top cities to visit on the east coast

20 Best Places to Visit on the East Coast of the USA

Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 20, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Shandley McMurray lived in New York City and is currently based in Connecticut. She travels the East Coast in search of stellar beaches and pretty parks.

America's East Coast is a marvel. From Maine in the north to Florida in the south, its rugged natural beauty and bustling cities beg to be explored. Whether you're a fan of skiing , kayaking, eating, shopping, or visiting museums, you'll find a slew of fun things to do in the best places to visit on the East Coast.

This stunning coastal region is home to some of America's most incredible attractions . We're talking alligator-filled canals in the Florida Everglades , winding trails and lakes in Maine's Acadia National Park , and the bright lights and thousands of stores in New York City . No wonder so many tourists flock to America's Atlantic shores.

From watching a musical on Broadway to visiting the White House to climbing one of the Smoky Mountains or lounging on the soft, golden sand of Florida's best beaches , you won't ever get bored on America's East Coast, we promise!

For more sightseeing ideas, see our list of the best places to visit on the East Coast of the USA.

1. New York, New York

2. boston, massachusetts, 3. miami, florida, 4. acadia national park, maine, 5. washington, d.c., 6. baltimore, maryland, 7. shenandoah national park, virginia, 8. charleston, south carolina, 9. savannah, georgia, 10. philadelphia, pennsylvania, 11. charlotte, north carolina, 12. myrtle beach, south carolina, 13. the outer banks, north carolina, 14. orlando, florida, 15. great smoky mountains national park, tennessee and north carolina, 16. everglades national park, florida, 17. lake placid, ny, 18. niagara falls, new york, 19. martha's vineyard, massachusetts, 20. stowe, vermont, map of places to visit on the east coast of the usa.

Gourmet restaurants, famous tourist attractions, fabulous street art, and designer duds — New York has them all and so much more. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in the Big Apple, guaranteed. The only problem you'll face is running out of time to do everything.

You'll want to sightsee (hello Empire State Building , Statue of Liberty , and Brooklyn Bridge ), shop, see a show, and reward your palate with some of the world's tastiest food (we're salivating over Gramercy Tavern and Daniel ). When you're through with all of that, you'll need to make time for the long list of stellar museums . The Metropolitan Museum of Art , MOMA , Guggenheim , and American Museum of Natural History all top the list.

Short on cash? There's plenty to do that won't dent your pocketbook. A few of our fave free activities include watching the sunset from a rooftop patio, wandering the paths of Central Park , walking the High Line , window shopping in SOHO , and people-watching from a park bench in Union Square .

Our advice: plan your itinerary before leaving home. That way you won't waste precious seconds standing on a street corner deciding where to go next. Plus, if you buy your tickets online (i.e. to Broadway shows or major attractions) you'll find much better prices. With so many exciting things to do in New York, it's not surprising that it's been deemed one of the best places to visit on the East Coast.

Note: The best time to visit New York City is between April and June or September through November. This way, you'll avoid the sweltering temps and smell of rotting garbage that permeate the city in summer, and the crowds and high prices that permeate this season.

It's easy to fall in love with Boston in any season. The city's cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful harbor beckon visitors to grab their cameras and stay a while. In the heart of the town center, charming Quincy Market invites tourists to sample delicious foods and practice a bit of retail therapy.

One of the top things to do in this revolutionary city is walk the Freedom Trail . Winding its way around the center, this famous path passes 16 important historic sites (like the Old State House , Paul Revere House , Boston Common , and the site of the Boston Massacre ), all of which bring the past to life.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is where it's at. With buskers, street performers, food stalls, and eclectic shops, you could spend hours in this fun spot. When walking around, don't miss out on Beacon Hill , the city's most captivating neighborhood. And plan to spend time in Boston's most popular parks ; a picnic is highly recommended.

Whether you're a baseball fan or not, Fenway Park is worth a visit if only to see the Green Monster up close. This 37-foot green wall boasts a historic hand-operated scoreboard.

Tip: the Boston Ghosts & Gravestones Nighttime Trolley Tour is a fun and unforgettable thing to do at night.

One of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. , Miami is a place to see and be seen. Its streets are lined with funky and high-end shops, Art Deco buildings, and beautiful people. People flock to this coastal Floridian town for a variety of reasons.

Miami Beach is the top draw. Its soft, white sand beckons bathing-suit clad bodies to sprawl out for a day spent frolicking in and out of the warm turquoise water.

The boardwalk, situated behind South Beach , is a source of entertainment in and of itself. From rollerblading grandfathers wearing speedos to stiletto-clad fashionistas carrying dogs in their purses, anything goes.

Not a fan of buzzy beaches? Miami boasts a variety of quieter, yet beautiful beaches ideal for enjoying a fun day at the shore with the family.

Next up is the South Beach neighborhood's trendy Art Deco Historic District. This is a perfect place to spend time when you're sick of feeling sand between your toes. It's where you'll find a ton of shops, restaurants, and a happening nighttime scene.

With so many tourist attractions in Miami , there's no chance of getting bored. To make the most of your trip, though, it's important to time it right. April is one of the best months to visit, as the weather is ideal for exploring and the crowds have thinned (except over Easter).

It's easy to lose yourself in Acadia National Park, and not just in the physical sense. The beauty on offer in this natural wonderland is so spectacular, you'll forget you ever had a worry.

The only national park in New England and the first national park in the east of the US, Acadia boasts immense forests and a dramatic coastline. No wonder it's become one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the US--it is deemed one of the country's best national parks , after all.

With 158 miles of hiking trails and over 70 miles of roads (both motor and carriage) to explore, visitors should plan to spend a good deal of time here. Many choose to camp overnight.

Those who prefer to sleep in a comfy bed should stay in nearby Bar Harbor, an adorable town often used as a base for exploring the park.

Best known for its role as the nation's capital, Washington is packed with iconic monuments and memorials. The city's top four tourist attractions include, the White House , Capitol Building , Washington Monument , and the Lincoln Memorial . You haven't really been to Washington if you haven't seen these.

There are a ton of other visit-worthy attractions , especially for those in search of first-hand political history. The vast National Mall houses most of the city's grandest icons, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Women's Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

One of the city's biggest draws, though, has less to do with the political climate. Its renowned museums and galleries are some of the best in the world. Don't miss the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , the National Gallery of Art , or the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History .

Tourists would be amiss for skipping out on a few hours spent wandering through the city's pretty parks . Pack a picnic to make the visit more enjoyable. Want to make your trip even more memorable? Visit between late March and early April, which is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Washington, D.C.

Nicknamed "Charm City," Baltimore may well be one of the friendliest places in the U.S. A port town featuring a good mix of the historic (like Fort McHenry , which inspired the National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner ) and trendy (like boutique hotels and eclectic shops), Baltimore is worth a visit at any time of the year.

Top attractions worth visiting include Walters Art Museum , the National Aquarium, and the American Visionary Art Museum . You'll find most of the action in the Inner Harbor , which was updated in the late 70s. Today, the harbor bustles with visitors to its fun stores and impressive eateries. Most of the excitement, though, can be found outside. Street performers and musicians hosting open-air concerts are regulars at this hub.

Nature's calling, and it wants you to get outside — now! That would be an easy feat if you lived close to Virginia's top tourist attraction , the spectacular Shenandoah National Park. With beautiful wildflowers, giant rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and verdant forests, there's nothing to dislike in this natural paradise. Keep quiet and look closely; you might even spot a deer, black bear, or bobcat.

Before settling in for one of Shenandoah's beautiful hiking trails , visit one of the park's two visitor centers: Dickey Ridge or Harry F. Byrd . The park covers a whopping 200,000 acres, so you'll want a map to help guide you.

Not big on hiking? Don't worry, there are 400 miles worth of trails to choose from in varying forms of length and intensity. Beginners will favor Traces , which is less than two miles each way, while a more advanced hiker may opt for the more strenuous White Oak Canyon (over nine miles return).

As one of the most popular places to visit for a weekend getaway , it's best to book a hotel early to ensure you have a place to stay if you're visiting in the high season.

Charleston exudes old-world Southern charm that's so enjoyable you won't want to leave. Imagine spending a day with your kindest, most beautiful friend who happens to be an excellent cook. That's what it feels like to explore the quaint streets of this Southern belle. No wonder it's been dubbed one of the best places to visit on the East Coast of America.

Every local you meet seems to wear a smile that extends from ear to ear, and they speak in a Southern drawl that's utterly enticing. They'll direct you through the town's brick-laid streets to its most stellar attractions , like the harbor's Waterfront Park , Middleton Place , and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens .

Hop on a carriage ride through the Historic District . With over 1,400 ancient structures to ogle, Charleston transports each visitor back in time to its tumultuous heyday during the 18 th century. With a variety of top resorts to choose from, tourists will be ensured of a comfy place to rest at the end of a busy day.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in South Carolina

Walking through Savannah's tree-lined cobbled streets is akin to jumping out of a page in Gone with the Wind . Moss-laden oak trees usher you around the city's main attractions , offering a comforting piece of shade in the numerous public squares and parks.

Historic Bull Street , home to City Hall , also houses Chippewa Square , which you might recognize from the film Forrest Gump .

Don't miss Forsyth Park , a mid-19 th -century marvel featuring a huge cast-iron fountain. You'll also want to add the National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force and Telfair Academy to your "to-see" list.

While visiting a cemetery may not top your "things to do" list, Bonaventure Cemetery will change your mind. The stone monuments, obelisks, and lush blooms are so beautiful, you'll forget that some believe this place is haunted.

Like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia (a.k.a. Philly) is best known for its role in US history (in particular during colonial and revolutionary times). It was here that the Declaration of Independence was signed (at Independence Hall ). Eleven years later, the Constitution was created right here.

Today, you'll find a wide mix of modern skyscrapers and bright art murals juxtaposed with historic redbrick terrace buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. The Liberty Bell Pavilion houses the liberty bell, a long-held symbol of freedom and independence. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens , an incredible immersive mixed media experience, features walls (and floors) covered in mosaics.

Hop in a horse and buggy and ride through Independence National Historical Park , or shop for local produce, Amish bread, clothes, and jewelry at the Reading Terminal Market . There are plenty of fun things to do in Philadelphia .

• Top-Rated Beaches near Philadelphia
• Top-Rated Day Trips from Philadelphia

Uptown is where it's at when you're touring North Carolina's largest city and its variety of tourist attractions. This modern section of town plays host to Charlotte's best shopping and dining options. It's also where you'll find many of the city's museums.

Racing fans won't want to miss the NASCAR Hall of Fame . The younger, more energetic generation will love you forever if you take them to Carowinds , an amusement and water park that boasts animatronic dinosaurs.

Freedom Park is the place where locals come to unwind. In addition to offering a ton of sporting options (i.e. volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts), walking paths, and baseball diamonds, the park hosts concerts and houses a playground.

Myrtle Beach is the crowning glory of South Carolina, and one of its most popular places to visit . Its neon lights, constant musical entertainment, giant spinning Ferris wheel (a.k.a. SkyWheel ), and boardwalk games feel (and look) as if a fairy lit them up with a magic wand. Basically, Myrtle Beach is like New York's Coney Island or England's Brighton Beach on steroids.

The fantastical stretch of this top South Carolina beach is called the Grand Strand , and it proffers visitors 60 miles of sun-drenched sand on which to relax. When they become bored (which isn't likely due to the vast people-watching on offer), beachgoers can avail themselves of the multitude of kitsch — from mini-putt courses to souvenir shops to WonderWorks Myrtle Beach .

Ripley's Aquarium is worth a visit, as is the Priates Voyage , a dinner show you won't forget. The city is packed with so many fun things to do for couples and families, that it's hard to leave.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Myrtle Beach

It's easy to see why so many people make the Outer Banks their summer holiday destination. Offering over 100 miles of quietly gorgeous coastal scenery, charming villages, adorable rental cottages, and authentic restaurants, this locale is both invigorating and revitalizing.

A string of slivered barrier islands are connected to the mainland by bridges, making their beaches feel more dreamy and exclusive . Also known as OBX, the Outer Banks is a perfect place to unwind and leave the hustle and bustle of busy city life behind you.

Climb the tallest sand dune you'll ever see at Jockey's Ridge State Park , take a boat cruise, visit the area's lighthouses, and try to reel in a big one off the Nags Head Fishing Pier on Nags Head — it's one of the longest (and oldest) on the OBX.

Take the kids to Kitty Hawk on Bodie Island and sign yourselves up for a guided kayak tour. This tiny town is so adorable, you'll want to stay, which is easy to do with the great accommodations on offer. Soak up the history on Roanoke Island and explore the wild and wonderful Hatteras Island in the south.

Read More: Best Coastal Towns in North Carolina

Who doesn't want to go to Orlando ? Home to theme park giants Walt Disney World and Universal Studios , this US family vacation destination also houses SeaWorld Orlando , where visitors can pet a dolphin or hop on a manta ray-themed roller coaster.

Next to SeaWorld lies Discovery Cove , another top attraction where visitors can get up close and personal with marine life. Those with a penchant for biology will enjoy the Orlando Science Center , featuring the ever-popular interactive "Kids Town" exhibit for those under 48 inches tall. Or get face to snout with an alligator at Gatorland .

Still craving something to do? Head to Cape Canaveral , a short drive away, this is an ideal day trip destination . It's home to the Kennedy Space Center , where you can meet an astronaut or watch a space shuttle launch.

Those looking for a grand adventure will find it in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 500,000 acres to explore, this phenomenal wonder will leave visitors in awe of its natural beauty. Once there, it's easy to see why it's deemed one of the best places to visit on the East Coast of the USA, not to mention one of the top places to visit in Tennessee .

The park's jagged mountain peaks, mist-covered summits, cascading waterfalls, verdant forests, and blossoming wildflowers join to create a magical utopia. With so many things to see and do , the park is wonderful to discover in every season — summer's lush grassy meadows, fall's festive foliage, winter's snow-covered trees, and spring's bright blooming azaleas are breathtaking. The best time to visit the Smoky Mountains really depends on what you want to do.

Don't miss the picturesque Cades Cove , unsurpassable views from the top of Clingmans Dome , or the misty Rainbow Falls . Also, Mt. Leconte , the park's third-highest mountain, is worthy of a climb.

Were those eyes you spied peeking out above the murky waters of Everglades National Park? Probably.

The Everglades span 1.5 million acres across southern Florida and are home to a wide array of animals, including alligators, pythons, manatees, egrets, and the elusive panther. You'll never leave the Everglades without spotting some kind of fantastic creature, which is why is been deemed one of the best places to visit in Florida .

The area is a biological marvel boasting numerous different ecosystems, as well as a wide array of flora and fauna. From freshwater sloughs to pinelands and cypress trees to mangroves, the mostly swampy Everglades are vital to the area's survival.

The best way to explore the Everglades is via an airboat, which whips through narrow channels winding around the region. Kayaking through the mangrove canals is another popular method of transportation, just try not to fall in! The park is one of the best day trips from Miami .

There's little as serene as sitting lakeside, admiring the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York. Add a steaming mug of tea, and you'll never want to get up. See, getting outside really is good for you!

Most famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice (in 1932 and 1980), Lake Placid is an uber-popular place to visit during the winter months. Beautiful Mirror Lake , which perfectly reflects colorful fall foliage, freezes during the coldest spurts, turning into a natural ice rink popular with tourists.

Those who crave a winter adventure can try their hand (or feet in this case) at skiing, bobsledding, and even dogsledding. Summer visitors find plenty of things to do in Lake Placid as well, like hiking, waterskiing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

Read More: Best Lakes in New York

One of the most majestic Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls should be on everyone's bucket list. Standing beside the falls as its water thunders over the edge, spraying mist on everything in sight, is an extraordinary experience. It's easy to see why it's deemed one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet .

While in the area, visit more of Niagara Falls State Park than the three waterfalls you've come to see. With 400 acres of land to explore, there's plenty to keep you busy. For the best view, head to the Observation Tower .

One of Niagara Falls' most popular attractions is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise. Don a plastic blue poncho and prepare yourself for an up close and personal visit to the rushing falls on both sides of the border — the American Falls and Canada's spectacular Horseshoe Falls . There's really nothing like it.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada

There's a lot to love about Martha's Vineyard: sparkling water, bobbing sailboats, quaint cottages, and bikeable roadways. A relaxing island located five miles off the south coast of Cape Cod , this is the place big city folk come to unwind each summer.

A family-friendly locale, this charming spot is a favorite for the uber-rich and celebrities who want to indulge in a summer home. During the day, they spend their time playing on the soft sandy beaches, shopping at cute boutique stores, and dining in delectable restaurants. There are no chain eateries here, which is a refreshing sight.

If you're traveling with kids, don't miss Oak Bluffs , an adorable town sporting 19 th -century cottages and one of the oldest merry-go-rounds in the state. Grab a bite in Edgartown , and be sure to visit the Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge .

Martha's Vineyard is a top weekend getaway destination for travelers from Massachusetts , so be prepared for extra crowding on summer weekends. Book a hotel early to ensure a place to stay.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cape Cod & the Islands
• From Boston to Martha's Vineyard: Best Ways to Get There

If you think Stowe is gorgeous in the summer — all verdant valleys and lush mountains — just wait until you see it during fall. Its picturesque Vermont landscape is painted in a kaleidoscope of the brightest reds, oranges, and yellows so vibrant, you'll be left breathless.

This quintessential New England town is one of the most beautiful in Vermont , and it shines best in winter. That's when it becomes bombarded with skiers from nearby states like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. They come to enjoy the village, shops, restaurants, and of course, the epic slopes at the upscale mountain resort of Mount Mansfield .

An all-season town, Stowe offers outdoor enthusiasts a slew of activities to stay busy . Whether you're a fan of mountain biking, cross-country skiing , hiking, ziplining, shopping, or relaxing in the spa, you'll find a ton of things to do in Stowe.

Read More: Best Things to Do in Vermont in Winter

More on New York

13 Epic East Coast Cities for Weekend Getaways

With their long histories, excellent food, distinct cultures, and often whimsical (to put it nicely) layouts, the most beautiful East Coast cities easily rank among the best weekend getaway destinations in the USA!

From the beaches of Miami to the lighthouses of New England, there is no shortage of variety when looking for unique East Coast weekend getaways, and we adore them all.

While covering everywhere worth visiting on the US East Coast is a project for a lifetime (we’re constantly adding places to our wish list!), when it comes to cities on the East Coast to visit, there are some that consistently rank among the best.

For this guide, we’ve focused (with one exception), on East Coast cities with a population of over 100,000 people.

We love small American towns and beautiful beaches as much as the next road trippers, but we’ll save those for another post.

Planning an East Coast weekend getaway soon and looking for the perfect city break destination?

Here are the best East Coast USA cities to visit!

Table of Contents

New England Cities for Weekend Getaways

Mid-atlantic east coast cities to visit, southeast usa weekend getaway destinations.

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As the largest city in New England and the birthplace of the American Revolution, Boston is undoubtedly one of the absolute best places to visit on the East Coast.

With its coastal location, gorgeous architecture, a dizzying array of distinct neighborhoods, and world-class museums (not to mention universities), you’ll never run out of incredible things to do in Boston .

We’ve been obsessed with Boston since we spent a summer living there, and will forever count it among our favorite East Coast weekend destinations.

During your trip, be sure to walk the Freedom Trail, relax at the Boston Public Garden and the Common, and enjoy the views from the water on a whale-watching cruise .

When it comes to neighborhoods, make sure to visit the picturesque North End, fashionable Back Bay, and grand Beacon Hill–three Boston neighborhoods you absolutely can’t miss.

Where to Stay in Boston

• Found Hotel Boston Common: This boutique hotel in the Theatre District is perfect for exploring Boston. Rooms are bright and comfortable, and there is access to public transport a short walk from the hotel.
• Revere Hotel Boston Common: Also in the Theatre District and close to Boston Common is this stylish hotel with a stunning rooftop terrace and bar, perfect for afternoon drinks. Rooms are spacious and have a coffee machine for those of you who need coffee the moment you wake up.

No, not Portland, Oregon –the lighthouse-and-lobster loving Portland, Maine!

Known for its charming Portland Head Light, its warehouse-district-turned-trendy-neighborhood of Old Port, and many, many breweries, Portland is an absolute blast to visit.

While you’re there, be sure to take a quick ferry over to nearby Peaks Island for a day, tour the beautiful Victoria Mansion, and enjoy (at least) one afternoon on a sailboat.

Of course, no trip to Portland is complete without snapping photos at the Portland Head Light, but Bug Light deserves a quick look, too!

Portland is also less than an hour by car from famous Kennebunkport–so if you want to mix a famous small town into this weekend getaway on the East Coast, you absolutely can.

