If you are looking for the best east coast vacation spots, look no further! We asked seasoned travel bloggers from the USA about their favorite east coast travel destinations and the result is this definitive list of the best places to visit on the east coast of the USA. Read on!
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Most Beautiful Places on the East Coast USA
East Coast USA typically refers to the states along the Eastern coastal line of the US sharing their coastline with the Atlantic Ocean along with a few others. From the picturesque state of Maine through the vibrant New York, historic Pennsylvania, beaches of New Jersey, quaint North Carolina all the way through the sunshine state of Florida, there is immense beauty to indulge in.
New York City, New York
Editor’s Pick
When you think about the East Coast of the USA, New York City is the first destination that comes up in your mind. Isn’t it? The city that never sleeps overwhelms its first-time visitors but eventually make them fall for it. Hopelessly.
From Brooklyn Bridge to Statue of Liberty to One World Observatory to 9/11 Memorial to Empire State Building to Times Square to Broadway to SoHo to Wall Street to Central Park to Top of the Rock to High Line to intriguing museums of New York City – everything is iconic.
Of course, as a first-time visitor, you got to tick off NYC’s iconic attractions and if you happen to visit again (which you’ll for sure), you got to check the unusual sights and secret spots in NYC.
With so much to see and do, you can’t ever have a dull moment in New York City, whether it’s your first visit or nth visit.
Mandarin Oriental and TRYP by Wyndham Times Square South are some of the best family-friendly hotels in New York City.
Read Next: 2-Day Itinerary New York City
The Hamptons
Recommended by Vanessa Gordon of East End Taste Magazine
The Hamptons, synonymous with being the summer playground of the rich and famous, is located 90 miles away from New York City. The Hamptons comprises of several towns and hamlets that stretch across the South Fork of eastern Long Island: Southampton to East Hampton.
Notable destinations within the Hamptons worth visiting include the Big Duck just outside in Flanders, the charming windmills found across the region, the picturesque vineyards, Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge, seeing a film at the newly revamped Sag Harbor Cinema, and of course the beaches like Coopers Beach in Southampton and Main Beach in East Hampton. Both beaches have been voted as some of the most beautiful in the world. A favorite beach for families is Havens Beach, within walking distance to the village of Sag Harbor.
Some visitors and locals alike also consider the town of Montauk to be a part of the Hamptons, although that is debatable depending upon who you ask. Montauk is home to the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, a popular destination for photographers all year round.
The Hamptons is a great spot to visit year-round for adults and families alike. The most ideal times to visit are May-June to avoid the summer crowds, October for harvest season, and during the holidays in December when the towns are adorned with lights and festive decor. A favorite hotel for couples is The Baker House 1650. For families, Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor and Southampton Inn are the most family-friendly and are within walking distance to the nearby villages. Southampton Inn and another hotel, Mill House Inn are dog-friendly.
For dining, there are so many great selections. Favorites among the locals include the American Hotel in Sag Harbor, Bostwick’s in East Hampton, Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, and Sip n’ Soda is a great choice for families in Southampton. One of the best coffee spots is Jack’s Coffee in Amagansett and Hampton Coffee Company along Montauk Highway in Water Mill.
Complete your trip by purchasing fun souvenirs and gifts at the Wharf Shop in Sag Harbor or at Breezin Up in East Hampton.
Washington DC
Recommended by Preethi of Local Passport Family
There are few cities better suited to families than the nation’s capital. Washington DC has it all – incredible museums, beautiful and clean outdoor spaces, free family-friendly programming, and terrific food. Plus, all the history and culture you could want. It’s education and vacation all in one!
While there, be sure to set aside time to explore several of the superb Smithsonian museums. Young kids will especially love the National Museum of Natural History, while older ones might connect with cultural references in the National Museum of American History.
The entire family will love seeing exhibits at the National Archives, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Gallery, and the National Museum of the American Indian. The Library of Congress and Capitol building are also inspiring both for their history and their unique art. You could even book a tour to Capitol and National buildings.
Aside from museums, be sure to check out some outdoor gems, such as the National Zoo and the elusive cherry blossoms in the spring. In the summertime, little ones will love playing at the wading pool at Yards Park. Don’t forget to visit a few of the Memorials; pedal boating on the Tidal Basin will give you a great view of a few!
