of beaches here are perfect for wandering around for hours with a loved one. Moreover, there are plenty of wonderful seafood restaurants, golf courses, lighthouses, and shopping areas to explore.

Provincetown, at the tip of the peninsula, is a good place to start. Known for its vibrant arts scene and LGBTQ+ friendly vibes, it’s got a great variety of galleries, shops and seafood restaurants that deserve a weekend exploring themselves. 

Of course, there are beaches too – the Cape Cod National Seashore boasts some of the prettiest beaches in the Northeast – with miles of unspoiled coastline stretching out as far as you can see. Add in a couple of lighthouse trips to spots like Nauset Light and you’ve got the perfect itinerary. 

Backpackers rejoice! There’s an affordable, clean, and well-located HI Hostel in Cape Cod (Hyannis) for solo or ultra budget travelers. While beach resorts in Cape Cod are a dime a dozen, the Seaglass Inn in Provincetown seems to be the crowd favorite, and it’s just a 4-minute walk to the beach.

Charleston, South Carolina

One of South Carolina’s first cities, Charleston captures the charm of a Southern town and mixes it up with the color and quaintness of a modern-day city. 

While here, explore wacky colorful homes on Rainbow Row, or check out some of the historic landmarks like the bridges or the lighthouse. Don’t miss the Battery, a historic defensive seawall and promenade that offers must-see views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor. 

The nearby beaches in Charleston also boast stunning views and sunsets that are definitely worth visiting!

If you’re a serious foodie, all-you-can-eat oysters await you at Bowens Island Restaurant, or sample southern soul food at one of the many locally-owned institutions. 

One of the most chic and best-ranked boutique hotels in Charleston is The Spectator Hotel, but there are a handful of other beautiful choices.

See all accommodation in Charleston

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Drive just a few hours from Philadelphia , Pittsburgh, or Washington, DC and you’ll land smack dab in the heart of Amish country – Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 

It’s not the first place people think of for their weekend escape, but their loss is your gain as it’s perfect if you’re looking for a change of pace and to escape to somewhere quiet for your getaway. 

Spend time relaxing in a cabin, go hiking to a nearby waterfall, or take a short steam train ride through some of the most beautiful parts of the area.

That’s not to say there’s nothing to see though – downtown Lancaster has a nice variety of art galleries and quirky boutiques for you to explore. Pop into The Central Market, the country’s oldest continually-operating farmers’ market to pick up some delicious goodies to bring home. 

A few of the nicest hotels include the Lancaster Arts Hotel, which is housed in a regal brick building and boasts beautiful, well-designed interiors.

See all accommodation in Lancaster 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of the most highly trafficked National Parks in the country, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful place to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors for a weekend.

The park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is a great weekend destination thanks to its diverse wildlife, lush forests and of course… those mountains. 

Why Smoky? Because, if you get up early enough on a clear day, you can watch the sunrise over misty, fog covered valleys. Head to Newfound Gap or Oconaluftee Valley for the best views. 

Here, hiking trails through craggy rocks, expansive valleys, and waterfalls are common. My favorite trail is the Cades Cove Loop for a low-key hike, Clingmans Dome (the highest peak in the park) for when I’m feeling very energetic.  You can also go white water rafting in the nearby Pigeon River.

For a few special weekends in the summer, one of the most interesting natural phenomena in this part of the world occurs – the fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains have synchronized displays.

Camping is one of the best ways to see the park especially during firefly season, is to camp. You can find additional information and the list of available campsites on the National Park Service’s website .

On the Tennessee side of the park lies a small town called Pigeon Forge, where there are a handful of hotels and lodges. One of the most beloved of these hotels in Pigeon Forge is the Twin Mountain Inn & Suites . 

New York City & Upstate New York

New York City is the ultimate weekend getaway for people looking for action!

If you’re looking for a big city getaway that packs a punch, there’s no better place to go than NYC. Even after you’ve been to Times Square and some of the more Instagrammable places in NYC , you can get lost for days exploring the eclectic, historic neighborhoods – and eats – in the city.

For a more peaceful getaway, upstate New York is a fantastic alternative. With many parts just a short train ride or drive from New York City, Upstate New York is the city dweller’s perfect respite.

With the striking Catskills mountains nearby, the topography makes for some lovely views year-round, and there’s great hiking in New York if you know where to look.

In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant colors, illuminating the surrounding farmlands, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives. It’s easy to rent a cabin somewhere in Upstate New York and simply relax for a weekend, basking in the enjoyment of not doing much of anything.

The Perfect Two-Day New York Itinerary

Bethany Beach, Delaware

In the summer, Bethany Beach becomes a hotspot for beach activity on the East Coast, with families flocking to its shores to rent a house for a week and relax.

Vibrant boardwalks, kitschy golf courses, pretty lighthouses, and miles of sandy coastline make up this beach town, and its charm is mainly in enjoying the atmosphere.

Outdoors lovers should venture to the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park for more beaches, as well as some great fishing, boating and kayaking opportunities. 

If you get bored of Bethany, nearby Ocean City and Rehoboth offer even more miles of sun and sand. Pack up from nearby Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, or Washington, DC and head for a relaxing weekend where the sounds of the ocean surround you.

Many travelers recommend staying at the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites by Marriott.

See all accommodation in Bethany Beach 

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville , Virginia is a mountain city steeped in history, culture, and nature, and is the perfect place to spend a weekend. 

Accessible from Virginia, DC, and even areas like Baltimore and Philadelphia, a weekend in Charlottesville can be one of many different things.

History abounds here – kick things off with a visit to the University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson and is also home to a number of art galleries and museums. Same for Monticello, Jefferson’s old home and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides interesting insight into his life. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and with dozens of vineyards surrounding the city, you can sample wines and enjoy the nearby rolling hills. 

Or, if adventure travel is more your thing, try hiking, mountain biking, or skiing in the nearby mountains. In the evenings, peruse the Downtown Mall, or simply go stargazing in some of the dark skies nearby. 

A hotel fairly close to the city center, the Graduate Charlottesville is located near the University of Virginia, a gorgeous, tree-lined area that’s accessible to all of the main tourist attractions of Charlottesville.  

See all accommodation in Charlottesville 

Outer Banks, North Carolina

I look back at summers of my childhood in the Outer Banks quite fondly. My family and I would pile into our van, rent a house for a week, and hang out with friends, whiling away our days on the sandy beaches, exploring a historic lighthouse, or playing mini golf at a cheesy dinosaur course.

Now that I’m back on the East Coast, I’ve been longing to return, even if just for a weekend.

With several different islands and regions, the Outer Banks, or OBX, is a fantastic weekend escape for people who like a bit of energy mixed with a bit of relaxation.

There are several regions of the Outer Banks that are popular with visitors, especially in the summer. Some of the most easily accessible areas are Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, and Corolla.

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains in New Hampshire are quite possibly some of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets.

Although this is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is quite possibly in the fall, when the leaves change colors in the most vibrant ways. Grab a cabin or a room in an inn or lodge, sit back, and enjoy the fall colors in this gorgeous landscape of mountains and valleys.

In Jackson, NH, the Inn at Thorn Hill is a popular and highly-rated choice.

Key West, Florida

Key West is one of America’s favorite vacation hotspots, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t include it on a list of East Coast weekend boltholes, too.

With its aquamarine water, its luxury resorts, and its nightlife (something lacking in many of these other places), it’s definitely a weekend getaway for the more high-energy of you.

Hop on a boat, ride a jetski, or just watch the world go by for a weekend in one of the most beautiful beach areas of the United States.

The Douglas House is a highly-recommended hotel with a pool and cozy residences that are within walking distance of the beach.

See all Key West accommodation 

Acadia National Park

Renowned by many as one of the most beautiful parks in the country, this guide wouldn’t  be complete without Acadia National Park.

With its stunning shoreline, beautiful hiking trails, amazing stargazing options, and picturesque historic sites, Acadia is a treat for all of the senses. And the sunsets? Super beautiful.

It’s not super easy to get to – a few hours by car from Portland, Maine – but it’s worth it for anyone who truly wants to unplug amidst some of the most beautiful nature the United States has to offer.

There’s no better way to see ANY national park, much less one as stunning as Acadia, than camping. You can find more information about campsites and reserving your space at Acadia National Park here . The best luxury hotel in the area is the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel.

More US Travel Inspiration

• Brilliant All-Inclusive Resorts in the USA
• Gorgeous Places in the US You HAVE to Visit
• The Ultimate North America Bucket List
• Cool Hikes in Northern Virginia

Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest! 

I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

Related Posts

The 10 Best San Diego Tours for City Sightseeing

9 Unusual Places to Visit in West Texas You Didn’t Know Existed

11 Best Things to do in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

18 Brilliant Day Trips from Denver: History, Adventure and Scenic Beauty Await

One comment.

This is such a great list! Now that I’m based back in my hometown of Charlottesville, I’m definitely on the lookout for more convenient weekend trips. I’ve been to about five of these and am totally adding the rest to my list (and maybe contemplating some return trips – it’s been over 10 years since I was in Asheville!)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 10 best amtrak trips on the east coast.

Full of historic places, coastal towns and rolling mountains, the East Coast of the United States is great to explore by train. You can easily travel between major cities or enjoy a scenic train ride to quieter areas with beaches, parks and even ski resorts. Here are the best Amtrak trips on the East Coast to start planning your rail vacation.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Niagara Falls

One of the most majestic sights in the United States, Niagara Falls can be reached via the Empire Service and Maple Leaf Amtrak routes (book tickets to Niagara Falls, NY). Trains depart New York City and other cities in New York state, including Poughkeepsie, Albany and Utica. On the way to the falls, you’ll travel through the beautiful Hudson River Valley and have views of the Hudson River (a fall trip is a great way to see the stunning foliage).

Due to the train schedule, it’s best to stay two nights in Niagara Falls area in order to have a full day to see the sights.

New River Gorge

The Cardinal Amtrak route is one of the most scenic on the East Coast, with travel through the New River Gorge in West Virginia. Consider booking your tickets to Charleston, WV from cities including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. You can rent a car in Charleston and drive about two hours to reach the New River Gorge National Park (hiking, rock climbing, campgrounds, whitewater rafting). Or simply stay in Charleston until it’s time to board an eastbound train for the return trip back through the gorge.

From Chicago and other Midwest cities, travel to White Sulphur Springs Station to see the gorge and stay overnight at the Greenbrier Resort . One of the many resort activities is whitewater rafting on the New River — fees apply, but transportation is included. Alexandria and Washington D.C. are also good places to end the trip due to the nearby airports in case you want to fly home.

Keep in mind that the Cardinal only runs three times per week, so you may see unavailable dates when searching for tickets.

A ski getaway, fall foliage destination and charming summer vacation spot, Vermont is a year-round destination. Vermonter trains travel through the scenic Hudson River Valley and views are also beautiful once you are in Vermont, especially in the fall and when snow is on the ground. You can connect with trains on this route in cities including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City and New Haven.

