The household highway journey has made a comeback and with it, households are searching for much more highway journey concepts. Whereas many have made the trek from the northeast right down to Florida through the years, now households wish to take time to cease and discover alongside the best way. With a lot to see, we’ve got divided this a part of the nation up into 20 completely different East Coast highway journeys, every of which could possibly be executed in a one-week trip.
Every of those mini East Coast highway journey itineraries gives you concepts for brand spanking new methods to discover sections of the East Coast of the united statesA. Verify off separately or string a number of collectively for an extended trip.
20 East Coast Highway Journeys
Every of those East Coast highway journey concepts covers a special part of the Japanese states and will take roughly 7 to 10 days to finish as outlined. My purpose is to solely require one week of trip time from work since that’s the typical household trip. Whereas these aren’t detailed itineraries, they need to be sufficient to get you began in your planning and I’ve linked to some extra detailed highway journey itineraries and included maps to present you an summary of the route.
Time to seize your highway journey necessities and hit the highway! Ensure you take a look at my suggestions and keep away from these rookie highway journey errors. You may additionally wish to obtain a number of audiobooks for the highway and print out these highway journey bingo playing cards. When you don’t discover what you might be searching for, you can even take a New York to Florida highway journey.
Be aware: This submit could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. When you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
1. New England Coast: Boston to Bar Harbor, ME
The drive from Boston, Massachusetts as much as Bar Harbor, Maine may be executed in about 4 hours on the freeway, however it’s higher to take the scenic route and discover Vacationland’s scenic coast alongside the best way. Among the finest East Coast highway journeys, this one is stuffed with lobster rolls, blueberry soda, whoopie pies, lighthouses, rocky coasts, quaint small cities, and Acadia Nationwide Park.
Portland: spend 2 nights in Portland exploring the Previous Port, possibly taking a lobster boat tour, climbing on the rocks by Portland Head Gentle in Cape Elizabeth, visiting the “Desert of Maine,” or spending a day purchasing on the L.L. Bean outlet up in Freeport. You can additionally go to some native breweries or take a day journey to Maine Wildlife Park in Grey to see some moose.
The place to remain: The Press Lodge, Inn by the Sea, or the Courtyard Marriott Waterfront
Boothbay Harbor: spend 1-2 nights in Boothbay Harbor. In your approach, cease and benefit from the coastal cities, Big’s Stairs in Harpswell, spend a day absorbing the solar on Popham Seaside, a uncommon sandy stretch of sand, and remember to line up for lobster rolls at Crimson Eats.
The subsequent day, get out on the water with certainly one of Boothbay Harbor’s many sightseeing cruises to see puffins or whales, or lease a sea kayak to discover Muscongus Bay. Depart time to browse on the many boutiques on the town.
The place to remain: Tugboat Inn, Fisherman’s Wharf Inn
Rockland: spend 1 evening having fun with the inventive city of Rockland. Pop into the Heart for Maine Up to date Artwork or the Farnsworth Artwork Museum. If the outside holds extra attraction, hop aboard a conventional Maine Windjammer for a brief sail, stroll alongside the Rockland Breakwater, or discover the paths at Camden Hills State Park. This arts metropolis of Maine is such a pleasant shock!
The place to remain: 250 Major Lodge
Bar Harbor: end up your highway journey on the scenic city of Bar Harbor, simply outdoors of Acadia Nationwide Park. It would be best to spend 2 to three nights exploring the park. Attempt to catch a dawn or sundown from the highest of Cadillac Mountain, drive the Park Loop Highway, loosen up on Sand Seaside, cease to see the pure phenomenon at Thunder Gap, take within the view from Otter Cliffs, bike the Carriage Roads, and take a look at among the well-liked hikes. Don’t neglect to get pleasure from an genuine lobster pound earlier than you are taking the quick route again to Portland. (See extra issues to do close to Acadia Nationwide Park.)
The place to remain: Bar Harbor Grand Lodge, Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor, or go glamping on the Terramor Out of doors Resort
Want extra concepts? Take a look at my full coastal Maine highway journey itinerary!
2. White & Inexperienced Mountains: Boston, MA to Burlington, VT
The drive from Boston to Burlington takes solely about 4 hours, however use this New England highway journey to spend time having fun with the gorgeous surroundings of the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Inexperienced Mountains of Vermont alongside the best way, particularly throughout fall foliage season.