Where to Stay in Portland

• Portland Regency Hotel & Spa : This historic hotel offers a hot tub, steam room, full-service spa, and other luxurious amenities that will truly make your vacation to Portland one to remember!
• Portland Harbor Hotel: Located on Portland Waterfront is this luxury and stylish hotel. With beautifully designed rooms and a great restaurant, you are also well located to explore more of Portland.

New York City

How much of New York can you see on just a quick weekend trip?

Enough that you’ll want to come back immediately!

New York certainly can’t be “done” in a weekend–nor can it be done in a lifetime–but the great thing about New York City is that no matter who you are or what your interests are, you can find something to captivate you.

Whether you want to seek out the iconic sights of Midtown , find hidden gems in the outer boroughs, pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty, museum-hop your way through iconic attractions, or simply eat your way through the city, you’ll be able to find all you’re looking for (and more) in New York.

For tourists hoping for the classic NYC experience like we were on our first few visits,  a weekend in New York  is certainly long enough to see many of the highlights that we’ve all seen over and over in movies and shows throughout our lives!

Central Park, Fifth Avenue, Grand Central, Times Square, the New York Public Library, a Broadway show or two, a visit to Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building , the Brooklyn Bridge–on a weekend, you can see all of that and more.

If you’re into museums, we also recommend hitting just 1-2 (no more–there’s too much else to do!) during your weekend in New York: the Met, MOMA, and the Natural History Museum are all great, classic choices.

Where to Stay in New York

• The Plaza Hotel : For a memorable place to stay, this is one of the most classic and luxurious hotels in New York. It is located right by Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, and some of NYC’s most popular museums.
• The Renwick: Offering stylish residential style accommodation, this beautiful hotel is equipped with plenty of amenities and high class comfort. It is also a short walk to the Empire State Building and Bryant Park for exploring.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia has been one of the best East Coast cities to visit for centuries, and–like Boston–it features strong ties to the American Revolution.

This is where the Declaration of Independence and the Consitution were signed, touring Independence Hall and visiting the nearby Liberty Bell are among the best things to do in Philadelphia today as a result!

You can’t miss Philly’s food scene when visiting, either–from whoopie pies to Philly cheesesteaks, the city has a (literal) flavor all its own.

We loved taking this fun food tour when visiting Philadelphia, and of course, eating our way through Reading Terminal Market.

Be sure to also make time to visit some of Philadelphia’s incredible museums during your visit, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of the American Revolution (we loved this one), and touring the dark but fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also home to another essential stop in this iconic East Coast City: the Rocky Steps (and if you’re willing to work up a sweat, definitely consider running up them yourself.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

• Morris House Hotel : Located right by Washington Square and a short walk from Independence Hall, Morris House Hotel is both a National Historic Landmark dating to the 18th century and a popular boutique hotel!
• Home2Suites By Hilton : The Home2Suites concept of combining the appeal of a hotel and an Airbnb into one property was excellent (our spacious room had a kitchenette), and the customer service is great.

Washington DC

Our country’s capital city is not only the seat of our national government, but it’s also a fabulous place for a weekend trip on the East Coast!

Museum-goers will be delighted with the enormous array of impressive options to choose from in Washington DC.

Everything from the many Smithsonian Museums, to quirky options like the International Spy Museum, to meaningful stops like the US Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is available.

There are far more than you can visit in a single weekend, and as a bonus, most DC museums are free to visit!

Those interested in US History and government will also have plenty to keep them busy along the National Mall, including iconic stops like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Touring the US Capitol is always an interesting experience, and if you plan ahead, you may even be able to tour the White House!

While Washington DC has plenty to offer year-round, there’s no doubt that visiting during cherry blossom season is an incredible (but crowded) experience.

Where to Stay in Washington DC

• CitizenM Capitol : Another stunning example of CitizenM hotels is this location in Washington DC Capitol. Expect all the style and comfort these hotels are known for.
• Riggs Washington DC : Located in the former home of Riggs National Bank this iconic building is now home to a classic and beautiful hotel. Rooms are huge and comfortable and offer views of Penn Quarter.

Compared to some of the other destinations in this travel guide, Baltimore is definitely a bit under the radar as far as cities to visit on the East Coast go (unless you’re headed to a Ravens or an Orioles game, of course).

If you’re looking for a coastal American city with plenty of history, art, and food to offer, though, Baltimore has you covered!

The Baltimore Museum of Art, George Peabody Library, Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Museum, and more, will keep any museum-hopper happy.

For American history buffs, Fort McHenry is a must, and for literary lovers, Edgar Allan Poe’s House is tiny but interesting.

When it comes to wandering, the neighborhoods of Inner Harbor, Harbor East, Fells Point, and Little Italy have plenty to explore.

And, of course, no weekend in Baltimore is complete without chowing down on crab cakes!

Where to Stay in Baltimore

• The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf : Housed in a warehouse-turned-charming-hotel, you can find the popular Inn at Henderson’s Wharf at the end of a delightful cobblestone street in Fells Point.
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore : Housed in the former B&O Railroad Headquarters, walking into the opulent lobby of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore feels like stepping back in time–and the rooms are incredibly comfortable, too

Alexandria may be located just south of Washington DC, but it can definitely hold its own as a standalone weekend getaway on the East Coast!

Set along the Potomac River, Alexandria is stately and beautiful, with plenty of gorgeous architecture, great food, interesting history, and fun shopping to offer.

Don’t miss the iconic King Street Mile (and if you’re interested in some of the less savory historic stories, consider coming back at night for a ghost tour).

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a must-see, and you can climb to the top for an excellent view of the city.

As far as museums go, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is a fun stop!

Gadsby’s Tavern –part fine dining restaurant, and part museum–gives modern visitors the chance to dine in the same space where many of the Founding Fathers once plotted against British rule.

Alexandria’s most popular attraction, though, lies just 15 minutes south and technically outside of town: Mount Vernon, the former plantation of George Washington.

Where to Stay in Alexandria, Virginia

• Hilton Alexandria Old Town is a really fantastic option, rooms are huge and really fresh and bright. The onsite restaurant is really great if you don’t want to venture out early for breakfast. It is also right next to the Amtrak and Metro station, perfect for easy access to explore!
• StayAPT Suites Fort Belvoir , while a little further off the main spots it is still close enough to access. These are a great budget friendly option if you also prefer self-catering with hotel facilities.

Without a doubt, the small but stunning city of Savannah, Georgia is one of the absolute best East Coast cities for a USA weekend getaway.

It also happens to be one of our favorite cities in the world, and we’ll never stop revisiting it!

Featuring absolutely stunning architecture, 22 of its original 24 town squares, endless oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and some of the best food in the country, exploring the best things to do in Savannah is always a blast.

While you’re there, be sure to meander down beautiful Jones Street, check out Forsyth Park, hear some of the city’s most enduring legends on a ghost tour , enjoy views from River Street, and take in some of Savannah’s complex history at its various house museums and houses of worship.

Don’t forget to set aside plenty of time to eat!

While there are dozens of incredible  restaurants in Savannah , favorites include The Olde Pink House and The Grey for special occasions, The Collins Quarter for their legendary lavender mocha latte, and Leopold’s Ice Cream for a scoop of their famous Tutti Frutti ice cream.

Have enough time for a quick day trip ?

Tybee Island –also known as “Savannah’s Beach”–is less than a 30-minute drive away, allowing you to easily combine a beach trip and city break!

Where to Stay in Savannah

• The Marshall House : Featuring a popular included breakfast, a fantastic location in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, and phenomenal reviews, you can’t go wrong with a stay at The Marshall House!
• Foley House Inn : Easily my favorite hotel that I’ve stayed in while in Savannah, the Foley House Inn is absolutely beautiful inside and out, and has a perfect location right on Chippewa Square.

Beautiful beaches, a unique culture that’s all its own, fabulous architecture, and–of course–plenty of sunshine: you’ll find all of this and far more by heading all the way south to Miami for your East Coast weekend getaway!

When it comes to beaches, South Beach is often considered one of the best urban beaches on the planet, and we’d have to agree.

Don’t limit yourself just to the beach, though!

Be sure to explore Miami Beach’s impressive Art Deco architecture, eat your way through Little Havana, admire street art in Wynwood, and check out the views from Biscayne Bay.

For a unique perspective on the city, consider taking a boat cruise –we were very impressed with how much we enjoyed ours!

For those who want to experience some unique nature in south Florida during their trip, consider also planning on a day trip to nearby Everglades National Park.

Or, if you have a few more days (say, an extra long weekend trip), you can road trip all the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the USA!

Where to Stay in Miami

• Hotel Impala : We love staying here! The room was clean, the shower divine, the customer service lovely, and–most importantly–the location on Collins Ave. was absolutely  perfect.  Located in the heart of the Art Deco district and a five-minute walk from South Beach while still offering a quiet place to sleep at night, Hotel Impala had a location you just can’t beat in Miami Beach.
• The Marlin Hotel : This hotel offers the chance to stay in one of Miami Beach’s historic art deco buildings! Boasting a fantastic location on Collins Avenue, impeccable customer service, incredible reviews, and spacious suites, the Marlin Hotel is the perfect hotel for those looking for a luxury experience while also seeing a side of Miami Beach’s Art Deco history that not every visitor to the city gets to.

Colorful, coastal, and downright charming, Charleston makes an absolutely delightful East Coast weekend getaway.

Don’t mistake Charleston for all glamour, though: the city has a national reputation for its incredible food scene, played an important role in two of the USA’s most important wars, and is home to an enormous amount of often heavy history.

While you’re there, be sure to snap photos at beautiful Rainbow Row and The Battery, check out City Market, enjoy Waterfront Park, and tour the Olde Exchange and Dungeon (which is one of the places where the US Constitution was ratified).

The Old Slave Mart Museum is home to heartbreaking history and is an essential stop when working to understand the history of Charleston.

Those interested in US military history will no doubt want to visit Patriots Point to tour the former US naval ships docked there, and pay a visit to Fort Sumter to learn about its history (and enjoy the views).

Beach lovers, don’t miss the chance to check out nearby Folly Beach!

Where to Stay in Charleston

• The Jasmine House : This stunning boutique inn is housed in a Greek Revivalist home dating to 1843, and decorated to the nines! This is exactly the kind of property visitors dream about planning a trip to The Holy City, and the impeccable reviews and fantastic location make The Jasmine House the perfect place to stay when in Charleston.
• Harbourview Inn : For charming luxury in the heart of historic Charleston, check into the gorgeous Harbourview Inn, located just steps away from Rainbow Row and Waterfront Park. The inn features excellent views from its rooftop, a phenomenal included breakfast, and excellent reviews.

Of all of the weekend getaways on the East Coast covered here, Asheville is one of the best options for a group divided on whether to visit a city or the great outdoors.

Home to an epic craft beer scene, the incredible Biltmore Estate , plenty of street art, and delicious food options, there’s no doubt that Asheville appeals to the city lovers among us.

Its location right next door to the Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountain National Park, however, make it a fabulous US weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as well.

There are plenty of easy hikes near Asheville (many of them featuring waterfalls) that allow travelers of all skill levels to enjoy the beautiful mountain setting!

No matter what your interests are, try to make time during your trip to Asheville to drive a small piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway–especially if you’re visiting in the fall and can enjoy the changing colors.

Often considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the United States , Blue Ridge Parkway is a drive not to be missed.

Where to Stay in Asheville

• Cedar Crest Inn: This pink 1891 mansion house is a perfect place to base yourself in Asheville. Packed with historical details and stunning architecture you can imagine it as a mini Biltmore.
• The Applewood Manor : Located within walking distance of downtown via a greenbelt trail, The Applewood Manor feels like it’s in a peaceful, quiet location–but it’s still in a perfect location to make the most of Asheville.

Sprawling, historic, interesting, and full of delicious southern food, Atlanta makes a fantastic weekend getaway on the East Coast USA.

The city’s museums are worthy of a large swath of your time, with many of them centered around Centennial Olympic Park (where the 1996 Olympics were held).

In the immediate area, you can find the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (an absolute must-see when visiting Atlanta), the Georgia Aquarium, and the famous World of Coca-Cola.

Of course, no visit to Atlanta would be complete without time spent at the Martin Luther King Historical Park, which is home to several sites important to the life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement overall.

Other interesting places to visit during a weekend in Atlanta include the BeltLine, Ponce City Market (for excellent food), and the Atlanta History Center.

Curious about filming locations?

Atlanta–and Georgia overall–are hotspots for filming movies and TV shows ranging from The Walking Dead to Stranger Things.

There are plenty of filming location tours available that are ready to help you find both iconic and hidden locations!

Where to Stay in Atlanta

• Hotel Indigo – This small chain is perfect for those on a mid-range budget. The location is unmatched and they’re even pet-friendly!
• Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection : Luxury travelers consider staying at the Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection, which is such a beautiful, unique property that it’s worth it to see the terrace.

Without a doubt, Orlando is not only one of the most popular East Coast cities to visit but one of the most popular weekend getaways in the entire USA, and that’s for one important reason: theme parks!

From Walt Disney World to Universal, Orlando’s world-class theme parks are an enormous draw for kids and adults alike, and they alone are a reason to visit Central Florida!

Whether you want to ride the classic Disney rides at Magic Kingdom, step into Hogwarts in Harry Potter World, or ride soaring roller coasters, you’ll have a blast.

Away from its iconic theme parks, though, there is still plenty to do in Central Florida!

Canoeing at Wekiwa Springs was a favorite activity of mine as a kid and is a great way to experience a beautiful Florida spring without going far.

The Kennedy Space Center is about an hour away from downtown Orlando, and an incredible experience.

Looking for something closer to town?

Check out the Orlando Museum of Art or the Morse Museum of American Art during your East Coast city break!

Where to Stay in Orlando, Florida

• The Delaney Hotel : For a stay in Downtown Orlando this is the best pick for your hotel. Rooms are clean and classic and the hotel is a short walk to Church Street Station.
• Caribe Royale : If you are looking for a resort close to Disney, this is the one. There is a fabulous pool and poolside bar, and a shuttle service to the Disney ticket office.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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The Travel Women

25 bucket list places to see on the east coast of the usa.

The USA is packed with bucket list cities, parks and attractions but if you’re looking for the best of the west coast we have 25 favorite spots or the best of the east coast, keep reading!

1. Dry Tortugas National Park, Flordia: This national park off the coast of Florida is comprised of islands and features an abundance of marine and bird life!

2. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts : This little gem of an island is in the south of Massachusetts and has the cutest colonial style.

3. Baltimore, Maryland : This city is quirky, it’s adorable, it’s charming – that’s why they call it Charm City – and it’s well worth the stop.

4. Atlantic City, New Jersey : Known as the Las Vegas of the east, Atlantic City offers casinos, wide beaches, and boardwalks.

5. Savannah Historic District, Georgia:  Spanish moss trees adorn this district and make it appear otherworldly. (pictured below)

6. Watkins Glen State Park, New York : With gorgeous gorges and waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park is quite the adventure.

7. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee : This beautiful mountain range is often blanketed with fog, hence the name.

8. Walt Disney’s World, Florida : This is a classic vacation spot that you just can’t miss! Release your inner child at Disney World.

9. Shenandoah Caverns, Virginia : Haunting structures made by stalagmites and stalactites are on display at these cool caves!

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire : An absolutely breathtaking mountain range, the White Mountains have many hiking spots and photo ops! (below)

11. South Beach, Miami, Florida : If you’re ever in need of a beach day, South Beach is the place to go. It’s warm and beautiful all year round!

12. Acadia National Park, Maine : As the only national park in New England, Acadia National Park boasts beautiful scenery and a lovely getaway in Bar Harbor.

13. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana : The french quarter is the oldest part of New Orleans, and as you can probably tell, has much french influence.

14. Lincoln Memorial, DC : What better way to celebrate the man who freed the slaves than by visiting his gorgeous memorial! (below)

15. Niagara Falls, New York : Possibly the most famous waterfall in America, you can’t miss a trip to Niagara!

16. Everglades National Park, Florida : Half land and half water, the Everglades are beautiful and support an ecosystem unique to the country.

17. Times Square, New York : It’s full of tourists all year round but you cannot miss a trip to the iconic Times Square.

18. Stowe, Vermont : This little town functions as a fabulous ski resort in the winter and offers gorgeous landscapes in the summer! (below)

19. Charleston, South Carolina : Known for its elegant old-fashioned aesthetics, this city is worth the visit for the picture alone.

20. Newport, Rhode Island : Newport is a quaint beach town in New England and known for its mansions from the gilded age.

21. Nashville, Tennessee : Known as the country music capital of the world, Nashville is a must visit for all those who enjoy country music.

22. Lake Placid, New York : Lake Placid became famous for hosting the winter Olympics twice, but now is just a serene and gorgeous vacation spot. (below)

23. Portland, Maine : This coastal city is known for its mix of quintessential New England quaintness and large city life!

24. Montauk, New York : A vacation spot for those living in New York City, Montauk is the perfect escape from the city with quiet beaches and chill vibes.

25. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Pennsylvania : One man’s trash is another man’s treasure as the saying goes… well Philly’s Magic Gardens is an art exhibit made entirely out of trash into mosaics.

What are your favorite places on the east coast? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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36 thoughts on “25 Bucket List Places to See on the East Coast of the USA”

I grew up in New Jersey, went to school in Providence, RI and then lived in Southern Florida. Some of my greatest childhood vacations were in Martha’s Vineyard! This list is great!

I have a good experience of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens because I have been there many of the times in my whole life to explore the beauty of this alluring garden and always spent lovely time there. It is a really good place for fun and tourists can enjoy the hiking and many other most exciting activities.

Yes it is one of my absolute favorite places, so gorgeous! 🙂

I’ve been to five of these spots. I guess I still have lots to explore on the East Coast. Thanks for the inspiration. Annette Duvdevani

Happy to share, there are so many great places on the East Coast, thank you!

In my point of view your shared all these places are the best to have great fun in USA. I also explored both of these places like Miami and Niagara Falls but I really like to all of them. I hope your shared information would be useful for all kind of visitors.

Oh so glad thank you for reading and hope you enjoy exploring more places on this list soon!

Oh.my.word. That spanish moss picture!!! I want a house with trees like this!

Oh yes, same! Love this style so much!

Cherry Springs Park in PA! The darkest night sky on the east coast for stargazing and great views of the milky way!

Oh thank you for sharing sounds lovely!

you said the best time to visit East coast the USA is November to February. I’m planning my trip in mid October. What will you recommend this? Also, tell me how many days will be enough in the US if I just want to explore the Cali and Michigan

Yes, mid October is a great time to visit the East Coast! October/November you might see some leaves changing colors for fall, which is very hard to time right. The US is huge so you would need to save time by flying between California and Michigan. It depends, you can see maybe some of one area of Michigan like Ann Arbor in a weekend, but California is huge and each major city might ideally require at least 3 to 4 days to fully enjoy from: (in order of my favorites): San Diego to San Francisco to LA.

Absolutely October is a great time to visit the East Coast, you might even be lucky to see the fall foliage leaves changing colors! California and Michigan are far apart so it depends on how much you want to see but if you have a limited amount of time at least 3-5 days each per city. Keep in mind California’s many destinations like San Francisco or LA or San Diego can also be far apart too and you need at least 3-5 days for each city in California! Hope that helps! 🙂

What an amazing guide! Can’t wait to use this when I travel to Amsterdam. This was very informative.

So happy you enjoyed it! Happy travels!

That was an interesting list of places to visit and all of them are really beautiful. The images that you have shared are amazing too. US is such a beautiful place and should be on every travelers bucket list.

I completely agree and am currently planning another US East Coast road trip with more about some of these places very soon! Thank you!

This is such a detailed and informative blog. This will help me immensely.

So glad, thank you so much for reading and commenting! 🙂

Wow amazing places in the USA the pictures are gorgeous such a peaceful places to explore.

Yes so many wonderful places to explore, thank you so much!

Very great article that is.

Thanks so much!

I am planning a month-long backpacking trip around Europe. It’s good to know that changing your currency is not recommend at the airport. I wouldn’t have known that, so thanks for the heads up.

Happy to help! Definitely avoid it at the airport as it can be marked up substantially!

Hey, after completing the entire article, I just loved the way the writer did justice to all the topics or points that had to be covered in this post. These days I come across too many posts where there is no link between the headline and the body of the content. But in your post, I loved the way you connected each topic with the other. I am Tweeting this post as I simply find it useful and shareworthy!

After looking into a few of the blog articles on your web site, I honestly appreciate your technique of blogging.

Thank you, appreciate it!

I was looking for this information relating to 25 bucket list places to see on the east coast of the usa. You have really eased my work, loved your writing skill as well. Please keep sharing more!