The state capital is Montpelier (pictured above). Book your tickets here for fresh maple syrup, hiking trails at Camel’s Hump State Park and ski resorts, including Smugglers’ Notch (water park open in the summer), Bolton Valley, Stowe Mountain, Mad River Glen and Sugar Brush. The Ben and Jerry’s factory tour in nearby Waterbury is also a must-do if you like ice cream.

In addition to Montpelier, Burlington is another recommended city for an overnight stay. It’s a college town on Lake Champlain with a waterfront bike path , many summer events and nearby ski resorts.

Maine is a charming summer or fall Amtrak trip from Boston on the Downeaster route . In addition to views of scenic villages, marshes, streams and the coastline, you can get off the train to explore beaches, festivals and nature areas. Book tickets to Wells , Saco or Old Orchard Beach (pictured above) to spend time near the ocean. The  Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge  and Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve are also unique places to visit in Wells, and kids will love  Funtown Splashtown USA  in Saco and the  Palace Playland  in Old Orchard Beach.

Foodies should consider a Maine train trip in the fall to check out the Harvest on the Harbor festival in Portland . September is also a great time for a trip; you can visit Maine’s lighthouses for free during Maine Open Lighthouse Day .

Two East Coast Amtrak routes travel to Canada, so if you have a valid passport, you can take an international trip via train. Book tickets on the Maple Leaf to visit Toronto or on the Adirondack to reach Montreal (pictured above). Both trains depart from New York City, and you’ll have wonderful views of the Hudson River Valley before crossing the border.

Which city should you visit? Montreal has a European atmosphere and lots of history and parks to explore. Travel time from New York City is about 11.5 hours. Toronto is larger than Montreal and very cosmopolitan — lots of shopping, entertainment, multicultural neighborhoods — similar to Chicago and New York City. Travel time on Amtrak is about 13 hours from Manhattan. Plan to stay in Canada at least two nights if you want time to sightsee.

Escape the cold weather (or head to the beach any time of year) with an overnight train trip to Florida from major cities on the East Coast. The Silver Meteor , Silver Star and Auto Train travel to many Amtrak stations in Florida . You must transport a vehicle and pay the related fees to travel on the Auto Train, which departs near Washington D.C. and travels non-stop to Sanford, Florida.

There are beautiful water views in Maryland and Virginia, and you’ll go to sleep in the Carolinas and wake up in Florida, making the trip go by quickly, especially if your destination is in North or Central Florida. Popular stops include Orlando (for Universal Studios and Walt Disney World ), Tampa, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Most people use the Northeast Regional to travel between big cities on the East Coast, but trains also travel into Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Select Roanoke as your destination, which is in a mountain valley near many hiking trails and places to mountain bike and paddle . As a bonus, the Virginia Museum of Transportation is in town, which has many railroad exhibits.

Due to the train schedule, you’ll need to stay in Roanoke at least one night. Plan to stay two or more if you want to take a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway , visit local attractions or enjoy the many outdoor activities. You’ll also need to start this trip north of the mountain range, such as in Charlottesville, Alexandria, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia or New York City.

Allegheny Mountains

The Capitol Limited route also provides mountain and river scenery on the East Coast. Trains travel through the Allegheny Mountains in Maryland and Pennsylvania, plus stop in two historic mountain towns: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and Cumberland, Maryland . Both destinations are near hiking trails and historic attractions, plus you can ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland.

To quickly get to the most scenic part of the trip, start in Washington D.C. From there, you can travel 3.5 hours to Cumberland or stay on the train for a few more hours until Pittsburgh . You can also start the trip in Chicago and from cities in Indiana and Ohio and travel overnight to reach the mountains. Plan your trip in late spring or summer to view the most scenery.

Dutch Country

The Keystone Amtrak route travels through Dutch Country farmland from New York City, Philadelphia, Newark (including the airport station) and other cities on the East Coast multiple times each day. It’s a relaxing day or overnight trip that’s great for families, couples or solo travelers. Exit in Lancaster to learn about the Amish community, purchase local food at Central Market or have a fun-filled day at Dutch Wonderland .

Harrisburg , Pennsylvania’s capital, is another destination to plan a trip around, especially in the summer. The charming city is on the Susquehanna River, and top attractions include the National Civil War Museum and State Museum of Pennsylvania . Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World are also about a 25-minute drive away. Uber and Lyft are transportation options if you don’t want to rent a car.

New Orleans

For a long-distance train adventure, New Orleans is at the end of the Crescent route, which departs from many cities on the East Coast. You’ll travel through small towns and cities in the Southeast before crossing over Lake Pontchartrain via the longest railroad bridge in the United States.

Be sure to check out the amazing food, music and festivals in New Orleans while you’re there. You can walk or ride streetcars around the city to explore the Garden District , French Quarter , Jackson Square and old cemeteries . Other top sights include the National World World II Museum , Audubon Zoo and the New Orleans Museum of Art .

Plan to stay in New Orleans at least two nights if you want to have a full day in the city. You can then take a train or flight back to the East Coast or continue your rail vacation by booking tickets on the Sunset Limited or City of New Orleans routes. Trains on these routes depart from New Orleans and travel through Texas, Arizona, California, Mississippi, Tennessee and Illinois. Top destinations include Chicago, Memphis, Houston, San Antonio, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.

More Information

• East Coast Amtrak Routes
• 10 most scenic Amtrak routes
• Best Amtrak trips from Boston
• 15 best Amtrak day trips from NYC
• 8 best Amtrak cross-country trips
• 20 best Amtrak trips from Baltimore
• 5 most scenic Amtrak routes on the East Coast
• Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

20 East Coast Road Trips (with Maps & 1-Week Itineraries)

The family road trip has made a comeback and with it, families are looking for even more road trip ideas. While plenty of East Coasters have made the road trip down 95 to Florida over the years, now families want to take time to stop and explore along the way. With so much to see, we have divided this part of the country up into 20 different East Coast road trips, each of which could be done in a one-week vacation.

Each of these mini East Coast road trip itineraries will give you ideas for new ways to explore sections of the East Coast of the U.S.A. Check off one at a time or string a few together for a longer vacation.

Not sure where to start? Here are my top picks:

• Best for nature fans: White & Green Mountains in NH and VT
• Best for history buffs : Colonial History Philadelphia to Williamsburg
• Best for beach lovers: Coastal Islands: Wilmington NC to Jacksonville FL
• Best for national park stampers: Blue Ridge Mountains
• Best for theme park fans: Daytona to Tampa
• Best iconic views: Florida Keys road trip

20 East Coast Road Trips

Each of these East Coast road trip ideas should take approximately 7 to 10 days to complete as outlined. My goal is to only require one week of vacation time from work, since that is the typical family vacation. I’ve linked to some more detailed road trip itineraries and included maps to give you an overview of the route.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

New England Coast: Boston to Bar Harbor, ME

The drive from Boston, Massachusetts up to Bar Harbor, Maine can be done in about four hours on the highway, but it is better to take the scenic route and explore Vacationland’s scenic coast along the way. One of the best East Coast road trips, this one is full of Maine foods like lobster rolls, blueberry soda, and whoopie pies; as well as lighthouses, rocky coasts, quaint small towns, and Acadia National Park .

Portland: spend 2 nights in Portland exploring the Old Port, maybe taking a lobster boat tour, climbing on the rocks by Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, or spending a day shopping at the L.L. Bean outlet up in Freeport. You could also visit some local breweries or take a day trip to Maine Wildlife Park in Gray to see some moose.

Where to stay: The Press Hotel , Inn by the Sea , or the Courtyard Marriott Waterfront

Boothbay Harbor: spend 1-2 nights in Boothbay Harbor . On your way, stop and enjoy the coastal towns, Giant’s Stairs in Harpswell, spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on Popham Beach, a rare sandy stretch of sand, and be sure to line up for lobster rolls at Red Eats.

The next day, get out on the water with one of Boothbay Harbor’s many sightseeing cruises to see puffins or whales, or rent a sea kayak to explore Muscongus Bay. Leave time to browse at the many boutiques in town.

Where to stay: Tugboat Inn , Fisherman’s Wharf Inn

Rockland: spend 1 night enjoying the artistic town of Rockland . Pop into the Center for Maine Contemporary Art or the Farnsworth Art Museum. If the outdoors holds more appeal, hop aboard a traditional Maine Windjammer for a short sail, walk along the Rockland Breakwater, or explore the trails at Camden Hills State Park. This arts city of Maine is such a delightful surprise!

Where to stay: 250 Main Hotel

Bar Harbor: finish up your road trip at the scenic town of Bar Harbor, just outside of Acadia National Park . You will want to spend 2 to 3 nights exploring the park. Try to catch a sunrise or sunset from the top of Cadillac Mountain, drive the Park Loop Road, relax on Sand Beach, stop to see the natural phenomenon at Thunder Hole, take in the view from Otter Cliffs, bike the Carriage Roads, and check out some of the popular hikes. Don’t forget to enjoy an authentic lobster pound before you take the fast route back to Portland. (See more things to do near Acadia National Park .)

Where to stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel , Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor , or go glamping at the Terramor Outdoor Resort

Read more: Check out my full coastal Maine road trip itinerary

White & Green Mountains: Boston, MA to Burlington, VT

The drive from Boston to Burlington takes only about 4 hours, but use this New England road trip to spend time enjoying the beautiful scenery of the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Green Mountains of Vermont along the way, especially during fall foliage season.

Boston: if you haven’t been to Boston , plan on spending 2 nights enjoying this historic city. Don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum , walk the Freedom Trail, enjoy a swan boat tour in Boston’s Public Garden, and taste your way through Boston’s Little Italy in the North End.

Where to stay: Fairmont Copley Plaza , Boston Harbor Hotel

Lincoln, NH: Lincoln can make a nice home base for 1-2 nights of exploring the White Mountains . Hike through the Flume Gorge, zip line, or hike at Loon Mountain, ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway, or drive the Mount Washington Auto Road. There are also plenty of hikes to try, rock climbing, a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway , and splashing in the waterfalls at Diana’s Baths.

Where to stay: Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain , Lumen Nature Retreat , Alpine Garden Glamping , or Huttopia

Stowe, VT: spend a couple of nights enjoying the Green Mountains from a home base in Stowe. On your drive from New Hampshire, you may want to stop at the Cabot cheese factory, Ben & Jerry’s Factory, and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. In Stowe, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other resort activities.

Where to stay: TopNotch Resort , Stowe Mountain Resort

Burlington, VT: Finish your road trip with a night in the hip waterfront city of Burlington. There are so many things to do in Burlington, VT and you can check out nearby Shelburne Farm, and the ECHO museum. Or if you prefer lake life, finish with a few days on Lake Champlain at the Basin Harbor Hotel .

On your drive back to Boston, be sure to stop and stroll through the charming downtown of Woodstock.

Where to stay: Hotel Vermont , Courtyard Burlington Harbor

Read more: Vermont Route 100 road trip stops , things to do in the White Mountains

Southern New England COast: New York, NY to Provincetown, MA

You should be able to make the trip from New York to Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod in 5 to 6 hours, but the traffic can be horrendous on summer weekends so try to travel midweek for this east coast road trip if you can.