Boston: in case you haven’t been to Boston, plan on spending 2 nights having fun with this historic metropolis. Don’t miss the Boston Tea Social gathering Ships and Museum, stroll the Freedom Path, get pleasure from a swan boat tour in Boston’s Public Backyard, and style your approach by Boston’s Little Italy within the North Finish.
The place to remain: Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston Harbor Lodge
Lincoln, NH: Lincoln could make a pleasant house base for 1-2 nights of exploring the White Mountains. Hike by the Flume Gorge, zip line, or hike at Loon Mountain, trip the Mount Washington Cog Railway, or drive the Mount Washington Auto Highway. There are additionally loads of hikes to strive, mountaineering, a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Freeway, and splashing within the waterfalls at Diana’s Baths.
The place to remain: Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain
Stowe, VT: spend a few nights having fun with the Inexperienced Mountains from a house base in Stowe. In your drive from New Hampshire, chances are you’ll wish to cease on the Cabot cheese manufacturing unit, Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility, and the Chilly Hole Cider Mill. In Stowe, you possibly can get pleasure from mountain climbing, mountain biking, and different resort actions.
The place to remain: TopNotch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort
Burlington, VT: End your highway journey with an evening within the hip waterfront metropolis of Burlington. There are such a lot of issues to do in Burlington, VT and you may take a look at close by Shelburne Farm, and the ECHO museum. Or in case you choose lake life, end with a number of days on Lake Champlain on the Basin Harbor Lodge. In your drive again to Boston, remember to cease and stroll by the charming downtown of Woodstock. (See extra concepts for a Vermont highway journey too!)
The place to remain: Lodge Vermont, Courtyard Burlington Harbor
3. Southern New England COast: New York, NY to Provincetown, MA
You need to be capable to make the journey from New York to Provincetown on the tip of Cape Cod in 5 to six hours, however the visitors may be horrendous on summer season weekends so attempt to journey midweek for this east coast highway journey in case you can.
Mystic, CT: Break up the journey with an evening in Mystic. It would be best to go to the historic Mystic Seaport, stroll by downtown, and possibly cease in on the Mystic Aquarium. You can find loads of issues to do in Mystic with children.
The place to remain: Mystic KOA, Inn at Mystic
Newport, RI: spend an evening within the yachting capital of the world. You’ll be able to stroll the Cliff Stroll, fly a kite at Brenton Level State Park, go to among the Newport Mansions, store alongside Thames, and take a sail within the harbor.
The place to remain: Newport Marriott, The Vanderbilt
Windfall, RI: as a substitute of skipping over Rhode Island’s Artistic Capital, spend an evening to find this little gem. Take a Rhode Island meals tour, go to the RISD Museum, take a gondola or river boat trip, bike alongside the East Bay bike path, and, if you’re fortunate, absorb Windfall’s well-known Waterfire.
The place to remain: The Graduate Windfall
Falmouth, MA: keep the subsequent 2 nights on the elbow of Cape Cod in Falmouth. Take time to loosen up on the seaside after which hop the ferry over to Martha’s Winery for a day. You too can trip the Cape Cod bike path or go to the Woods Gap Science Aquarium.
The place to remain: Sea Crest Seaside Lodge
Provincetown, MA: end your highway journey with a few nights within the distinctive and vibrant city of Provincetown. You’ll be able to store, dine, take a tour of the sand dunes, go on a whale-watching tour, climb the lighthouse, or go to the Pirate Museum. One of the best half is looking the tide swimming pools at low tide and watching the sundown.
The place to remain: Surfside Lodge & Suites
Want extra detailed options? Take a look at my New York to Boston highway journey itinerary.
4. New York to Niagara Falls, NY
The drive from New York Metropolis to Niagara Falls can take 6 to 7 hours, however flip it right into a highway journey with a number of days within the Finger Lakes area on the best way and loads of stops alongside the Western New York Upstate Eats Path.
Watkins Glen: spend 2 nights in Watkins Glen, on the southern level of Seneca Lake. For followers of The Workplace, chances are you’ll wish to cease in Scranton, PA in your approach for a self-driving tour of filming spots. Take pleasure in time on the lake, hike to the waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, or take a glider trip in Elmira, the Hovering Capital of the World.
