What to Visit on the East Coast of the United States

Are you planning a trip to the East Coast of the United States? Here, you will find multiple types of destinations for all tastes. You’re sure to find yours!

You can find the most tranquil beach environment, with warm and cold climates that go all the way to the country’s north. The temperature is a bit difficult there, but the autumn season will amaze you with its show of colorful leaves.

15-day East Coast Itinerary: Do you like driving?

OPTION 1

Day 1 and 2 Boston

• Day 1 in Boston: I explored the historic Freedom Trail and enjoyed delicious seafood at Quincy Market.
• Day 2 in Boston: I visited the Museum of Fine Arts and strolled through the charming Back Bay neighborhood.

Day 3 Providence

• Day 3 in Providence: I toured the old town and admired the colonial architecture.

Day 4, 5 and 6 New York

• Day 4 in New York: I enjoyed the views from the Empire State Building and explored Central Park.
• Day 5 in New York: I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and marveled at Times Square at night.
• Day 6 in New York: I toured the bustling borough of Brooklyn and crossed the Brooklyn Bridge.

Day 7 and 8 Philadelphia

• Day 7 in Philadelphia: I admired the Liberty Bell and toured the historic Elfreth’s Alley neighborhood.
• Day 8 in Philadelphia: I visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and enjoyed an authentic cheesesteak.

Day 9 Lancaster (on the road after Philadelphia to Washington DC)

• Day 9 in Lancaster: I enjoyed the rural scenery on my way to Washington, D.C., and sampled authentic Amish cuisine.

Day 10 and 11 Washington DC

• Day 10 in Washington DC: I visited the monuments on the National Mall and explored the Smithsonian museums.
• Day 11 in Washington DC: I toured the Capitol and enjoyed the view from the Washington Monument observation deck.

Day 12 Charleston, South Carolina

• Day 12 in Charleston: I explored the charming historic downtown and enjoyed the southern cuisine.

Day 13, 14 and 15 Miami

• Day 13 in Miami: I enjoyed the beaches of South Beach and explored the vibrant Art Deco district.
• Day 14 in Miami: I visited the Wynwood district and enjoyed the lively nightlife.
• Day 15 in Miami: I took a relaxing boat ride on the bay and enjoyed the delicious Cuban food.
• Recommended: Tips for traveling to the United States
• Recommended: How to drive in the USA

OPTION 2

Day 1-3: Boston, Massachusetts

• Day 1: Arrive in Boston. Explore the Freedom Trail, which passes through 16 historic sites.
• Day 2: Visit the Museum of Fine Arts and stroll through Boston Common and the Public Garden.
• Day 3: Excursion to Cambridge to see Harvard and MIT.

Day 4-6: New York, New York

• Day 4: Travel to New York. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
• Day 5: Explore Manhattan: Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park.
• Day 6: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and stroll along the High Line.

Day 7-8: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Day 7: Travel to Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
• Day 8: Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the historic Society Hill neighborhood.

Day 9-10: Washington D.C.

• Day 9: Arrival in Washington D.C. Visit the national monuments and the Capitol.
• Day 10: Explore the Smithsonian museums and stroll the National Mall.

Day 11-12: Charleston, South Carolina

• Day 11: Flight to Charleston. Explore the historic city center.
• Day 12: Visit historic plantations and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 13-14: Orlando, Florida

• Day 13: Flight to Orlando. Day at Disney or Universal Studios theme parks.
• Day 14: Second day at a theme park or visit to the Kennedy Space Center.

Day 15: Miami, Florida

• Day 15: Travel to Miami. Enjoy the beach, explore the Wynwood neighborhood, and enjoy the lively nightlife of South Beach.

Must-Visit Cities on the East Coast of the U.S.

Boston

Boston offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. History buffs can explore the historic Freedom Trail, which takes visitors through 16 historic sites, including the Paul Revere House and the USS Constitution.

In addition, the Back Bay neighborhood offers a charming stroll through tree-lined streets and elegant Victorian mansions, along with trendy boutiques and world-class restaurants.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which houses an impressive art collection from antiquity to the present.

