Looking for vacation ideas on the east coast? Looking for the best and most beautiful spots to visit this summer on the east coast? Then you’ve arrived to the right location. These east coast holiday destinations will inspire and amaze you!
The East Coast of the United States has it everything, from ancient cities and villages to wilderness retreats.
From Maine to Florida, you’ll find a little bit of everything in this region: huge metropolis and fishing towns, state and national parks, tropical beaches, mountain resort towns, historical monuments, and so much more! Though Maine and Florida appear to be worlds apart, they share thousands of miles of coastline.
1. Niagara Falls, New York
On the east coast, Niagara Falls is a must-see tourist attraction. This trio of waterfalls, nestled along the US-Canadian border in Upstate New York, has the highest flow rate of any in North America. It gives forth a loud roar, which, along with the misty spray you and your poncho will meet, serves as a sharp reminder that nature is a powerful force.
These cascades are both forceful and spectacular, with a vertical drop of over 160 feet (50 metres). Niagara Falls is often regarded as one of the top destinations to visit on the east coast of the United States.
Make your way to Buffalo, an undervalued destination in Western New York that lies on the banks of the Buffalo River, if you have time.
2. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
A list of the top east coast vacations would be incomplete without a mention of the Poconos. The Pocono Mountains, located in eastern Pennsylvania, feature forests, lakes, and valleys just west of the Delaware Water Gap.
The Poconos are a nature lover’s dream. Hiking, fishing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, parasailing, skiing, and so much more are all available in Pennsylvania. Bushkill Falls, a sequence of eight waterfalls, one of which is over 100 feet high, is also located in the area.
3. Acadia National Park, Maine
What is the finest East Coast vacation spot? Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit on the east coast, with rugged unspoilt coastline, granite mountains, and deep forests.
Acadia National Park, New England’s sole national park, is a feast of epic scenery for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Many kinds of fish, birds, and mammals call this outdoor haven in northeastern Maine home.
You’ll want to spend some time exploring and getting lost among the more than 120 miles of hiking trails set against a gorgeous background.
4. Washington, D.C.
My favourite city in the United States is Washington, D.C. Because of the city’s rich history and culture, not because of the politics. It has a unique blend of old and new, making it one of the best destinations to visit on the east coast.
Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital and the de facto centre of the Western world, has a lot going on. Explore the many well-kept parks, monuments, and museums during the day. Check out the city’s lively nightlife at night.
Top places to see in D.C. include the White House, US Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. These landmark structures not only provide fantastic photo possibilities, but they also have a fascinating history.
5. Miami Beach, Florida
On the east coast, Miami Beach is one of the liveliest and most picturesque beach resorts. Miles of beautiful beachfront property, including hundreds of Art Deco buildings, stylish beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels, can be found here.
The most popular attraction for most visitors is South Beach, a Miami Beach suburb. Ocean Drive, the hub of Miami’s Art Deco section and the city’s heartbeat, is located here. It also has almost two miles of lovely white sand, as well as numerous exquisite villas, mansions, and holiday rentals.
6. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Looking for a quiet holiday on the east coast? You’ll be in for a treat if you visit Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer.
Lake Winnipesaukee, which is located in New Hampshire, is the state’s largest and most scenic lake. Watersports enthusiasts flock to this renowned east coast holiday location. Rent boats (or bring your own) and participate in other lake activities such as kayaking, swimming, and jet skiing.
7. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina + Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with over 12 million people last year. It contains almost 500,000 acres of unspoiled nature, including mountains, waterfalls, and woods, which are frequently blanketed in the “smoky” fog that gives the region its name. Cades Cove, Rainbow Falls, and Mount Le Conte are just a few of the highlights.
8. Newport, Rhode Island
Summer homes belonging to some of America’s wealthiest families can be seen along Newport’s windswept coastline. Take a tour of the grounds of the Newport Mansions, where you’ll see lavish homes with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff are a few of my favourites. Of course, there are many more that depict the grandeur and depravity of fin-de-siècle dynasties like the Vanderbilts.
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Consider a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, if you want to go somewhere inland yet still be close to the east coast.
Nashville, known as the world’s music capital, has a vibrant country music scene, as well as stylish restaurants and bars. The Grand Ole Opry (a monthly country music stage concert), the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a replica of the Parthenon are all located here (hence Nashville is sometimes called the Athens of the South).
10. White Mountains, New Hampshire
This New Hampshire region is a must-see on any New England road trip. It’s full with beautiful forests, waterways, gorges, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. It’s no surprise that the White Mountains are a popular weekend getaway for Boston residents.
Prioritize the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch State Park if you’re a nature enthusiast. North Conway, a town known for its retail stores and antique shops, is worth a visit for avid shoppers. The Omni Mount Washington Resort, one of New England’s most iconic structures, is another must-see.
11. Everglades National Park, Florida
Beautiful wetland beauty and a diverse flora and wildlife can be found on this 1.5 million-acre preserve. Many alligators can be seen here, and if you’re lucky, you can even see a Florida panther.
Explore the mangrove canals that run through the park via airboat or kayak. Simply do not fall in!
The Everglades are frequently visited as a day excursion from Miami. Others go for a wild ride and stop en route to the Florida Keys, another must-see destination on the east coast.
12. Boston, Massachusetts
New England’s centre. It’s a world-class metropolis that nevertheless has a colonial, small-town feel to it.
The Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, and Beacon Hill are among my favourite historical locations. On a New England road trip, don’t miss these classic east coast sights.
Explore Newbury Street, the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and Boston Harborwalk for a more modern and global perspective on the city. There are several distinctive Boston restaurants serving the finest seafood and international meals. Nature is also not far away. Take a stroll through one of Boston’s parks, such as the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common, which are located in the city’s centre.
13. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Looking for a Mid-Atlantic nature getaway? Shenandoah National Park, just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., is a must-see. It’s located along the Appalachian Trail, a stretch of terrain brimming with breathtaking mountain views and lush forest.
Shenandoah National Park has 200,000 acres and is home to beautiful green forests, lovely waterfalls, and softly undulating hills blanketed in wildflowers. It’s a popular hiking destination, with hundreds of miles of routes ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.
14. Stowe, Vermont
Looking for a Mid-Atlantic nature getaway? Shenandoah National Park, just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., is a must-see. It’s located along the Appalachian Trail, a stretch of terrain brimming with breathtaking mountain views and lush forest.
Shenandoah National Park has 200,000 acres and is home to beautiful green forests, lovely waterfalls, and softly undulating hills blanketed in wildflowers. It’s a popular hiking destination, with hundreds of miles of routes ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.
15. Orlando, Florida
Theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are all located in Orlando. Each park has its own set of attractions that will undoubtedly bring out your inner child.
Cape Canaveral, home of the Kennedy Space Center, is not far from Orlando and its tourist parks and resorts. This is where SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, as well as many other NASA rockets and spacecraft, recently launched. Is this one of the top things to do on the East Coast? Absolutely!