The place to remain: Watkins Glen Harbor Lodge
Hammondsport: transfer over to Keuka Lake and spend a few nights in Hammondsport. You’ll be able to get pleasure from water sports activities, wine tasting, and a day on the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass.
The place to remain: Keuka Lakeside Inn
Niagara Falls: you’ll want to spend 2 to three nights in Niagara to discover all of the sights together with the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, Previous Fort Niagara, jet boat excursions, and mountain climbing trails in Niagara Falls State Park.
The place to remain: Sheraton Niagara Falls, Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Buffalo: in your return to New York, cease in for some meals, historical past, and enjoyable in Buffalo. This metropolis goes by a renaissance and loads of enjoyable actions alongside the waterfront (in summer season or winter). Ensure you strive a few of these must-eat meals in Buffalo too!
The place to remain: Buffalo Marriott LECOM Harborcenter
Cooperstown: in your return journey, remember to cease in Seneca Falls and go to the Ladies’s Rights Nationwide Historic Park and the Nationwide Ladies’s Corridor of Fame. Then spend an evening in Cooperstown and go to the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame.
The place to remain: Otesaga Resort, Inn at Cooperstown
5. PA Pitstops: Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, PA
Driving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh takes about 5 hours, however going straight by means you’ll miss out on some many historic, scenic, and family-fun spots alongside the best way.
Lancaster: begin your journey with an evening in Lancaster’s Pennsylvania Dutch Nation. It would be best to take a buggy trip, indulge at an Amish feast, or absorb among the historic websites. You too can take a tour of the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Expertise.
The place to remain: Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster
Hershey: subsequent cease is the sweetest place on earth, Hershey. You’ll be able to spend the day at Hersheypark, go to Hershey’s Chocolate World, or the Hershey Expertise. Historical past buffs will benefit from the Nationwide Civil Warfare Museum in Harrisburg, a very good introduction earlier than you head to Gettysburg.
The place to remain: Hershey Lodge
Gettysburg: subsequent up is the historic city of Gettysburg. I might extremely advocate a guided tour of the Battlefield, however there are a lot of different issues to do on the town as properly.
The place to remain: Hilton Backyard Inn Gettysburg, Gettysburg Lodge
Laurel Highlands: the Laurel Highlands is a scenic mountainous area east of Pittsburgh providing spectacular pure surroundings and out of doors recreation. It would be best to spend 2 days rafting down the Ohiopyle, climbing by Pennsylvania’s largest cave at Laurel Caverns, and having fun with mountain resort actions together with zip lining, mountaineering, summer season tubing, and extra.
The place to remain: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Pittsburgh: you possibly can match loads into 1 day in Pittsburgh, however spend 2 nights in case you can spare it. See the view from Mount Washington from the Duquesne Incline, go to the Heinz Historical past Heart, discover the Carnegie Science Heart, and don’t miss the Tribute to Youngsters statue of Fred Rogers close to the Allegheny River. There may be additionally the Carnegie Museum of Artwork, Carnegie Museum of Pure Historical past, and the Andy Warhol Museum. And if the Pirates are on the town, attempt to catch a baseball sport.
The place to remain: Kimpton Lodge Monaco Pittsburgh, Omni William Penn Lodge
6. COlonial Historical past: Philadelphia, PA to Williamsburg, VA
The drive from Philadelphia to Williamsburg takes about 5 hours however why not flip it right into a studying expertise with an American historical past highway journey?
Valley Forge, PA: you probably have already explored the historic websites of Philadelphia just like the Liberty Bell and Independence Corridor, chances are you’ll wish to enterprise out of town for a go to to the Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park.
Baltimore, MD: spend 2 nights in Baltimore’s Interior Harbor, the place you possibly can simply go to Fort McHenry, go to the Nationwide Aquarium, stroll by the cobblestone streets of Fells Level, and benefit from the different Interior Harbor sights.
The place to remain: Hilton Baltimore Interior Harbor, Pier 5 Lodge Baltimore
Washington D.C.: you’ll want to spend at the very least 2 to three days exploring the nation’s capital. There are such a lot of museums and monuments to discover, chances are you’ll wish to use our DC itinerary. Simply keep in mind if you wish to go to the White Home, you have to to make reservations prematurely.
The place to remain: Kimpton Lodge Palomar, The Fairfax at Embassy Row
Williamsburg, VA: end your highway journey in Colonial Williamsburg. You will have 2 to three days to benefit from the websites, together with a full day in Colonial Williamsburg, a go to to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown, and Busch Gardens or Water Nation USA.