The Quincy Market is a must for food lovers, where you can taste delicious fresh seafood and other local specialties.

In addition, sports fans can visit the famous Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, and enjoy an exciting baseball game.

New York City

This one is a favorite! Have you ever heard anyone talk about the USA without mentioning New York? Exactly. This is one destination you won’t want to miss.

New York City is full of life, movement and speed, that’s why it’s called the city that never sleeps. The land of coffee in hand, yellow cabs and jazz in the middle of the subway on the way to work.

Between the 1800s and 1930s, this city received thousands of immigrants as a gateway to the country, and this is one of the main reasons why it is so culturally diverse; in fact, it is the most linguistically diverse city on the planet.

What places do you visit in New York?

Visit Lady Liberty, also known as the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, which you can reach by boat.

This island welcomed thousands of immigrants hundreds of years ago and gave the first step to the American dream.

Let yourself be carried away by its marvelous lights, its cultural events, and the sound of the city’s movement in this concrete forest.

You can also take a break in Central Park, where you can watch street dancers and enjoy a natural urban landscape.

Times Square, where you’ll find the center of New York commerce, will steal your breath away. Less than three blocks away, you can see Broadway, the style of theater presented in this city.

Some of the most famous productions are The Lyon King o How the Grinch stole Christmas.

If you continue on your way, you will find something wonderful during the Christmas season at Rockefeller Center, where you will see the lighting of the gigantic Christmas tree and a skating rink that will make you feel like you are in a movie.

New York has its gift and makes anyone fall in love with it thanks to its diversity and culture.

• Recommended: 5-day itinerary in New York

Washington D.C.

Some countries do not recommend visiting their capital, as it is not fun. However, in the United States, the capital is one of the most interesting cities to visit!

Sure, if you’re the kind of tourist who loves history and museums. There you will find museum after museum, significant monuments and statues with years of stories behind them.

You can find some of the following museums:

• National Museum of Natural History (National Museum of Natural History)
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument

You can find guides nearby anytime and learn a little more about the history of the United States’ development.

Washington is also a very cultural and diverse state, so it offers a diverse and creative cuisine. Don’t forget to visit the markets held on certain days of the week!

There, you will find innovative foods, crafts, and artists that will make you fall in love with Washington’s essence.

If you are religious, you can visit this city’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

It is a huge church where you can find monuments to the saints of multiple countries and see how various cultures and people are equally connected.

Apart from all this, you will also be able to visit art and cultural museums, attend free walking tours of the city and see the nightlife in this city.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, known as the “city of brotherly love,” offers a rich history and many landmarks. You can explore the iconic Liberty Bell and nearby Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

The Elfreth’s Alley neighborhood, the oldest continuously inhabited residential neighborhood in America, is a charming place to stroll and admire the historic brick homes built in the 18th century.

In addition, the Philadelphia Museum of Art houses an impressive collection that includes masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Marcel Duchamp, as well as the famous staircase immortalized in the movie Rocky.

Philadelphia is also famous for its culinary scene, with various restaurants offering everything from authentic cheesesteaks to international haute cuisine.

Miami, Florida

Perfect weather, perfect atmosphere… for any plan you want. Miami is one of the most peaceful cities to visit, as it is home to people from many different countries. It is home to people from many different countries, and its aura carries a sense of calm.

It is famous for being rich in sports such as beach volleyball, surfing, and kite surfing.

Do you love the beach? Don’t forget to visit the iconic Miami Beach which, although a little strange, is located on an island outside the city.

Its transparent and blue waters will attract you and you will have unforgettable adventures. At this beach, you will have the opportunity to go kayaking, fishing, learn to sail, or go snorkeling or diving.

Get a taste of local sales at the Bayside Marketplace.

You will find dozens of products created by locals, such as clothing, craft beers, vegetarian and vegan foods, plants, and antique sales.

In addition, every night, you will find musical groups that will enliven the atmosphere and make this a more exciting experience!

One of the most striking things about the state of Florida, and specifically the city of Miami, is the high number of Spanish speakers from places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and a variety of South American countries.

There is a small but quite special place called Little Havana where Cuban culture flourishes with its music, art, gastronomy, atmosphere and local stores.