Mystic, CT: Break up the trip with a night in Mystic. You will want to visit the historic Mystic Seaport, stroll through downtown, and maybe stop in at the Mystic Aquarium. You will find plenty of things to do in Mystic with kids.

Where to stay: Mystic KOA , Inn at Mystic

Newport, RI: spend a night in the yachting capital of the world . You can walk the Cliff Walk, fly a kite at Brenton Point State Park, visit some of the Newport Mansions, shop along Thames, and take a sail in the harbor.

Where to stay: Newport Marriott , The Vanderbilt

Providence, RI: instead of skipping over Rhode Island’s Creative Capital, spend a night to discover this little gem. Take a Rhode Island food tour, visit the RISD Museum, take a gondola or river boat ride, bike along the East Bay bike path, and, if you are lucky, take in Providence’s famous Waterfire .

Where to stay: The Graduate Providence , Aloft Providence Downtown

Falmouth, MA: stay the next 2 nights on the elbow of Cape Cod in Falmouth. Take time to relax on the beach and then hop the ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day. You can also ride the Cape Cod bike trail or visit the Woods Hole Science Aquarium.

Where to stay: Sea Crest Beach Hotel or Autocamp Cape Cod

Provincetown, MA: finish your road trip with a couple of nights in the unique and vibrant town of Provincetown. You can shop, dine, take a tour of the sand dunes , go on a whale-watching tour, climb the lighthouse, or visit the Pirate Museum. The best part is searching the tide pools at low tide and watching the sunset.

Where to stay: Surfside Hotel & Suites

Read more: New York to Boston road trip itinerary, things to do in Providence

New York to Niagara Falls, NY

The drive from New York City to Niagara Falls can take 6 to 7 hours, but turn it into a road trip with a few days in the Finger Lakes region on the way and plenty of stops along the Western New York Upstate Eats Trail .

Watkins Glen: spend 2 nights in Watkins Glen, at the southern point of Seneca Lake. For fans of The Office, you may want to stop in Scranton, PA on your way for a self-driving tour of filming spots. Enjoy time on the lake, hike to the waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, or take a glider ride in Elmira, the Soaring Capital of the World.

Where to stay: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel

Hammondsport: move over to Keuka Lake and spend a couple of nights in Hammondsport. You can enjoy water sports, wine tasting, and a day at the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass.

Where to stay: Keuka Lakeside Inn

Niagara Falls: you will want to spend 2 to 3 nights in Niagara to explore all the attractions including the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Old Fort Niagara, jet boat tours, and hiking trails in Niagara Falls State Park.

Where to stay: Sheraton Niagara Falls , Hyatt Place Niagara Falls

Buffalo: on your return to New York, stop in for some food, history, and fun in Buffalo . This city is going through a renaissance and plenty of fun activities along the waterfront (in summer or winter). Make sure you try some of these must-eat foods in Buffalo too!

Where to stay: Buffalo Marriott LECOM Harborcenter

Cooperstown: on your return trip, be sure to stop in Seneca Falls and visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Then spend a night in Cooperstown and visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Where to stay: Otesaga Resort , Inn at Cooperstown

Read more: Things to do in Hammondsport, NY , New York road trips

PA Pitstops: Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, PA

Driving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh takes about five hours, but going straight through means you will miss out on some many historic, scenic, and family-fun spots along the way.

Lancaster: start your trip with a night in Lancaster’s Pennsylvania Dutch Country. You will want to take a buggy ride, indulge at an Amish feast, or take in some of the historic sites. You can also take a tour of the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Experience.

Where to stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster

Hershey: next stop is the sweetest place on earth, Hershey . You can spend the day at Hersheypark, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World, or the Hershey Experience. History buffs will enjoy the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, a good introduction before you head to Gettysburg.

Where to stay: Hershey Lodge

Gettysburg: next up is the historic town of Gettysburg . I would highly recommend a guided tour of the Battlefield, but there are many other things to do in town as well.

Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg , Gettysburg Hotel

Laurel Highlands: the Laurel Highlands is a scenic mountainous region east of Pittsburgh offering spectacular natural scenery and outdoor recreation. You will want to spend 2 days rafting down the Ohiopyle, climbing through Pennsylvania’s largest cave at Laurel Caverns, and enjoying mountain resort activities including zip lining, rock climbing, summer tubing, and more.

Where to stay: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Pittsburgh: you can fit a lot into 1 day in Pittsburgh , but spend 2 nights if you can spare it. See the view from Mount Washington from the Duquesne Incline, visit the Heinz History Center, explore the Carnegie Science Center, and don’t miss the Tribute to Children statue of Fred Rogers near the Allegheny River. There is also the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Andy Warhol Museum. And if the Pirates are in town, try to catch a baseball game.

Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh , Omni William Penn Hotel

COlonial History: Philadelphia, PA to Williamsburg, VA

The drive from Philadelphia to Williamsburg takes about five hours but why not turn it into a learning experience with an American history road trip?

Valley Forge, PA: if you have already explored the historical sites of Philadelphia like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, you may want to venture out of the city for a visit to the Valley Forge National Historical Park .

Baltimore, MD: spend 2 nights in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you can easily visit Fort McHenry, visit the National Aquarium, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, and enjoy the other Inner Harbor attractions.

Where to stay: Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor , Pier 5 Hotel Baltimore

Washington D.C.: you will want to spend at least 2 to 3 days exploring the nation’s capital. There are so many museums and monuments to explore, you may want to use our DC itinerary. Just remember if you want to visit the White House, you will need to make reservations in advance.

Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown

Williamsburg, VA : finish your road trip in Colonial Williamsburg. You will need 2 to 3 days to enjoy the sites, including a full day in Colonial Williamsburg , a visit to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown, and Busch Gardens or Water Country USA .

Where to stay: Kingsmill Resort , Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg

Read more: Northeast road trip for history lovers

Mid-atlantic Gems: Cape May, NJ to Chincoteague, VA

If you want to stick to the Mid-Atlantic coast, this road trip will bring you through cute Victorian towns, beautiful beaches, and nature preserves.

Cape May, NJ: start off your journey in Cape May. This quaint town isn’t like the rest of the Jersey Shore. Enjoy the gourmet restaurants, charming boutiques, and gingerbread-style Victorian homes.

Where to stay : Congress Hall

Lewes, DE: take the ferry across to Lewes, Delaware, another Victorian town full of history, cute cafes, and shops. You must stay a night so that you can take a sunset cruise past the lighthouse and if you get lucky, you may see some dolphins on the way.

Where to stay : Inn at Canal Square

Bethany Beach, DE: as you continue down to the beaches of Southern Delaware, you may also want to stop and check out some of the local breweries and wineries in this region. If you are seeking a boardwalk, combined with bike trails, and great restaurants, you may prefer Rehoboth Beach . Dewey Beach is full of seaside hotels and beach bars, along with gorgeous state beaches. But if you are seeking quiet for a few days at the beach, I would recommend Bethany Beach.

Where to stay: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott

Chincoteague, VA: on your way to Assateague Island National Seashore to see the wild ponies , stop in the cute small town of Berlin, MD or for a stroll on the Ocean City boardwalk. To get up close to the wild horses, I would recommend taking a boat tour with Captain Dan from Chincoteague. Afterward, get some marsh mud ice cream at Island Creamery.

Where to stay: Hampton Inn and Suites Chincoteague Waterfront

Eastern Shore: Baltimore, MD to Virginia Beach, VA

Swing through Maryland and Virginia’s Eastern Shore on your way down to Virginia Beach. You can then take the highway back to Baltimore, with a stop in Norfolk or Williamsburg on your return trip.

Annapolis, MD: start off with a night in Annapolis. Spend the day exploring some of Annapolis’ historic sites, including the State House and the U.S. Naval Academy, as well as the boutiques and galleries downtown. Don’t leave town without enjoying some crab cakes!

Where to stay: Graduate Annapolis

St. Michaels, MD: spend a night enjoying the Chesapeake side of the Eastern Shore. The charming town of St. Michaels offers up plenty of retail therapy options, but also cultural attractions like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Nearby you can go tasting at local wineries and breweries, or get out on the water with a kayak or paddle board.

Where to stay: St. Michaels Harbour Inn

Chincoteague, VA : the kids will then enjoy a night on the other side of the peninsula, finding the wild ponies at Chincoteague or exploring the Assateague National Seashore. Be sure to stop for ice cream at the Island Creamery!

Virginia Beach, VA: there are so many things to do in Virginia Beach that you will want to spend a few days enjoying the wide sand beaches and exploring. Also, check out my friend Brianna’s guide to where to eat in Virginia Beach . If you want to take a day trip, pop over to Hampton to explore some early history or visit the Virginia Air and Space Museum.

Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Wi lliamsburg, VA: finish your road trip in Colonial Williamsburg. Plan on a full day in Colonial Williamsburg , and if you have more time, include a visit to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown, Busch Gardens, or Water Country USA .

Skyline Drive: Washington DC to Charlottesville, VA

This road trip will bring you through Shenandoah National Park for a mix of outdoor adventures and historic landmarks. We covered this ground during part of a more extensive Virginia road trip a few years back.

Woodstock, VA : spend 2 nights in Woodstock, exploring nearby Shenandoah Caverns, climbing the Woodstock Tower, tubing on the Shenandoah River, enjoying summer sports at Bryce Resort, and hiking in Shenandoah National Park.

Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Woodstock

Harrisonburg, VA: spend the day exploring Shenandoah National Park and driving the Skyline Drive before arriving in Harrisonburg for the night. This is a great road trip for a college tour because James Madison University is also located here. Be sure to also stop at Kline’s Dairy Bar for its famous custard-style ice cream.

Where to stay: Residence Inn Harrisonburg

Charlottesville, VA: plan on spending 2 nights in Charlottesville . Stroll and shop downtown and then enjoy a traditional, Colonial-style luncheon at the historic Michie Tavern, followed by a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.

In the evening, head up to Carter Mountain Orchard to catch a sunset and some live music. On your second day, you can either explore more history at President James Monroe’s home, do some local wine tasting, tour the campus of the University of Virginia, or kayak along the James River.

Where to stay: Graduate Charlottesville

Richmond, VA: finish up your road trip with a couple of days in Richmond . While it was once the capital of the Confederate South, today the state capital is finding a new identity with plenty of street art, craft beer, and fun dining options. You may want to check out the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or the Institute of Contemporary Art before heading back to DC.

Where to stay: Graduate Richmond

Carolina Coast: Washington DC to Wilmington, NC

If you are ready to escape the city for the coast, it is time for a road trip down to Wilmington , North Carolina and Wrightsville Beach. The six-hour drive is long but then there is plenty to do on the Carolina coast once you arrive and this road trip gives you a chance to figure out your favorite beach.

Emerald Isle, NC: Emerald Isle is on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, or the “southern” Outer Banks. This area attracts visitors who have returned for decades for the simple beach pleasures of a family vacation. Emerald Isle offers 12 miles of pristine shoreline and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet. Spend a few days enjoying watersports, fishing, or simply sitting on the sand and enjoying the sound of the waves rolling in.