The place to remain: Kingsmill Resort, Nice Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
7. Mid-atlantic Gems: Cape Might, NJ to Chincoteague, VA
If you wish to persist with the Mid-Atlantic coast, this highway journey will deliver you thru cute Victorian cities, stunning seashores, and nature preserves.
Cape Might, NJ: begin off your journey in Cape Might. This quaint city isn’t like the remainder of the Jersey Shore. Benefit from the gourmand eating places, charming boutiques, and gingerbread-style Victorian houses.
The place to remain: Congress Corridor
Lewes, DE: take the ferry throughout to Lewes, Delaware, one other Victorian city filled with historical past, cute cafes, and outlets. You should keep an evening so to take a sundown cruise previous the lighthouse and in case you get fortunate, you might even see some dolphins on the best way.
The place to remain: Inn at Canal Sq.
Bethany Seaside, DE: as you proceed right down to the seashores of Southern Delaware, you might also wish to cease and take a look at among the native breweries and wineries on this area. If you’re searching for a boardwalk, mixed with bike trails, and nice eating places, chances are you’ll choose Rehoboth Seaside. Dewey Seaside is stuffed with seaside motels and seaside bars, together with attractive state seashores. However if you’re searching for quiet for a number of days on the seaside, I might advocate Bethany Seaside.
The place to remain: Bethany Seaside Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott
Chincoteague, VA: in your option to Assateague Island Nationwide Seashore to see the wild ponies, cease within the cute small city of Berlin, MD or for a stroll on the Ocean Metropolis boardwalk. To rise up near the wild horses, I might advocate taking a ship tour with Captain Dan from Chincoteague. Afterward, get some marsh mud ice cream at Island Creamery.
The place to remain: Hampton Inn and Suites Chincoteague Waterfront
8. Japanese Shore: Baltimore, MD to Virginia Seaside, VA
Swing by Maryland and Virginia’s Japanese Shore in your approach right down to Virginia Seaside. You’ll be able to then take the freeway again to Baltimore, with a cease in Norfolk or Williamsburg in your return journey.
Annapolis, MD: begin off with an evening in Annapolis. Spend the day exploring a few of Annapolis’ historic websites, together with the State Home and the U.S. Naval Academy, in addition to the boutiques and galleries downtown. Don’t depart city with out having fun with some crab muffins!
The place to remain: Graduate Annapolis
St. Michaels, MD: spend an evening having fun with the Chesapeake aspect of the Japanese Shore. The charming city of St. Michaels presents up loads of retail remedy choices, but in addition cultural sights just like the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Close by you possibly can go tasting at native wineries and breweries, or get out on the water with a kayak or paddle board.
The place to remain: St. Michaels Harbour Inn
Chincoteague, VA: the youngsters will then get pleasure from an evening on the opposite aspect of the peninsula, discovering the wild ponies at Chincoteague or exploring the Assateague Nationwide Seashore. Make sure you cease for ice cream on the Island Creamery!
The place to remain: Hampton Inn and Suites Chincoteague Waterfront
Virginia Seaside, VA: there are such a lot of issues to do in Virginia Seaside that you’ll want to spend a number of days having fun with the extensive sand seashores and exploring. Additionally, take a look at my good friend Brianna’s information to the place to eat in Virginia Seaside. If you wish to take a day journey, pop over to Hampton to discover some early historical past or go to the Virginia Air and House Museum.
The place to remain: Hilton Backyard Inn Virginia Seaside Oceanfront
Williamsburg, VA: end your highway journey in Colonial Williamsburg. Plan on a full day in Colonial Williamsburg, and you probably have extra time, embrace a go to to Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown, Busch Gardens, or Water Nation USA.
The place to remain: Kingsmill Resort, Nice Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
9. Skyline Drive: Washington DC to Charlottesville, VA
This highway journey will deliver you thru Shenandoah Nationwide Park for a mixture of out of doors adventures and historic landmarks. We coated this floor throughout a part of a extra intensive Virginia highway journey a number of years again.