While visiting Washington, there are a number of family-friendly hotels near the Dupont Circle area. Just across the Potomac River, the Key Bridge Marriott is right on a Metro line and convenient for a number of activities.
Miami, Florida
Stephanie from Bey of Travel
Miami is one of the fabulous cities located on the east coast of the USA. Known for its amazing beaches and gorgeous sunsets, Miami pulls tourists for a relaxing vacation with loved ones, hanging out together at the beach, resort, or indulging in water sports.
But Miami is more than its coastline.
Start exploring the beautiful Art Deco district to learn about the city’s history. The district is a protected heritage site and boasts of over 1000 buildings with unique decor and facades.
A walk down Ocean Drive is a must to spot celebrities and movie-like stardom. If a movie buff, the SoundScape Park at New World Center is an amazing spot to hang out in the city. You can watch an open-air movie here, and movies are screened weekly from 8:00 pm, regardless of weather conditions – highly recommend it!
The Wynwood Art District is another must-visit neighborhood in Miami. Filled with hip street art on every nook and corner, this neighborhood is like a real-life studio – perfect for fun Instagrammable photos!
When in Miami, the trip will be incomplete without time at the beach. Miami Beach is small, yet it is the most popular beach in the city. Other beaches include Crandon Beach and Bal Harbour.
If you have time on your hands, you must attend a game of basketball here, in Miami. Need a place to stay? A good accommodation option is at the Faena Hotel located near Miami Beach.
Read More: Miami Quotes to Inspire Your Trip to Florida
Florida Keys and Key West
The Florida Keys are a string of islands located at the southern tip of Florida. Known for their beaches and tropical weather, the Keys remain a popular destination among travelers especially during the winter months. There are many small islands/keys, but a few of them are famous like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Duck Key, Big Pine Key, and Key West.
The Keys are accessible by the mainland from US Highway 1 or the Overseas Highway. Driving on the route with bridges and water on both sides is a scenic drive especially during the evening with the sun setting on the horizon and painting the sky.
There are many adventure activities that can be indulged in like scuba diving or taking a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the colorful coral reef At the John Pennekamp State Park. You could even try parasailing or other water sports.
Key West, the last of the Keys is famous for its historic sites, beaches, mesmerizing sunset, and relaxed atmosphere. The Southmost Point Buoy is just 90 miles to Cuba and on a clear sunny day, can even see the Cuban land. There are many resorts & hotels in Key West that let you live in the lap of luxury.
Must-Read: Road Trip from Miami to Key West – Florida Keys Itinerary with Kids
Naples, Florida
Harmony from Momma To Go
Hands down my favorite place to visit on the East Coast is Southwest Florida – specifically Naples, Florida. This area is such a hidden gem, perfect for your family vacation. First of all, Naples is very far south, and warm enough for beach and pool activities at least 10 months a year. Speaking of beaches, the gulf coast of Florida has the best beaches with warm, calm water that will rival anything you will find in the Caribbean. When you finish at the beach, there is still so much to do!
A beautiful botanical garden, an interesting zoo, a local water park called Sun n Fun Lagoon, shopping (outlets and high-end boutiques), or if you like golf (both regular and mini) you will find all these activities here! If your family likes to eat, Naples has so many waterfront places to dine and an overall incredible food scene. Don’t forget to plan one night to take a picnic to the beach to see the most beautiful overwater sunset!
Where to say in Naples Florida? For a splurge, check out the Edgewater all suites hotel, if you are on a budget, you will love the Holiday Inn Express and Suites. I’ve stayed at both and highly recommend each one!
Related Read: Best Beaches in Florida for Families
Disney World, Orlando
Recommended by Adriane of Put on Your Party Pants
Disney World is unarguably the most famous place to visit on the east coast. It consists of two water parks, four theme parks, tons of dining options, and Disney Springs, a center with more dining and shopping.
Disney World has over two dozen resorts from which to choose. Our favorite is Animal Kingdom Lodge, an African themed resort with live animals, including giraffes and zebras.
We enjoy everything Disney World has to offer, but the majority of the highlights are found at the theme parks, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom features a Pandora themed section, live animals, rides, and themes inspired by Africa and Asia.
Epcot has a World Showcase with sections devoted to eleven different countries, interactive exhibits, and a massive aquarium. Rides include Test Track, a ride that ends with a race around a track at sixty-five miles per hour, and Soarin’ Around the World, a ride that simulates flying over landmarks throughout the world.