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment, appreciate it!

What a fabulous article on places. Short and precise. I especially loved the insider tips! Very helpful.

So happy you enjoyed, thank you so much for your comment!

Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

I am so sorry to hear that, can you let me know what phone you are using (android vs iPhone) and if you have the latest operating system and what browser like Chrome or Safari? Will look into this thank you!

Stowe, Vermont is really beautiful because we have been there before and really we found beautiful flowers. And even glad to see that other people also liked this place. Thanks for sharing

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Top Destinations in the Eastern United States

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The United States of America began in the cities and towns of the East Coast, from the landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts  by European settlers in the 17th century, to the battles for independence against England in the Revolutionary War, to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Boston and Philadelphia, in particular, feature attractions that appeal to tourists' thirst for knowledge about this nation's colonial past.

While this part of the country harbors much of the nation's early history, it is also strikingly modern and features the country's biggest and most bustling cities. New York City, one of the most visited cities in the world, is the financial and cultural capital of the country; meanwhile, Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States, is more than just the seat of government, but a young, vibrant town booming with new restaurants, bars, and activities for every type of traveler.

In comparison to the popular destinations in the western USA , the destinations of the East are relatively near one another, making it possible to visit them all over a two-week vacation. But note that each area, particularly New York City and New England, are ideal as stand-alone itineraries. Use the information in this list to learn which place best suits your travel interests. Here are the jaw-dropping must-see places on the East Coast.

New York City, New York

There have been songs written about it and countless movies made in the City That Never Sleeps: New York, New York. The Big Apple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, let alone in the USA. And that's because New York has everything: landmarks, Broadway shows, five-star restaurants, luxury and boutique shopping, fabulous people-watching opportunities, and much more.

Some things not-to-miss: The dazzling lights of Times Square, walking over the ​ Brooklyn Bridge, eating soup dumplings in Chinatown, sailing around the Statue of Liberty, having a picnic in Central Park, and these  11 best free landmarks and attractions .

This famous city is somewhere you absolutely must see before you die, with some of the best restaurants and finest hotels on the East Coast. Whether you're visiting for a romantic date in NYC or just want to do some  discount shopping  or spend the day browsing the collections of one of the city's many fine  museums , there's something for everyone in the Big Apple.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is particularly popular with American travelers who come to visit the many monuments and institutions in the nation's capital, including these top tourist sites . There are, of course, obvious can’t-miss locations like the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian Museums , but the Founding Fathers created a beautiful capital city worth exploring in full with many tributes to them throughout D.C.

As home to over 180 foreign embassies and consulates, D.C. also has a world-class flair worth checking out, and, of course, there are those famous cherry blossoms. Whether you're visiting D.C. with kids or are a business traveler to the city, there's plenty to do in Washington on your trip—from getting  tickets to tour the White House  to potentially meet the president to a ​ one-day tour of Washington, D.C . Just make sure you remember to book your Washington, D.C. hotel in advance as rooms fill up quickly, especially during the busy tourist season.

Boston, Massachusetts

The United States was born in New England, and Boston has played a pivotal role in our progress as a nation, making this part of the country an essential stop for anyone with a penchant for learning about U.S. history.

In a nutshell, Boston has everything from historical landmarks like the nearby Plymouth Rock  to nature travel, from sporting attractions to delicious seafood restaurants in nearby quaint seaside suburbs. Be sure to check out these  top attractions , or if outdoor sports are more your thing, visit some of these skiing and riding destinations within two hours of Boston . Sports fans can also check out the  Red Sox  at the famed Fenway Park, where they've played since 1912.

If you’re looking for a different New England experience, check out the  Museum of Bad Art  to celebrate failed attempts at beauty or, for something more patriotic, stop into one of  America's Largest Fourth of July Celebrations .

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Another favorite city of America's Founding Fathers, Philadelphia has many important colonial attractions such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, which rank among the  top historic tourist destinations  on the East Coast.

This city is also home to great neighborhoods and markets, such as one of the oldest farmer's markets in the U.S. called the Reading Terminal Market ; premier art museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art , and fabulous food—don't leave without trying a Philly cheesesteak and some Pennsylvania Dutch fare!

From  walking tours of Old City  to an evening of dancing, Philadelphia has all the attractions of New York City at a slower pace, perfect for midwestern and west coast travelers alike to get accustomed to the hustle and bustle associated with the East Coast.

Baltimore, Maryland

From touring the historic ships that brought workers to the city through the  Inner Harbor  to antique shopping at Fells Point , the city of Baltimore may be a little less popular than others on this list, but that doesn't mean it's not a great destination for your east coast travels.

With plenty of unique art galleries  and tourist attractions like the National Aquarium , Baltimore offers visitors of all ages plenty of opportunities to explore for a fraction of the cost of some of the other East Coast cities. Be sure to stop into some area bars and restaurants—you won't want to miss Baltimore's specialty: crab cakes .

Richmond, Virginia

The capital city of Virginia, ​ Richmond , offers a nice blend of historical destinations and trendy new restaurants and bars, making it an ideal vacation for a casual weekend trip or a romantic getaway with someone you love—just be sure to check out these romantic Richmond destinations before you go!

In terms of history, Virginia has also played its part in the founding of America, but it's even more prominent as the site of our country's greatest internal battle: the Civil War. Reexperience the Civil War through the perspectives of the Union, the Confederacy, and the African Americans who fought for either side at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar or step back in time at the Maymont Mansion, a house museum from the Gilded Age that provides walking tours of life back in the 1800s.

Asheville, NC

Tucked into the quiet Great Smoky (Blue Ridge) Mountains of western North Carolina, the  city of Asheville  has become a popular destination for nature-lovers, hippies, and artists of all sorts hoping to soak in some of the creative energy this city's been known to produce.

Not only that, ​ Asheville  is also full of some great historical sites like the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned house in the United States that was built by the wealthy Vanderbilts in the late 1800s at the height of the Gilded Age. Whether you just want to escape into nature along the Blue Ridge Parkway or want to spend some time exploring the many artists' studios the city has to offer, Asheville makes for a great weekend getaway adventure.

Savannah, Georgia

The coastal city of  Savannah, Georgia  is perhaps one of the best-maintained pieces of history in the United States, a place where Southern charm meets Eastern hustle in the oldest city in Georgia.

Home to the National Historic Landmark district (the nation's largest), the world's longest live oak tree-lined avenue, and some of the most haunting cemeteries around, Savannah is sure to delight guests of all ages who venture down to this southeastern city. If you're a fan of southern cooking, this city is  the  place to get it—it even has Food Network star Paula Deen's famous restaurant right in the heart of downtown!

Charleston, SC

A perfect companion city to Savannah, Charleston offers visitors a chance to step back in time simply by walking down the brick streets of this charming southeastern town. 

You can take a tour of Historic Charleston on the Gateway Walk to discover some of the most interesting pieces of architecture in the city,  or you can just spend the afternoon casually sipping from a specialty cocktail at one of the city's famed rooftop bars. As an added bonus, since none of the buildings can be taller than the churches, you can pretty much see the whole of Charleston from any rooftop in the city!

Atlanta, GA

Home to one of the largest airports in the world and one of the most diverse populations in the United States, Atlanta is a thriving metropolis in the heart of Georgia offering everything from world-class sports arenas to artists havens like the Little Five Points neighborhood to visitors and residents alike.

Thanks to the job boom and the filming of several major TV shows and movies in the area during the mid-2010s, Atlanta has grown into one of the biggest and busiest cities in the southeastern United States, attracting all sorts of new businesses to the area including some of the best restaurants in the region. Be sure to check out the locations for film scenes and enjoy a drink at one of ​ Atlanta's many bars .

Nearby, you'll also find plenty of outdoor activities like tubing on the Chattahoochee River or hanging out at one of the area's many lakes and beaches . No matter what type of outdoor adventure you enjoy, you're sure to find an outlet for it in Atlanta.

Providence, RI

The capital of Rhode Island (and its largest city), Providence , offers guests a variety of entertainment options including European-style gondola rides, exploring Colonial houses, and even the bacon at Providence's famous Kitchen Restaurant.

The Roger Williams Park (and Zoo) are popular destinations during the summer, featuring a full lineup of events throughout the season, but you'll also want to visit the Rhode Island School of Design's Museum of Art and the 1916-built Trinity Rep theatre for a taste of culture in this thriving metropolitan city.

Annapolis, MD

Both the capital of Maryland and the "sailing capital of the United States," Annapolis is a nautical town on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay offering visitors and residents alike beautiful vistas amongst stunning, historic architecture.

Be sure to catch the annual Spring Sailboat Show or just casually wander down the busy streets near the Naval Academy until you find a quaint bar to grab a cheap drink. There's plenty of​ other  events year-round in Annapolis, too, so don't let the sailing obsession distract you from visiting this great northeastern city.

Portsmouth, NH

A port city modeled after one by the same name in England, Portsmouth, New Hampshire is full of 17th and 18th-century homes beautifully restored and maintained, giving residents and guests alike a chance to see how our Founding Fathers lived when they originally settled the United States.

The Strawbery Banke Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this quiet 21,000-population town, where costumed staffers prepare traditional crafts while regaling guests with stories of the city's foundation. Also be sure to check out the changing foliage around the city during the fall months—but come early as the winter sets in quick this far to the northeast —as well as the many gay-friendly bars this city has become known for.

Killington, VT

Also tucked away in one of the farthest northeastern states in the United States, the quiet ski resort town of Killington, Vermont offers tourists a chance to explore the great outdoors with all the comforts of a modern city.

If you're a fan of fall foliage, be sure to visit the K-1 Gondola Ride at Killington during September and October. The peak of the mountain at Killington Park affords guests the opportunity to look across five states and Canada to take in all the wonder of the changing leaves.

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The 10 Best Cities to Visit on the East Coast

East Coast versus West Coast. It’s an argument that has gone on for over a hundred years, and it will go on for as long as the United States exists. These two sides of one of the world’s biggest and best countries are very different in a lot of ways, and everyone seems to have their preference as to which is better.

Personally, I love visiting the west but I don’t think anything beats living on the East Coast. Being from here and having visited every major city between Maine and Florida, I’d say I have had the chance to formulate my opinions on which cities are the best to visit on the East Coast. Here is my list.

10. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

While these is technically two cities, they always tend to go hand in hand. Raleigh and Durham are located just a few miles apart from one another, and while neither is an especially big city, there is a lot going on here. Three of the most notable universities on the East Coast – Duke University , the University of North Carolina , and North Carolina State University – are all located here. Because of the huge student body and young professional community here, the cities have molded themselves to cater to younger crowds, meaning great bars, cafes, and places to hang out.

Because of the prestigious universities in the area and the alumni bases that have stuck around, many fantastic museums have sprung up. From the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of History to the Marbles Kids Museum , there is a lot of great learning to be had. This city’s museums have nothing on the ones in this list’s number one city!

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Located in the state right to the south of Raleigh-Durham, Charleston is quickly becoming a favorite among visitors. While it is the smallest city on this list by a really wide margin, this little city packs a punch. Known for its beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, Charleston offers some big-city amenities with a small-city feel.

With a population of only about 150,000 people, Charleston hardly even counts as a medium-sized city. Nevertheless, its location on the coastline in South Carolina coupled with the rapid boom that the city is seeing makes Charleston one of the best cities to visit on the East Coast!

If you’re thinking of visiting Charleston, I recommend bundling the trip with a visit to Myrtle Beach , which is quickly becoming one of the top beach destinations on the East Coast.

8. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is honestly underrated as a city. While it is predominantly known for its massive theme parks – like Disney World , Universal , and Epcot – there is so much more to this central Florida city. While the theme parks are the best in the world and are worth a visit at least once in your life, they are not the only thing that Orlando has to offer.

The presence of these parks has spiked the tourism that Orlando sees, and the city has capitalized really well on this increased traffic by investing largely in other markets of tourism like sporting events, concerts, and a wide range of restaurants.

After all, tourists come first for the theme parks, but they come a second time because of all the other things that Orlando has to offer!

7. Baltimore, Maryland

Don’t sleep on Baltimore . While it tends to get a bad rap for its high crime rates and poor economic situation, this doesn’t tell the full story of the city.

There are definitely problems in Baltimore, and it certainly has some parts that aren’t the nicest, but there are so many redeeming qualities that make Baltimore an awesome city to visit. Due to its proximity to some other cities on this list, taking a side trip to Baltimore isn’t that hard, either!

If you decide to head to Baltimore, the one thing that you absolutely must do is head to Inner Harbor . Inner Harbor is widely considered to be the nicest area in Baltimore. It sits right along the harbor and is the host of many great restaurants and attractions, like the aquarium and the observatory .

If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a place to grab a drink, either head to Power Plant Live ! or the Guinness Open Gate Brewery , which is the only Guinness brewery in the United States.

6. Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina , otherwise known as the Queen City, is personally one of my favorite cities on the East Coast. The city is growing rapidly which is a plus, but it has been a fantastic place to visit since long before its boom.

As one of the most easygoing, clean, and friendly cities I have visited in the United States, Charlotte is a place that is very accepting of visitors and very fun to explore. With a population of over half a million people, Charlotte has a little bit for everyone.

From several professional sports teams like the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets , to the NASCAR Hall of Fame , to the incredible barbecue restaurants scattered around the city, you’re bound to have a great visit here. What sticks out to me the most about Charlotte is just how clean and open it is – imagine wide city blocks and beautifully clean streets. Nice people, great food, a beautiful city, and lots of fun.

5. Boston, Massachusetts

Oh, Boston. Boston is one of the first cities to really spring up in the United States, as its history goes back centuries. As one of the beating hearts of the American Revolution, Boston is one of the most historic cities in the entire country.

A visit to Boston today is filled with tributes to its historic roots. The Freedom Walk is the best example of this, and it is a marked path that winds through the city and stops at some of the most important places in American history. From where Paul Revere yelled “The British are coming” to where the colonist dumped tea into the Boston Harbor, history is very well preserved in the heart of New England.

Boston offers a lot more than just history, though. Firstly, the seafood up there is incredible. New England clam chowder, anyone? Lobster rolls? Additionally, my favorite major brewery, Sam Adams , is located here, and the brewery tour is probably the best one I’ve ever been on – and it’s free.

Boston has great cultural districts to explore, endless history to learn, great sporting events to attend, and some of the world’s top universities in Harvard and MIT . You can’t go wrong by choosing to take a trip to Boston.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Okay, this one is personal. You know how they say that everyone has “their city?” As in, the one they either lived in or visited all the time as a kid? For me, that is Philly. I feel like a lot of people forget about Philadelphia , and this is probably because it is so close to the country’s biggest city, New York. Philadelphia is the fifth or sixth biggest city in the country, though, and passing on it is a big mistake. After all, it was the first capital of the United States, and it is probably the most historic city in the country!

But specifically, why should you visit Philadelphia? Frankly, the food and museums are easily the best part (unless you’re a sports fan). Philly cheesesteaks , anyone?

On top of just that local delicacy, the food scene in Philly really is great. From Italian food, to one of the best Chinatowns on the East Coast, to all of the Lancaster County Amish and Mennonite food coming in from the middle of the state, the food here really is spectacular. Just visit Reading Terminal Market and you’ll see. Checking out Dilworth Park around Christmas time is a good idea, too!

3. Miami, Florida

How could Miami not be this high on the list? To be honest, I thought about putting it one slot higher on this list. Miami is really incredible. I think one of the best things about Miami is that you can experience several different worlds while you’re there. What do I mean by that?

Firstly, Miami is a super Latino city, and the amount of Spanish, Latin American, and Caribbean culture here is incredible. Secondly, the range of prices and income levels is extremely wide, meaning you have some of the richest of the rich in among the rest of us normal folk everywhere in the city.

One way to sum that up is by saying there are very few places in the world where you can find $50 tacos, but Miami is probably one of them.

Miami is more than just Latino flare, though. It is world renowned for its offerings in the way of arts and fashion. Some of the biggest art and fashion shows in the world are held here, and the city is probably the second or third most international place on the East Coast as a result.

In fact, I collaborated with Made at Madearchives.com , a Miami-raised fashion influencer, to put together a Miami travel guide with everything you need to know for your trip. Miami Beach is such a cool place and you’d be remiss if you decided to skip Miami. As far as I am concerned, Miami is the number one place to visit in Florida without any question or debate.

2. New York City, New York

Wow, New York isn’t the top city on this list? No, it is not!

Still, New York is a really incredible place to visit, and it is normally the first place that people mention wanting to visit on their first trip to the United States. New York’s name just has a flare to it that few other places in the world have, and this flare brings tourists from every corner of the world.

This is probably because when the United States was on a tear towards being the world’s superpower, New York was the center of class and culture in the nation. So as the United States climbed to world power and fame, so did New York.

Nowadays, I feel like New York isn’t quite as incredible as it was back then, but it is still worth the trip. I think that part of what made New York so great was how it was always alive and ahead of the times, but now that so many big cities have sprung up, I don’t think it holds much of an edge over places like Miami.

As a tourist, though, there are so many things to see. Check out a show on Broadway , go for a stroll through Central Park , take a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty , and ride The Bull on Wall Street, at least!

1. Washington, D.C.

Does this surprise anyone? Washington D.C . takes the cake as my top city to visit in the United States, and there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, there is no US city with a better set of museums than Washington D.C.

There are museums around the world that are better than individual museums in Washington D.C., but there is no single city that can outdo the entire Smithsonian system. It is the top museum curation in the entire world and that is pretty much indisputable when you look at just how many museums are in it.

Washington D.C. is more than just museums though, and it is definitely a lot more than just politics. This city is truly alive and buzzing with action, from big businesses everywhere to beautiful parks and hip districts.

It’s also extremely clean for such a big city, which is really important to me when I evaluate places.

Before moving to the area I had no idea how much there really was to do other than check out the White House and the museums. Areas like Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan are super fun neighborhoods in D.C., while suburbs like Bethesda , Maryland and Arlington , Virginia are some of the coolest suburbs in the country.

Really, they’re their own satellite cities. If you are looking for a single place on the East Coast to visit that has great dining, activities to fill your day, and stunning green spaces scattered all throughout, Washington D.C. is the place for you.

Thanks for reading my post on the top 10 best cities to visit on the East Coast of the United States. Hopefully, this list helps you plan the best places to visit on your next trip to the United States’ colonial beginnings.

If you have any questions about visiting the East Coast at all, comment below – we’ve got you covered.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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50+ Best Places to Visit in the East Coast for Your Bucket List

Planning a road trip to the East Coast and not sure where to go? I’ve got you covered with this list featuring the best places to visit and things to do in the East Coast that need to be on your USA bucket list .

Best Places to Visit on the East Coast

The East Coast has a lot to offer including historical attractions, beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, national parks and mountains, incredible fall foliage, charming towns and large must see cities.

Some of these must see places I have already visited and recommend and the rest are places that I have added to my personal East Coast USA bucket list for future travel. So read on if you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your next East Coast vacation or road trip.

(And make sure to check out my complete road trip packing list and road trip music playlist  to make sure you have all your road trip essentials before you go!)

What States are in the East Coast?

The East Coast includes all the coastal states that have shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The East Coast region of the USA also includes Vermont, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia even though they do not have coastal access to the Atlantic.

East Coast Bucket List

Here are the best places to visit in the East Coast . I have included at least one destination from every state to make it easier to plan an East Coast USA road trip .

Maine Bucket List

• Explore Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, one of the best National Parks in the US. Here is a self guided driving tour you can use to explore the park.

• Visit Portland, a charming coastal city packed with historic landmarks.
• Visit Kennebunkport, a historic coastal town in southern Maine known for its beaches and being home to the summer home of the Bush family.

New Hampshire Bucket List

• Explore the stunning White Mountains, a mountain range with many hiking spots of all levels.
• Drive Kancamagus Highway , a 34.5 mile scenic drive along Route 112 and one of the best New England drives for fall foliage. For those that prefer not to drive, you can visit on a fall foliage day trip tour from Boston .

Vermont Bucket List

• Do a fall road trip in Vermont to see the beautiful fall foliage.
• Visit the picturesque town of Stowe .

Massachusetts Bucket List

• Visit Boston . Some Boston must dos include walking the Freedom Trail, watching a game at Fenway Park and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
• Relax at Cape Cod.
• Learn about the history of the witch trials at Salem .
• Visit Martha’s Vineyard, a tiny island which is a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy East Coast residents.

Rhode Island Bucket List

• Explore Newport, a beach town known for its lavish mansions from the Gilded Age. You can visit on a day trip from Boston .

Connecticut Bucket List

• Visit the charming town of Mystic that inspired the movie Mystic Pizza.