Where to stay: Inn at Pine Knoll Shores , Islander Hotel & Resort

Surf City, NC: stay a couple of days in Surf City, the center of Topsail Island. The relaxing and uncrowded beaches are what some call “the way the beach used to be.” You can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and boating on the Intercoastal.

Wrightsville Beach, NC: once you have arrived in Wrightsville Beach set up your home base for the next few days to explore. You will want to spend some time in the historic downtown of Wilmington, take a food tour in Kure Beach, stroll the grounds of Airlie Gardens, take a hike in Carolina State Park, or enjoy some beach time. Don’t miss a stop at Britt’s Donuts — the best on the east coast!

Where to stay : Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Low Country: Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA

You can make the drive from Raleigh to Savannah in about five hours, but it pays to take the coastal route and make some stops along the way.

Myrtle Beach, SC : how long you spend in Myrtle Beach depends on the vibe of a beach town that you enjoy. If you enjoy a boardwalk, arcades, family attractions, and plenty of kitsch — then you will enjoy a classic family vacation to Myrtle Beach. But you can also get away from the crowds by kayaking through the salt marshes, strolling through Brookgreen Gardens, or paddle boarding.

Where to stay: Island Vista

Charleston, SC: for a complete change of pace, spend a night or two in the historic city of Charleston. Start off with a carriage tour through the downtown, visit some of the historic homes and gardens, and discover why Charleston is a foodie destination.

Where to stay: The Mills House Wyndham Grand

Beaufort, SC: spend a day exploring Beaufort, the upcoming-and-coming “next” Charleston or Savannah. Explore its antebellum mansions and downtown historic district. You can also enjoy the low country marshlands and waterways.

Where to stay: Anchorage 1770 Inn

Savannah, GA: finish up this east coast road trip in Savannah. Wander through the city’s many squares lined with oaks dripping in Spanish moss in Savannah’s historic district . Check out the Prohibition Museum, and then enjoy Savannah’s vibrant dining and craft cocktail scene. Stroll down touristy river street, take a ghost tour, visit some of the historic homes, or spend a day out on the beach at Tybee Island. See my friend Rob’s (who has an Airbnb there) favorite things to do in Savannah and my friend Karen has great suggestions on the best family restaurants in Savannah .

Where to stay: Perry Lane Hotel

Blue Ridge Mountains: Charlotte, NC to Gatlinburg, TN

If lakes and mountains are calling you, head towards the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park — with a few stops along the way.

Lake Lure, NC: the backdrop to Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is a favorite family vacation destination. You will need a couple of days to explore Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Chimney Rock State Park, and Chimney Rock Village which has plenty of shops and dining options, along with a scenic riverwalk next to the creek that kids will enjoy playing in on a warm sunny day. Plus you have to leave time to enjoy the lake, by boat or beach.

Where to stay: Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Asheville, NC: located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville has many fun things to do with kids . Take the Blue Ridge Highway to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, and other hiking trails. Swing from the treetops at the Adventure Center of Asheville, play some games at the Asheville Pinball Museum, visit the Biltmore Estate , one of the most popular things to do in North Carolina , or sample some local craft brews. If you have more time to road trip, be sure to explore these Blue Ridge Parkway stops .

Where to stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown

Gatlinburg, NC: use Gatlinburg as your base for exploring parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (don’t miss Cades Cove Loop ) and Pigeon Forge as well. You can go hiking, bike through the park, spend a day at Dollywood, go zip lining, see the view from Clingmans Dome, go horseback riding, or see a show.

Where to stay: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Coastal Islands: Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, FL

Another coastal road trip, this one bypasses the cities in favor of luxury beach destinations and brings you from Wilmington, NC all the way down to Jacksonville, Florida. A 6.5-hour drive by highway, you can spend a week or more exploring the coast. This trip brings you to some of the best beaches in the USA .

Kiawah Island: start off your road trip in luxury at the Kiawah Resort. This private residential island and resort is famous for its acclaimed golf course, but families can also enjoy 5-Star accommodations and 10 miles of private sandy shoreline.

Where to stay: The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Resort

Hilton Head Island: spend a couple of days enjoying the beaches of Hilton Head Island. You can also golf, take a guided dolphin or kayak tour, or enjoy some low-country cuisine. You won’t find tacky souvenir shops or neon signs. HHI has a quieter, more relaxed way of life.

Where to stay: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Amelia Island: finish this luxe road trip at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Relax and enjoy the resort, search for shark teeth, star gaze from the beach, go shopping in downtown Fernandina Beach, take a kayaking tour, or hop a ferry for a day trip to Cumberland Island to see the wild horses.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Civil Rights Trail: Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN

It is a six-hour drive from Atlanta to Memphis, and I recommend turning it into a Civil Rights road trip .

Atlanta: starting off in Atlanta , if you haven’t already visited I would recommend spending a couple of days visiting some of the important Civil Rights sites including the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Another fun way of exploring some history is through a food tour with Atlanta Food Walks.

Where to stay: Loews Atlanta Hotel

Montgomery, AL: plan on spending a full day in Montgomery visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which honors victims of lynchings. On your way to Birmingham, you can make a detour to Selma to walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and visit other Civil Rights sites.

Where to stay : Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa

Birmingham, AL: if you stop in Selma, you may want to plan on spending 2 nights in Birmingham so you don’t have to rush. Be sure to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. Take some time to enjoy Birmingham’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and food scene too.

Where to stay: Westin Birmingham

Memphis, TN: it is easy to spend at least 3 days in Memphis , more if you want to do a day trip to Graceland. You will need a half-day to take in the sobering exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (the place where MLK Jr. was assassinated.) Also visit Slave Haven, Sun Studios and STAX Museum of American Soul Museum. Just leave time to enjoy some great BBQ and soul food .

Where to stay: The Peabody Memphis

Read more: Plan a civil rights road trip

Golden Isles: Savannah, GA to St. Augustine, FL

This coastal road trip from Savannah to St. Augustine, Florida stops at many of Georgia’s Islands along the way.

Little St. Simons Island: spend a few days on this private island nature preserve with just 32 other guests and 7 miles of pristine beach to explore. Take advantage of twice-daily naturalist-led expeditions, kayak through the marshes to go bird watching, bike to the beach, or track some of the property’s resident armadillos.

Where to stay: Little St. Simons Resort

Jekyll Island: plan on spending at least 2-3 days on Jekyll Island, another of Georgia’s Golden Isles. You will want to visit Driftwood Beach, check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, picnic at South Dunes Beach Park, relax on one of the many Jekyll Island beaches or even enjoy a day at the waterpark.

Where to stay: Jekyll Island Club Resort

St. Augustine, FL: finish your road trip with a visit to historic St. Augustine — the country’s oldest continuously occupied city. You can stay on the beach or in town but be sure to check out both. You can visit the Fountain of Youth, walk the ramparts at Castillo St. Marcos, take a trolley tour, take a food tour to discover some of the town’s best places to eat , take a ghost tour, climb a lighthouse, or explore these other fun things to do with kids .

Where to stay: Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach

Florida Coast: St. Augustine to Miami, FL

Driving the east coast of Florida from Jacksonville to Miami can be done in five hours, but why miss all the great beaches, history, and fun attractions on the way?

Jacksonville / St. Augustine: you can fly into Jacksonville or start off in St. Augustine. In addition to all the historic town of St. Augustine has to offer (see above), Jacksonville offers plenty for kids too with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop, TopGolf, and more.

Where to stay: The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach

Cocoa Beach, FL: spend 2 to 3 days enjoying the area near Cocoa Beach, including a full day at Kennedy Space Center . You can also kayak past the giraffes at nearby Brevard Zoo in nearby Melbourne or learn to surf at Cocoa Beach, the East Coast surf capital.

Where to stay: Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach

Hollywood, FL: next you can stay a couple of nights in Hollywood, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Enjoy strolling along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, ArtsPark at Young Circle, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, and the Anne Kolb Nature Center, with mangrove trails and an aquarium.

Where to stay: Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Miami, FL: if you have had enough beach time, you can focus on Miami’s neighborhoods and cultural attractions including Wynwood Walls, Little Haiti, Little Havana, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Even plan a day trip to the Everglades for an alligator airboat tour! Of course, you can’t leave town without at least checking out Miami Beach.

Where to stay: Eden Roc Beach Hotel or The Diplomat Beach Resort

Florida Keys: Miami to Key West, FL

Driving from Miami to Key West is a classic American road trip. The trip can take a good five hours, but you need to leave plenty of time depending on traffic. It gives you the time to get into “island mode.”

Key Largo: it is best to break up the trip by staying a few days in the upper keys, since every key has its own personality. From here you can explore most of what Key Largo and Islamorada have to offer including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling or other watersports at Robbie’s, or glass-bottom boat tours of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary.

Where to stay: Baker’s Cay Resort

Duck Key: Hawk’s Cay at Duck Key is a great spot for families to stop and relax for a few days, enjoying all the activities on this family-friendly resort.

Where to stay: Hawks Cay Resort

Key West: on your way to Key West , you will want to stop at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and Bahia Honda State Park. Once in town, don’t miss out on the famous Sunset Celebration. You may also want to take a snorkel cruise or sunset catamaran. You can explore Key West’s vibrant food scene with a food tour — plus find out where to get the best Key Lime pie . Don’t forget to take a picture at the Southernmost Point.

Where to stay : Margaritaville Key West

Read more: Plan a Florida Keys road trip

Southwest Florida: Miami to Tampa, FL

Cross Alligator Alley from Miami to Southwest Florida to explore the beauty of the Paradise Coast. Each town has its own personality so you will want to do a little beach hopping on your way up Florida’s Gulf Coast .

Marco Island: the wide, white sand beaches of Marco Island will entice you to stay for a few days. On the way, you should stop at Everglades National Park and take one of the many airboat tours available. You may also enjoy a dolphin watch tour, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, parasailing, and even jet skiing. A nature walk in Big Cypress Nature Preserve will introduce you to the area’s plant and wildlife.

Where to stay: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Captiva Island: shelling fans will find their paradise on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. With much of the islands kept as a nature preserve, you are bound to spot dolphins, manatees, and abundant birdlife.

Where to stay: Seven Seas Island Resort

Clearwater Beach: just west of Tampa, the sugar-soft white sand of Clearwater has long been recognized as one of the best beaches in the U.S. In addition to beach time and water sports, families enjoy visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can also explore the cultural attractions and family attractions of Tampa, including Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, the Museum of Science and Industry, and more.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Clearwater

Central Florida: Daytona to Clearwater, FL

The shortest road trip may be across Florida from Daytona Beach to Clearwater. Yet there is so much to do in Orlando and Central Florida that you can easily spend a week or more getting the best of all worlds from the beach to the theme park.

Orlando: before leaving Daytona Beach, make sure you spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center , especially if you are lucky enough to be around to launch day. Of course in Orlando you can spend weeks in Disney , Universal , Legoland , and SeaWorld, plus all the water parks like Volcano Bay and H2O Live. But there are so many off-the-beaten-path Orlando attractions too from kayaking through the wetlands to visiting nearby natural springs.