Hollywood Studios has lands featuring Toy Story and Star Wars with new rides to match.
Magic Kingdom has a lot of family friendly rides with no height requirement. There are also a few larger rides, like Space Mountain, an indoor, space themed roller coaster, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a roller coaster with animatronics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Recommended by Carrie of Trains, Planes, and Tuk Tuks
Colorful sunrises over some of the highest peaks in the eastern U.S. Moody mountain mornings walking through pine forests blanketed in fog. Bears, wild hogs, endangered salamanders, and the most biodiversty of any U.S. national park. These are just a few of the things that make the Great Smoky Mountains so special.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the NC/TN state border. The mountains’ ridge spans from impossibly blue Fontana Lake in the south to the craggy peak of Clingman’s Dome in the center, to the old-growth forests in the north, with gushing rivers and waterfalls cascading down each side.
The #1 activity to do in the Smokies is hiking! Family-friendly hikes include Midnight Hole and the Deep Creek waterfall loop in NC and Laurel Falls in TN. If you’re not feeling so active, drive up to Newfound Gap or Clingman’s Dome for sunrise or sunset. Older kids love the Mount Cammerer hike and climbing on the ledges at Charlie’s Bunion.
Camping is the best way to experience the Smokies — you may even end up with some wildlife visitors at your campsite! (Keep your food in your car to deter bears.) The Deep Creek campsite is the park’s best, with access to a river and several swimming holes.
Related Read: Best National Parks in the USA
Outer Banks, NC
Outer Banks is an archipelago of islands on the Atlantic Coast spread over 200 miles. Known for its sandy beaches it is a perfect destination to relax and unwind.
OBX, as called colloquially, is the place where history was created by Wright Brothers. They dreamt and made their dreams come true by building an aircraft and taking the first flight at Kitty Hawk. Visit the Wright Brothers Memorial to witness the historical site.
Near the memorial is Jockey Ridge State Park that has big sand dunes and a place to fly kites. You will see kites of different sizes and colors covering the sky. The 200 miles coastline boasts of some beautiful and historic lighthouses – Currituck beach Lighthouse, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Ocracoke Lighthouse.
Adventure seekers need not fret. Get your doze of thrill by driving a AWD on the beaches of Corolla or Cape Hatteras. Corolla beaches are also known for the beautiful wild horses and are worth chasing. There are even Wild Horses tours that traverse around the sandy beach to lookout for these horses.
Visit to Outer Banks is incomplete without watching the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset. It truly casts a spell on you watching the magic unravel. This is one destination that will make you fall in love with it.
You Might Like: Best Things to do in Outer Banks, NC
Charleston, SC
Recommended by Ellie from Ellie’s Travel Tips
The charming east coast town of Charleston, South Carolina, filled with breathtaking beaches, green parks, and numerous cultural sites, is perfect for any family vacation. The weather here is nice yea-round, incredibly welcoming to visiting families.
Patriots Point, home to historic naval ships and a large aircraft carrier, is a great first stop with the kids. Here, they can climb into fighter jets, experience what life was like in wartimes, and enjoy a flight simulator. To explore the great outdoors of Charleston, head out to the Isle of Palms with a 20-minute drive from the city center. With clean restrooms, restaurants, and tasty ice cream, the Isle of Palms offers one of the area’s loveliest beaches, perfect for an easy day trip. Angel Oak Tree Park is home to the state’s oldest tree surrounded by a massive garden, plantation, fun nature trails, and a large green space ideal for a family picnic.
Grab a bite to eat at Jestine’s Kitchen, a great spot to enjoy some of Charleston’s southern and Lowcountry meals. This kid-friendly restaurant is famous for its delicious old-school Southern menu catering to even the pickiest eaters. A fabulous place for families to stay in Charleston is the Planters Inn. It is hard to top this welcoming historic hotel offering its guests afternoon snacks, iced tea, and a teddy bear delivered to each stateroom during the nightly turndown service.
Shenandoah National Park
Recommended by Erin from Go Hike Virginia
There’s nothing better than motoring along Shenandoah National Park’s famed Skyline Drive, making stops at scenic viewpoints, like Signal Knob Overlook (milepost 5.5) and Two Mile Run Overlook (milepost 76.0) for sweeping views across the majestic Shenandoah Valley.