Woodstock, VA: spend 2 nights in Woodstock, exploring close by Shenandoah Caverns, climbing the Woodstock Tower, tubing on the Shenandoah River, having fun with summer season sports activities at Bryce Resort, and mountain climbing in Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
The place to remain: Hampton Inn & Suites Woodstock
Harrisonburg, VA: spend the day exploring Shenandoah Nationwide Park and driving the Skyline Drive earlier than arriving in Harrisonburg for the evening. This can be a nice highway journey for a university tour as a result of James Madison College can also be situated right here. Make sure you additionally cease at Kline’s Dairy Bar for its well-known custard-style ice cream.
The place to remain: Residence Inn Harrisonburg
Charlottesville, VA: plan on spending 2 nights in Charlottesville. Stroll and store downtown after which get pleasure from a conventional, Colonial-style luncheon on the historic Michie Tavern, adopted by a go to to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello property. Within the night, head as much as Carter Mountain Orchard to catch a sundown and a few stay music. In your second day, you possibly can both discover extra historical past at President James Monroe’s house, do some native wine tasting, tour the campus of the College of Virginia, or kayak alongside the James River.
The place to remain: Graduate Charlottesville
Richmond, VA: end up your highway journey with a few days in Richmond. Whereas it was as soon as the capital of the Accomplice South, in the present day the state capital is discovering a brand new id with loads of road artwork, craft beer, and enjoyable eating choices. Chances are you’ll wish to take a look at the Virginia Museum of Advantageous Arts, Lewis Ginter Botanical Backyard, or the Institute of Up to date Artwork earlier than heading again to DC.
The place to remain: Graduate Richmond
10. Carolina Coast: Washington DC to Wilmington, NC
If you’re prepared to flee town for the coast, it’s time for a highway journey right down to Wilmington, North Carolina and Wrightsville Seaside. The six-hour drive is lengthy however then there’s lots to do on the Carolina coast when you arrive and this highway journey offers you an opportunity to determine your favourite seaside.
Emerald Isle, NC: Emerald Isle is on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, or the “southern” Outer Banks. This space attracts guests who’ve returned for many years for the straightforward seaside pleasures of a household trip. Emerald Isle presents 12 miles of pristine shoreline and unimaginable views of the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Inlet. Spend a number of days having fun with watersports, fishing, or just sitting on the sand and having fun with the sound of the waves rolling in.
The place to remain: Inn at Pine Knoll Shores, Islander Lodge & Resort
Surf Metropolis, NC: keep a few days in Surf Metropolis, the middle of Topsail Island. The enjoyable and uncrowded seashores are what some name “the best way the seaside was once.” You too can get pleasure from kayaking, fishing, and boating on the Intercoastal.
Wrightsville Seaside, NC: upon getting arrived in Wrightsville Seaside arrange your own home base for the subsequent few days to discover. It would be best to spend a while within the historic downtown of Wilmington, take a meals tour in Kure Seaside, stroll the grounds of Airlie Gardens, take a hike in Carolina State Park, or get pleasure from some seaside time. Don’t miss a cease at Britt’s Donuts — the most effective on the east coast!
The place to remain: Blockade Runner Seaside Resort
11. Low Nation: Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA
You may make the drive from Raleigh to Savannah in about 5 hours, but it surely pays to take the coastal route and make some stops alongside the best way.
Myrtle Seaside, SC: how lengthy you spend in Myrtle Seaside is dependent upon the vibe of a seaside city that you just get pleasure from. When you get pleasure from a boardwalk, arcades, household sights, and loads of kitsch — then you’ll get pleasure from a basic household trip to Myrtle Seaside. However you can even get away from the crowds by kayaking by the salt marshes, strolling by Brookgreen Gardens, or paddle boarding.
The place to remain: Island Vista
Charleston, SC: for an entire change of tempo, spend an evening or two within the historic metropolis of Charleston. Begin off with a carriage tour by the downtown, go to among the historic houses and gardens, and uncover why Charleston is a foodie vacation spot.
The place to remain: The Mills Home Wyndham Grand
Beaufort, SC: spend a day exploring Beaufort, the upcoming-and-coming “subsequent” Charleston or Savannah. Discover its antebellum mansions and downtown historic district. You too can benefit from the low nation marshlands and waterways.
The place to remain: Anchorage 1770 Inn
Savannah, GA: end up this east coast highway journey in Savannah. Wander by town’s many squares lined with oaks dripping in Spanish moss in Savannah’s historic district. Take a look at the Prohibition Museum, after which get pleasure from Savannah’s vibrant eating and craft cocktail scene. Stroll down touristy river road, take a ghost tour, go to among the historic houses, or spend a day trip on the seaside at Tybee Island. See my good friend Rob’s (who has an Airbnb there) favourite issues to do in Savannah.
