Long earlier than Instagram burst onto the scene because the medium that serves up trip inspiration, films and tv launched us to quintessential east coast household holidays. Think in regards to the lakeside cabin resort in Dirty Dancing, the seashore that was residence to the mermaid that captivated a younger Tom Hanks in Splash, or that scene on the prime of the Empire State Building in Sleepless in Seattle.
We have spent years exploring East Coast trip spots from our residence base in Rhode Island. So if you’re asking, what are the most effective locations to go to on the East Coast, check out our 26 favorites. (Also see my suggestions for greatest holidays for teenagers and greatest holidays for teenagers.)
If you like to discover the East Coast by automotive, we even have 20 concepts for week-long East Coast street journeys so that you can attempt.
Best East Coast Family Vacations
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These 26 East Coast holidays are excellent for traditional household journeys. Get impressed after which get planning. Tie a number of of them collectively in a giant street journey, or take your time to take pleasure in every vacation spot.
1. Maine Coast
Maine has almost 3,500 miles of shoreline and it might probably take over six hours to drive from Kittery on the New Hampshire border all the way in which as much as Bar Harbor, outdoors of Acadia National Park.
The Maine Beaches alongside the southern coast are fashionable seashore getaway locations for Bostonians. Charming seaside cities like Kennebunkport provide cute cottages and inns. Others like Old Orchard Beach provide rides and a historic pier for old style household enjoyable.
In Portland and round Casco Bay, you’ll find the picturesque rocky shoreline dotted with lighthouses and sprinkled with superb eating places, breweries, and the flagship L.L. Bean retailer in Freeport.
However, if you’re prepared to enterprise somewhat additional north, you attain the very particular MidCoast, residence to Camden, artsy and funky Rockland, and one among my favorites, Boothbay Harbor.
If you need to flip this right into a street journey as an alternative of settling in only one city, you should definitely see my Coastal Maine street journey itinerary for options. You may pair the Maine coast with a street journey to the Maine Highlands or a while at Moosehead Lake.
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2. White Mountains, New Hampshire
Some households choose to spend every week stress-free by one among New Hampshire’s well-known lakes, like Lake Winnipesaukee, however the White Mountains are for people who need to be energetic. Families can go climbing, mountaineering, or simply splash round within the waterfalls of Diana’s Baths.
Or, you’ll be able to earn a kind of ubiquitous “This car climbed Mount Washington” stickers or take the straightforward route by driving the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
Other fashionable points of interest embody Flume Gorge, Lost River Gorge, mountain points of interest at Attitash or Cranmore, ziplining at Alpine Adventures, and Storyland or Santa’s Village amusement parks. During the autumn, a scenic drive on the well-known Kancamaugus Highway is a should do!
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3. Green Mountains, Vermont
Since I spent my summer season holidays in Vermont visiting household, the Green Mountains maintain a particular place in my coronary heart as a favourite East Coast household trip vacation spot. I really consider that Vermont presents the perfect of New England.
You can spend every week on the shores of Lake Champlain at a resort like Basin Harbor, or quiet down for summer season enjoyable at one among Vermont’s many mountain resorts like Smugglers’ Notch.
If you select, you’ll be able to spend your days swimming, climbing, and exploring quaint New England cities like Woodstock, Manchester, and Burlington, or take pleasure in Vermont’s native meals scene; by visiting craft breweries, sampling Vermont cheddar cheese, or taking a day journey to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
Vermont is sufficiently small that it’s straightforward to discover over a protracted weekend or week-long Vermont street journey. The ideally suited time for fall foliage is often the very starting of October if you’re trying to plan a New England street journey within the fall.
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4. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the proper vacation spot for history-loving households and it’s such a enjoyable metropolis to discover in the summertime. When you might be completed exploring the historic websites alongside the Freedom Trail, and visiting the Boston Tea Party Museum and Ships, you’ll be able to head out on the water for a whale-watching cruise or Boston Harbor Islands tour.
Just be sure you go away time to see the Boston Red Sox if they’re on the town or tour the historic Fenway Stadium. Spend some free time having fun with the Boston Common and Public Gardens with a swan boat experience and a go to to the Make Way for Ducklings statue.
Enjoy the views from the Skywalk Observatory on the highest of the Prudential Center and buy groceries alongside Newbury Street. See extra issues to do in Boston.
Just take into account that Boston may be expensive, however I’ve suggestions for visiting Boston on a price range. If you will have a number of additional days, you may also plan day journeys to Salem, Gloucester and Rockport, or right down to Plymouth.