More than 500 miles of hiking trails criss-cross the park, including 101 miles of the iconic Appalachian Trail. Families are warmly welcomed with photo-worthy scenery aplenty, from cascading waterfalls to jaw-dropping summit vistas.
The short and sweet kid-friendly hike to Little Stony Man Cliffs wows with spectacular views of Massanutten Mountain. Meanwhile, the delightful waterfall hike to 67-foot-tall Rose River Falls cools with a refreshingly dreamy swimming hole. There’s more than hiking at Shenandoah National Park, too.
Book a one-hour or 2.5-hour guided horseback trail ride at Skyland Stables to see the Shenandoah Valley from a new perspective. As in, from atop a horse as you trot along leafy trails and across an old apple orchard. Hand-guided pony rides are available for small children.
Stay the weekend in a well-appointed guest room or rustic-chic cabin at Skyland Resort, which sits at the highest point on Skyline Drive. The colorful sunset views from the lodge patio are among the best in the park.
At the on-site restaurant, Pollock Dining Room, enjoy regional specialties, like sweet potato poutine and pan-seared trout. For dessert, a slice of mile-high blackberry ice cream pie to share as a family is a must while gazing out an elegant wall of windows.
Read More: Best National Parks in the World for Families
Williamsburg, Virginia
Recommended by Lyndsay of The Purposely Lost
Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the best places to visit on the East Coast of the United States. Just a half-hour drive away from the coast and Virginia Beach, the city is filled with historic sites and fun family activities.
Colonial Williamsburg, recognized as the largest living history museum in the United States, is the city’s centerpiece. Revel in the colonial city’s history and culture, as authentic reenactors spend their day in the 18th-Century town. As you explore the grounds, you will visit several of the structures that were established when Williamsburg was a major Colonial South city. And if you have any college-aged kids along, walk around the next-door campus of the second-oldest collegiate institution in the United States, the College of William & Mary. If you want to be fully immersed in the history, there are several hotels in and around Colonial Williamsburg.
Aside from its significant colonial past, there are several other experiences you need to add to your family’s Williamsburg itinerary. There are three major amusement parks in the area – Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Water Country USA, and the Great Wolf Lodge. Have an adventurous day out with your kids by checking out at least one, if not two, of these parks on the same day. Water Country is especially great to add to your trip to Busch Gardens in the summertime, and the town is less than an hour away from Virginia Beach, which promises a boardwalk, an aquarium, and a stunning coastline for your family to enjoy.
Virginia Beach
Recommended by Davindra of Goat Roti Chronicles
If you’re looking for a city where you can experience amazing food, outdoor adventures, history, street art, and lots of watersports then Virginia Beach is worth considering for a family vacation. This beachside city is perfect if you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. Summertime is very busy, but it’s a great year-round destination for families with kids of all ages.
For families with younger kids, the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center is the perfect way to spend an entire day. The aquarium boasts of having over 800,000 gallons and is one of the best in the country.
Older kids would enjoy more adventurous activities such as indoor skydiving, exploring thousands of acres of state parks, or climbing the stairs inside the Cape Henry Lighthouse for some spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re lucky you can see pods of dolphins playing just off the coast or an aircraft carrier heading out to sea.
There are lots of hotels in Virginia Beach but the best ones can be found along the 3 miles long Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oceanfront is located right on the beach and every room has an ocean view. It’s also right between two of the most famous landmarks on the boardwalk, the massive 34ft high King Neptune statue and the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.
Portland, Maine
Recommended by Christine Johnson of My Traveling Kids
Portland, Maine, is one of the most picturesque coastal cities in Maine. It is home to several stunning lighthouses, including Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the east coast. In the past few years, Portland has turned into a foodie’s paradise, with many upscale restaurants popping up each year.
There are also many bars where you can grab a cocktail. If you’re looking to do some shopping, head to the Old Port to stroll on the old cobblestone streets and poke into the boutiques.
If you want to try a unique Maine treat, head to The Holy Donut to taste their delicious donuts made from potatoes. While you’re in Portland, make sure to have an iconic lobster roll, preferably eaten outside on a waterfront. My favorite place to stay while in Portland is the Press Hotel.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Editor’s Pick
Maine, a beautiful state, is truly a photographer’s dream and a complete gem in the state is the Acadia National Park. The park is one of the most visited National parks on the East coast. Why not? Who would want to miss a diverse landscape with rocky coastline, abundant greenery, iconic lighthouses, incredible hikes, and magical sunrise and sunsets, what more can you ask for. A trip across this 47,000-acre wide area by the Atlantic Coast will leave you mesmerized.