The place to remain: Perry Lane Lodge
12. Blue Ridge Mountains: Charlotte, NC to Gatlinburg, TN
If lakes and mountains are calling you, head in direction of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park — with a number of stops alongside the best way.
Lake Lure, NC: the backdrop to Soiled Dancing, Lake Lure is a favourite household trip vacation spot. You will have a few days to discover Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Chimney Rock State Park, and Chimney Rock Village which has loads of outlets and eating choices, together with a scenic riverwalk subsequent to the creek that children will get pleasure from taking part in in on a heat sunny day. Plus it’s a must to depart time to benefit from the lake, by boat or seaside.
The place to remain: Lake Lure Inn & Spa
Asheville, NC: situated on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville has many enjoyable issues to do with children. Take the Blue Ridge Freeway to Sliding Rock, Trying Glass Falls, and different mountain climbing trails. Swing from the treetops on the Journey Heart of Asheville, play some video games on the Asheville Pinball Museum, go to the Biltmore Property, probably the most well-liked issues to do in North Carolina, or pattern some native craft brews. If in case you have extra time to highway journey, remember to discover these Blue Ridge Parkway stops.
The place to remain: Aloft Asheville Downtown
Gatlinburg, NC: use Gatlinburg as your base for exploring elements of Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park (don’t miss Cades Cove Loop) and Pigeon Forge as properly. You’ll be able to go mountain climbing, bike by the park, spend a day at Dollywood, go zip lining, see the view from Clingmans Dome, go horseback using, or see a present.
The place to remain: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
13. Coastal Islands: Wilmington, NC to Jacksonville, FL
One other coastal highway journey, this one bypasses the cities in favor of luxurious seaside locations and brings you from Wilmington, NC all the best way right down to Jacksonville, Florida. A 6.5-hour drive by freeway, you possibly can spend per week or extra exploring the coast. This journey brings you to among the finest seashores within the USA.
Kiawah Island: begin off your highway journey in luxurious on the Kiawah Resort. This non-public residential island and resort is known for its acclaimed golf course, however households may get pleasure from 5-Star lodging and 10 miles of personal sandy shoreline.
The place to remain: The Sanctuary Lodge at Kiawah Island Resort
Hilton Head Island: spend a few days having fun with the seashores of Hilton Head Island. You too can golf, take a guided dolphin or kayak tour, or get pleasure from some low-country delicacies. You gained’t discover cheesy memento outlets or neon indicators. HHI has a quieter, extra relaxed lifestyle.
The place to remain: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Amelia Island: end this luxe highway journey at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Calm down and benefit from the resort, seek for shark tooth, star gaze from the seaside, buy groceries in downtown Fernandina Seaside, take a kayaking tour, or hop a ferry for a day journey to Cumberland Island to see the wild horses.
The place to remain: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
14. Civil Rights Path: Atlanta, GA to Memphis, TN
It’s a six-hour drive from Atlanta to Memphis, and I like to recommend turning it right into a Civil Rights highway journey.
Atlanta: beginning off in Atlanta, in case you haven’t already visited I might advocate spending a few days visiting among the essential Civil Rights websites together with the Heart for Civil and Human Rights and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nationwide Historic Website. One other enjoyable approach of exploring some historical past is thru a meals tour with Atlanta Meals Walks.
The place to remain: Loews Atlanta Lodge
Montgomery, AL: plan on spending a full day in Montgomery visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, and the Nationwide Memorial for Peace and Justice, which honors victims of lynchings. In your option to Birmingham, you may make a detour to Selma to stroll throughout the Edmund Pettus Bridge and go to different Civil Rights websites.
The place to remain: Renaissance Montgomery Lodge & Spa
Birmingham, AL: in case you cease in Selma, chances are you’ll wish to plan on spending 2 nights in Birmingham so that you don’t should rush. Make sure you go to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church. Take a while to get pleasure from Birmingham’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and meals scene too.
The place to remain: Westin Birmingham
Memphis, TN: it’s simple to spend at the very least 3 days in Memphis, extra if you wish to do a day journey to Graceland. You will have a half-day to soak up the sobering reveals on the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum on the Lorraine Motel (the place the place MLK Jr. was assassinated.) Additionally go to Slave Haven, Solar Studios and STAX Museum of American Soul Museum. Simply depart time to get pleasure from some nice BBQ and soul meals.