New York Bucket List

• Visit New York City. Read : Weekend in New York City Itinerary from a Local
• See Niagara Falls from the US side.
• Visit the Hamptons, the popular summer getaway for New Yorkers including many celebrities.
• Visit the beautiful Taughannock Falls and the state park.
• Explore Watkins Glen State Park .
• Visit the Hudson Valley Region, one of the best places in the US to see fall colors.

Pennsylvania Bucket List

• Visit Philadelphia. Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Eastern State Penitentiary and have a Philly cheesesteak.
• See the historical attractions in Gettysburg , including the grounds of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle of the Civil War.

New Jersey Bucket List

• Go gambling in Atlantic City, one of the most popular and well known cities in the Jersey Shore.
• Hang out at Liberty State Park and enjoy great views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
• Visit beautiful Cape May. Just look at all the things to do in Cape May, NJ and you’ll realize how amazing this place is.

West Virginia Bucket List

• See the New River Gorge Bridge. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sign up for bridge walk guided tour where you cross the catwalk under the bridge.

Delaware Bucket List

• Visit Rehoboth Beach, a Delaware beach town with the Rehoboth Boardwalk, plus Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks.

Maryland Bucket List

• Visit Baltimore. Don’t miss the historic waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point and make sure to try Maryland’s famous crab cakes.

Washington, D.C. Bucket List

• Exploring the capital of the United States of America is a must on any East Coast bucket list. Must see attractions include the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and National Mall. The city is especially beautiful (but crowded) during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.

Virginia Bucket List

• Visit Luray Caverns , the largest and most popular caverns in the East Coast.
• Explore Shenandoah National Park. Make sure to drive all or part of Skyline Drive, the one and only road that goes through Shenandoah National Park. Read : Complete Guide to Shenandoah National Park .
• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, a National Parkway and America’s longest linear park known for its scenic beauty. It is considered is one of the best road trips in the US and runs for 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina starting from Shenandoah National Park. One of the most picturesque stops is Mabry Mill , a  watermill located at milepost 176.2.
• Explore historic sites and museums on a visit to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.
• Visit Virginia Beach .

North Carolina Bucket List

• Visit Asheville. One of the highlights is a visit to the historic Biltmore Estate , the largest house in the United States.
• Visit the Outer Banks , a chain of islands off the coast of North Carolina.
• Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park, which is located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.

• Drive the South Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Highlights in South Carolina include: The Blowing Rock (a formation with sweeping views of peaks, forests and the Johns River Gorge), Linn Cove Viaduct (a 1,243-foot long bridge made of segmented concrete that hugs the face of Grandfather Mountain and one of the most photographed sections of the parkway) and Linville Falls, North Carolina’s most photographed waterfall.

South Carolina Bucket List

• Visit the charming city of Charleston.
• Visit Myrtle Beach, a vacation resort known for golf and a beach with a boardwalk and music variety shows.
• Visit Hilton Head Island , offering 12 miles of pristine beaches and several golf courses. If you visit between May and October, you can see the sea turtles that visit the beaches to lay their nests. There is a ferry service from Savannah, Georgia .

Georgia Bucket List

• Visit Atlanta. Read: 48 Hours in Atlanta: The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary

• Visit Helen , a Bavarian-style town in Northeast Georgia which hosts an annual Oktoberfest every fall.
• Visit the beautiful historic city of Savannah.
• Visit Tybee Island , a barrier island located 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, a popular vacation destination with miles of wide, clean beaches sandy beaches.

Florida Bucket List

• Visit Miami. Highlights include Miami Beach, Wynwood Walls and the Little Havana neighborhood. One of the busiest time to visit other than spring break is during Art Basel in December.
• Drive from Miami to Key West on the scenic Overseas Highway (one of the best American road trips ).
• Visit the Florida Keys . Don’t miss Dry Tortugas National Park, which offers great snorkeling and diving. Read : Weekend in Key West: 3 Day Itinerary .
• Swim with manatees in Crystal River. You can join a day tour from Orlando if you don’t have a car.
• See wildlife at Everglades National Park , the largest designated sub-tropical wilderness reserve on the North American continent. For those without a car, you can visit on a day trip tour from Miami .
• Have fun at Walt Disney World.
• Have fun at Universal Studios in Orlando .
• Visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex , where you see the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis℠ on display, meet a real veteran NASA astronaut and experience interactive simulators, live shows and educational exhibits.
• Visit Tampa . Must see attractions include the Tampa Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens.
• Visit St. Augustine , the oldest city in the United States. Read : Weekend in St. Augustine: 3 Day Itinerary .
• Visit Tarpon Springs, a city known as the “Sponge Capital of the World.” Its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, food, culture, and traditions display its Greek immigrant history.

So there you have it – the ultimate East Coast USA bucket list . If there is an experience or place I should include let me know in the comments below!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out some of my other USA travel bucket lists below:

• Best Places to Visit on the West Coast
• Best Places to Visit in the Midwest
• Best Places to Visit in the Southwest

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Top 15+ Cities to Visit on the East Coast of the USA (2024)

Are you looking for some spectacular cities to visit on the east coast of United States of America (U.S.A.)? Or do you just want to add places to your bucket list? Then I say look no more! I asked fellow bloggers for their recommendations on the cities to visit on the east coast of USA and the results and suggestions were breathtakingly beautiful.

In this post, you will find the list of cities to visit on the east coast of USA, including the things to do at each of these cities with a recommendation of where to stay.

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For complete information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here .

Page Contents

Top Cities to Visit on the East Coast of USA

For best cities to visit on the west coast – refer Top 20 Cities to Visit on West Coast of USA .

Submitted by Phoenyx Powell from Phoenyx Rises

Asheville in North Carolina (NC) is a captivating city nestled in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountain. The city is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and natural allure.

How to get to Asheville ?

• By Air – Ashville has a domestic / international airport Asheville Regional Airport. The airport is well connected across the country and provide access to some international destinations too. Allegiant, United, American and Delta are some of the airline providers that operate out of Asheville airport.
• By Road – Access is easy, whether by car via well-connected interstates or a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Navigating the city is a breeze, thanks to ART ( Asheville Rides Transit ), offering bus service throughout Asheville and to Black Mountain. Buses run from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays and Holidays – check route schedules for exact timings.

Place to stay at Asheville

You can consider staying at Holiday Inn – Biltmore West, an IHG Hotel or Hotel Indigo Asheville in Downtown.

Best time to visit Asheville

For an unforgettable experience, visit in the fall when Asheville’s scenery transforms into a vibrant, colorful display.

Things to do at Asheville

Asheville has plenty of things to do and it offers attractions and activities for all its visitors.

• Nature enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic mountain vistas, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Catawba Falls, and Lake Lure.

Avoid crowds by planning visits to popular spots early in the morning or on weekdays.

• Immerse yourself in the grandeur and history that intertwine at the Inn at the Biltmore Estate, where you’re invited to witness a timeless masterpiece and embrace the essence of true elegance. With a myriad of activities available, from indulging in delicious wine tastings to exploring the vast trails spread across the nearly 8,000 acres it occupies, the Biltmore Estate promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
• There are many venues in Ashville that offer live music . You can listen to the local artists play and enjoy at small bars and the events / concerts.
• Asheville offers a captivating blend of culture, nature, and luxury, with efficient transportation, a grand retreat at the Inn at Biltmore, and an array of fun and exciting activities.
• Embrace the wonders of this enchanting mountain city, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. Pack your bags, and embark on a journey that promises lasting impressions.

Submitted by Alex Chapman from Twenty Something Traveler

Atlanta in Georgia, is a unique city with a diverse culture, rich history, and that special Southern charm. When a city can offer something for everyone, it is no wonder that travelers from all over add it to their list of must-visit cities on the east coast.

How to get to Atlanta ?

• By Air – Atlanta has an international airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It is the busiest airport in the US. Some of the airlines that operate out of Atlanta airport are Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Delta Airlines’ primary hub is at Atlanta airport.
• By Road – Getting to Atlanta by road is very easy. There are 6 highways that provide great access to Atlanta from anywhere.

To get from place to place, Atlanta has its own public transportation system, MARTA , with tickets starting at $2.50.

Place to stay at Atlanta

When choosing a place to stay, consider having a luxurious night at The Westin Peachtree Plaza and dining at their rooftop restaurant, The Sundial, which offers 360-degree views of the city.

Best time to visit Atlanta

The best time to visit a Southern city like this would be late Fall when the scorching Summer is over, and the cold Winter hasn’t yet arrived. Plus, you get to witness the beauty of the color-changing leaves on the trees.

Things to do at Atlanta

Atlanta is a great place for history, art and nature lovers . Some of the things to do are:

• Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for a stroll through some of the most gorgeous flower displays and greenhouses, and sports lovers will have a tough time choosing which games to attend, as Atlanta has some of the most impressive sports teams to watch.
• For art and history lovers, Atlanta has numerous museums, such as The High Museum of Art and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. You also can’t leave Atlanta without visiting the famous Georgia Aquarium, the only aquarium in the United States that has whale sharks.
• Lastly, did you know that Atlanta has earned itself the nickname “Hollywood Of The South” due to the amount of filming that takes place there? This means that when you visit Atlanta, you can also visit places like Hawkins from Stranger Things , President Snow’s mansion from The Hunger Games, the zombie-filled world from The Walking Dead, and more! 

Submitted by Lola Akingbade from Deyewa

Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food. 

How to get to Baltimore ?

• By Air – The closest airport to Baltimore is Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI), which is located about 8 miles from downtown Baltimore.
• By Road – The city is easily accessible by car from all directions.

There is also the light rail, metro subway, MARC train and MTA buses that offer great ways to get around the city. You can purchase a day pass for $4.40.

Place to stay at Baltimore

While in Baltimore, a great place to stay is the Four seasons Baltimore Hotel . It is one of the  best hotels with Jacuzzis in the room  and is located near a lot of great attractions and restaurants in Baltimore. 

Best time to visit Baltimore

Visitors can visit Baltimore all year round and still have an amazing time, but summer is probably the best time to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant during these months, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 25 degrees centigrade). Although it could also go as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees centigrade).

Things to do at Baltimore

Some great things to do when visiting Baltimore include:

• Visit the Inner Harbor which is the heart of Baltimore and one of the most popular spots. It  is home to a number of popular attractions, such as the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and the USS Constellation.
• Visit Fell’s point which is a historic neighborhood with Cobblestone streets that are interesting to Wander through. It is also known for its charming architecture, unique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
• Fort McHenry, a historic fort, which played a major role during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem, “ The Star-Spangled Banner “.

For breakfast lovers, there are 2 restaurants to check out while in Baltimore – Miss Shirley’s and Blue Moon Café . They are both very popular brunch spots and thus always have huge lines to get in so plan accordingly. At Blue Moon café, try the Captain crunch toast and the Sweet Baby Jesus. At Miss Shirley’s the Waffles and Chicken are always a hit.

Submitted by Megan Indoe from Bobo & Chichi

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is without a doubt one of the best places to visit on the East Coast. Here you’ll find no shortage of historic sites especially around the first days of the American Revolution and Independence to world class museums and institutions, and gorgeous neighborhoods to explore.

How to get to Boston ?

Getting to Boston couldn’t be easier as there are several convenient transportation options.

• By Air – The city is well-served by Logan International Airport, which offers flights from various domestic and international destinations. There are many airlines, including Delta Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Southwest Airlines, that operate from Logan International airport.
• By Train – If you’re traveling on the East Coast already, you also have the option to take an Amtrak Train to Boston. 
• By Road – Boston is well connected with two major highways from many cities on the east coast.

Once you arrive, it’s easy to navigate the city using Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) , a network of subway trains, buses, and commuter rails. Plus many of the incredible Boston attractions are walking distance from one another.

Place to stay at Boston

You can consider staying at DoubleTree by Hilton at Bayside , or The Revolution Hotel in Boston.

Best time to visit Boston

The best time to visit Boston is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring time showcases blooming flowers, while fall is popular among those wanting to witness New England leaf peeping.

Things to do at Boston

Boston has many things to do. Some of the best attractions to check out include:

• The Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long route that takes them through significant landmarks such as the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church. 
• Or if you love museums, you’re in luck. Boston boasts world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Boston Public Library is worth visiting too!

Boston is also home to prestigious academic institutions including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

While you’re here a few must-visit experiences include dining at Union Oyster House, what’s considered the city’s oldest restaurant or spend time exploring the amazing  things to do in the North End of Boston , aka Little Italy where there’s no shortage of amazing places to dine and more historic sites!

Submitted by Michele Granera from Adventures Abound

Charleston is a historic city on the coast of South Carolina (SC) known for its beaches, storied past, and laid-back lifestyle. 

How to get to Charleston ?

• By Air – Charleston also has its own international airport, the Charleston International Airport (CHS) – with 60+ direct routes from cities around the US.
• By Road – Getting to Charleston, SC is easy, by driving South on I-77 or I-95 until reaching I-26 East which will head straight there.  

Once in town, the best way to get around is driving, though there is a bus route and a trolley in the downtown area.

Place to stay at Charleston

Stay in a hotel downtown, like the Francis Marion Hotel (celebrating 100 years in 2024), and you can walk to many places without the worry of a vehicle.

Charleston also has some amazing camping sites that provide great views and are close to the coast.

Best time to visit Charleston

The weather is warm and lovely most of the year, with colder (relatively speaking) winters and extremely hot and humid summers, so the best time to visit would be spring or fall.

Things to do at Charleston

With lovely beaches and interesting tours, you can do below things in Charleston:

• Exploring the beaches, learning about the rich history, and tasting southern fare are some of the many things to do in Charleston, SC . Some of the most popular beaches are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island. Just be prepared for traffic – with only a few ways on and off the barrier islands, these popular spots attract many visitors.
• Downtown Charleston is also a beautiful part of the city to explore. Popular spots include the colorful Rainbow Row homes, Waterfront Park and the Pineapple Fountain, and the Charleston City Market.

Many visitors also enjoy going out at night – but not in the way you think. Charleston has a long history of spooky residents – and you can join a ghost tour to meet them!

Cocoa Beach

Submitted by Bridget Gutierrez from Bridget Gutierrez Travels

Cocoa Beach, located on the eastern coast of Florida, is a charming seaside city renowned for its pristine beaches, surfing culture, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center .

How to get to Cocoa Beach?

• From there, you can reach Cocoa Beach by driving or taking a taxi.
• Another option is to take a 32 minutes shuttle (55 to 65 USD) from the airport to Townsend Rd NE Corner and then hop on bus 8 for 24 minutes (17 stops), get off at Cocoa Transit Center, transfer to bus 4 for 24 minutes (21 stops), lastly transfer on to bus 9 at Shepard’s park for a 1 minute ride to reach Cocoa Beach Pier Sign.
• By Road – You can easily access Cocoa Beach through national highway.

Place to stay at Cocoa Beach

One highly recommended place to stay in Cocoa Beach is the Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites . This hotel offers ocean-view rooms, two outdoor pools, and barbecue facilities, and it is even pet-friendly. It is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from the Kennedy Space Center. The lush and well-maintained landscaping adds to the ambiance, and the complimentary breakfast provides delicious hot meals from friendly staff.

Best time to visit Cocoa Beach

The best time to visit Cocoa Beach is late November and early May. The weather is pleasant during this period, with temperatures not too hot and less rain compared to the summer months. 

Things to do at Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has a variety of attractions to explore.

• The Cocoa Beach Pier is a must-visit spot, offering stunning ocean views, beachside dining, and lively entertainment options. Ron Jon Surf Shop is perfect for surf enthusiasts and those looking for beach gear. For a touch of history, visit Historic Cocoa Village, known for its charming shops, galleries, and restaurants.
• While in Cocoa Beach, enjoy dining at the various waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and breathtaking views. Keep an eye on the forecast and plan outdoor activities accordingly. 

Cocoa Beach is a destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure and has something for everyone.

Fort Lauderdale

Submitted by Daria from Neurolutions

Located in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is one of the best cities to visit on the East Coast of the United States, if you are looking for a sunny and tropical vacation.

How to get to Fort Lauderdale ?

• By Air – You can get to Fort Lauderdale by flying to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport or Miami International Airport.
• By Road – Fort Lauderdale is connected by the Sawgrass Expressway in Sunrise.

It’s a good idea to rent a car for your trip to explore the area, as it provides a quick and easy way to get around the area and not rely on Uber. Although there’s light rail as well as some buses available in the area, it doesn’t provide good coverage, and you will need either ride shares or taxis if you want to get outside your hotel.

Place to stay at Fort Lauderdale

Some of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale come with amazing oceanfront views. You can book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences or Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton , if you want to enjoy on-site pools, great restaurants and amenities like fitness centers and spas.

If you are looking to save some money, consider booking one of the cheaper hotels like Soleado or Hotel Tranquilo – these small boutique stays offer good value for the money and great basic accommodations.

Best time to visit Fort Lauderdale

The best time to visit Fort Lauderdale is during the spring season that lasts between March and May where the weather is cool and dry.

Things to do at Fort Lauderdale

Some of the things to do at Fort Lauderdale are:

• Famous for its beaches, the popular Las Olas Boulevard and the many waterways and canals, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect starting point for your adventures in South Florida, as it provides quick access to some of the best beaches in the region including Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach, and Lauderdale by the Sea.
• Some of the most popular things to do in Fort Lauderdale are taking a walk along the Las Olas Riverfront, visiting Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where you can enjoy kayaking and hiking some easy trails; and dining – Fort Lauderdale is well known for its fantastic food scene and you can plenty of great eateries from healthy cafes that have vegan and vegetarian options to lively Italian and Mexican restaurants or popular seafood spots along Fort Lauderdale Boulevard. 

Fort Lauderdale Boulevard is also home to many great restaurants like Lona Cocina, where you can try Mexican food, or Kousine, which offers a mix of Peruvian and Asian dishes. Finally, there are plenty of great bars in the area where you can enjoy a drink with a spectacular view of the Ocean.

Submitted by Mayuri Patel

Key West is one of the vibrant cities of the USA known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets. Located just 4 hours away from Miami, the road trip to Key West is considered one of the best road trips in the USA crossing the 17-mile sea bridge.

How to get to Key West ?

• By Air – You can fly directly to Key West. The city has an international airport that also serves as the domestic airport. There are more than 20 airline providers that operate out of Key West International Airport.
• By Road – Take a scenic Road trip from Miami to Key West via Bahia Honda State Park and Islamorada.
• By Bus or Ferry – You can reach via Bus or ferry too but not recommended as it will take longer than usual.

Place to stay at Key West

You can consider staying at 24 North Hotel in Key West that provides amazing views of the ocean.

Best time to visit Key West

Key West can be visited year-round but from December to April is peak time due to pleasant weather. However, May and October are favorable months due to the low prices of the accommodation and still having warm temperatures at the beach.

Try to avoid the peak summer season from June to October as it’s hot and humid.

Things to do at Key West

Whether you are doing a day trip or staying for a few nights, the city offers so much to everyone.

• Key West is a historic city with so many beautiful beaches. So, experience the Sunrise at Smather’s Beach and relax till the afternoon or visit the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park which is known for its history and beaches. You can go snorkeling here.
• With clear water and heaps of marine life, Key West is popular for paddle boarding. There are also plenty of beautiful sites where you can paddle board in Key West .
• Explore the famous Duval Street, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and live music venues. It is the heart of Key West’s nightlife and a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant culture.
• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote some of his iconic works. You can see the descendants of his six-toed cats wandering the property, yes you heard it right! It’s famous for cats.
• Key West itinerary  must include watching at least one sunset! And Key West is known for its Sunset Celebrations. You can participate in the lively Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where street performers, musicians, and artisans gather to celebrate the setting sun. It only happens in Key West!

Trip to Key West is incomplete without tasting its famous Key Lime Pie. Stop by Kermit’s Key lime pie for delicious pie during your stay.

Cuba is closer to Key West than the continental USA, it’s just 90 miles from Key West. And there is such a famous landmark known as the Southernmost Point Buoy. It represents the island’s geographical uniqueness and its proximity to the Caribbean. Don’t forget to snap a picture here!

Submitted by Victoria Heinz from Guide Your Travel

Miami, a vibrant city on Florida’s southeastern coast, awaits your arrival with its stunning beaches, diverse culture, and lively atmosphere.

How to get to Miami ?

• By Air – Getting to Miami is a breeze. Hop on a flight to Miami International Airport, which offers excellent connectivity to major cities and towns across the country.
• By Road – You can take the Overseas Highway to Miami and make it one of the most scenic road trips in the USA. If you love road trips, then do not forget to take an epic road trip from Orlando to Miami .