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5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
I can’t consider a greater household seashore vacation spot in the summertime months than Cape Cod and the Islands (Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket). Each city has a special persona, from funky Provincetown to the quiet dunes of Eastham, to the lovable downtown in Chatham, and among the greatest East Coast seashores.
You can spend hours enjoying in tide swimming pools, accumulating shells, and watching the sundown over the water. Or, hop on the bikes and benefit from the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
But a household trip on the Cape isn’t solely about doing, it’s about lazy days, sand between the toes, late afternoon rides to get ice cream, and splurging on lobster dinners, issues that the Cape has loads of.
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6. Adirondack Mountains, New York
Adirondack Park in Northern New York covers over 6 million acres, encompassing 10,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 46 mountain peaks. This pure playground presents a lot to do all year long, however we particularly adore it in the summertime.
The Adirondacks are cut up into a number of areas. There is the Adirondack Coast alongside Lake Champlain, the Lake George area within the southern part, and the Tri-Lakes area within the northern part. the Tri-Lakes is without doubt one of the hottest areas, particularly Lake Placid, which was residence to 2 winter Olympic Games.
The Adirondacks is an ideal place for households with older children who take pleasure in being energetic and outdoor. You can hike, canoe, kayak, and paddleboard to your coronary heart’s content material. The entire household, together with these with youthful youngsters, will love climbing by the treetops on the Wild Center in Tupper Lake.
We’ve loved boat rides on Lake Placid (particularly when tubing!), exploring small cities like Saranac Lake, and simply having fun with all of the pure magnificence. I’ve some concepts for an Adirondack itinerary if you wish to plan a summer season or fall journey!
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7. Niagara Falls, New York
There was a time when Niagara Falls was a vacation spot for honeymooners. Then it grew to become a household street journey vacation spot. In latest years, Niagara Falls has developed far past the falls themselves.
While I nonetheless suggest crossing the border to see the Canadian aspect of the Falls, the Niagara area within the USA has a lot to supply. The Niagara Wine Trail presents 22 wineries, breweries, and ciders. Outdoor lovers can eleven New York State parks, the scenic Niagara Gorge, take pleasure in a high-speed jet boat experience throughout the Niagara River, or take pleasure in a birding paradise.
Families may take pleasure in Old Fort Niagara, the Aquarium of Niagara, and naturally, the Cave of the Winds is to not be missed. Nearby, you’ll be able to take pleasure in among the distinctive meals and the revitalized waterfront in Buffalo.
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8. New York, New York
Have you seen the lights go up on Broadway? Taken selfies in Times Square? Sailed previous the Statue of Liberty on the Staten Island Ferry? Strolled by Central Park? Walked alongside Wall Street? Enjoyed the masterpieces of the Met?
There are sufficient issues to do in New York to final a lifetime and the trick to squeezing as a lot as you’ll be able to into one go to is choosing a neighborhood and digging in. Walk as a lot as you’ll be able to and don’t be afraid to take the subway. And most of all, don’t eat at chain eating places that you’ll find at residence!
A good way to get a way of the town is with a sightseeing bus tour like The Ride, or investing in a CityPASS and taking a self-guided highlights tour of NYC.
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9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is without doubt one of the greatest cities on the East Coast, however it’s so ceaselessly ignored in favor of its neighbor to the north. However, each household ought to plan a visit to Philadelphia to take in the historical past, benefit from the meals, and take within the structure with out the crowds and chaos of New York City.
Start off your go to to historic Philadelphia with a tour of Independence Hall, adopted by a swing by the Liberty Bell. Leave time to discover the Constitution Center and the brand new Museum of the American Revolution.
When you will have had your fill of historical past, run up the steps of the Art Museum and pose with the Rocky statue. Or head right down to the riverfront or out to the Philadelphia Zoo. Kids love the Franklin Institute and the Please Touch Museum. Or you will get creeped out with a go to to the Eastern State Penitentiary.
There are so many aspect journeys you’ll be able to add to your journey; together with visits to Valley Forge, Lancaster, or Hershey.
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10. Wildwood, New Jersey
Every yr my sister took her children to Wildwood for a Jersey Shore household trip. They spent the week having fun with the five-mile-long seashore, swimming within the Atlantic Ocean, taking bike rides on the boardwalk, and spending nights enjoying video games, driving the Ferris Wheel and different rides, and consuming boardwalk treats.
This barrier island sits south of Avalon, and simply north of historic Cape May. If you do need to go away the seashore, you’ll be able to benefit from the Cape May Zoo, benefit from the Victorian homes in downtown Cape May, and even head as much as Atlantic City.
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11. Washington, D.C.