Where to stay: Margaritaville Orlando

Clearwater Beach: before arriving in Clearwater Beach , you may want to hit up some of the attractions in Tampa, like Busch Gardens or ZooTampa. Then take time to relax on the sugar-soft white sand beaches of Clearwater. Take a pirate cruise, enjoy movies in the park, and visit Winter the Dolphin (famous from the movie A Dolphin’s Tale) and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Where to stay: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Panhandle: Orlando, FL to Orange Beach, AL

When you are ready to escape Central Florida for the gorgeous beaches of the Panhandle, head north on this Florida road trip.

Tallahassee: the drive from Orlando to Tallahassee takes about 4 hours, but there are plenty of natural springs, like Crystal River or Rainbow Springs, to stop at along the way. Or, turn it into a college trip and visit the University of Florida in Gainesville. In Tallahassee, you will find trees lined with trees dripping in moss instead of the palm trees of South Florida. Kids will also enjoy the Tallahassee Museum, Challenger Learning Center, Mission San Luis, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.

Where to stay: aLoft Tallahassee Downtown

Destin: get ready for a few days of beach life in Destin on the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast. There are a ton of things to do with kids including the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Indian Mound Museum, Big Kahuna’s water park, banana boat rides, parasailing, and more.

Where to stay: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort

Orange Beach, AL: one of our favorite beaches, you can compare the Florida versus Alabama Gulf coast experience. In addition to relaxing on the sugar-soft sands of Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, there is so much else to do from biking in Gulf State Park, zip lining at The Wharf, sunset cruises with Sail Wildhearts, dolphin cruises, and of course, chowing down on amazing food !

Where to stay: Turquoise Place

Time to grab your road trip essentials and hit the road! If you don’t find what you are looking for, you can also take a New York to Florida road trip .

I hope this East Coast road trip planner was helpful. If you still need more inspiration, see more East Coast vacation ideas or things to do in New England .

Save this on Pinterest

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: November 19, 2023

Comments are closed.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Pick a podcast, gas up (or charge up), and hit the road for one of these epic drives..

• Copy Link copied

Elevated views abound on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Photo by Ashley Knedler/Unsplash

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than to hop in the car with the family or a dear friend and hit the road? Whether you’re on the hunt for the best lobster rolls in the land or the finest key lime pie, country charm or stately design, Old World elegance or modern panache, these are eight of the best East Coast road trips to take.

Portland Head Light at Cape Elizabeth is an essential Maine photo stop.

Photo by Yoav Hornung/Unsplash

Maine: The lobster trail

• Distance: 232 miles
• Start: Ogunquit
• End: Acadia National Park

With 3,400 miles of coast, the Pine Tree State boasts one of the longest coastlines of any U.S. state and, as most Mainers will proudly tell you, the best lobsters in the world. Taste for yourself on this road trip, traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along the storied, jagged coastline, stopping to sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese. The trip starts in quaint Ogunquit, with its rare (for the area) three-and-a-half miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

On your way to Portland, Cape Elizabeth is great for photos by the historic lighthouse, Portland Head Light , before fresh seafood with an ocean view at the Lobster Shack at Two Lights . Browse the cute shops and take a gallery walk in Portland before heading further up the coast to Georgetown (where freshly caught lobster meat is employed to tantalizing effect in the lobster roll at Five Islands ) and Rockland (with a bustling arts scene on Main Street). Windsor Chairmakers sells exceptionally well-crafted furniture made from fine woods in Lincolnville. Finally, it’s time to get out of the car for a nice long stretch at trip’s end, Acadia National Park , where some 45 miles of bike trails beckon—a good way to work off those crustacean confections you’ve enjoyed on the way here.

Downs Creek and its coastal wetlands at Cutchogue are a far cry from big city life.

Photo by quiggyt4/Shutterstock

Long Island’s Twin Forks: From country appeal to Hamptons elegance

• Distance: 45 miles (134 miles if starting from Manhattan)
• Start: Mattituck
• End: Montauk

Once you get past the horror of Long Island expressway traffic, you’ll quickly see why Manhattanites have been weekending along the coastal towns of the “twin forks” for generations. This trip begins on the North Fork, where you’ll wind along County Road 48 through country hamlets; pop into fine design shops and surprisingly wonderful wineries along the way. In Mattituck, stop for insanely delicious treats from North Fork Doughnut Company , aka NoFo DoCo (trust us, try the Froot Loop one), and then feed the baby goats at Goodale Farms in nearby Riverhead. Further down the Fork, in Cutchogue, is one of the area’s finest wineries, Bedell Cellars , which hosts small group tastings; next up is the bustling (for the area) Greenport, alive with colorful artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants. Try the locally sourced watermelon spirit at sustainably-minded Matchbook Distilling Company —and consider a stay at the owner’s cute boutique hotel the Lin Beach House , before taking the ferry to picturesque Shelter Island, which features interior shops like Fredric Bernstein with its impossibly chic, punky decor. Take time for a kayak trip around the gentle waters, and try André Balazs’s Sunset Beach for a sophisticated cold beverage.

Ferry over to Sag Harbor on the South Fork, your gateway to the Hamptons, for lunch or dinner at the enchantingly warm Italian eatery Tutto il Giorno. (Co-owned by Donna Karan’s daughter, Gabby, it also sells tasteful decor items.) Stock up on sustainable beauty buys from Naomi Watts–backed Onda or Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop , and browse more elegant home decor shops—Madison Street is packed with excellent choices (like Monc XIII ). Accommodation options include the iconic American Hotel or the more luxurious Baker House 1650 in East Hampton for ultimate pampering. From here you can bike to Main Beach, one of the few legendarily scenic Hamptons beaches where you can also pay to park (during the week only). Or take a break from the sun and spend the afternoon basking in the magnificent gardens and outdoor sculptures at LongHouse Reserve while your Tesla charges right in the parking lot.

From there, head east to Montauk, stopping for a famed lobster roll at Bostwick’s Chowder House on Route 27 en route to Montauk. Hang 10 with the surfers at Ditch Plains, where you can grab lunch from the longtime food truck, the Ditch Witch, then browse the shops in town or pop into local favorite 668 the Gig Shack for its delicious blackened local fish “montacos” or tuna tartare taquitos. Consider a stay at the scene-y the Surf Lodge (if you want an entree to its wellness classes or concert series) or Gurney’s Montauk along old Montauk Highway, situated along one of the finest stretches of sand on the East Coast.

Key West’s Overseas Highway runs the length of the Florida Keys.

Photo by Mia2you/Shutterstock

Florida’s Overseas Highway: Coastal glory + key lime pie

• Distance: 165 miles
• Start: Miami Beach
• End: Key West

Rent a convertible for this sun-kissed stretch: With 165 miles—113 of them on the iconic Overseas Highway (U.S. 1)—and 42 bridges to cross (including the spectacular Seven Mile Bridge, whose older span you can also walk over, in Marathon, FL), this American road trip is a classic. Electric vehicles can take you the whole way without a recharge stop—and there are multiple hotels and resorts with EV charging stations at trip’s end in Key West.

Begin in Miami, by strolling along the Wynwood Art District to snap Instagram stories in front of colorful street art murals, and visit the myriad groovy little galleries or the Museum of Graffiti and get a beer at any number of craft breweries. For an elevated sushi feast, book a 10-course chef’s tasting (or 6-course vegetarian menu) at the celebrated Austin import Uchi . The art deco hotels along Ocean Drive are worth a look before you head out of town. Put your top down and delight in the ocean air as you traverse U.S. 1, making stops along the way for key lime pie. You could make the entire trip a quest to find the perfect sweet/tart slice of heaven, but the best bite may be at trip’s end with the family recipe used at Key West’s Blonde Giraffe , a consistent fan favorite over the generations.

Full-fledged divers will want to spend an afternoon underwater in the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo, which also boasts the first underwater preserve in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Everyone else can enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling along the coral reefs of the six Keys that make up Islamorada. (Geology and history buffs may want to check out Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park and the History of Diving Museum.) It’s worth booking one of the 16 elegant suites at Casa Morada for a night or two to better savor every moment. At the tail end of the route, and the southernmost point in the country, Key West resides just 90 miles from Cuba and has an inclusive spirit that’s long welcomed LGBTQ communities and nourished writers such as Ernest Hemingway. Check in to the colonial Queen Anne Artist House , with rooms sporting 12-foot ceilings, and stroll through the historic district neighborhood.

Charleston packs in a huge number of historic sites.

Courtesy of Explore Charleston

Charleston to Savannah: A southern charmer

• Distance: 113 miles
• Start: Charleston, South Carolina
• End: Savannah, Georgia

Who couldn’t use some southern comfort on their travels? U.S. 17 connects two of the most iconic southern towns, from the foodie city of Charleston (from which you can also venture a bit further afield to the nearby sandy beaches of Sullivan Island) to the birthplace of southern Gothic, Savannah. Beginning in Charleston, founded in 1670, history buffs will want to park at the elegant John Rutledge House Inn, built in 1763 for South Carolina’s first governor, who helped write the U.S. Constitution. For a more modern design, check in to the Restoration , and enjoy its notable photography installations and crab cakes at the rooftop eatery, the Watch. Or head to the aptly named Darling Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and seasonal cooking.

When you stroll along cobblestone streets to City Market, make time for at least one of the many historic plantations or gardens, such as the Gilded Age–era Calhoun Mansion and Gardens (now called the Williams Mansion), considered one of the most important pieces of Victorian architecture on the East Coast. A little over midway through the trip, stop in Beaufort, founded in 1711, for a scenic walking tour of historical sites and glimpses of Hollywood lore—parts of The Big Chill and Forest Gump were filmed here. Consider an overnight stay at the Beaufort Inn and an educational visit to Reconstruction Era National Historic Park and the Penn Center to better understand the history of slavery.

Heading on to Savannah—Georgia’s first city, founded in 1733—succumb to the Gothic charms (iron gates, massive, moss-covered oak trees) that have enchanted writers such as Flannery O’Connor and John Berendt. (You can tour the sites made famous from his book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , such as the Mercer Williams House and the Bonaventure Cemetery.)

In Savannah, book a night at the luxurious Perry Lane Hotel and take your time wandering this many-storied city. The upstairs art galleries at City Market are worth browsing as are the eclectic boutiques (must-hit: the Paris Market ) along Broughton Street. Dine on locally sourced creative fare like quail over grits cake and creole sauce from James Beard Award–winning chef Mashama Bailey’s the Grey (housed in an art deco gem, the city’s former bus stop). If you tack an additional 20 minutes onto your journey, you can check out laid-back Tybee Island with its tiny cottages, five miles of tidal beaches, and the tallest lighthouse in Georgia.