Once you land, public transportation is readily available. You can easily explore the city using the Miami Metrorail or hop on the comprehensive bus network of Miami-Dade Transit .

Place to stay at Miami

Consider booking a hotel like Esme Miami Beach or ABAE Hotel by Eskape Collection in the South Beach neighbourhood for a delightful stay. This iconic area is known for its art deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to the beautiful beach. It offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences.

Best time to visit Miami

The best time to visit Miami is during the winter and spring months, from December to May. The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 18 to 30 degrees centigrade). This period ensures enjoyable outdoor activities and avoids the hurricane season, typically from June to November.

Things to do at Miami

Miami offers an array of exciting things to do.

• You can soak up the sun on the famous South Beach, explore the Art Deco Historic District, or visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Wynwood to admire its renowned street art. Take advantage of the Cuban influence in Little Havana’s Calle Ocho, where you can enjoy authentic cuisine, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
• There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Miami . A must-visit restaurant is Joe’s Stone Crab, where you can indulge in their famous stone crab claws and fresh seafood delicacies. For a memorable bar experience, check out Ball & Chain in Little Havana, known for its vibrant ambience, live music, and delicious cocktails.
• One of the other ways to enjoy Miami is to rent out a private boat tour . It is the perfect way to have fun with friends and family.

While exploring Miami, remember to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and monitor your belongings in crowded areas. Additionally, be mindful of traffic and allow extra travel time, as the city can get congested, especially during peak tourist seasons.

New York City

Submitted by Raksha Nagaraj

Also known as the Big Apple, New York city is the most populous city in the country. It is known as the cultural, financial and media capital of the world.

How to get to New York City ?

• By Air – New York City has three main airports and there are more than 70 airlines that operate from the airports. The city is well connected with all the other cities and towns.
• By Road – Getting to the city by road is very easy. There are highways that connect well with the city.

When you are in the city, you can use metros, trains or buses to get around. These modes of transport are operated by Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) .

Place to stay at New York City

Consider staying at DoubleTree by Hilton at Times Square West which is an eco-certified hotel.

Best time to visit New York City

The best time to visit New York city is during the spring and fall seasons (between April and June, and between September and November).

Christmas is also a great time to visit the city as New York City is one of the places where you can see white Christmas in the US.

Things to do at New York City

There are heaps of things that you can do in New York City .

• You have to start off by seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Statue of Liberty . One of the best views come from the ferry that goes to the monument.
• As I mentioned, the city is considered as the financial capital of the world. So, visiting New York City is incomplete without visiting the financial district and also getting a picture with the Charging Bull.
• If you have time, definitely go watch a Broadway show.
• To end the day, ensure to get the spectacular view of all the skyscrapers and buildings from the Empire State Building.
• And see the city lights at Times Square.

Submitted by Candice Wood Steele from Exploring the Gulf

Orlando is one of the most popular cities to visit on the east coast. It is a famous Florida city full of opportunities for family fun, you can’t go wrong with Orlando!

How to get to Orlando ?

• By Air – Most travelers to Orlando fly into Orlando International Airport. Ranked as the 11th busiest airport in the country, Orlando International Airport has more that 40 flights operating from it. The airport is around 6 miles (10 kilometres) from the Downtown Orlando.
• By Road – For those who live near enough to drive or opt for a long road trip, I-95, I-75, and I-4 are the main interstates that will lead travelers into the city. Amtrak and Greyhound are also transportation options depending on the city you’re traveling from. 

If you’re looking to spend a lot of time in downtown Orlando LYMMO will make a big difference in your vacation experience. The city’s free public transportation bus carries passengers seven days a week to several of the most happening downtown destinations.  

Place to stay at Orlando

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn & Suites is a fantastic place to stay while visiting Orlando. The comfortable rooms and charming property mix the fun theme park atmosphere of Orlando with the beach vibes of Florida at large. 

Best time to visit Orlando

If you’re looking for comfortable weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting Orlando sometime between mid-September through November. Fall offers the best all-around experience for this city.  

Things to do at Orlando

Orlando has many things that it offers to its visitors.

• Being the theme park capital of the country, you can’t visit Orlando without hitting up Disney World and Universal Studios ! 
• Travelers may think there’s no hope for beach time on an Orlando vacation. Think again! There are many  beaches near Orlando  to explore, some less than an hour outside of the city. 
• Around an hour of drive from Orlando, you can also visit one of the most popular attractions of Florida, the Kennedy Space Center . Being a must-see for all the space lovers, the space center serves as a primary launch site for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Shark’s Underwater Grill at SeaWorld provides an upscale dining experience in a setting your family will never forget. Enjoy steakhouse-style entrees in the heart of a 700,000-gallon shark tank. Marine life views will keep kids and adults alike entranced throughout the meal! 

Philadelphia

Submitted by Lanie van der Horst from Make More Adventures

Filled with American history, art, and sports, Philadelphia is a fun city to visit on the east coast of the USA.

How to get to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia can be accessed by plane, train, and bus.

• By Air – Philadelphia has three airports; Philadelphia International, Philadelphia Trenton-Mercer and North Philadelphia airports. American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate out of Philadelphia airports.
• By Road – I-95 is the best highway to take to get into Philadelphia.

Once you have arrived, it is easy to get around on public transportation, and much of the city is walkable. It is advisable not to drive to Philadelphia as according to WalletHub it has been ranked as one of the worst American cities for driving.

Place to stay at Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Square is a nice place to stay with hotels such as Sofitel Philadelphia or The Warwick Hotel . Rittenhouse Square is filled with restaurants and cafes and is within walking distance of many of the top attractions in Philadelphia.

Best time to visit Philadelphia

Spring is a lovely time to visit Philadelphia. The weather is mild and cherry blossoms pop up around the city.

Things to do at Philadelphia

Philadelphia has plenty of things to do.

• Philadelphia played a role in the American Revolution and visitors can learn more by visiting Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You can also view the Liberty Bell. Nearby, see money being printed at The Mint.
• Philadelphia is known for is being the stage of the Rocky movies. You can visit the stairs that he climbed by going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
• Franklin Institute is a large science museum with plenty for all ages, and the Please Touch Museum is perfect for young kids. Philadelphia has  plenty of fun things to do with kids of all ages .
• Another thing Philadelphia has is 5 different major league sports teams including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer.

Philadelphia is best known for its cheesesteaks with Gino’s and Pat’s among the best-known options. One way to try a lot of different options is to check out Reading Terminal Market. The market is open daily and is filled with more than 75 restaurants, bakeries, and shops. Food tours take place twice almost every day at Reading Terminal Market.

Submitted by Sierra Wilbar from Your Guide to Wandering

Providence is an understated East Coast gem with artsy neighborhoods and a thriving culinary scene. While often overlooked for larger cities such as Boston, Providence is a smaller city with tons to do!

How to get to Providence ?

• By Air – Fly into Providence’s TF Green Airport, a small airport that has many direct flights across the U.S.
• By Road – I-95 goes through Providence and that is the best way to get into the city.

Providence is too small to have a metro but has a Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus system as well as Ubers.

Place to stay at Providence

Stay central downtown in the iconic Graduate Providence (formerly Biltmore Hotel) for easy access to restaurants and shopping.

Best time to visit Providence

You can visit Providence year-round but the best time is in the fall and summer.

Things to do at Providence

At Providence, you can:

• Check out the prestigious Ivy League Brown University and stroll up Thayer Street for many Indi shops, restaurants, and boutiques. There are always plenty of local art shows and concerts. Then head over to Federal Hill for an upscale night of Italian dining. Providence’s food scene, especially its seafood and Italian, rivals that of larger cities.
• In the summer months come for Water Fire, when there are basins of fire lit along the Providence Rivers downtown. See gondolas, performers, and vendors along the route for a magical evening.
• Providence is also in close proximity to many historic Rhode Island locations including the mansions of Newport Rhode Island and the  charming sea town  of Watch Hill. Nowhere in Rhode Island are you more than 30 minutes from a beach!

Submitted by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

One of the oldest cities in the USA is Richmond in Virginia. There’s no question that Richmond, Virginia is a must-visit destination on the East Coast. Just two hours from Washington DC, Richmond is an easy weekend getaway destination.

How to get to Richmond?

• By Air – Richmond has an international airport which is around 7.7 miles (12 kilometres) from downtown. Some of the airlines that operate from the airport are Delta, Southwest and United Airlines.
• By Road – Richmond is at the crossroads of Virginia and is best accessed by I-64 and I-95.

In Richmond, you can use the public transport or just walk around.

Place to stay at Richmond

Book a stay at the Berkeley Hotel , a stylish hotel that’s a short walk to the Virginia State Capitol, the Poe Museum and the  Richmond Canal Walk . 

Best time to visit Richmond

Richmond is a destination that can be visited any time of the year. But due to the events and festivals, summer and fall seasons (between May and October) are the best time and also the peak season.

Things to do at Richmond

This historic capital city of Richmond captivates with a vibrant public art scene, flavorful dining options, notable landmarks and memorials, and easy access to green spaces and outdoor activities, like hiking, kayaking and biking.

• Thanks to the Richmond Mural Project, colorful murals and street art can be found across town, including in 11 popular neighborhoods, like The Fan and Carytown. Take a self-guided tour of gram-worthy works of art, like the popular LOVE mural on the side of the Reservoir Distillery.
• For outdoor fun, look to urban trails along the James River, which flows through Richmond. A favorite hike leads visitors along Texas Beach in James River Park. This shaded hike boasts colorful foliage, rock scrambles and a historic gristmill.

Hungry? There are many beautiful restaurants in Richmond . In Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood, the Hatch Local Food Hall boasts six locally-owned food concepts, including Fat Kid Sandwiches and The Beet Box. For breakfast, 521 Biscuits & Waffles is a must for buttermilk biscuits and waffles served with organic 100% maple syrup. The Fancy Biscuit is another favorite for Southern staples, like biscuits and gravy.

St. Augustine

Submitted by Sam Opp from Find Love and Travel

St. Augustine is located in Florida on the East Coast of the USA and is a stunning city for a short getaway. This city has been coined the oldest city in the US, and with that comes a historic culture. Plus, the pristine beaches and incredible food scene make for an epic trip.

How to get to St. Augustine ?

• By Air – The best way to access St. Augustine is by flying and arriving at Jacksonville International Airport.
• By Road – Alternatively, St. Augustine is a connected city, so you can take a road trip here, depending on your location.

St. Augustine is a walkable city, and there are buses and trains available, however, if you don’t plan to leave the city center, it’s unlikely that you will need to use them. If you do want to explore further out, renting a car would be a better option. 

Place to stay at St. Augustine

A wonderful hotel to stay at during your visit is the historic Casa Monica Resort & Spa .

Best time to visit St. Augustine

When deciding what time of year to go, summer is a great time to experience the beaches. If you want to avoid crowds, opt to visit during May instead.

Things to do at St. Augustine

At St. Augustine, you can do:

• With a  weekend in St. Augustine , make sure to check out the Downtown Historic District, where you can visit the Fountain of Youth, Castillo de San Marcos, and grab a sweet treat at George Street.
• Other worthwhile activities include soaking up the Florida sun at Anastasia State Park and visiting St. Augustine Lighthouse.

As mentioned, the food scene in this location is top-tier. You have to stop by The Blue Hen Café. This place has a great breakfast and is well worth the wait in line.

Submitted by Sydney Richardson from A World in Reach

With a beautiful historic district full of draping Spanish moss, delicious food, and a touch of spookiness, Savannah, Georgia is definitely one of the best cities to visit on the East Coast.

How to get to Savannah ?

• By Air – Savannah has a international airport Savannah-Hilton Head International airport that has very good connectivity with more than 30 major cities across the country.
• By Road – Savannah has good access through many interstate highways like I-16, I-95 and I-516.

When you are in Savannah, use the DOT to get a free bus ride throughout the Historic District.

Place to stay at Savannah

Stay in the Historic District of Savannah. Hyatt Regency or The Isetta Inn are the great options for staying in Savannah.

Best time to visit Savannah

To make the most of your Savannah visit, plan your visit for the spring or fall, when the temperatures are not too hot but not too cold.

Things to do at Savannah

Spending a long weekend in Savannah is a great way to experience the city for the first time.

• A visit to Savannah isn’t complete without a walk through the gorgeous Savannah Historic District. The district is home to more than 20 historic city squares along with beautiful churches and antebellum mansions. The district is compact and walkable, making it great for exploring on foot.
• Grab a frozen daiquiri from Wet Willie’s on River Street before making your way through the historic district, taking in the beauty and stopping to relax in the historic squares.
• Make your way to beautiful Forsyth Park and have an Instagram-worthy photo shoot at the centerpiece fountain before heading back to one of Savannah’s amazing restaurants for dinner.
• Since Savannah is said to be haunted, you can’t visit without taking a ghost tour! There are several different ghost tours given throughout the city, each catering to different travel styles. If you’re visiting with your family, there are tours that are appropriate for all ages.
• Other fun options include taking a haunted pub crawl or riding around in a hearse while learning about Savannah’s haunted past. Each of the tours are unique and are a great way to end your visit to Savannah.

The Olde Pink House is a great option for a nice dinner – make sure to make reservations!

Washington D.C.

Located on the east coast of the USA in the District of Columbia (D.C.) is the capital city, Washington D.C . Famous for its government buildings and the White House, the city also has plenty of historical buildings and museums.

How to get to Washington DC ?

• By Air – It is very easy to fly into the capital city as there are three airport and most of the airlines, including American Airlines, and United Airlines, operate out of these airports. The city is well connected with all other cities and towns across the country.
• By Road – You can also easily travel to Washington D.C. by car. The main highway is the USA’s longest north to south highway Interstate 95 (I-95).

In the city, you can use Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to commute. They run metros and buses in the city and purchase the reusable travel card SmarTrip.

Place to stay at Washington DC

The best area to stay in when you are visiting Washington D.C. is the downtown area as it is closer to all the major attractions. You can consider staying at the Hilton Garden Inn .

Best time to visit Washington DC

The best time to visit Washington D.C. is during the Spring and fall seasons (between the months of March and May, and between September and November).

Things to do at Washington DC

As I mentioned, Washington D.C. is popular for its museums and historical buildings. Some of the things to do in the city are:

• The Lincoln memorial that is built in honor of Abraham Lincoln. You can visit this any time during the day as there is no entrance fee and it is open throughout the day.
• You can spend an evening at Washington Monument watching the sun set with a spectacular backdrop. The monument is open for visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• You can see the USA President’s official residence from a viewpoint. The public tours run between Tuesday and Saturday between 8 AM and 12:30 PM.

Closing Notes

These are some of the top cities to visit on the east coast of USA. And each one of these cities is beautiful and makes perfect holiday destination. Which one of these have you added to your bucket list now? Let me know by writing to me on [email protected] .

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The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast

By Alex Erdekian

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The 14 states that make up the East Coast of the U.S. offer up a wide range of climates, geographies and cultures. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida—and all have beautiful, special beach towns worth a visit this summer. You'll find places as different as Cape Cod , the Outer Banks and the Florida Keys. Historic, charming, tropical, wild, the Atlantic seaboard has it all. Without further delay, here are a few of the East Coast’s best beach towns.

Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor, Maine

Much of Maine's Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park —home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island's northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid 19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine's Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia. 

Rockport, MA

Rockport, Massachusetts

The North Shore, a group of towns in Greater Boston, is a culturally important swath of Massachusetts. The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester-by-the-Sea . There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers. Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative “the most-often painted building in America.” It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character. (And it didn’t hurt that the light hit it just so.) A replica was built promptly following the historic Blizzard of 1978, which destroyed the original. Gray Malin photographed it for his recent project on Boston .

Oak Bluffs, MA

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Ferries deliver day trippers to this little Martha’s Vineyard town daily and the colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.

Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island

Like Oak Bluffs, Newport is a beach town known for its houses, though a very different sort. Ten enormous, historic mansions—once the summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Nevada silver heiresses, and other Westerners of unimaginable wealth—remain standing along the famous cliff walk. Today however, they are museums. The most famous two are The Breakers and Rosecliff. The Newport mansions famously earned the ire of writer Joan Didion, who wrote in her essay The Seacoast of Despair, “To stand in the dining room of ‘The Breakers’ is to imagine fleeing it, pleading migraine.” Today, in lieu of the Great Gatsby -esque lawn parties of yore where swans roamed the grounds, Newport attracts visitors of all stripes for events such as the Newport Folk Festival.

Steph Koyfman

Pam LeBlanc

Jamie Spain

Caitlin Morton

Montauk, NY

Montauk, New York

The final stop on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is appropriately known as the End. Due to strong winds, rough surf, and ample preserved land, it really does feel like the edge of the world, here. (Although some residents of Long Island’s furthest out town argue that if you really think about it, it’s actually the Beginning.) Montauk feels more remote and low key than its luxurious, sceney Hamptons counterparts. Every visit to Montauk should include a stop at the Montauk Point Light House, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796. It is still operating, and the panoramic views from the top are out of this world.

Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey

The site of pink triple-decker Victorian homes and a lively, festive promenade which exists as a beach town ideal in America's collective imagination, Cape May is the sort of dreamy summer destination one associates with trails of melted ice cream dotting the hot pavement and Fourth of July picnics. National Geographic also labeled Cape May as a World's Best Destination for Birding , writing, “the narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show… With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.” Sign us up.

Chincoteague, VA

Chincoteague, Virginia

You won't find bustling boardwalks, sleek hotels, or grids of cars with clunky bike racks trapped in traffic in Chincoteague. This coastal town is all about the wildlife—specifically its wild horses . Visitors flock to the island annually for the Pony Penning that has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department holds the event, and it consists of a pony swim—in which the animals cross the Assateague Channel—and a pony auction. No one really knows how this population of horses came to be, though there are competing theories. Some say they are descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked en route to Peru in the 17th century. Others claim they were left long ago by pirates. Still others say they are runaways from mainland farmers. The quaint beauty of Chincoteague includes trails for hiking, beaches, and a red and white lighthouse. For the best pony views, cross over on a bike to the Maryland side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a beach town on the Outer Banks , a group of barrier islands and spits sandwiched between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park, which comprise the tallest true sand dune system on the East Coast. Hundreds of shipwrecks nearby—caused by the region's shifting sands and heavily trafficked waters—have given the surrounding waters the moniker “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and the nearby USS Huron is a popular scuba dive site.

Pawley's Island, SC

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is so small that its year-round population hovers around 100 people. It was first settled in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest beach towns in the U.S. With that amount of history, there is, of course, a ghost story to go with it: There have been sightings of the Gray Man, a ghost whose appearance is said to warn of hurricanes as he paces up and down the beach, dating to a 19th century storm. Summer options on Pawleys Island that are not at all spooky—besides flopping around on the beach—include golf, fishing, walking sculpture-filled gardens, and feasting on Lowcountry cuisine like She Crab soup.

Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key, Florida

While we love the beach towns listed above, the only part of the East Coast which has a true tropical climate is the lower half of Florida. Naturally, the beaches in this area are very beautiful. We want to laud Siesta Key in particular for its fine sand, which comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made up almost entirely of cool and reflective quartz, its waterfront dining and drinking, and its excellence for water sports like parasailing. The three beaches to visit on Siesta Key are Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

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10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast

From Maine to Florida, these small towns have big appeal.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

These days, small towns in America are having a moment in the spotlight. Travelers are looking beyond the bright lights of cities like Boston and New York and seeking out places with a lower concentration of visitors and easier access to the outdoors. With this shift, folks are experiencing another side of the country — one with plenty of elbow room.

So, whether you're looking for an accessible domestic destination or a new town to call home, we've compiled some of the best small towns on the East Coast to make your search a little easier.

Aurora, New York

Heather Ainsworth/Travel + Leisure

It doesn't get much smaller — or more beautiful — than Aurora. With a year-round population of less than 700 people, this tiny village on Cayuga Lake is just over four hours from New York City and Philadelphia.

If you're here to put up your feet and relax lakeside, head to The Inns of Aurora , a luxury boutique resort with in-room fireplaces, semi-private balconies, and stunning views of the lake. Here, you can kayak, book a private yoga class, or sip a glass of wine in an Adirondack chair overlooking the water. When you're ready to check out the local area, make your way north to the town of Union Springs and book a wine tasting at Heart & Hands Wine Company , or explore downtown Aurora and grab a bite and beer at Fargo Bar & Grill .

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Only accessible by boat and air, this island off the coast of Massachusetts is no stranger to visitors — and once you arrive, you'll see why. The island is home to six small towns and plenty of things to do. Spend the day lounging by the water at South Beach or exploring Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge — a barrier beach with a sandy shoreline, plenty of hiking, and the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

There's something thrilling about standing on the battleground that led to a turning point in the Civil War or imagining Abraham Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address to war-weary soldiers. That's all the norm in Gettysburg, arguably one of the most historically significant towns in the U.S.