Portland, Maine

Portland is an East Coast city where you will find a special touch of antiquity in its streets. Visit this city in the State of Maine, in the north of the country, bordering Canada.

Maine is known for its mixed architecture, with Victorian, Gothic and even Italianate influences. Every year, it attracts thousands of tourists to its streets to photograph these ancient construction sites.

Maine is a perfect combination of sea, temperate climate and misty forests. There, you can feel more connected to nature in small cabins amidst the sounds of birds and rustling trees.

Remember to bring your coat, as temperatures in Maine are slightly colder than in the other cities mentioned.

Walk along the old tourist pier called Old Port, where you can meet a guide who will share information about Portland’s history and how it became the exciting city it is today.

What if you want to try something delicious? One of the delicacies you can try in Portland is the famous lobster roll.

As this is a coastal city, fishing is a very frequent economic activity, and the marine gastronomic offer includes all kinds of food.

Maine also has the best coffee and milkshake bars on the East Coast.

You can visit the Portland Lighthouse or Bug Light, a very famous lighthouse in the city of Portland.

These are pretty old. The Portland lighthouse was built in 1787, from which soldiers warned of the arrival of British forces to disturb the land.

The United States has so much to offer, and it is such a vast country; it has as much variety as there are people in it.

The diversity of people and cultures makes this place magical and attractive for people from abroad.

Dare to visit it, and you will know its potential, and surely, you will find that space that will make you believe that anything is possible.

A quick guide to travel to the United States

Here is a small guide to visiting the United States. Prepare your trip so you do not get any surprises.

Rules for travel to the USA

• Obtaining an ESTA e-visa
• Valid passport at least six months from the trip’s starting date.
• HeyMondo Travel Insurance
• Everything you need to travel to the United States

Travel Insurance to the United States

It is always advisable to travel with travel insurance to the United States. We recommend you travel with Hey Mondo. This company offers up to $10,000,000 coverage in emergency medical & dental expenses overseas.

HeyMondo’s travel insurance is a valuable investment for international trips. With comprehensive coverage, 24/7 worldwide assistance, and protection against unexpected events like trip cancellations and medical emergencies, it provides the peace of mind you need to travel confidently.

This insurance ensures you can explore your destination without worrying about unforeseen expenses, making it a worthwhile choice for any international traveler.

Flights to the United States

Our recommendation for flights to the United States is:

1. Click on this link from Skyscanner and search for the best dates for your flight.
2. Take a look at the airline to see if they have a good offer.
3. Buy the one that best fits your budget and travel dates.
4. Bon Voyage!

How to get around America

Here, my answer is… “It depends.” If you are going on a road trip to the East Coast or any other part of the United States, the best way to travel is in a rental car. A rental vehicle can be a car, motorhome, motorcycle, etc.

If you are only visiting one city, the best options are public transportation, renting a bicycle or an electric scooter, or using your feet.

Lodging in the United States (Motels, Hotels and Apartments)

Accommodation in the United States varies, and prices change drastically from one city to another.

For a road trip, I recommend choosing a motel or a hotel in the cities where you will stay for one or two days.

In cities where you are going to stay at least 4 days, my recommendation is that, if you want to save on accommodation, look for an apartment. They are usually cheaper than hotels and typically have good locations.

As you know we recommend Booking.com because it is the company we use on our own trips.

They have free cancellation and accommodation of all kinds around the world.

How many days do I need to tour the East Coast?

This is a difficult question because there are many possibilities for touring the East Coast of the United States.

If you only have a week, you can put together an itinerary for the northern cities, such as NYC, Washington, Philadelphia and Boston.

If you have 15 days or more, follow the itinerary above. If you have a month and want ideas for your itinerary, leave me a comment, and I’ll put one together for you right away; I have many ideas.

I hope this post has helped you start planning your road trip to the East Coast of the United States.

Plan Your Trip to the United States

• Tips for traveling to the United States
• How to Drive in America
• Printable PDF Road Trip Planner
• Everything you need to know before visiting USA

Last Updated on 8 March, 2024 by Veronica