Best Places to Visit on the East Coast: Planning Your Perfect East Coast Trip
If you’re looking for an amazing East Coast vacation, you’ll find no shortage of incredible places to visit. From the beaches of North Carolina to the mountains of Maine, there’s something for everyone on this great coast. With some of them so close to each other, you might even consider making a road trip out of it and visiting multiple spots.
This list of the best places to visit on the East Coast will highlight the top destination on the East Coast and will help you plan your trip. With this list, you can learn more about all of the top locations along the East Coast of the US, and what places would most appeal to you.
If you already live on the East Coast, you most likely already live pretty close to some of these destinations. With a short hop, skip, and jump, you could be enjoying one of them for a quick weekend trip or with the family over Christmas or spring break. The money you save by traveling to a much closer destination can be used to better experience one of these amazing destinations.
Another important factor to consider when deciding on any of these East Coast destinations is the time of year you plan to visit. Based on the time of year, many of these locations will look drastically different. They will also offer different activities as well. So make sure to plan your trip accordingly with the time of the year.
After finishing with this list, take advantage of our lists of the best travel sites and best travel accessories. Both lists will ensure that you save time and money and have everything you need for your trip.
Top 20 Places to Visit on the East Coast:
1. Boston
State: Massachusetts
Highlights: Historical, diverse, has iconic landmarks, and there’s always something new to explore.
About Destination: Boston is one of the most historical and diverse cities in the United States. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve been coming for years, there’s always something new to explore. There are also some great sports teams in Boston as well, so if you are a sports fan, consider catching a Red Sox, Patriots, or Celtics game while you are in town.
2. Myrtle Beach
State: South Carolina
Highlights: 60 miles of sun-drenched sand, a boardwalk packed with entertainment, and a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the area.
About Destination: Myrtle Beach may be the crowning glory of South Carolina, but it’s also one of the best places on the East Coast to visit.
With 60 miles of sun-drenched sand, a boardwalk packed with games and entertainment, and a giant Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the area, Myrtle Beach is one of the best beaches on the East coast and a place you’ll never want to leave.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore all the town has to offer, Myrtle Beach is a great choice for your next vacation.
3. The Poconos
State: Pennsylvania
Highlights: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, skiing, parasailing, whitewater rafting, and more.
About Destination: If you’re looking for a beautiful and serene place to visit on the East Coast, look no further than the Poconos. This region of Pennsylvania is home to some of the best hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the country. You’ll also find plenty of other activities to keep you entertained, including skiing, parasailing, and whitewater rafting.
4. New York City
State: New York
Highlights: World-renowned restaurants, iconic tourist attractions, and endless shopping opportunities.
About Destination: Looking for an East Coast vacation destination that has it all? Look no further than New York City. With world-renowned restaurants, iconic tourist attractions, museums, endless shopping opportunities, and so much more, the Big Apple is guaranteed to please.
Whether you’re looking to spend your time sightseeing or shopping till you drop, New York City is the perfect destination. And if you want to have a more extended stay, there are plenty of apartments for rent in New York that you can take advantage of as well.
5. Outer Banks
State: North Carolina
Highlights: A string of barrier islands, over 100 miles of coastline, and dozens of charming villages.
About Destination: The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands located on the East Coast of the United States. Offering over 100 miles of coastline and dozens of charming villages, this locale is perfect for those who are looking to get away from it all. The beaches here are quiet and serene, and the restaurants offer a variety of authentic cuisines.
6. Portland
State: Maine
Highlights: Gorgeous waterfront views, beautiful 19th-century buildings, the Portland Museum of Art, and the iconic Portland Head Light.
About Destination: Portland is one of the most charming towns on the East Coast, with gorgeous waterfront views that will win your heart. The Old Port has beautiful 19th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and a traditional feel that is a must-see.
The Portland Museum of Art features renowned exhibitions and an impressive permanent collection, while the iconic Portland Head Light should not be missed.
7. Charleston
State: South Carolina
Highlights: Welcoming and hospitable town, brick-lined streets, and a historic district.
About Destination: Charleston is one of the most charming and welcoming towns on the East Coast. From its brick-lined streets to its Southern hospitality, this town is a must-visit for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation spot. Whether you’re exploring the local shops and restaurants or taking a walk through the historic district, you’ll be charmed by all that Charleston has to offer.
8. Acadia National Park
State: Maine
Highlights: Dramatic coastline, immense forests, 158 miles of hiking trails, and over 70 miles of roads.
About Destination: There’s no doubt that Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast. With its dramatic coastline and immense forests, this natural wonderland is a must-see for anyone visiting New England.
With 158 miles of hiking trails and over 70 miles of roads, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore all that Acadia has to offer. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation spot, look no further than Acadia National Park.
9. Savannah
State: Georgia
Highlights: Centuries-old architecture, features Forsyth Park, and the city has many historic districts.
About Destination: Looking for a charming Southern getaway that’s dripping with history? Look no further than Savannah. This coastal city is one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast, thanks to its moss-draped oak trees, quaint cobbled streets, and centuries-old architecture.
Don’t miss out on Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most beautiful green spaces. The park features a towering cast-iron fountain, as well as the National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force. History buffs will love exploring the city’s many historic districts, including Bull Street and Colonial Park.