But just because you're not a history buff doesn't mean Gettysburg shouldn't be on your travel wish list. Book a stay at the downtown Union Hotel and load up on their in-room breakfast baskets before you start the day. Then, after some exploration, wind down with a craft cocktail at the Mason Dixon Distillery .

Mystic, Connecticut

This seaside town sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, and as you'd expect, fully celebrates and embraces the maritime way of life. You can rent a paddleboard and enjoy views of Mystic from the water or take a cruise up the river in a classic wooden motorboat. When the sun starts to set, walk along the river park, then tuck into a plate of seafood at Red 36 , a waterfront restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio.

Kennebunkport, Maine

This coastal town sees more visitors in the summer months, but it's the sort of place you can visit throughout the year. On a warm day, hit the long sandy shores at Goose Rocks Beach or Arundel Beach, or ride one of the restored vintage streetcars at the Seashore Trolley Museum when the temperatures dip. Either way, top off the day with a lobster roll and stroll through the town's shops and galleries.

Beaufort, South Carolina

South Carolina's Hilton Head Island gets most of the attention, but the lesser-known Port Royal Island is just as beautiful. Namely, the island town of Beaufort has a historic district well worth a visit. After you've had your fill of sightseeing, grab dinner at Saltus River Grill , followed by ice cream at YoYo's and a walk through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Hot Springs, North Carolina

As its name suggests, this small town is all about the area's natural hot springs. Book a stay at Broadwing Farm Cabins and spend your day oscillating between soaking in the mineral water and exploring the organic farmland. When you've had enough water, lace up your hiking boots and hit part of the Appalachian Trail or walk around the town's tiny downtown area and grab a beer at the Iron Horse Station .

Cape May, New Jersey

This seaside resort town at the tip of southern New Jersey's Cape May peninsula is all about the beaches. But before you post up, check out the town's old Victorian houses and wander around the Washington Street Mall for beach day provisions. Before you leave, dedicate a morning to climbing the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse . We promise, the panoramic views are well worth the effort.

Meredith, New Hampshire

Meredith is one of those unbearably cute East Coast towns — especially in the autumn, when the fall colors pop . But this lakefront community has a lot more going for it than beautiful fall foliage. The town is nestled on Lake Winnipesaukee in the foothills of the White Mountains and is home to the M/S Mount Washington . For a perfect Meredith day, kayak to the nearby Stonedam Island and book a sunset dinner cruise on the ship.

Marathon, Florida

When it comes to coastal living, Marathon is hard to top. Not only is the town spread across 13 islands (how dreamy is that?), but it has direct access to a barrier reef, renowned deep-sea fishing, and a string of waterfront restaurants. As you might expect from a marine town, Marathon has plenty of beaches known for welcoming nesting loggerhead turtles.

Protect Your Trip »

26 top east coast beaches.

Add these seaside destinations to your summer travel wish list.

(Getty Images) |

Even if you only have one day to spare, these stretches of sand guarantee a relaxing getaway.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida

Cape Cod National Seashore: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape May, New Jersey

(Courtesy of Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority) |

Delray Beach, Florida

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Hampton Beach: Hampton, New Hampshire

Madison, Connecticut

Block Island, Rhode Island

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Narragansett, Rhode Island

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City, New Jersey

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

South Beach: Miami Beach, Florida

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Amelia Island, Florida

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Fire Island, New York

Tybee Island, Georgia

Coney Island Beach: Brooklyn, New York

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Acadia National Park, Maine

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

11 Amazing Things to Do on the East Coast of Florida | Places to Visit and Activities To Enjoy

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

• Destinations
• United States

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Living in Vero Beach, I am surrounded by incredibly interesting and beautiful towns running up and down the coast that are so close in mileage yet so far away otherwise. I am continually taking road trips to visit and discover as many as I can. From beautiful beaches to one of the most historical cities in America, the pride of the space program to hidden gems, here are eleven beautiful towns you must visit on Florida’s East Coast apart from Vero Beach.

My list runs north to south, so you could easily get in your car, make St. Augustine your starting point and Miami your final destination, and see them all in one fell swoop.

Disclaimer: I participated in a few of these stays/meals/activities on hosted press trips over the years. All opinions are my own.

Vlad G / Shutterstock

11 Amazing Things to Do on the East Coast of Florida

1. st. augustine.

Explore Florida’s Historic Coast, home to St. Augustine , one of the favorite and most visited Florida cities. The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park has beautiful grounds to see, costumed interpreters in action, and, of course, the waters from the Fountain of Youth. You can even watch the cannons being fired into the Matanzas River daily. Keep the history lesson going with a visit to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

Dining in St. Augustine is phenomenal, with Cuban cuisine at the Columbia Restaurant, great Southern appetizers from The Floridian , amazing seafood creations at Catch 27, and gourmet burgers at Michael’s Tasting Room. Save room for incredible ice cream sandwiches from Peace Pie.

Stay at the St. Francis Inn bed and breakfast, the oldest inn in Florida, where you’ll enjoy cozy, comfy rooms, an afternoon social, and free breakfast (that’s delicious, I might add). They have a fabulous pool and are within walking distance (or use one of the guest bikes) of most St. Augustine attractions .

18 Gorgeous St. Augustine Vacation Rentals Perfect For Your Next Getaway

Melody Pittman

2. Titusville

Titusville is an underrated Florida East Coast Town that is often overshadowed by the cities on its north and south sides. There is a cute downtown in Titusville, a fantastic brewery ( Playalinda ), pristine parks, and many reasons to stop for a visit.

Titusville is also home to the iconic Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex, the best place in the world for learning about the space program, astronauts, and rockets. You can dine with an astronaut, my favorite offering at KSC. You’ll learn firsthand about his/her career, space missions, and personal life. The food is good, too. Be sure to schedule several hours for your visit to the center; the exhibits are numerous, and you’ll get sucked in looking at everything and learning.

Aside from dining at the Space Center, you can eat at one of two iconic places in Titusville : Dixie Crossroads Restaurant, known for fresh seafood, corn fritters, and themed dining rooms, or Loyd Have Mercy Restaurant, delicious soul food in a cute space with the best fried chicken and collard greens outside of Mississippi.

3. Sebastian

Sebastian is a small town on Florida’s East Coast that is gaining popularity — and fast. Stay in unique and stylish waterfront cottages at Island View Cottages. These gorgeous units have a historic backstory with a modern-day facelift, free use of bicycles and kayaks, and are the perfect get-away-from-everything place to stay. Sebastian is also a great place to drop a line and catch snook, flounder, snapper, and Spanish mackerel.

Enjoy sweet and savory crepes for breakfast at Hen House Eatery and Florida’s best hot peel-and-eat shrimp from Blackfins at Captain Hirams for lunch or dinner.

A fun and free (donations accepted) attraction in Sebastian is LaPorte Farms , a private animal encounter with tropical birds, llama, zebra, and tortoises. You can also choose a free book from the massive Little Free Library on the property.

4. Fort Pierce

Just south of where I live, Fort Pierce is my new stomping grounds. Here, you’ll find a laid-back Old Florida town with modern-day amenities and fantastic restaurants. For the best seafood choices, 12A Buoy and Cobb’s Landing are both excellent.

I recommend visiting the A. E. Backus Museum and Gallery (named after and dedicated to the works of the Florida landscape painter) and then crossing the street for the $1-admission Manatee Observation and Education Center, which focuses on manatee education and coastal awareness and has a cute gift shop. Then, step outside to see the manatees, weather permitting, as they are temperamental if the weather is cold. Sip a tasty craft beer at Sailfish Brewing Company, only a few blocks away.

If you are visiting on a Saturday, enjoy one of Florida’s biggest farmers markets at Marina Square on the waterfront from 8 a.m. until noon. Also in Fort Pierce: one of our picks for the nine best hikes in beautiful Florida .

5. Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach is a lesser-known treasure on Florida’s East Coast. Go out on the water by pontoon, airboat, sailboat, or kayak for an ecotourism jaunt around the Indian River Lagoon to learn about the unique landscape (the most bio-diverse lagoon ecosystem in North America). Rental and tour companies are plentiful.

Jensen Beach was the biggest pineapple supplier in the world at one time, so naturally, there is a Pineapple Festival to honor that heritage. You can enjoy live music, great food, carnival-style rides, and crafts for sale the next time this fun-filled event is hosted.

A great place to stay is the Jensen Beach Inn , situated in the cool downtown area. Eat breakfast at Jan’s Place, go to Crawdaddy’s for Cajun and creole cuisine, and try Sauder’s Landing for fine-dining and dinner classics. Jensen has a dynamic downtown with lots to see, including an arts enclave with working artists and fantastic gifts.

6. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a small area on Florida’s East Coast with one of its wealthiest zip codes. You’ll find shopping comparable to Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue. This is the place for upscale boutiques, dining, and extraordinary art galleries.

My favorite attraction in Palm Beach is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum . Called Whitehall, this Gilded Age winter estate of the railroad baron has room after room (75 in total) of beautiful antiques, art, and treasures. Stay for a proper afternoon tea at Cafe des Beaux-Arts (currently closed for the season) with panoramic views of Lake Worth and the West Palm Beach skyline. West Palm Beach is separated from neighboring Palm Beach by the beautiful Lake Worth Lagoon.

Escape to paradise at the fantastic Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort and Spa on nearby Singer Island. Rooms are stylishly decorated and have everything you could want, while the outside patio has inviting fire pits that invite you to sit and relax.

7. Delray Beach

Delray Beach — one of seven magical U.S. towns to visit during the holidays — is one of Florida’s most talked about artsy towns. Atlantic Avenue is the main thoroughfare lined with swaying palms, high-brow art galleries, unique boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. For lunch or dinner, try Vic and Angelo’s orecchiette with Italian sausage or Rocco’s Tacos yummy Austin Queso and guacamole. Order a hibiscus-flavored margarita if you’ve never tried one.

Delray Beach is home to a historic treasure, the Colony Hotel . Stay at the downtown location, which is brimming with Old Florida charm. It has private beach access, cabanas, and a saltwater pool at the Colony Cabana Club just 2 miles from the hotel, plus, it’s pet-friendly.

While in Delray Beach, consider taking a Taste History food tour to learn the area’s history and sample four to five local eateries. You can also play your favorite games and old-school pinball machines at Silverball Museum Retro Arcade.

8. Hollywood

In Hollywood, my top-rated attraction is the Broadwalk, a 2.2-mile pedestrian boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean and Hollywood Beach with ice cream and souvenir shops and impeccable views. You can rent low-riders, adult tricycles, surreys, bikes, and special needs equipment at Sun and Fun Cycles to explore the Broadwalk differently.

The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project is incredible. I think Hollywood has the best murals in all of Florida, with jaw-dropping artwork all through the town. Art-lovers will also appreciate Hollywood’s Art and Culture Center.

Stay at the mammoth Margaritaville Beach Resort with eight dining options and the FlowRider surfing simulator in the front of the Broadwalk. You’ll have access to great pools with excellent sunbathing and tropical cocktails to enhance your vacation.

Miami is home to all walks of life, visitors from all over the world, the best Cuban offerings outside of Cuba, and second-to-none people-watching opportunities. Start your Miami experience at the Lincoln Road Mall, South Florida’s premier open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It features pedestrian-only streets with sidewalk cafes down the center. Have a coffee and pastry at Paul Bakery Cafe or enjoy shopping at 80+ stores.

My favorite thing to do in Miami is to take a Bike and Roll Miami Segway ride around South Beach. If you’ve never tried it, riding a Segway is easy and great fun. Learn how during a 10- to 15-minute crash course (don’t worry, you won’t tip over), then zip along Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive amid the priceless antique and import cars. Take in the art deco capital of the world’s stunning architecture, waterfront, parks, and local neighborhoods.

Conclude your Miami visit with a stop in Little Havana, the Miami neighborhood that is as Cuban as it gets. Feast on a Media Noche sandwich and cortadito (a Cuban coffee with a little milk) at Versailles Restaurant , an authentic eatery. While you’re there, make time for Maximo Gomez Park on historic Calle Ocho, where you can see the dozens of domino players, then browse the shops for Little Havana souvenirs and apparel.

12 Luxurious Miami Vacation Rentals From Midtown To South Beach

10. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach , nestled on the vibrant East Coast of Florida, captivates with its iconic sandy shores and lively atmosphere.

Attracted by Daytona Beach’s East Coast charm, visitors relish the sun-soaked shoreline, creating cherished memories in this unforgettable East Coast destination.

The rich history of Daytona Beach, diverse entertainment options in the city, and bustling East Coast cultural scene further enhance the attraction, ensuring a truly immersive experience for every Daytona Beach visitor.

11. Fort Lauderdale

Located about 25 miles north of Miami and dubbed ‘‘The Venice of America’’, Fort Lauderdale is famous not only for its beautiful beaches and waterways but also for being a huge cultural hotspot. Much of its economy is based on beach tourism and nightclubs.

One of the most iconic landmarks of Fort Lauderdale is The Strip, a stretch that runs along the ocean, lined with an array of restaurants and bars that offer stunning views, premium boutiques, and luxurious resorts. 

But Fort Lauderdale is not just The Strip. It’s an eclectic mix of art galleries, museums, and cultural landmarks like NSU Art Museum and Bonnet House Museum and Gardens which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Lauderdale serves up tantalizing dishes, so after a day full of activities, snap some of the award-winning grub at seafood havens like the legendary 15th Street Fisheries in Lauderdale Marina or head to Steak 954 for upscale delights.

From there, brace yourself for a night of lively live music. From Revolution Live which has hosted some of the biggest names in music today to the increasingly popular Elbo Room hosts amazing acts, as well as Blue Jean Blues, Fort Lauderdale will not leave you disappointed.

What Is the East Coast of Florida Known For?

The northeast region of Florida, also known as Florida’s First Coast, is home to Jacksonville, the largest city in the U.S. by area. East Coast of Florida is also known for multiple military bases, beautiful white sand beaches, and the mystical Fountain of Youth.

What Is the Oldest City on the East Coast of Florida?

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is regarded as the oldest city not just on the East Coast of Florida but also in the U.S. Its Spanish colonial architecture testifies to its origins. Namely, the Spanish established a settlement at St.Augustine fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

Which City on the East Coast of Florida Has the Clearest Water?

Palm Beach, one of the easternmost towns, offers some of the clearest water on the East Coast of Florida. It is a boating paradise due to its offshore fishing, diving, and recreational boating locations. One of the most popular destinations is Peanut Island.

When Is the Busiest Tourist Season on Florida’s East Coast?

Peak tourist season on the East Coast of Florida starts right after Christmas and lasts until May. There’s minimal rainfall, and the temperatures usually hover in the 70s, but that pleasant weather comes with high prices and crowds.

Which City on the East Coast of Florida Is the Most Expensive?

Palm Beach is the most upscale place to live in Florida’s East. With premium designer boutiques and an upscale shopping experience, Worth Avenue is known to be one of the most famous shopping strips in the country.

Melody and her daughter Taylor run both Wherever I May Roam and Travel The South travel blogs. She is a digital influencer, freelances for both print and online publications, and hosts an annual travel conference, Southern Travelers Explore. Melody has been traveling her entire adult life and has visited 49 states and 49 countries. She loves cruising, small towns, historical sights, and National Parks.

The 16 Best East Coast Beaches in the U.S.

Set your sights on these beautiful stretches of shoreline from Maine to Florida.

With nearly 30,000 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of soft sand, blue water, and seaside fun to choose from—whether you prefer the waterfront amusements of the Jersey Shore, mixing it up with well-heeled vacationers in the Hamptons , or the serenity of Assateague Island. Here, the best East Coast beaches in the U.S.

Mansion Beach: Block Island, Rhode Island

Mansion Beach, accessible via a dirt road in Block Island, provides visitors with the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for the whole family,” says Caroline Quinn, travel expert at Black Tomato . When soaking up the sun, bodyboarding in the waves, and combing for shells along the uncrowded shoreline, the peaceful ambiance is such a delightful contrast to other East Coast tourist darlings that draw huge summer crowds.

Georgica Beach: East Hampton, New York

Abutting the Georgica Association—one of the most exclusive and expensive communities in the world—beautiful Georgica Beach makes the singularly rough drive out to the Hamptons well worth it.

This particularly splendid stretch of East Hampton is where city transplants and owners of summer homes nearby come to catch rays, go for a refreshing dip, and plan Instagram-worthy beach picnics.

Siasconset Beach: Nantucket, Massachusetts

One of the loveliest and most easy-to-access beaches on Nantucket, Siasconset Beach, on the eastern tip of the island, sits within biking distance of Greydon House in the utterly charming, old-school town of Sciasonsett. Backed by dunes, it’s a popular—and photogenic—spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Goosewing Beach: Little Compton, Rhode Island

On the South Shore of Rhode Island lies Goosewing Beach, a haven of soft sand that offers a sanctuary for relaxation, renewal, and outdoor recreation.

“It’s located within a stunning nature reserve that’s one of the state’s most popular outdoor destinations for visitors looking for adventure, hiking trails, and beautiful wildlife,” explains Quinn. Pro tip: It's located less than 15 minutes away from the beautiful Sakonnet Lighthouse, so plan to make a trip to both spots while you're in the area.

Gooch’s Beach: Kennebunkport, Maine

“Set along the scenic coastline of Kennebunkport, Gooch's Beach is a cherished gem of New England with timeless charm,” says Quinn.

Ideal for beachgoers of all ages, it’s as pretty as a postcard with velvety sand for leisurely barefoot strolls and building castles, beginner-friendly waves for surfing and swimming, and gorgeous sunset views.

Corolla Beach: Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. For many thrill-seekers, the 4x4 drive to Corolla Beach is a trip-making highlight in and of itself.

“Once there, visitors can spot wild horses roaming freely along the tranquil shoreline and even embark on a kayak safari for a closer look,” reveals Quinn.

Newcomb Hollow Beach: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Quinn calls dune-backed Newcomb Hollow Beach “one of Cape Cod’s hidden gems.” After a day swimming in the water and sunning on the golden sand at the northernmost oceanside beach in Wellfleet, stick around to catch the prettiest sunset on the hook-shaped peninsula.

Assateague Beach: Assateague Island, Maryland

A bastion of serenity, Assateague Beach is hidden away on Assateague Island, a sleepy 37-mile-long barrier island and protected nature sanctuary. Far removed from the mainland crowds, wild horses roam and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean lap the near-empty shoreline where your footprints might be the only ones etched into the sand.

Cape May Beach: Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a long-time favorite Jersey Shore town. One of its biggest draw cards? The wide sandy beach runs parallel to the boardwalk and extends for miles. In the summer, it’s packed (though, not unpleasantly so) with families sharing snacks and cool drinks under umbrellas, playing frisbee, and frolicking in the water.

Aquinnah Beach: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

With its dramatic multi-colored clay cliffs, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters, Aquinnah Beach provides a stunning backdrop for a day of fun in the sun. Its timeless charm and unparalleled beauty make the half-mile stretch of coastline ideal for travelers looking to experience the true essence of Martha’s Vineyard.

Good Harbor Beach: Gloucester, Massachusetts

Favored both by locals and travelers alike, Good Harbor Beach draws visitors into a world of natural splendor with its pristine sands and sparkling water. Quinn also touts the fact that it’s just steps away from Ravenswood Park, a peaceful 600-acre nature reserve.

South Beach: Miami Beach, Florida

The sizzling strip of shore that gave rise to an entire vacation destination, palm-fringed Miami Beach brings the heat with its year-round sunshine, golden sand, turquoise water, and colorful lifeguard houses. Umbrellas and loungers from various hotels line the beach—and it’s got some of the best people watching around.

Race Point Beach: Provincetown, Massachusetts

According to Quinn, Race Point Beach stands out due to the miles of gorgeous steep dunes with hikes, cliffs, and wildlife, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

“Visitors can easily unwind and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this quintessential Cape Cod destination,” she adds.

Sandbridge Beach: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Unlike some of the more touristy seaside spots in Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach’s relatively secluded location keeps the vibe much calmer.

“The coastal marshes and maritime forests allow visitors to spot the local flora and fauna—including shorebirds, dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles, as well as gulls, terns, and sandpipers—with ease,” says Quinn.

Crane Beach: Ipswich, Massachusetts

One of New England's most cherished destinations for summertime family fun, Crane Beach supplies far more than just sun and sand. Tucked within a 1,234-acre conservation and recreation area, the four-mile-long beach is ensconced by dunes, pine forests, and the Atlantic Ocean, so it’s a great spot to explore picturesque scenery.