Road trip views don’t get much better than those in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Photo by Wes Hicks/Unsplash

Blue Ridge Parkway: Scenery that commands you to slow down

• Distance: 384 miles
• Start: Charlottesville, Virginia
• End: Asheville, North Carolina

Slow it down and take in the memorable scenery on this bucolic trip. This favorite stretch of the 469-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway, which takes you from Shenandoah National Park over the Blue Ridge chain to the Great Smoky Mountains, offers unparalleled vistas and natural highs, plus a multitude of cultural charms. Book a night at the 35-room Oakhurst Inn in Charlottesville, and take time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello before embarking on the journey. There are opportunities to hike along the Appalachian Trail or go fly-fishing at the Tye River before replenishing with a country ham sandwich at Layne’s Country Store in Glasgow. And just a 15-minute detour from the Parkway is the impressive limestone arch of the National Historical Landmark Natural Bridge , or “Nature’s Cathedral.”

An afternoon in Roanoke, an hour away, brings you the contemporary and folk art delights of the Taubman Museum of Art , and the farm-to-table fare of the River and Rail Restaurant. Get your bluegrass fix afterward at Floyd Country Store . Further up the road, you’ll find the sights and sounds of rural Appalachia at Mabry Mill ; Sunday afternoons are made for hootenannies here. Stay overnight in a luxury tree-house cottage or romantic log cabin at Primland , which offers an observatory for stargazing.

Keep the tunes a-comin’ with a stop at the Blue Ridge Music Center , where string bands knock out bluegrass music daily. Wind around spectacular curves as you cross the North Carolina border. The Parkway Craft Center outside Blowing Rock offers the chance to get crafts, with the Southern Highland Craft Guild hosting demonstrations by artisans on the porch of the Moses Cone Manor. In Asheville, you can tour the fabled Biltmore Estate (stay over at one of three on-premises hotels), browse the Mast General Store downtown, and cap things off with a hearty meal at the community-driven Rhubarb and a craft beer from among the 48 companies that brew here.

Check out AFAR’s favorite Blue Ridge Mountain cabins to rent on Airbnb and VRBO.

Storm King Art Center has a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.

Photo by Felix Lipov/Shutterstock

From NYC to Woodstock: An upstate sojourn

• Distance: 142 miles
• Start: Manhattan
• End: Woodstock

Yes, New York City is one of the great cultural centers of the world. But there’s a world of art and culinary treasures just outside the city that’s worth exploring as well, not to mention scenic mountain ranges and preserves. Cross the GW Bridge and take the leafy Palisades Parkway, which hugs the Hudson River, up toward Storm King Art Center for an afternoon of awe-inspiring large-scale outdoor art sculptures. From here, travel another 22 miles north, crossing back over the Hudson River (via I-84 North), and check in to the industrial-chic Roundhouse in Beacon, housed in an old textile factory and offering romantic views of the waterfall that feeds into Fishkill Creek. There’s a creative restaurant on premises, and Dogwood Bar & Restaurant down the street offers craft cocktails (like the hot and smoky Dogwoodrita).

Here you can spend the next morning viewing the impressive collection at Dia Beacon (the Dan Flavin installations are worth the trip alone) before crossing back over the bridge and taking 87 to 299 W to get to Mohonk Mountain House . Spend a night or two soaking up the Old-World rustic feel and immersing in nature: You could canoe in the pond, hike the magnificent property, or rock climb the Shawangunk Mountains in nearby Mohonk Preserve . Take a drive through adorable towns like Rosendale and High Falls, where you’ll find upscale design shops like Object Found on your way to Kingston, which has become a bit like Brooklyn North. Browse shops and dine at Kingston’s first zero-waste restaurant and cocktail bar, Miss Bāo .

Wrap things up a short 11-mile drive further upstate in Woodstock, which still retains its bohemian charm all these years later. (Go on, cut loose, and free-form dance to drum circles with the tie-dyed set in the town square in the evening.) It also boasts fine dining (like Cucina ), tastefully curated boutiques, and a killer bookshop, the Golden Notebook . For a quirky stay, consider the Herwood Inn , with four suites paying homage to female music icons. Rock on!

Explore Charlotte, the most populous city in North Carolina.

Wes Hicks/Unsplash

North Carolina’s Piedmont Region: A reinvented core

• Distance: 185 miles
• Start: Raleigh
• End: Charlotte

North Carolina gets a lot of fame for its beaches on the east and the Blue Ridge mountains on the west, and now its previously unsung Piedmont region is garnering attention for road-trip wanderers. In the words of AFAR writer Sheryl Nance-Nash, the Piedmont’s “former textile mills and tobacco warehouses are being transformed into innovation hubs and food halls, and many people have flocked to the area to live.”

Start your trip through the reinvented region in Raleigh, North Carolina, Nance-Nash suggests, where you can spend your time admiring art installations, murals , and museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and CAM Raleigh . While you’re here, stay in historical accommodations like the Heights House Hotel , an 1858 Italiante-style mansion in downtown Raleigh.

Next: Drive 80 miles west to Greensboro, a city rife with southern history. The perfect place to start your tour is with the International Civil Rights Center & Museum at the F.W. Woolworth building, where four college freshmen helped launch the sit-in movement in 1960—the museum even displays a restored lunch counter, preserved in the original location of where the momentous event took place. Then, have Sunday brunch at Magnolia House , where such legends as James Brown, Ray Charles, and Tina Turner have stayed.

A mere 30-minute drive is the small and artistic city of Winston-Salem. Have a meal at Sweet Potatoes , a homey joint cofounded by James Beard–nominated chef Stephanie Tyson, before walking off your food baby in the city’s Downtown Arts District . The area hosts a cluster of murals, galleries, boutiques, breweries, and distilleries, and the monthly First Friday gallery hop nights are a must-experience event.

Finally, end your trip by the South Carolina border in Charlotte . See the Queen City’s fast growth up close through its sprawl of neighborhoods—one of them being NoDa, an arts and entertainment district known for street art, creative people, and colorful establishments. Here you can find vintage clothing at the Rat’s Nest , or relax at Smelly Cat Coffee House & Roastery . When it comes to cuisine, restaurants like Midnight Diner , Leah & Louise , What the Fries , and Mert’s Heart & Soul will fill your body with southern-fried goodness. End things with a beer at the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery —the city’s oldest—or with a dessert at one of the Amelie’s French Bakery locations.

Alys Beach’s bright white facades are a draw for visitors passing through.

Ken Schulze/Shutterstock

Northwest Florida: A postcard-worthy stretch of Mexico’s Gulf

• Distance: 28.5 miles
• Start: Inlet Beach
• End: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

“If Miami’s love language is spicy, then northwest Florida’s comes through in a syrupy coo,” writes AFAR’s Terry Ward about the upper section of Florida that hugs the Gulf of Mexico. Scenic Highway 30, a nearly 30-mile offshoot of U.S. Highway 98 that runs through Walton County, whisks you to the seaside towns and white-sand beaches that give this area its dreamy vacation reputation.

Start your journey at Inlet Beach, and take your time exploring the residential Gulf-front community Rosemary Beach and the new urbanism architecture of Alys Beach, Ward recommends. The sun-kissed fun continues when you head 10 miles east to Grayton Beach and visit Grayton Beach State Park (which has been praised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country). For lunch, go to Grayton Beer Co. for its shrimp po’boys or the Red Bar —a lunch and dinner spot beloved for its crab cakes and wall-to-ceiling collection of eclectic decorations.

Drive about five miles west and wind down your day trip by visiting Topsail Hill Preserve State Park ’s 25-foot dunes and coastal dune lakes, which are lakes with both fresh and saltwater that exist in dune ecosystems. (Such lakes can only be found in Madagascar, New Zealand, Australia, and a small number of other places outside of the area.)

Choose to rest your head from a variety of stays along this route: There’s the WaterColor Inn in Santa Rosa Beach, which stands between the Gulf and Western Lake, and the Pearl Hotel at Rosemary Beach, with turrets and a clock tower that bring a sophisticated twist to the getaway establishment.

This piece was originally published on June 7, 2021, and was updated in May 2022, with new trips in Florida and North Carolina by Chloe Arrojado.

>> Next: What to Pack for a Road Trip

12 Best Weekend Getaways on the East Coast

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

Looking for the best weekend getaways on the East Coast ? You’ve come to the right place! The East Coast, which stretches from Maine to Florida, has an array of landscapes and weekend destinations for every taste.

From small and charming coastal towns and cities near mountains and national parks , to history havens like St. Augustine . Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, wanting to explore the area’s history, or looking to do little more than read a book on the beach while you’re away – the East Coast has the perfect weekend destination in store for you.

Here are 12 epic weekend getaways East Coast USA.

Best East Coast Weekend Getaways

Boston massachusetts.

If you want to go on a big city weekend trip to New England, then Boston Massachusetts is a great choice.

The city is known for its charming harborside, top-notch food, and diverse entertainment.

If you’re a foodie, head to North End and treat yourself to a delicious Italian meal or go to Quincy Market and browse the food stalls.

Art enthusiasts should go straight to The MFA & Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and sports fans should catch a Red Sox match at Fenway Park. Theatre lovers can wander over to the Charles Playhouse in the evening for a theatre show and a drink.

Boston has something for everyone!

LEARN MORE: 12 Best New England Vacation Spots

Boston is an ideal East Coast weekend vacation with something for everyone to enjoy

New York City

There’s so much to do in the Big Apple that it’ll be almost impossible to squeeze it all into a weekend away. But you can try!

You can’t miss out on NYC top attractions , like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and a trip to Rockefeller Center.

Walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge and soak in the views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the harbor. Once you’ve done that, stroll down the iconic Wall Street. If you’re coming with little ones then a trip to the Museum of Ice Cream might be in order!

You’ll also want to try the best things to eat in NYC, like bagels, pizza, pastrami sandwiches, and cheesecake to name a few. Book a fabulous food tour like this NYC Secret Food Tour and get tips from locals while enjoying the best foods of New York.

The Big Apple is the perfect city for an East Coast weekend trip anytime of year

St Augustine Florida

St Augustine is an enchanting city with stunning architecture and a long history.

It is the oldest European-established settlement in the US to be continuously inhabited. The city was founded in 1565 and the influence of European culture can be seen everywhere.

Come and stroll down narrow cobbled streets in the Old City area and visit Saint George Street. Another must-see is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an ancient masonry fort. Explore all the best things to do in St Augustine !

Afterwards, explore St. Augustine Beach (and other beaches near St A ) on Anastasia Island and spend the afternoon relaxing, fishing, or beachcombing.

St Augustine is a great combination of historical sites and stunning beaches for a magical weekend on the East Coast

Savannah Georgia

Savannah Georgia is a delightful coastal town with a lot of character and is consistently named on Top Ten lists. Its hospitality is second to none.

The people’s warm demeanor is just one of the many great things about Savannah.

While in Savannah spend some time exploring the historic district, enchanting Forsyth Park, and stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Stay at a waterfront hotel and enjoy beautiful views and walks along the Savannah Riverwalk.

Savannah Georgia is an ideal weekend getaway in Southeastern USA

Belfast Maine

If you’re not really a fan of city breaks then this charming coastal town in Maine may be the perfect East Coast getaway for you. Explore all the best things to do in Belfast .

Have an adventurous start to the weekend enjoying all the sports on offer, like kayaking and canoeing, or heading out to sea on a fishing boat.

Take a day trip to walk the one-mile breakwater to Rockland lighthouse .

