Best time to visit East Coast USA

Best East Coast cities to visit

Having a tough time trying to decide which cities to visit on your East Coast adventure? Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a week-long road trip, we’ve listed some of the best cities you simply can’t miss when travelling through the Eastern United States.

Can’t-miss cities 
 
These cities are the ones that need no introduction. From charming Asheville to captivating Boston, these destinations attract visitors from across the USA — and from around the world — for good reason.
 

• New York, New York - No trip to the East Coast is complete without a visit to The City That Never Sleeps!
• Boston, Massachusetts - An essential stop for anyone with a penchant for history, culture, and delicious food, the best way to explore this eclectic city is by foot.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - This friendly, unpretentious city boasts world-class museums, diverse neighbourhoods, and one of the country’s most beloved dishes: the Philly cheesesteak.
• Asheville, North Carolina - Asheville has everything you could want in a weekend getaway, including drool-worthy local food and an endless amount of outdoor activities.
• Portland, Maine - Once you’ve seen the Eastern USA’s biggest cities, head to the charming seaside city of Portland for a tranquil change of pace.

• Washington D.C. - The nation’s capital is best known for its iconic landmarks and historic sites, but there’s so much more to discover here.
• Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Whether you choose to walk through soldier camps at local museums or take a battlefield tour, this city’s rich history and heritage will draw you in from the get-go.
• Richmond, Virginia - Delve into the history of the Civil War and step back in time at the Maymont Mansion.
• Charleston, South Carolina - Friendly faces, beautiful places, and fascinating history await in this hospitable city.
• Cambridge, Massachusetts - Home to Harvard, there’s no shortage of outstanding museums and historic sites to discover in this vibrant city.
   

• Portsmouth, New Hampshire - Enjoy some downtime on the beach or experience the best of this city by trying out activities like hiking, fishing, sailing, or whale watching.
• Bar Harbor, Maine - Go on a whale-watching cruise or head to one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the country: Acadia National Park.
• Newport, Rhode Island - This is the place to go for classic Colonial architecture and postcard-perfect New England landscapes.
• Ithaca, New York - Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake and boasting thousands of acres of public parks, visitors can explore everything from hiking trails to waterfalls and wineries.

East Coast vacation ideas for families

Travelling with the family in tow? Use these sample itineraries below to kick-start your travel planning and map out a route the whole gang will love. Covering everything from top sights to historic landmarks and must-visit cities, there’s something for every age and taste.

ITINERARY 1
 

• Boston - From the Freedom Trail to the Boston Common and the New England Aquarium, there are plenty of fascinating historic sites and family-friendly attractions to keep the whole gang happy in Boston.
• Martha’s Vineyard - Get your fix of sand and surf at South Beach, or rent a bike and explore the island at your leisure.
• Cape Cod - Cape Cod is one of New England’s premier beach destinations, but you’ll find everything from exciting bike trails to well-preserved wildlife on offer here as well.
• Newport - Home to ultra-fresh seafood

• New York - Spend a few days exploring the city's most iconic and family-friendly landmarks, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty.
• Washington D.C. - Join a guided tour to maximise your time at top attractions like the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House.
• Niagara Falls - Experience the sheer power of Niagara Falls from every angle on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, the Observation Tower in Niagara Falls State Park, and the Cave of the Winds, where boardwalks lead to just under the falls.
• Boston - Once you’ve seen the city’s most famous sights — including Trinity Church, the Hancock Building, and Boston Common — enjoy an immersive experience at Boston Ships Tea Party & Museum or catch a baseball game at Fenway Park.

East Coast vacation ideas for couples

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed trip, these itineraries will help you plan the perfect East Coast adventure with your significant other.

ITINERARY 1
 

• Portland - From the stunning Victoria Mansion to the historic Old Port, hop on a trolley to discover the best of this picturesque harbour city.
• Bar Harbor - Explore the bustling downtown district, brimming with cosy cafes, indulgent ice cream shops, and beautiful oceanfront vistas.
• Acadia National Park - Experience Acadia’s winding pathways on a guided bicycle tour or admire the park’s striking mountains and rugged shorelines by car.
• Rockport - This tranquil village is the perfect place to kick-back, relax, and dine at restaurants serving fresh seafood straight from the Atlantic Ocean.

• Charleston - Highlights of this alluring city include buzzing restaurants and bars, a superb art scene, rich history, and, of course, plenty of southern charm.
• Jekyll Island - Boasting sprawling beaches and historic ruins, Jekyll Island offers the perfect mix of serenity and discovery.
• Savannah - With stately mansions, beautiful squares, and a romantic riverfront setting, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city.