East Beach (Bald Head Island, North Carolina)

Bald Head Island is one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets. Love water sports? East Beach boasts spectacular waves, making it the perfect spot for active travelers to try surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, boogie boarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.

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These Are The 10 Most Unique Places To Visit On The East Coast

• Discover hidden gems and escape the crowds at Ocala National Forest, where you can explore crystal-clear springs and encounter incredible wildlife.
• Experience the stunning beauty of Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, with its breathtaking waterfalls and mountain vistas.
• Visit Assateague Island for a unique beach getaway, where wild horses roam freely, and you can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

With its stunning natural landscapes, historic small towns, and an abundance of cultural attractions, the East Coast of the United States offers no shortage of unique and memorable destinations for travelers to explore . From the rocky cliffs of Maine to the white sand beaches of Florida , there are endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. The East Coast is also home to some of the nation's earliest history and colonial landmarks, allowing visitors to step back in time. Whether you're a beach lover, outdoor adventurer, history buff, or just looking for a new experience, the eastern seaboard has something for everyone.

Narrowing down the must-see places on the East Coast can be a daunting task, given the diversity of options. To help travelers plan their ideal East Coast itinerary , here are 10 of the unique spots that should top any list.

Ocala National Forest, Florida

Deep in the heart of central Florida, Ocala National Forest is a hidden gem and the ideal destination for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds. Spanning over 430,000 acres, it is one of the largest National Forests in the eastern United States. Visiting travelers have the chance to traverse over 200 crystal clear springs and discover incredible wildlife, such as the Florida black bear, bald eagle, and endangered Florida panther. The forest contains over 600 lakes, rivers, and ponds to explore by canoe, kayak, or boat. With hundreds of miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, travelers can traverse various ecosystems, from pine flatwoods to palm hammocks. For an unforgettable experience, visitors can camp under a canopy of moss-draped live oaks and majestic pines.

• Location: Central Florida, north of Orlando
• Address: 40819 S. US Hwy 19, Paisley, FL 32767
• Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
• Entrance Fee : Free

Related: 16 Places In Florida That Feel Like The Caribbean

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

In the heart of the White Mountains lies Franconia Notch State Park, an ideal fall foliage destination and home to some of New Hampshire’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Visitors are greeted by the iconic Flume Gorge, a natural chasm with 70-foot-tall granite walls and a tumbling waterfall. Nearby is the Basin, a gorgeous glacial pool surrounded by smooth rock walls. Travelers can experience the best of the White Mountains along the park's extensive network of hiking trails, culminating in impressive mountain vistas. A unique highlight is the aerial tramway that carries visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. From the observation deck, unparalleled panoramic views stretch across the valley and surrounding peaks. With so many ways to experience the stunning beauty of Franconia Notch, it's easy to see why this is one of New England's most beloved parks.

• Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire
• Address: I-93, Franconia, NH 03580
• Top Attractions: Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Echo Lake Beach
• Best Time to Visit: September to mid-October for fall foliage
• Entrance Fee: $4 per adult, children under 11 free

Trap Pond State Park, Delaware

Off the beaten path in southern Delaware lies Trap Pond State Park , a nature lover's paradise. The focal point is the picturesque Trap Pond, a 398-acre freshwater lake ideal for boating, birdwatching, and fishing. Surrounding the lake is a lush forest with some of the northernmost bald cypress trees draped in wispy Spanish moss. Travelers can glide through these swamps on a canoe or kayak, keeping an eye out for wood ducks, herons, owls, and even migrating ospreys. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, visitors can also traverse wooded wetlands on foot. Come nightfall, Trap Pond becomes one of the best places on the East Coast to observe the Milky Way, thanks to its minimal light pollution. Whether boating, hiking, stargazing or relaxing lakeside, Trap Pond offers a serene natural escape.

• Location: Laurel, Delaware
• Address: 33570 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956
• Top Attractions: Bald Cypress Nature Trail, Trap Pond
• Best Time to Visit : Spring through fall
• Entrance Fee : $4 for Delaware registered vehicles, $8 out-of-state

Assateague Island, Maryland, and Virginia

For a beach getaway unlike any other, travelers will want to visit Assateague Island, a pristine barrier island stretching across Maryland and Virginia. Wandering Assateague's quiet sandy beaches, visitors may spot its most famous inhabitants, the wild horses. These ponies roam freely across the Island, interacting with visitors yet retaining their untamed spirit. Travelers can camp or stay in cozy cabins and soak in Assateague’s remote atmosphere, far from the crowds of Virginia Beach or Ocean City. During the day, activities include swimming, fishing, clamming, kayaking, and hiking marshy trails in search of birds. At night, campfires under the stars make for magical evenings on this untamed isle. With a landscape unchanged over centuries, Assateague offers an escape to simplicity.

• Location: Eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia
• Top Attractions: Assateague Lighthouse, Assateague Island National Seashore
• Entrance Fee : $25 per vehicle for 7 days
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall to avoid crowds

Related: 10 Reasons Why It's Worth Visiting Assateague State Park

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Nestled within North Carolina's Outer Banks is Ocracoke Island, a destination that moves at its own quaint pace. Accessed only by ferry, plane, or private boat, the Island remains blissfully undeveloped and the state's best-kept vacation secret . Miles of pristine beaches wait to be explored, where visitors may spot the wild Banker ponies or search for unique seashells and pirate treasure. In the village of Ocracoke, locally owned restaurants, shops, and inns encapsulate the Island's village charm. For history lovers, Ocracoke offers a trip back in 18th-century maritime life, with iconic lighthouses and artifacts from Blackbeard’s shipwrecks. Out on the water, visitors can try sailing, surfing, kayaking, or just relaxing on a fishing boat tour. With its laid-back vibe and wealth of coastal activities, Ocracoke provides the perfect Outer Banks escape.

• Location : Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Top Attractions : Ocracoke Lighthouse, Ocracoke Pony Pen
• Ferry Fee : $1-15 per person

Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

One of Charleston's best beaches , Sullivan's Island, offers a unique blend of history, charm, and natural beauty. Along its sweeping beaches, travelers can walk in the footsteps of Edgar Allan Poe, who was once stationed at Fort Moultrie. The Island's picturesque lighthouse set against swaying palms is an iconic scene. Visitors can dine at island restaurants, dishing up delicious Lowcountry cuisine with fresh local seafood. Nearby is the Isle of Palms, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or lounging on even more gorgeous beaches. At night, Sullivan's Island comes alive with amazing sunsets and party-like bars and restaurants on the main drag. Whether seeking history, nature, food, or nightlife, this Island encapsulates the best of charming coastal living.

• Location: Charleston area, South Carolina
• Top Attractions: Fort Moultrie, Sullivan's Island Lighthouse
• Best Time to Visit: March to May, September to November

Guilford, Connecticut

On Connecticut’s tranquil coast, the town of Guilford provides an idyllic New England getaway. Travelers are drawn to the historic Guilford Green, bordered by charming shops and restaurants in Victorian buildings. At the Henry Whitfield State Museum, tours reveal the oldest stone house in New England, built-in 1639. Outdoors, the town harbors hideaway beaches and nature preserve like the 70-acre West Woodforest, crisscrossed with walking trails. Nearby is the Stony Creek Brewery, where visitors can sample craft beer while overlooking the waterfront. For even more history, travelers can visit Branford’s Thimble Islands by boat tour to see the cluster of small rock islets dotting Long Island Sound. With its classic architecture, scenic trails, and laid-back coastal charm, Guilford encapsulates the beauty of historic Connecticut.

• Location: Southern Connecticut coast
• Top Attractions: Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford Green
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall

Related: These Are The 12 Most Beautiful Towns In Connecticut You Should Visit

Camden, Maine

All along the rugged Maine coast are charming harbor villages, but few capture the coastal spirit like Camden, a hidden gem that offers many things to do . Cradled by forested slopes and rocky shores, this quintessential Maine town boasts pristine vistas around every corner. Travelers can sail out to the sandy shores of Curtis Island or Isleboro, try a windjammer cruise, or simply relax beside the harbor as historic schooners drift past. The lively downtown is filled with chic boutiques, galleries, bakeries, and restaurants serving lobster straight from the dockside boats. Hikers can ascend Mount Battie for panoramic ocean views or traverse miles of shoreline trails just steps from downtown. Whether you visit for the fall foliage, summer festivals, or the town’s captivating scenery, Camden perfectly encapsulates the natural wonders of the Maine coast.

• Location: Mid-coast Maine
• Top Attractions: Camden Hills State Park, Windjammer Cruises
• Best Time to Visit: June through October

Cooperstown, New York

Baseball fan or not, the charming village of Cooperstown is an American classic. Situated on the shores of pristine Otsego Lake, this upstate New York town is best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Wandering through, visitors experience the game’s history from early 20th-century stars like Babe Ruth to modern heroes like Hank Aaron. Away from the exhibits, the downtown historic district charms with unique shops, restaurants, and bed & breakfast inns. Hikers and boaters come to explore nearby Glimmerglass State Park while families visit the Farmers Museum interactive exhibit. Nearby breweries like the Ommegang and Cooperstown Brewing offer tastings in magical outdoor settings. For any traveler interested in Americana, Cooperstown hits it out of the park.

• Location: Central New York
• Address: 25 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326
• Top Attractions: National Baseball Hall of Fame, Glimmerglass State Park
• Hall of Fame Admission : $24 adults/$17 kids

Bound Brook Island Beach, Massachusetts

Located on the elbow of Cape Cod, just after the Cape Cod Canal , lies Bound Brook Island Beach, a secluded oceanside paradise. Part of the Sandy Neck barrier beach, this 4.5-mile sandy stretch faces Cape Cod Bay rather than the more crowded Atlantic side. Calm waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. At low tide, visitors can walk out along sand flats scattered with seashells. Dunes cloaked in beach grass border the shoreline, anchored by the historic Sandy Neck Lighthouse. The beach has no facilities, adding to its remote feel. Travelers willing to 4-wheel drive or hike in are rewarded with a beach nearly to themselves. For those seeking Cape Cod’s natural allure away from crowds, Bound Brook Island Beach is a hidden gem.

• Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Top Attractions: Sandy Neck Lighthouse, off-road driving on the beach
• Parking Permit : $15/day

Watch CBS News

How to travel around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: A look at the traffic impact and alternate routes

By Rohan Mattu

Updated on: March 29, 2024 / 5:01 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE -- The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday  led to a major traffic impact for the region and cut off a major artery into and out of the port city. 

A bridge column was hit by a large container ship around 1:30 a.m., sending bridge workers and vehicles into the Patapsco River. A water search for six missing workers turned to a recovery effort Tuesday night.

Drivers are told to prepare for extra commuting time until further notice.

Alternate routes after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Maryland transit authorities quickly put detours in place for those traveling through Dundalk or the Curtis Bay/Hawkins Point side of the bridge. The estimated 31,000 who travel the bridge every day will need to find a new route for the foreseeable future. 

The outer loop I-695 closure shifted to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. 

The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed. 

Alternate routes are I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) for north/south routes. 

Commercial vehicles carrying materials that are prohibited in the tunnel crossings, including recreation vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie. This will add significant driving time.    

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge? 

The Key Bridge crosses the Patapsco River, a key waterway that along with the Port of Baltimore serves as a hub for East Coast shipping. 

The bridge is the outermost of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor and the final link in Interstate 695, known in the region as the Baltimore Beltway, which links Baltimore and Washington, D.C. 

The bridge was built after the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel reached capacity and experienced heavy congestion almost daily, according to the MDTA. 

Tractor-trailer inspections

Tractor-trailers that now have clearance to use the tunnels will need to be checked for hazardous materials, which are not permitted in tunnels, and that could further hold up traffic. 

The MDTA says vehicles carrying bottled propane gas over 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials, and other hazardous materials are prohibited from using the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) or the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895).  

Any vehicles transporting hazardous materials should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels, officials said. 

• Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Bridge Collapse
• Patapsco River

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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Solar eclipse path 2024: Search for best viewing time for any city by ZIP code

• Published: Mar. 22, 2024, 4:41 p.m.

An interactive online tool from NASA allows you to search by ZIP code to determine the exact viewing time for you to see the April 8 solar eclipse. This map shows the path of totality the eclipse will take as it crosses North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

WASHINGTON – The solar eclipse that will sweep across North America on Monday, April 8 will be visible in some form in virtually every part of the United States, including a belt that covers millions of Americans who will be able to see a total solar eclipse.

But just how much will you be able to see from your front doorstep? NASA has an online tool to help you find out.

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine on April 8, 2024. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 of the contiguous states.

The tool prepared by NASA can help you determine just how much of the sun will disappear behind the moon during the eclipse, based on your ZIP code location, and when.

The tool provides a map showing the belt of total coverage, breaking down just how long that totality of the eclipse will last. For areas outside that belt of totality, it provides estimates for how much of the sun will be covered by the moon.

For example, Cleveland, which is in the belt, will have a total eclipse that will last 3 minutes and 49 seconds beginning just before 3:34 p.m. on April 8, the NASA tool shows.

Cincinnati, which is just outside the belt of the total eclipse, will have maximum coverage of 99.8% at 3:09 p.m.

To the east in Washington, maximum coverage of 87.4% will be visible about 3:20 p.m.

An accompanying map details the percentage of the sun that will be covered for points all across the country.

NASA expects the eclipse to begin over the Pacific Ocean. The first point where it will pass over land is on the western coast of Mexico. The total solar eclipse then will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The path of the total eclipse across the United States will pass over Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton and Newfoundland before moving over the Atlantic Ocean.

Eclipse 2024 coverage

• Beware of phony eclipse glasses, says American Astronomical Society
• Does your dog need solar glasses for the eclipse?
• Airfare, hotel rates spike in Cleveland in advance of solar eclipse
• How to be a stellar host or guest for solar eclipse visits
• Eclipse fervor gives Cleveland-area astronomy clubs chance to shine, attract new members

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A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

• Share full article

By Katrina Miller

On April 8, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. The moon will glide over the surface of our sun, casting a shadow over a swath of Earth below. Along this path, the world will turn dark as night.

Skywatchers in Mexico will be the first to see the eclipse on the mainland. From there, the show will slide north, entering the United States through Texas, then proceeding northeast before concluding for most people off the coast of Canada.

Why eclipses happen is simple: the moon comes between us and the sun. But they are also complicated. So if you’ve forgotten all of your eclipse facts, tips and how-to’s since 2017, we’re here to explain it for you.

But before we dive in, there is one thing to know that is more important than anything else: It is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse (except for the few moments when the moon has fully obscured its surface). At all other times, watch the event through protective eye equipment . Read on to learn about how to watch an eclipse safely.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon orients itself between Earth and the sun, shielding the solar surface from our view.

In cosmic terms, it is unusual that this happens: the moon is about 400 times smaller than the sun, but it is about 400 times closer to us. That means that when these two celestial bodies are aligned, they appear to be the same size in the sky.

What other types of eclipses are there?

Annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is farther from Earth and appears too small to completely shield the sun’s surface. Instead, the outer part of the solar disk remains uncovered — a “ring of fire” in the sky.

Partial solar eclipses happen when Earth, the moon and the sun are imperfectly aligned. The moon only obscures a chunk of the sun. There will be two in 2025.

Earth can also get between the moon and the sun, creating a lunar eclipse. This can be observed once or twice a year .

How dark will it be during the eclipse?

In any given place along the eclipse path , the event will last around two hours or more.

The event will commence with a partial solar eclipse, as the moon takes a small bite out of the sun’s edge, then consumes more and more of its surface. According to NASA , this can last anywhere from 70 to 80 minutes.

The phase of the eclipse where the moon has completely blocked the sun’s surface is called totality. This is the only time the event can be viewed with the naked eye.

The length of totality varies by location. In April, some places will experience this phase for more than four minutes; others, for only one to two minutes.

During totality, the sky will get dark as night and the temperature will drop. Wispy white strings of light from the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will suddenly be visible. Lucky viewers may even spot a thin, reddish-pink circle around the edge of the moon. That’s the chromosphere, an atmospheric layer below the sun’s corona. Its color comes from the presence of hydrogen throughout the layer.

After totality, the sun will slowly peek out from behind the moon again — another partial eclipse that will last the same amount of time as the first one. The moon will recede until the sun is back to normal brightness in our sky.

How can I watch the solar eclipse safely?

In general, avoid looking directly at the sun without special equipment to protect your eyes. Inexpensive options for watching the eclipse include paper solar viewers and glasses. If you are using equipment purchased for a past solar eclipse, make sure to inspect it. Toss anything with scratches or other signs of damage.

According to NASA , it is not safe to look at the sun through any optical device while using paper glasses or viewers. To watch the eclipse through cameras, binoculars or telescopes, buy a special solar filter.

The only time you can view a solar eclipse with the naked eye is during the moments of totality. Once the moon begins to reveal the surface of the sun again, return to watching the event through protective equipment to avoid injury.

What happens if I look at the eclipse without protection?

In general, staring directly at the sun, even for a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to your eyes . This can range from blurry or distorted vision to something even more serious, like blind spots. Because there are no pain receptors in the retina, you won’t feel it while it’s happening.

The same is true during an eclipse — except during the brief moments of totality, when the moon has hidden the face of the sun. At all other times, use protective eye equipment to view the event.

What do I do if I can’t find eclipse glasses?

If it’s too late to get glasses or viewers, there’s always a do-it-yourself option: a pinhole camera to indirectly experience the eclipse. You can create one using cardstock , a cardboard box , a kitchen strainer or even your fingers . These designs project an image of the eclipse onto the ground or some other surface that is safe to look at.

Where are the best places to watch the eclipse?

The total eclipse will sweep across large portions of Mexico, the United States and eastern Canada. For the most dramatic show, it’s best to experience the eclipse along the path of totality , which is where the moon will completely blot out the sun.

The Path of the Eclipse

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada. Viewers outside the path of the total eclipse will see a partial eclipse, if the sky is clear .

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers near Mazatlán, a beach town on the Pacific shoreline of Mexico, will be the first place to experience totality on North America’s mainland. Various sites in Mexico along the eclipse’s path will experience the longest duration of totality — as long as four minutes and 29 seconds.

Cities across the United States, including Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland, will most likely be hot spots for the upcoming eclipse. Other notable locations include Carbondale, Ill., which also saw totality during the solar eclipse in 2017; small towns west of Austin, Texas, which are projected to have some of the best weather in the country along the eclipse path; and Niagara Falls, if the skies are clear. Six provinces of Canada are in the path of totality, but many of them have a very cloudy outlook.

When does the eclipse begin and end?

The show begins at dawn, thousands of miles southwest of the Pacific shore of Mexico. The moon starts to conceal the sun near Mazatlán at 9:51 a.m. local time. Viewers near Mazatlán will experience totality at 11:07 a.m. for four minutes and 20 seconds.

Then the moon’s shadow will swoop through Mexico, crossing over the Texas border at 1:10 p.m. Eastern time. Totality in the United States will start at 2:27 p.m. and end at 3:33 p.m. Eastern time.

Canadians will experience the solar eclipse in the afternoon for nearly three hours. The eclipse concludes beyond Canada’s boundaries when the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.

What time is the eclipse in New York, Texas, Illinois, Mexico, Canada and other locations?

If you’d like to look up when the eclipse starts, reaches its peak under totality and then ends, you can visit The Times’s interactive map , which will also give you the weather outlook for April 8 along the event’s path.

Below are the times in selected locations when the eclipse will begin totality.

How long will the eclipse last?

The duration of totality depends on how far a given location on Earth is from the moon. Places with the longest totality are closest to the moon and farther from the sun. The speed of the lunar shadow is slowest over spots with the longest totality.

In April, the longest period of totality will occur over Durango, a state in Mexico, for a total of four minutes and 29 seconds. Along the centerline, the location of shortest totality on land is on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, for about two minutes and 54 seconds. But totality is even shorter along the edges of the total eclipse path; in some places, it lasts less than a minute.

How fast does the eclipse move?

Solar eclipses may seem to happen slowly, but the moon’s shadow is racing across the surface of Earth. Exact speeds vary by location. Eclipse calculators estimate the shadow will move between about 1,560 m.p.h. and 1,600 m.p.h. through Mexico, and more than 3,000 m.p.h. by the time it exits the United States. The eclipse will reach speeds exceeding 6,000 m.p.h. over the Atlantic Ocean.

When was the last total solar eclipse in the United States?

According to the American Astronomical Society , total solar eclipses happen once every year or so, but they can only be viewed along a narrow path on Earth’s surface. Many occur over water or other places that can be difficult to reach. A given location will experience totality once in about 400 years.