Enjoy a scenic drive to Acadia National Park the next day and enjoy hiking , then come back and spend your Sunday lazing at cafes in Downtown and going to a farmers market to meet the locals.

Belfast Maine is a gorgeous coastal town with the perfect vibe for a relaxing weekend getaway

Newport Rhode Island

Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful city and top vacation spot known for mansions and gorgeous coastal scenery.

One attraction you can’t miss on your weekend trip is The Breakers Mansion , an Italian Renaissance building with a three-story dining room! Other amazing mansion museums include Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff.

There are lots of mansions to explore and you can take a mansion tour, but if you want to see all the mansions from afar, walk along the Cliff Walk and admire them from the shore side.

For outdoor fun in Newport Rhode Island visit Fort Adams State Park or spend some time at Easton’s Beach.

Newport is also known for hosting numerous festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival.

Read our list of all the Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

Tour the mansions of of Newport Rhode Island

Key West Florida

Key West is a fun beach town that is urban and hip. It has a vibrant nightlife, so if you want to party in a coastal town – come here!

Besides the dancing and lazing on the beach, be sure to go snorkeling at Fort Zachary. Or you can also take a snorkeling tour and go to the Florida Reef which is several miles offshore.

Looking to take some Instagram-worthy pictures to make your friends green with envy? Head to the “greetings from Key West” mural and snap away, then head into the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. Check out more fun things to do in Key West .

Visit Key West Florida and the Southernmost point in the Continental USA

Charlottesville Virginia

Vineyards, museums, boutique shops, and the Blue Ridge Mountains await in Charlottesville.

Spend the weekend switching between exploring the charming city and getting out into the wilderness. What could be more perfect for a weekend escape?

Don’t miss the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Monticello and Academical Village, that were dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, and make sure you take a trip to one of the 30 local vineyards!

Asheville North Carolina

Asheville is a laid back city; it’s trendy, quirky, and inviting. And it’s one of the best places to visit in NC .

You could spend the whole weekend popping in and out of art galleries and sipping coffee in independent cafes. Or sample the craft beers on offer in Asheville.

Take a break from window shopping and cafe hopping to visit the Pisgah National Forest, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and visit the Thomas Wolfe House.

You’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in Asheville!

LEARN MORE: 12 Best Day Trips from Asheville

Chill out in Ashville North Carolina for the weekend and go explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Portsmouth New Hampshire

Portsmouth is charming and riddled with intriguing and unique historical spots.

You can’t leave without a trip to the Strawbery Banke Museum . The museum is huge and was once the Puddle Dock neighbourhood. Stroll the gardens, explore the old houses, and go back in time with the actors in period costumes.

Wander around the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District that surrounds the museum and get a glance at the five National Historic Landmarks and over 1200 historically significant buildings dotted around.

History enthusiasts will love Portsmouth.

Read our full list of best things to do in Portsmouth NH .

Picturesque Portsmouth New Hampshire is both beautiful and historical

Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a weekend destination favorite for family vacations. You can spend the morning lazing about on the beach with the kids, building sandcastles and enjoying the sea air. If you’re brave enough, take a dive into the cold Atlantic!

The beach can get busy, but there’s more to do, like walking the long boardwalk along the seafront. Another family friendly activity is a trip to Funland, where rollercoasters and laughter await!

Burlington Vermont

The artsy New England city of Burlington has an array of entertainment options, a quaint and enchanting downtown and great dining (and drinking) options.

Catch a show at the Flynn Theatre or have a giggle at the Vermont Comedy Club on Friday night, then spend the next morning at a farmers market and enjoy the shops on Church Street. Fancy a drink? Have a local cider at Citizen Cider.

For outdoor fun check out the Burlington Bike Path, explore the Waterfront Park, or get out on the water with a Lake Champlain Cruise.

And for something fun and educational you’ll not want to miss ECHO Leahy Center science museum.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Take a weekend escape to Burlington Vermont on Lake Champlain

Final Thoughts on East Coast Getaways

And that’s a wrap on 12 of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. You can choose from big cities to charming coastal towns or sandy beaches and historical sites. With so many choices you’ll want to plan several east coast weekend trips! Where will you go next?

More USA Travel Adventures

Best Fall Foliage Road Trip in Maine

12 Awesome Day Trips from Orlando

15 Best Things to Do New Smyrna Beach

Top 10 Things to Do NYC Solo Trip

15 Best Small Beach Towns in Florida

15 Things to Do in Orlando (Besides Theme Parks)

Austin to Big Bend Road Trip

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

East Coast USA Tours & Trips

Explore Florida 's warm sandy beaches, the bustling streets of New York City, and taste iconic local cuisine everywhere from Maine to North Carolina. Discover everything the East Coast of America has to offer on one of our 173 tours. We can help you find the best time to visit the East Coast  or West Coast , or even both .

Filters applied

173 east coast usa tour packages with 1,471 reviews.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

American Gateway – 4 Days

Overall the 2 tour guides were good, especially Brian who guided us from NJ La Quinta to Philadelphia, Amish Country to DC and back to NY. Loved his sense of humor, his knowledge- will definitely recommend him to anyone! Great job Brian! And thank you !!

East Coast Explorer: 8-Day Group Tour of New York, Boston & Washington DC Adventure

A lot of travelling but you get to see a lot in a short amount of time. Excellent guides!

USA - American Getaway

• Sightseeing

Georgia History Trail to Nashville

• Coach / Bus

Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Philadelphia & Amish Country 4D/3N (from New York)

A hectic and fast paced trip, starting with early mornings. Loved Niagara Falls and being able to go to the Canadian side for one night (remember to apply for a Canadian Esta and bring your passport). Pennsylvania and Amish country side was a treat. Wish we had more time there. Love hearing about American history. Then Washington DC- amazing city. We disembarked after touring DC monuments and aeronautical museum and spent two more days in DC. Wharf, eateries, sights and monuments within reach.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

New York Uncovered (4 Days)

I loved this tour and our guide Jon was great. However it should be advertised as a 3 day tour as the 4th day is just check out of the hotel, no activities.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Cape Cod & the Islands

Whale watching was awesome. Most hotels extremely nice. Room at Sheraton had very tiny bathroom

Special Washington end NY

Washington and New York

Historic Highlights (8 Days)

Sites were fabulous!

East Coast Camping Adventure

Fall Colours of New England (10 Days)

I enjoyed this trip . The coach is good.Hyannis first day break fast was good.coverage is good.Hyannis golf resort stay is superb.providence city halt in hotel graduates is excellent.Fall colours coverage is very good.coach guidance is okay.overall the trip is very good.

New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC

New York City, Niagara Falls & Washington DC with Extended Stay in New York City

Great Eastern Cities

Tour guide was amazing and our hotel locations were perfect. Everything went to plan.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about East Coast USA Tours

East coast usa tours starting in:.

• New York City (32)
• Boston (16)
• Washington DC (12)
• Asheville (10)
• Burlington (5)
• Group (158)
• Fully Guided (144)
• Explorer (113)
• Family (87)
• In-depth Cultural (68)
• Coach / Bus (45)
• Personalized (41)
• Hiking & Trekking (26)
• Self-Guided (24)
• Private (23)
• Intl. Flights Included (17)
• Partially Guided (15)
• Self Drive (7)
• Bicycle (6)
• Small Group (33)
• 3 Day Tours (7)
• 7 Day Tours (44)
• 10 Day Tours (33)
• 2 Week Tours (28)
• 3 Week Tours (5)
• Spring 2024 (38)
• Summer 2024 (83)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (94)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (31)
• Spring 2025 (31)
• Summer 2025 (34)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (38)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (11)
• April 2024 (9)
• May 2024 (56)
• June 2024 (67)
• July 2024 (62)
• August 2024 (67)
• September 2024 (88)
• October 2024 (77)
• November 2024 (37)
• December 2024 (24)
• January 2025 (21)
• February 2025 (16)
• March 2025 (19)
• April 2025 (21)
• May 2025 (25)
• June 2025 (29)
• July 2025 (26)
• August 2025 (25)
• September 2025 (37)
• October 2025 (34)
• November 2025 (14)

Other Regions in USA

• Western USA (787)
• Sun Belt (451)
• Southwest USA (444)
• Rocky Mountains (288)
• Four Corners (233)
• Eastern USA (230)
• West Coast USA (180)
• California (160)
• Alaska (126)
• Northeast USA (116)
• Pacific Coast USA (112)
• Southern USA (103)
• Southeast USA (92)
• Grand Canyon (90)
• Northern California (82)
• Yellowstone National Park (70)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (100)
• For Couples (89)
• Young Adults (7)
• Seniors (63)

4 great scenic train rides across the US

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

• All content
• Rural Alaska
• Crime & Courts
• Alaska Legislature
• ADN Politics Podcast
• National Opinions
• Letters to the Editor
• Nation/World
• Film and TV
• Outdoors/Adventure
• High School Sports
• UAA Athletics
• Food and Drink
• Visual Stories
• Alaska Journal of Commerce (Opens in new window)
• The Arctic Sounder
• The Bristol Bay Times
• Legal Notices (Opens in new window)
• Peak 2 Peak Events (Opens in new window)
• Educator of the Year (Opens in new window)
• Celebrating Nurses (Opens in new window)
• Top 40 Under 40 (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Spelling Bee (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Craft Brew Festival
• Best of Alaska
• Spring Career Fair (Opens in new window)
• Achievement in Business
• Youth Summit Awards
• Lynyrd Skynyrd Ticket Giveaway
• Teacher of the Month
• 2024 Alaska Summer Camps Guide (Opens in new window)
• 2024 Graduation (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide 2023 (Opens in new window)
• 2023 Best of Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Health Care (Opens in new window)
• Merry Merchant Munch (Opens in new window)
• On the Move AK (Opens in new window)
• Senior Living in Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Youth Summit Awards (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide
• ADN Store (Opens in new window)
• Classifieds (Opens in new window)
• Jobs (Opens in new window)
• Place an Ad (Opens in new window)
• Customer Service
• Sponsored Content
• Real Estate/Open Houses (Opens in new window)

From the cacophonous to the cordial, a trip to the East Coast reveals many good creatures

East Coast whitetails seem rather content in this April 2024 image. (Photo by Steve Meyer)

Walking out of the lodge into the gloom of a presunrise overcast morning my ears, which are not so good these days, were assaulted by screeching from an abbreviated juniper tree.

A few days before, while sitting on our deck, which had become a feeding ground for some 150 odd redpolls, siskins, chickadees, nut hatches, red crossbills, pine grosbeaks, and woodpeckers, Christine had to tell me of the symphony they all provided. I couldn’t hear any of them, even with hearing aids. I can still hear ravens, jays, ducks, geese, and larger birds with deeper voices — not the little ones.

The Aldo Leopold lodge, where Christine and I were staying at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia was L-shaped, amplifying the tormented cries of the bird that seemed put out by my presence. In the dim light, my tired eyes were not particularly useful, and try as I did, I could not see what I believed to be an enormous bird. I ran back to the room and enlisted Christine to come and help find the tormented creature.