The best way to explore the beauty is to drive the 27-mile Park Loop Road beginning near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. The road traverses through diverse terrain and multiple scenic spots like Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, Jordon Pond, and many more along the loop with parking spaces to pull off. Most of the Park Loop Road is one-way traffic with detours to places like Cadillac Mountain and Jordon Pond.
Don’t forget to eat at the Jordon House Restaurant with mesmerizing views of the pond and mountains. And if you are up for magic, then head up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain at dawn and watch the sun rising above the horizon and the sky getting painted.
There are campgrounds to stay inside the park, but they get booked very fast. If you are looking for hotels then the best place to stay is Bar Harbor. Check out the best Bar Harbor hotels for families.
Related Read: Things to do in Acadia National Park, Maine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia or colloquially Philly is the ‘City of Brotherly Love’. Founded in 1682, this city has rich history and culture. This is the place where America’s fight for independence began and the constitution was written.
Philadelphia will keep you entertained and intrigued. There is so much for everyone be it history lovers or nature lovers or food lovers and of course the kids. Most of the attractions are best explored on foot or by taking a historic tour.
The iconic Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center is a must-visit to shed light on the Independence struggle of America. Another place is the Betsy Ross House where the first American national flag was designed and sewed.
Philly has some beautiful buildings and one of them is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is a must-visit for art lovers. Stroll by the museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through Logan Square to the Love Park where the iconic Red LOVE sculpture stands.
Philly is a foodie’s paradise famous for Philly’s Cheesesteak, Hoagies, and yummy soft pretzels. Visit the Reading Terminal Market for indulging in local delights and Amish specialties.
There are many options to stay in Philadelphia from luxury to budget that are suitable for families. Check out these 7 best hotels in Philadelphia for a comfortable stay.
Read More: Best Things to do in Philadelphia with Kids
Savannah, Georgia
Recommended by April Berry of Minivan Adventures
Located just 20 miles from the Atlantic shore, Savannah is a favorite family-friendly east coast destination. This famous Georgia city offers something for everyone in your family. Adults will love the beauty, architecture, and history. Kids will love the energy, pirate lore, parks, and kid-friendly museums.
Take the trolley tour! It will allow your family to easily hop off or hop on at various points of interest around Savannah while learning fascinating historical tidbits about this nearly 300-year-old city. A couple of the more famous family-friendly stops includes River Street (for dining, shopping, and river views) and Forsyth Park. Additionally, there are several kid-friendly museums around town like the Georgia Railroad Museum, Jepson Center for the Arts’ ArtZeum, and the Savannah Children’s Museum. Other nearby fun stops include Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Island Marine Center.
And, you definitely won’t want to miss out on dining at The Pirates’ House. The Old Pirates House was built in 1754 and served as an inn for weary travelers, particularly maritime travelers (a.k.a. pirates). It is also believed to be the inspiration behind the classic adventure novel, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. It offers great food, a child-friendly menu, interesting history and some fun ghost stories. Don’t forget to ask for a tour so you can see the building’s hidden tunnels that were once used to shanghai unsuspecting sailors.
There is so much fun stuff for families to see and do in Savannah!
Boston, Massachusetts
Recommended by Astrid of the Wandering Daughter
Families who love learning about history will absolutely enjoy a visit to Boston, Massachusetts. Within the annals of American history, the city of Boston plays a prominent role. The city was the setting of one of America’s most famous rebellious acts, The Boston Tea Party. It was also the starting place of the American Revolutionary War. For kids, Boston is a great place to learn about American history in an interactive way.
One of the most popular things to do in Boston is walking the Freedom Trail with kids. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trail around Boston that links up many of the city’s historical landmarks. Families can visit historic homes like Paul Revere’s House, or walk through Faneuil Hall Marketplace, which first opened in 1743. For families who prefer more modern sites, they can visit the Franklin Park Zoo, a 72-acre zoo that is home to almost 100 types of animals! The Boston Museum of Science is also a hit among families.
The best time to visit Boston is between the months of August and October. Although the summers can get pretty sweltering, the fall weather is fairly mild, which makes walking around the city rather enjoyable. Families will enjoy staying at the Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall, which is close to many of Boston’s historical sites.