But some places get lucky: Carbondale, a college town in southern Illinois, saw the total solar eclipse in the United States on Aug. 21, 2017, and will experience another one this April. San Antonio experienced an annular eclipse last October, and is also in the path of totality for this year’s eclipse.

Do other planets experience solar eclipses?

Yes, any planet in our solar system with a moon can experience a solar eclipse. In February, a Martian rover captured Phobos , one of the red planet’s moons, transiting the sun.

The moons on other planets, though, appear either smaller or larger than the sun in the sky . Only Earth has a moon just the right size and at just the right distance to produce the unique effects of totality.

How will things on Earth change during the eclipse?

As the eclipse approaches its maximum phase, the air will get cooler, the sky will grow dimmer, shadows will sharpen and you might notice images of crescents — tiny projections of the eclipse — within them. Along the path of totality, the world will go dark while the moon inches toward perfect alignment with Earth and the sun.

Animals will also react to the solar eclipse. Bees stop buzzing , birds stop whistling and crickets begin chirping. Some pets may express confusion . Even plants are affected, scientists found after the solar eclipse in 2017 . They have diminished rates of photosynthesis and water loss similar to, though not as extreme as, what happens at night.

What’s the difference between experiencing a solar eclipse at 99 percent compared with a total eclipse?

Patricia Reiff, a physicist at Rice University who has traveled for 25 eclipses and counting, says that if you are in a place where you’d see a 99 percent partial eclipse, it’s worth safely traveling a little farther to experience a total eclipse.

“Ninety-nine percent is cool,” she said, but “totality is oh-my-God crazy.”

Even at 99 percent eclipse, the sky won’t darken — you won’t be able to see stars or planets. Changes in the temperature, wind and shadows won’t be as dramatic. And the moon won’t block out enough light for you to witness the sun’s corona.

What if I can’t get to the path of totality?

Viewers in locations away from the eclipse path will see the moon partially blot out the sun, though how perceptible the effects are depends on the site’s distance from the centerline. (The closer you are, the more remarkable it will be.) Still, it won’t be quite like experiencing the eclipse during totality.

Remember that you should always wear protective eye equipment while watching a partial eclipse.

If you can’t make it to the path of totality but still want to experience it, many organizations are providing live video streams of the eclipse, including NASA and Time and Date . The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco, will also offer a sonification of the eclipse and a broadcast in Spanish.

When is the next total solar eclipse?

If you’re willing to travel, the next total solar eclipse is on Aug. 12, 2026. People in parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Spain will experience the event.

But if you want to see an eclipse in the United States, you’ll have to wait a long time. While a total eclipse will graze parts of Alaska in 2033, the next one to reach the lower 48 states is on Aug. 22, 2044. That event crosses parts of Canada and ends in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

For those willing to wait until 2045, the eclipse of Aug. 12 that year will start in California and travel east, exiting the country in Florida.

What have we learned from solar eclipses?

In the 1800s, a French astronomer discovered the element helium by studying the spectrum of sunlight emitted during an eclipse. These events also allowed the first scientific observations of coronal mass ejections — violent expulsions of plasma from the sun’s corona — which can cause power outages and communication disruptions on Earth. Scientists also confirmed Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which says that massive objects bend the fabric of space-time, during a solar eclipse in 1919.

And there is more to discover. This April, NASA plans to fly instruments on planes to capture images of the solar corona, and launch rockets to study how the drop in sunlight during an eclipse affects Earth’s atmosphere. A radio telescope in California will try to use the moon as a shield to measure emissions from individual sunspots .

The public is joining the fun, too. During the eclipse, a team of ham radio operators will beam signals across the country to study how solar disturbances can affect communications. Some people along the path of totality will record sounds from wildlife . Others will use their phones to snap pictures of the eclipse to help sketch out the shape of the solar disk .

An earlier version of this article referred imprecisely to eclipse on other worlds. Some appear larger than the sun in sky, they are not all partial eclipses.

How we handle corrections

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

View from Washington, DC

Sun will be 87 % obscured

See what the solar eclipse will look like in your city

April 8 may be your best chance to see a total solar eclipse for two decades.

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If you could look down on Earth from space during April’s total solar eclipse, you would see the moon cast its shadow on the planet, creating a dark blob that will dart across the land from Mexico into Texas and up toward Maine and Canada.

And if you are lucky enough to be looking up from Earth in the moon’s shadow, you’ll see the sky fall dark, it will get colder and quieter, and for a special three to four minutes, you’ll be able to view the sun’s glowing white corona.

For many people in North America, April 8 is likely to be the best opportunity in their lifetime to experience a total solar eclipse. Most in the contiguous United States, however, will only experience a partial eclipse.

Whether you see a total or partial eclipse all depends on where you are to view the phenomenon.

An estimated 31.5 million people live within the roughly 115-mile wide path of totality that stretches from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada. Inside the path, as the sun, moon and Earth become perfectly aligned, the moon blocks the sun and casts its shadow on Earth. The farther away you are from the center of this path, the less the moon will obscure the sun. People within the contiguous United States who are outside the path will see a partial eclipse.

“During a total eclipse, you’re plunged into the moon’s shadow. You’re in this eerie twilight. You can see bright stars and planets in the sky. And of course, the biggest attraction is you see the sun’s solar corona. You don’t see any of those things in the partial eclipse, even at 99 percent,” said Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist who has experienced 30 total solar eclipses. “It’s the difference between night and day.”

The difference is so enormous, even veteran eclipse viewers often don’t have words that do justice to totality.

“You think you know what you’re going to experience, but you have no idea,” said Kate Russo, an author, psychologist and eclipse chaser who will be seeing her 14th total solar eclipse in April. “I always say it’s like the ineffable,” she added. “Sometimes things happen to us that we just have no words to describe.”

View of a total eclipse

Eagle Pass, TX • Sun will be 100% obscured

View of a partial eclipse

Washington, D.C. • Sun will be 87% obscured

Inside the path, as the moon creeps closer to fully blocking the sun, the temperature drops and the light and wind change. Insects and animals may fall silent. Some birds might return to home to roost. And even though you’re expecting it, Russo said, it’s still so surprising.

“You notice the darkening that’s coming toward you, and that’s really eerie and it puts the hair on the back of your neck,” she said. “It really is quite exciting and thrilling, and you just can’t believe that it’s going to happen.”

The fleeting moments of totality will last anywhere from a few seconds to over four minutes, depending where you are inside the path. Mexico and 12 U.S. states have cities that will get duration times longer than four minutes. The longest totality will be in Torreón, Mexico, and will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds . Compared with other eclipses that typically only last a couple of minutes, that’s quite a long time. In 2017, the longest duration was near Carbondale, Ill., where the eclipse lasted for 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

Percentage of the sun

blocked by the moon

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Mexico City

Max coverage percent

Source: NASA

Percentage of the sun blocked by the moon

Max coverage

Los Angeles

For one of her books , Russo interviewed first-time eclipse viewers asking how totality made them feel. Their responses aligned with her own experiences: Within totality, the awe, connection and euphoria that people experience leaves them feeling both insignificant and a part of something greater than themselves, Russo said.

“We’re only on this Earth for just a split second of time. And I think these moments actually highlight that for you,” she said. “It puts all our other concerns or problems just into perspective.”

Within totality, there’s a lot to see when you remove your safety glasses. April’s eclipse will coincide with heightened solar activity. As the moon blocks the bright face of the sun, it reveals the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, and can show plumes of gas, referred to as streamers, escaping into space. These look like bright streaks or feathery rays flowing around the edge of the sun. Prominences, or magnetic loops that glow bright pink or red around the inner atmosphere, will also probably be more visible. Venus and Jupiter can also be seen on either side of the sun.

Outside of totality, the partial eclipse — even a view with 99 percent of the sun obscured — must be viewed safely with a simple viewer or safety glasses . According to Espenak, once you’re out of the path of totality, there’s not a big difference in what you’ll see. “It’s just a thinner slice of the sun that’s visible. It’s only when you make that transformation from the partial eclipse to a total eclipse that you get this dramatic change.”

Patrick Poitevin, an eclipse chaser and astronomer from Derbyshire, England, has experienced 24 total eclipses. Poitevin, who said he’s always looking for a “different” or “extreme” view, will travel to Mazatlán in April. He added that there’s lots to see along the edge or just inside or outside the path of totality using a telescope with a hydrogen-alpha filter. “What a show!” he wrote of an eclipse last year in Kosrae, Micronesia, in which he saw from a mile outside of the path a nearly 360-degree view of the chromosphere, a colored layer of the sun’s atmosphere, just above the solar surface. “Mesmerising,” he added.

Eclipses over the next 50 years

This year’s eclipse

While total solar eclipses happen about every 18 months , they are often in remote parts of the world, including the middle of the ocean. By contrast, this eclipse will pass through several densely populated cities. “It’s not that common that you get a total eclipse going through your home country,” Espenak said. “We had the 2017 eclipse, and before that it was 1979. So that was a 38-year gap.”

The next total solar eclipse visible across the contiguous United States won’t be until 2045 and will travel from California through Florida. After that, a 2078 eclipse will pass through nine Southern states.

“If you can’t travel [to totality], still go out and enjoy the partial eclipse,” Russo advises. To view the eclipse in April, she will be heading to Uvalde County, Tex., where she has held workshops and helped local officials with planning. “This is your chance,” she said, “an easy chance to get into the path.”

Espenak, whose work at NASA included eclipse predictions, met his wife, Patricia, during a 1995 eclipse in India. For 25 years, Patricia had struck out on seeing totality — her view was either partial or cloudy. It was only in India where she finally saw totality. The two will be traveling from Arizona to Mazatlán to view April’s eclipse, and Fred will be speaking.

“ I’m excited at every single one. Over a lifetime of seeing these things, I get goose bumps, and there’s that thrill of seeing it every single time,” Espenak said. “No matter how many photographs or videos you look at, it’s nothing like the real McCoy.”

About this story

We created the eclipse animations by interpolating the moon’s path, calculating its trajectory based on the initial, midpoint and final positions during the eclipse.

Eclipse animation data was sourced from the Five Millennium Canon of Solar Eclipses Database by Xavier M. Jubier, which is based on NASA’s eclipse predictions by Fred Espenak. The algorithms used were drawn from “Elements of Solar Eclipses 1951-2200” and “Astronomical Algorithms.” Eclipse track data was obtained from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.

Eclipse city view animation speeds are not reflective of actual eclipse durations. Half of the city of San Antonio, Texas falls within totality and half falls outside of totality. So depending on where you are inside the city, the sun may not be 100% obscured as it is depicted in the animation.

Kevin Schaul and Denise Lu contributed to this report. Editing by Emily M. Eng and Victoria Jaggard. Copy editing by Vanessa Larson.

• International

March 26, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision

By Helen Regan , Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Rachel Ramirez , Elise Hammond , Aditi Sangal , Tori B. Powell , Piper Hudspeth Blackburn and Kathleen Magramo , CNN

Our live coverage of the Baltimore bridge collapse has moved here .

Crew member on DALI said everyone on board was safe hours after bridge collapse, official says

From CNN’s Amy Simonson

A crew member on the DALI cargo ship sent a message hours after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed Tuesday saying everybody on board was safe, according to Apostleship of the Sea director Andy Middleton.

Middleton, who spent time with the captain of the DALI Monday, told CNN’s Laura Coates he reached out to a crew member after hearing about the incident Tuesday morning. 

He said there were 22 members aboard the ship from India who were setting sail earlier Tuesday morning and were heading toward Sri Lanka.

“I was able to reach out to a crew member very early this morning around 5:30 (a.m. ET) or 6 (a.m. ET) and get a message to them asking if they were OK,” he said. “That crew member responded within just a few minutes advising that the crew was safe, and everybody that [was] on board was safe.”

Middleton was told by the ship's captain Monday that the vessel was going to take a longer route to avoid risks along the Yemen coast.

“When I was out with the captain yesterday, we were talking while we were driving, and he advised that they were sailing down and around the tip of South Africa in order to avoid the incidents that are going on off the Yemen coast, and it was a safer way to go,” he said.

Middleton said the  Apostleship of the Sea  is a ministry to seafarers with members that spend time in the port and on the vessels as a friendly face to the seafarers that visit the Port of Baltimore, “taking care of their needs to make sure that they're reminded of their God-given human dignity when they're here in Baltimore.”

Search operation ends in "heartbreaking conclusion," Maryland governor says. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Six people, who were believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning. The collapse came after a 984-foot cargo ship hit the bridge's pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters Tuesday evening it's a "really heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day."

Late Tuesday, it was discovered that two of the construction workers who went missing after the bridge collapsed were from Guatemala , the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said late Tuesday.

Here's what you should know to get up to speed:

• The victims: Eight people were on the bridge  when it fell, according to officials. At least two people were rescued — one was taken to the hospital and was later  discharged , fire official and the medical center said.
• The incident: Video shows the moment the entire bridge structure falls into the water, as the ship hits one of the bridge's pillars. CNN analysis shows that the  ships lights flickered  and it veered off course before it hit the bridge. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the crew on the ship were able to issue a "mayday" before colliding into the bridge, which allowed the authorities to stop incoming traffic from going onto the bridge.
• Response efforts: Earlier, dive teams from various state and local agencies were brought in to assist in search-and-rescue operations, according to Maryland State Police Secretary Col. Roland L. Butler Jr.. The mission started with 50 personnel and continued to grow before the Coast Guard announced Tuesday evening that it was suspending its active search-and-rescue operation and transitioning to a "different phase."
• The investigation: Authorities are still working to establish exactly how the crash occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board will look into  how the bridge was built  and investigate the structure itself. It will "take time to dig through" whether the bridge had ever been  flagged for any safety deficiencies , NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said.
• Rebuilding the bridge: US Sen. Chris Van Hollen said the path to rebuilding the bridge will be "long and expensive." Senior White House adviser Tom Perez told reporters Tuesday “it’s too early” to tell how long it will take to rebuild the bridge. President Joe Biden said Tuesday he wants the federal government to bear the full cost of rebuilding the collapsed bridge, noting that it will not wait for the company who owns the container ship DALI to shoulder the costs. Funding could come from the Federal Highway Administration as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but it may require additional funding from Congress.

2 of the missing construction workers from bridge collapse were from Guatemala, foreign ministry says

From CNN’s Allison Gordon, Flora Charner and Amy Simonson

Two of the construction workers missing from the bridge collapse in Baltimore were from Guatemala, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late Tuesday.

Those missing included a 26-year-old originally from San Luis, Petén. The other is a 35-year-old from Camotán, Chiquimula, the statement said.

The ministry said both were part of a work team “repairing the asphalt on the bridge at the time of the accident.”

The statement did not name the two people missing, but it said the country’s consul general in Maryland “went to the area where the families of those affected are located,” where he hopes to be able to meet with the brothers of both missing people.

The consulate   also issued a statement Tuesday saying its consul general in Maryland "remains in contact with local authorities," and also confirmed that two of those missing "were of Guatemalan origin.”

Six people, who were believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead after Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning when a cargo ship hit the bridge's pillar.

State and federal officials have not released information about the identities of any of the six missing workers.

Underwater mapping of bridge collapse area to begin Wednesday, Baltimore fire chief says

From CNN's Jennifer Henderson

Search operations near the Key Bridge collapse have shut down for the night due to dangerous conditions, but the process of underwater mapping with many local, state and federal dive teams will begin Wednesday, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace told CNN’s Anderson Cooper Tuesday night.

Wallace said the portion of the Patapsco River is “tidal influenced, so it goes through tide cycles just like the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay does.”

The water depths in the area under the bridge vary from 40 feet to more than 60 feet, Wallace said. The deeper the divers go, the colder the temperatures they encounter, and the visibility is zero, he added.

 Wallace said when crews arrived Tuesday morning, the surface water temperatures of the Patapsco River were about 47 degrees with an air temperature of 44-45 degrees.

Here's what you should know about the historic Francis Scott Key Bridge

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday after a massive container ship lost power and crashed into the iconic Baltimore bridge, sending people and vehicles into the frigid Patapsco River.

Six people, believed to be part of a road construction crew, are presumed dead and the Coast Guard has ended its active search and rescue mission.

Here's what you should know about the historic bridge:

• How old?: The Francis Scott Key Bridge, also referred to as just the Key Bridge, opened to traffic in March 1977 and is the final link in the Baltimore Beltway, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA.) It crosses over the 50-foot-deep Patapsco River, where former US attorney Francis Scott Key found inspiration to write the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, the MDTA says.
• How long?: The bridge was 1.6 miles long when standing, MDTA reports.
• Traffic volume: More than 30,000 people commuted daily on the bridge, according to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore.
• How much did it cost?: The bridge cost $60.3 million to build, MDTA says. Since its collapse, President Joe Biden said he’s committed to helping rebuild the bridge as soon as possible.
• About the port: Baltimore ranks as the ninth biggest US port for international cargo. It handled a record 52.3 million tons, valued at $80.8 billion, in 2023. According to the Maryland state government, the port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in related services.
• About the ship: The bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. Dali is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk . The ship is about 984 feet long , according to MarineTraffic data. That’s the length of almost three football fields.

Baltimore woman says bridge collapse was "like a piece of family dissolved"

From CNN's Kit Maher

For longtime Baltimore resident, Ceely, who opted not to share her last name, seeing footage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse  Tuesday was deeply personal.

“I was very heavy-hearted,” Ceely told CNN. “Very tearful, thinking about the families whose loved ones may be in the water and just remembering when the bridge was constructed, and it was just like a piece of family dissolved.”

Ceely was at a prayer group Tuesday morning when she saw the news. She recalled being afraid when she first crossed the bridge while in Ford Maverick in 1975, but grew to like it because it saved time on the road.

“It was a main artery just like a blood line. It was a main artery to the other side of town. It was awesome. It beat going through the city all the time,” she said.

Elder Rashad A. Singletary , a senior pastor who led Tuesday night’s vigil at Mt. Olive Baptist Church told CNN that many church members watched the bridge's construction.

"It’s a part of the community. A lot of our individuals in our congregation drive that bridge to go to work, and so now it’s really a life changing moment,” he said.

"Heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day," Maryland governor says as Coast Guard ended search operation

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

More than 18 hours after the collapse of the Baltimore bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said it was a heartbreaking conclusion after the Coast Guard ended the search-and-rescue operation for the six people who were on the bridge when it collapsed.

It's a "really heartbreaking conclusion to a challenging day," he said.

"We put every single asset possible — air, land and sea" to find the missing people, he told reporters on Tuesday evening. "While even though we're moving on now to a recovery mission, we're still fully committed to making sure that we're going to use every single asset to now bring a sense of closure to the families," the governor added.

6 people presumed dead after Baltimore bridge collapse, Coast Guard says. Here's what we know

As the sun sets in Baltimore, six people are presumed dead after a major bridge collapsed overnight Tuesday, according to the Coast Guard. The Francis Scott Key Bridge came down around 1:30 a.m. ET after a cargo ship collided with it.

The Coast Guard said it has ended its active search-and-rescue operation for the missing construction workers who were on the bridge when it collapsed.

• What we know: Eight people were on the bridge when it fell, according to officials. At least two people were rescued — one was taken to the hospital and has been discharged . The Coast Guard has been searching for six other people. But, around 7:30 p.m. ET, the Coast Guard said it has transitioned to a “different phase” of operation, now it did “not believe we are going to find any of these individuals alive,” Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said.
• About the ship: The bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. The vessel is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk . The US Embassy in Singapore has been in contact with the country’s Maritime and Port Authority, a State Department spokesperson said.
• The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the collapse. A team of 24 experts will dig into nautical operations, vessel operations, safety history records, owners, operators, company policy and any safety management systems or programs, said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. A voyage data recorder will be critical to the investigation, she added. 
• Vehicles on the bridge: Officials are also working to verify the numbers of how many cars and people were on the bridge, Homendy said. Gov. Wes Moore said the quick work of authorities in closing the bridge had saved lives . Radio traffic captured how authorities stopped traffic and worked to clear the bridge seconds before the impact . Maryland State Police Secretary Col. Roland L. Butler Jr. said there is a “ distinct possibility ” more vehicles were on the bridge, but authorities have not found any evidence to support that.
• Looking ahead: NTSB will look into how the bridge was built and investigate the structure itself, including if it was flagged for any safety deficiencies , Homendy said. The federal government has also directed its resources to help with search and rescue, to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge, Vice President Kamala Harris said . Earlier, President Joe Biden said t he federal government will pay to fix the bridge.
• The economy: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warned the collapse will have a serious impact on supply chains . Until the channel is reopened, ships will likely already be changing course for other East Coast ports. Ocean carriers are already being diverted from the Port of Baltimore, where the bridge collapsed, to the Port of Virginia to “keep trade moving."

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