10. White Mountains
State: New Hampshire
Highlights: Horseback riding, tubing, kayaking, mountain climbing, and more.
About Destination: The White Mountains are a great destination for nature lovers looking for a charming and rustic East Coast experience. With plenty of businesses and activities that embrace the natural landscape, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, tubing, kayaking, and more.
The mountain climbs are also a great challenge for those looking for an adventure. And during the winter season, you can take advantage of some excellent skiing.
11. Washington D.C.)
State: District of Columbia
Highlights: Offers something for everyone, has plenty of nightlife and culture, and features iconic landmarks of American history.
About Destination: Washington, D.C., is a fascinating city that offers something for everyone. From well-maintained parks, museums, and monuments to hip nightlife and culture, there’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital. Don’t miss top sights like the White House and the U.S. Capitol – both iconic landmarks of American history.
12. Niagara Falls
State: New York
Highlights: A vertical drop of over 160 feet, awe-inspiring, powerful, and will leave you feeling small.
About Destination: Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast, and for good reason. With a vertical drop of over 160 feet (50 meters), this series of waterfalls is both awe-inspiring and powerful. If you’re looking for an exciting vacation destination that will leave you feeling humbled by nature, Niagara Falls should be at the top of your list.
13. Fort Lauderdale
State: Florida
Highlights: Quiet beaches, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery.
About Destination: With its quiet beaches, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to relax and explore. Soak up the sun on one of Fort Lauderdale’s many beautiful beaches, or take in some art and culture. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a great time in Fort Lauderdale.
14. Newport
State: Rhode Island
Highlights: Gilded Age mansions, stunning coastal views, and extravagant properties.
About Destination: Newport is a quaint New England town known for its Gilded Age mansions and stunning coastal views. Take a tour around the grounds of the Newport Mansions, where you’ll see extravagant properties paired with Atlantic Ocean views.
Some of the favorites are the Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. Of course, there are countless others showcasing the opulence and decadence of families like the Vanderbilts.
15. Nashville
State: Tennessee
Highlights: Known as one of the music capitals of the world, it has trendy bars and restaurants, and cool sights like the Grand Ole Opry.
About Destination: This vibrant city is known as one of the music capitals of the world and offers a great country music scene alongside trendy restaurants and bars. You’ll love checking out cool sights like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, not to mention the replica of the Parthenon. So if you’re looking for an interesting inland destination that’s still close to everything, Nashville is definitely worth considering.
16. Miami
State: Florida
Highlights: World-famous beaches, trendy nightlife, and some of the best shopping and dining.
About Destination: If you’re looking for an East Coast getaway that has it all, look no further than Miami. From its world-famous beaches to its trendy nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this sun-soaked city. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or take in some of the best shopping and dining around, a trip to Miami is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
17. Martha’s Vineyard
State: Massachusetts
Highlights: Stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and plenty of things to do.
About Destination: Martha’s Vineyard is a beautiful island located off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This island is perfect for those looking to get away from it all and relax in a charming New England town.
Martha’s Vineyard offers stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and plenty of things to do. So if you’re looking for the perfect summer vacation destination, add Martha’s Vineyard to your list.
18. Baltimore
State: Maryland
Highlights: Full of history and culture, features the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry, and there is plenty to see and do.
About Destination: Baltimore is a city that is full of history and culture. There are many places to visit in Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry. The Inner Harbor is a tourist district where you can find shops, restaurants, and museums. While Fort McHenry is where the Battle of Baltimore took place during the War of 1812.
19. Tampa Bay
State: Florida
Highlights: Over 150 parks, miles of stunning beaches, and tons of indoor and outdoor activities.
About Destination: If you’re looking for a lively and exciting destination to visit on the East Coast, look no further than Tampa. This beautiful city is situated on the west coast of Florida. With over 150 parks, miles of stunning beaches, and plenty of boating and fishing opportunities, there’s something for everyone in Tampa.
Plus, there are plenty of museums, amusement parks, nightclubs, and restaurants worth checking out. One of the best times to visit Tampa is during the winter, as it is typically warm and sunny. So you might consider looking for apartments for rent in Tampa, so you can escape the cold, which is what a lot of northerners do each winter.
20. Lake Winnipesaukee
State: New Hampshire
Highlights: Scenic views, watersports, hiking, and perfect for outdoor lovers.
About Destination: If you’re looking for a relaxing East Coast vacation, look no further than Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. With its scenic views and a wide variety of activities available, the lake is perfect for those who love the outdoors.
You can rent boats and partake in watersports like kayaking, swimming, and jet skiing, or take a drive to one of the nearby mountains for some hiking. No matter what time of year you visit, Lake Winnipesaukee is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Best Places to Visit on the East Coast Conclusion
There’s no shortage of amazing places to visit on the East Coast. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, mountain getaway, or a bustling city experience, you’ll find plenty of great options. So start planning your trip today and get ready to explore all that the East Coast has to offer.
If you are looking for detailed travel information on any of these destinations, visit our list of the best travel blogs. The travel blogs featured on this list will provide expert information on everything to see and do for any of these locations.
Have you visited any of these East Coast destinations? If you have, we would love to hear your feedback in the comments below.