The place to remain: The Peabody Memphis
15. Golden Isles: Savannah, GA to St. Augustine, FL
This coastal highway journey from Savannah to St. Augustine, Florida stops at a lot of Georgia’s Islands alongside the best way.
Little St. Simons Island: spend a number of days on this non-public island nature protect with simply 32 different company and seven miles of pristine seaside to discover. Reap the benefits of twice-daily naturalist-led expeditions, kayak by the marshes to go chook watching, bike to the seaside, or observe among the property’s resident armadillos.
The place to remain: Little St. Simons Resort
Jekyll Island: plan on spending at the very least 2-3 days on Jekyll Island, one other of Georgia’s Golden Isles. It would be best to go to Driftwood Seaside, take a look at the Georgia Sea Turtle Heart, picnic at South Dunes Seaside Park, loosen up on one of many many Jekyll Island seashores and even get pleasure from a day on the waterpark.
The place to remain: Jekyll Island Membership Resort
St. Augustine, FL: end your highway journey with a go to to historic St. Augustine — the nation’s oldest constantly occupied metropolis. You’ll be able to keep on the seaside or on the town however remember to take a look at each. You’ll be able to go to the Fountain of Youth, stroll the ramparts at Castillo St. Marcos, take a trolley tour, take a meals tour to find among the city’s finest locations to eat, take a ghost tour, climb a lighthouse, or discover these different enjoyable issues to do with children.
The place to remain: Embassy Suites St. Augustine Seaside
16. Florida Coast: St. Augustine to Miami, FL
Driving the east coast of Florida from Jacksonville to Miami may be executed in 5 hours, however why miss all the nice seashores, historical past, and enjoyable sights on the best way?
Jacksonville / St. Augustine: you possibly can fly into Jacksonville or begin off in St. Augustine. Along with all of the historic city of St. Augustine has to supply (see above), Jacksonville presents lots for youths too with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Museum of Science and Historical past, Candy Pete’s Sweet Store, TopGolf, and extra.
The place to remain: The Lodge & Membership at Ponte Vedra Seaside
Cocoa Seaside, FL: spend 2 to three days having fun with the world close to Cocoa Seaside, together with a full day at Kennedy House Heart. You too can kayak previous the giraffes at close by Brevard Zoo in close by Melbourne or study to surf at Cocoa Seaside, the East Coast surf capital.
The place to remain: Hampton Inn Cocoa Seaside
Hollywood, FL: subsequent you possibly can keep a few nights in Hollywood, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Take pleasure in strolling alongside the Hollywood Seaside Boardwalk, ArtsPark at Younger Circle, the Artwork and Tradition Heart of Hollywood, and the Anne Kolb Nature Heart, with mangrove trails and an aquarium.
The place to remain: Margaritaville Hollywood Seaside Resort
Miami, FL: you probably have had sufficient seaside time, you possibly can give attention to Miami’s neighborhoods and cultural sights together with Wynwood Partitions, Little Haiti, Little Havana, and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Even plan a day journey to the Everglades for an alligator airboat tour! After all, you possibly can’t depart city with out at the very least trying out Miami Seaside.
The place to remain: Eden Roc Seaside Lodge or The Diplomat Seaside Resort
17. Florida Keys: Miami to Key West, FL
Driving from Miami to Key West is a basic American highway journey. The journey can take a very good 5 hours, however it’s essential to depart loads of time relying on visitors. It offers you the time to get into “island mode.”
Key Largo: it’s best to interrupt up the journey by staying a number of days within the higher keys, since each key has its personal persona. From right here you possibly can discover most of what Key Largo and Islamorada have to supply together with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling or different watersports at Robbie’s, or glass-bottom boat excursions of the Key Largo Nationwide Marine Sanctuary.
The place to remain: Baker’s Cay Resort
Duck Key: Hawk’s Cay at Duck Key is a good spot for households to cease and loosen up for a number of days, having fun with all of the actions on this family-friendly resort.
