The Very Best Of America’s East Coast

Heading to Cannon Mountain, NH

When most people think of an American road trip, they think of the classics. Taking Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles is the all-time favourite. It’s one of the best ways to see every aspect of the country, from east to west. Others will take the coast road along the west, drinking in California, and enjoying its wonderful sights. But, what about the east coast? There’s got to be a great road trip across there, right? Well, I think I found the perfect route. Want to hear about it?

Maine

Portland Head Lighthouse
Portland Head Lighthouse by Kay Gaensler

The route starts in the beautiful autumnal surroundings of Maine. It’s a quiet and idyllic state, but it’s the perfect place to start. You can visit the iconic Portland Head Light, which is the oldest lighthouse in the state, and the gateway into the Portland harbour. My advice is to find a vacation cottage here for a few nights. Live like a local for a few days, and then set out south.

Boston

Newbury Street, Boston
Newbury Street, Boston by Lei Han

Boston is a big industrial city, but if you’re passing through, you can’t help but stop. It’s one of the oldest cities in the USA, and a crucial stopping point. A must-see here is the Freedom Trail. It’s a 2.5 mile long walk that takes you through the city’s history. You’ll see the key role it played in the American Revolution, and learn how the nation was founded. Sports fans can also visit the legendary Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.

New York City

Midtown Manhattan
Midtown Manhattan by Justin Brown

Of course, no east coast trip is complete without a stop in the Big Apple. New York City is one of many people’s favourite cities on the planet. Take a walk through beautiful Central Park, visit the cafes of Greenwich, and sample the wonderful street food. If it’s your first time, you’ll have to tick off all the tourist spots too. See the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and head to the top of the Empire State.

Washington DC

National Building Museum
National Building Museum by Phil Roeder

The country’s capital, and the political center of the world, Washington DC is our next stop. After all, who doesn’t want to see the president’s house? Obviously, the White House isn’t the only attraction here. Make time for the Memorial Gardens, Capitol Hill, and the Lincoln Memorial too.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks, NC
Outer Banks, NC by James Willamor

After so much time in the city, it’s time to hit the beaches. North Carolina has some of the best, and I highly recommend Outer Banks. It’s a series of thin islands that stretch off the coast. It’s the perfect place to go scuba diving, as it has one of the world’s highest densities of shipwrecks!

The Florida Keys

Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park
Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park by Joe Parks

From the cold north state of Maine to the Sunshine State. Our journey ends at the southernmost tip of the the USA. The Florida Keys are a series of small islands that reach out into the Caribbean sea. Each are connected by a long bridge that stretches over the clear blue waters. It’s the perfect end to a long journey.
Have I missed any of your favourite stops along the way? Let me know in the comments!

5 thoughts on “The Very Best Of America’s East Coast

  1. Going to the US in October… is two weeks enough for the east coast?

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    1. I think so. One time I drove from New Hampshire to North Carolina in one day, haha.. so I think you could make 2 weeks work.

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  2. I’ve barely been in the US despite being only one country over :p This looks like a very good start! Boston sounds so lovely, and of course one has to see New York!

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  3. Outer Banks looks very pretty! Not somewhere I’ve heard of before. I’d definitely add Savannah to the list, I just think it’s the most beautiful city

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    1. I stopped by Savannah once but was there for only a little while (less than a full day). It was pretty though.

      Liked by 1 person

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