If anything, the bird became more vocal when Christine appeared, and by then, more birds were chipping in with different voices. Christine, with her superior eyesight and hearing, found my tormentor quickly and pointed the bird out.

“Right there,” she said, “it’s a very small bird, about the size of those red crossbills at home.”

Even with help, it took me a while to allow my eyes to see the little guy. No way, I thought, can that little bird make that much noise. The volume of sound coming from the little body suggested he might be all lungs.

In the meantime, the other birds continued their morning serenade or complaint; it was hard to tell which. We still hadn’t seen enough of any of them to begin to identify what they were. I thought, maybe it’s an East Coast thing. Maybe these little birds had developed enormous lungs to be heard above the din of the world.

A few minutes later, Kevin Painter of the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, the driving force behind our book and responsible for our being there, came to the rescue.

Kevin found an app from Cornell University that allowed you to record the bird sounds with your phone, and it would translate the sounds into identification. Well, I thought, at least I’ll know what’s been yelling at me. But there were other matters to attend to.

When we were presented with the opportunity to visit this place and accepted, the anxiety of traveling east of the Mississippi was all but debilitating. Except for a couple of overnight business trips and no interaction with the general public, my perception of the eastern coast of the United States came from reading and various media sources. It seemed like an overcrowded environment filled with folks who probably did not embrace the values I did.

This would be a real test of Christine’s and my belief that no matter what the occasion, when we have the opportunity to put a face to a name, over coffee or a beer, wonderful conversations occur even when there are polar opposites in respective cultures. But, neither of us had interacted with the East Coast, and our confidence was lacking.

So, off we went to meet the people with whom we would interact for the next four days. There were folks from all around the country, and to our delight, many of them were from Alaska.

Turns out, our theory was sound. A more polite group of folks would be hard to imagine. We found common ground with everyone we met. We shared many of the same values regarding hunting and public land and were wonderfully supported by everyone involved.

While exploring the facility we found a proud and compelling history of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service. Hunting, particularly waterfowl hunting, was a consistent theme. People we encountered were quick to stop and talk with us and the more we conversed, the more comfortable we felt.

Many folks from the nearby communities attended our book presentation. We had a great time sharing hunting and dog stories with them and felt as warmly received as anywhere we have been.

On the grounds of the training center, walking paths connected the beautiful lodges and training buildings around the facility bordered by the Potomac River. While walking these paths, many grey squirrels were darting about, and a small herd of whitetail deer appeared as a tranquil presence moving through the trees. Tree stands appeared sporadically in the hardwoods. We assumed they had been placed for photography. Much to our surprise, we were told that no, they were for deer hunting and that a regular deer season by permit took place on the facility grounds.

Back to the birds. The NCTC occupies some 500 acres. While we wandered about it became clear the place was a bit of a wildlife haven, particularly for birds. A massive bald eagle nest dominates the area from the top of an old sycamore tree. For many years this nest has hosted pairs of eagles. While there, the eagle cam showed a dutiful pair of bald eagles tending to three eggs that were mere hours away from hatching.

A blue heron tended a cattail slough near our lodge, while red-winged blackbirds scolded from their cattail perches. A pileated woodpecker, looking prehistoric with its long, sharp bill, tufted head, and clawed feet, pounded bark from trees searching for insect life.

Spectacular northern cardinals flitted about like giant cranberries and, like the belted kingfisher that frequented the area, were not about to pose for a photo. A nearby field held a half-dozen vultures who seemed to be eating a deer carcass, while a pair of Canada geese strutted around like they owned the place.

Hawks of various makes and models kept the squirrels and groundhogs scurrying from cover to cover. All of them were an unexpected bonus to the trip.

The app Kevin had downloaded was rather impressive. With the first recording, trying to identify the blaring bird who scolded us, revealed a half-dozen species, which would have been fine, except we couldn’t get a good view to differentiate.

The solution was a brief recording to isolate the little bird’s calls. The app informed us it was an eastern towhee, which we never did see well enough to make a positive ID on.

For us, it seems the measure of a place always goes back to the people and the wildlife present. This small slice of countryside left us feeling a bit more positive about the eastern U.S., a place many good creatures call home. Some louder than others.

Steve Meyer | Alaska outdoors

Steve Meyer of Kenai is longtime Alaskan and an avid shooter who writes about guns and Alaska hunting. He's the co-author, with Christine Cunningham, of the book "The Land We Share: A love affair told in hunting stories."

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Malibu’s Most Exclusive, Butt-Kicking Spa Is Coming East

The Ranch, which specializes in long hikes, communal vegan meals and snacks of precisely six almonds, is opening an outpost in the Hudson Valley.

By Danielle Pergament

You will wake up at 5:30 a.m. and stretch for 30 minutes. You will eat something vegan and organic for breakfast followed by an hourslong hike on which you will hear words like “verticality.” If you need a snack, you will get six almonds. Not seven — don’t be gluttonous.

In the afternoon, you will take a cold plunge, dunking yourself in water cooled to a painful 55 degrees. The throbbing in your body is not a hangover — there is no alcohol — it’s from the 10 miles you hiked yesterday, or it could be the 12 you hiked the day before. Or maybe it’s the 1,400 calories a day allotted. For all this, you will pay thousands of dollars.

This is luxury wellness in 2024. Some destination spas and high-end retreats are more akin to Navy SEAL prep — or at the very least, basic training — than five-star resorts.

The standard-bearer of this group is the Ranch, 200 acres of nature and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu, Calif. For 14 years, the Ranch has been helping 25 people at a time destress, detox and generally rid themselves of the anxieties of life.

“It’s not like any other place,” said Gillian Steel, 69, who sits on the board of the New-York Historical Society and has been to the Ranch nine times. The Ranch, she said, “isn’t just a week-away experience. They manage to be both stylish while pushing you. You meet the most interesting people and get a week to yourself at the same time.”

In late April, the Ranch will open a second property, this time in the Hudson Valley of New York.

“For years, our guests kept saying, ‘Please open something on the East Coast,’” said Sue Glasscock, who owns the Ranch with her husband, Alex, both 60. “We kicked the idea around for a long time.”

They eventually found a lakeside estate on 200 acres of forests and trails flanked by state parks near the New Jersey border in the town of Sloatsburg, N.Y. The house, a 40,000-square-foot stone mansion previously known as Table Rock estate, was built in 1902 by J.P. Morgan. (It was a wedding present to his daughter and new son-in-law, the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton, and was later owned by an order of nuns .)

“It’s an hour from Manhattan, which is just crazy to me,” said Ms. Glasscock.

To the mountains

I met the Glasscocks for lunch at their home at the Ranch Malibu. In the foreground, three bowls of warm cabbage soup, topped with crispy kale and microgreens. In the background was the entirety of the Santa Monica Mountains, and just beyond, a glimmering streak of the Pacific. It was hard not to feel healthier, calmer and more sustainable just being there.

“We don’t think of ourselves as a spa — we never have,” said Mr. Glasscock. “To be honest, I don’t like the word wellness.” Before opening the Ranch, the couple bought and remodeled houses and designed gardens.

The natural world — both in Southern California and the Hudson Valley — is the most important amenity at the Ranch. “Nothing we do is trendy,” said Ms. Glasscock. “The point is that you’re in nature. You’re eating food from the garden, you’re drinking more water, you’re sleeping more, you’re taking time off your devices. And you’re playing.”

Play, she said, is a proven aid to longevity and something adults don’t do enough. At the new location, a hill in the backyard will give guests a chance to go sledding in the winter. “The Ranch is basically like camp for grown-ups,” she said.

But grown-up camp doesn’t come cheap. The Ranch Malibu has a six-night, seven-day minimum and can cost more than $9,000 a week, depending on the package. The price of a stay at the Ranch Hudson Valley will range from $2,575 per person (three nights, double occupancy, low season) to $6,900 per person (four nights, single occupancy, high season). With high prices comes exclusivity.

“It’s hard,” said Mr. Glasscock. Part of the impetus for opening in the Hudson Valley, he said, was to give people the option to come for three days. “Obviously, that lowers the cost, and still gives people time to reconnect to nature.”

From weight loss to longevity

As wellness has gone mainstream, places like the Ranch have played a pivotal role in changing the definition of destination spas.

“In the U.S. in the last 10 or 20 years, destination spas were focused on weight loss and fixing bad habits like alcohol, coffee, smoking and eating too much meat and sugar,” said Linda Wells, the founding editor of Allure magazine and the editor of Air Mail Look , a beauty and wellness newsletter (to which I have contributed). “But the experience boiled down to getting weighed and measured on Day 1 and again on departure day, with a report card of pounds and inches lost at the end. Weight loss and flat abs were the goal, not health — and definitely not longevity.”

But wellness evolved. Even in light of recent controversies , one of the most popular podcasts on Spotify is still “Huberman Lab,” in which a Stanford University neurobiologist discusses cold exposure, sleep hygiene and circadian rhythms. And an increasing number of spas offer an array of high-tech, often medicalized programs .

Other pricey destination spas also take the boot camp approach. There is Golden Door in California, Mii Amo in Arizona, and Miraval and Canyon Ranch , both of which have several outposts. All of these combine spa treatments, exercise programs, special diets and the promise of resetting to a healthier lifestyle. But the Ranch is singular in its simplicity. There are vegan cooking classes, energy healing sessions and infrared saunas, but don’t expect Botox or filler injections.

“I’m not against those things,” said Ms. Glasscock. “It’s just not in our ethos.”

The Ranch is also extremely luxurious and deliberately communal. Arrival and departure dates are set according to weekly packages, so guests see the same faces for a week. Activities — including the daily hikes — are done as a group. And there is only one dining table, so you eat all meals with the rest of the guests.

“I was expecting meditation, heads down, keep to yourself, but it’s not that at all,” said Jillian Spaak, the director of a real estate investment company who lives in Southern California and first went to the Ranch 10 years ago when she was getting divorced. “You’re communing with other people, you’re hiking together, and you’re all eating meals at the same table. You go through peaks and valleys — literally — and you’re all there for the same reason: to feel better, to look better, to be better. ”

“We want to take what we consider the important aspects of health, wellness and longevity and immerse everyone in all of them for a week or three days,” said Ms. Glasscock. “Most people want a silver bullet, but there is no such thing.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Exploring the Outdoors, One Step at a Time

Hiking is a great way to immerse yourself in nature and tune out the chaos of city life. the tips below will help you get ready before you hit the trail..

Hiking offers a host of mental and physical benefits. If you’re new to it, here’s how to get started .

Fourteen years and one Apple App of the Year award in, AllTrails has become something rare: a tool that works for both experts and newbies .

Make sure you have the right gear . Wirecutter has recommendations for anything you might need — from hydration packs  to trekking poles . And remember to try on hiking boots  at the right time of the day .

These clever apps and devices  will help you to find your way, triage an injury and generally stay out of trouble on the trail.

Planning to venture out for a nighttime  hike ? Opt for wide, easy-to-navigate paths.

Experts say failing to alert family or friends of your plans is one of the biggest mistakes hikers make. Here are some more safety tips .