The place to remain: Hawks Cay Resort
Key West: in your option to Key West, you’ll want to cease on the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and Bahia Honda State Park. As soon as on the town, don’t miss out on the well-known Sundown Celebration. You may additionally wish to take a snorkel cruise or sundown catamaran. You’ll be able to discover Key West’s vibrant meals scene with a meals tour — plus discover out the place to get the most effective Key Lime pie. Don’t neglect to take an image on the Southernmost Level.
The place to remain: Margaritaville Key West
18: Southwest Florida: Miami to Tampa, FL
Cross Alligator Alley from Miami to Southwest Florida to discover the great thing about the Paradise Coast. Every city has its personal persona so you’ll want to do some seaside hopping in your approach up Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Marco Island: the extensive, white sand seashores of Marco Island will entice you to remain for a number of days. On the best way, you must cease at Everglades Nationwide Park and take one of many many airboat excursions out there. You may additionally get pleasure from a dolphin watch tour, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, parasailing, and even jet snowboarding. A nature stroll in Huge Cypress Nature Protect will introduce you to the world’s plant and wildlife.
The place to remain: JW Marriott Marco Island Seaside Resort
Captiva Island: shelling followers will discover their paradise on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. With a lot of the islands stored as a nature protect, you might be certain to identify dolphins, manatees, and plentiful birdlife.
The place to remain: Seven Seas Island Resort
Clearwater Seaside: simply west of Tampa, the sugar-soft white sand of Clearwater has lengthy been acknowledged as among the best seashores within the U.S. Along with seaside time and water sports activities, households get pleasure from visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You too can discover the cultural sights and household sights of Tampa, together with Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, the Museum of Science and Trade, and extra.
The place to remain: Hyatt Regency Clearwater
19. Central Florida: Daytona to Clearwater, FL
The shortest highway journey could also be throughout Florida from Daytona Seaside to Clearwater. But there’s a lot to do in Orlando and Central Florida you could simply spend per week or extra getting the most effective of all worlds from the seaside to the theme park.
Orlando: earlier than leaving Daytona Seaside, be sure you spend a day on the Kennedy House Heart, particularly if you’re fortunate sufficient to be round to launch day. After all in Orlando you possibly can spend weeks in Disney, Common, Legoland, and SeaWorld, plus all of the theme parks like Volcano Bay and H2O Dwell. However there are such a lot of off-the-beaten-path Orlando sights too from kayaking by the wetlands to visiting close by pure springs.
The place to remain: Margaritaville Orlando
Clearwater Seaside: earlier than arriving in Clearwater Seaside, chances are you’ll wish to hit up among the sights in Tampa, like Busch Gardens or ZooTampa. Then take time to loosen up on the sugar-soft white sand seashores of Clearwater. Take a pirate cruise, get pleasure from films within the park, and go to Winter the Dolphin (well-known from the film A Dolphin’s Story) and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The place to remain: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seaside
20. Panhandle: Orlando, FL to Orange Seaside, AL
If you find yourself prepared to flee Central Florida for the attractive seashores of the Panhandle, head north on this Florida highway journey.
Tallahassee: the drive from Orlando to Tallahassee takes about 4 hours, however there are many pure springs, like Crystal River or Rainbow Springs, to cease at alongside the best way. Or, flip it into a university journey and go to the College of Florida in Gainesville. In Tallahassee, you can find timber lined with timber dripping in moss as a substitute of the palm timber of South Florida. Youngsters may even benefit from the Tallahassee Museum, Challenger Studying Heart, Mission San Luis, and the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab.
The place to remain: aLoft Tallahassee Downtown
Destin: prepare for a number of days of seaside life in Destin on the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast. There are a ton of issues to do with children together with the Gulfarium Marine Journey Park, Indian Mound Museum, Huge Kahuna’s water park, banana boat rides, parasailing, and extra.
The place to remain: Hilton Sandestin Seaside Golf Resort
Orange Seaside, AL: certainly one of our favourite seashores, you possibly can evaluate the Florida versus Alabama Gulf coast expertise. Along with enjoyable on the sugar-soft sands of Gulf Shores or Orange Seaside, there’s a lot else to do from biking in Gulf State Park, zip lining at The Wharf, sundown cruises with Sail Wildhearts, dolphin cruises, and naturally, chowing down on wonderful meals!
The place to remain: Turquoise Place
Want extra concepts?
I hope this East Coast highway journey planner was useful. When you nonetheless want extra inspiration, see extra East Coast trip concepts or issues to do in New England.
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