Every household ought to plan a go to to the Nation’s capital. While discovering an inexpensive lodge room is usually a problem, not less than you’ll save a lot on points of interest as most of the museums are free.
It is tough to suit the whole lot right into a lengthy weekend in DC with out getting museum fatigue, however it’s enjoyable to combine issues up with walks alongside the National Mall. One of our favourite recollections is exploring monuments, just like the Lincoln Memorial, at evening.
There are some things to remember when planning your journey.
- Visits to the Capitol Building and White House would require advance planning. Request entry out of your state consultant and provides loads of time to clear a background examine.
- Many museums such because the Library of Congress provide timed-entry tickets that mean you can skip the road.
- You must request timed-entry tickets to the Holocaust Museum and African American Museum on-line as entrance is proscribed.
- Be ready to undergo safety screening earlier than getting into all museums and most points of interest.
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12. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
For a few years I equated Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with the extra touristy seashore cities like Ocean City, Maryland. But whereas Rehoboth has a boardwalk, that is absolutely a household vacation spot.
The seashores in Southern Delaware are lovely, vast, and flat, with excellent waves for physique browsing. The city has a mixture of motels and inns, however most guests lease a seashore home.
Downtown has a burgeoning meals scene, and loads of household enjoyable: from arcades to bike trails by Cape Henlopen State Park. If you need one thing even quieter, head additional south to Bethany Beach.
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13. Virginia Beach, Virginia
If we’re speaking about family-friendly seashore locations, Virginia Beach is a powerful contender. A 24-foot tall statue of King Neptune welcomes everybody to Virginia Beach’s iconic three-mile-long boardwalk and vast sandy seashores.
With miles of shoreline alongside each the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, there are such a lot of issues to do in Virginia Beach with children, making it excellent for water-loving households with adventures appropriate for all ages.
The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay are excellent for households with younger youngsters with the waves of the Atlantic are appropriate for extra adventurous swimmers and surfers of all ranges. If water slides are extra your loved ones’s factor Ocean Breeze Water Park encompasses a wave pool, lazy river, and 10 slides at an inexpensive value.
Virginia Beach can be nice for households trying to take pleasure in nature. Explore quite a lot of coastal ecosystems at First Landing State Park, positioned simply 10 minutes north of the resort space; or hike by Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to achieve False Cape State Park, this distant park just isn’t accessible by automotive however presents the chance to camp on the seashore and the potential of seeing wild horses. If your children are loopy about marine life you should definitely take a look at the Virginia Aquarium or head out on the water for a dolphin or whale-watching cruise.
By Brianna Simmons, The Casual Travelist
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14. Williamsburg, Virginia
While Williamsburg is ideal for historical past buffs, there may be a lot extra to do within the space than simply Colonial Williamsburg. Plan to spend not less than a day in Williamsburg, and likewise construct in time to go to Jamestown and Yorktown (Hamilton followers will love this!)
If your teenagers don’t love the dwelling historical past interpretations at Colonial Williamsburg, maybe they’ll benefit from the thrills at Busch Gardens or Watercountry USA close by.
If you will have somewhat extra time within the space, head over to Hampton and Newport News to be taught somewhat extra about early American historical past or the beginning of the area program on the Virginia Air and Space Center. See my suggestions for planning a full historical past street journey!
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15. Lake Lure, North Carolina
Lake Lure, North Carolina is a superb vacation spot for households. You will discover loads of journey on and off the water surrounded by beautiful mountain views in each course. A number of must-visit stops are the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Chimney Rock State Park, and Chimney Rock Village with a lot of outlets, and eating choices, together with a scenic riverwalk subsequent to the creek that children will take pleasure in enjoying in on a heat sunny day.
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is one among two flowering bridges within the United States. Every planter on this former car bridge is a special artistic theme and attracts round 8-10,000 guests from April- October every year.
There are 8 climbing trails for visitors to discover at Chimney Rock. Two trails that you’ll undoubtedly need to take a look at are the hike to the highest of Chimney Rock for unbelievable views of the world and Hickory Nut Falls Trail to see the 2nd largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. For a soothing day on the water, take a scenic pontoon boat experience with Lake Lure Tours or benefit from the water beachside positioned steps away from the Lake Lure Inn and Spa.
By Nedra McDaniel, Adventure Mom
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16. Outer Banks, North Carolina
For a number of years in my early twenties, my faculty pals and I’d pack up and head right down to the Outer Banks for every week every summer season. Some of them continued this custom as soon as they began their households.
While the world has gotten somewhat extra constructed up previously 20 years, the Outer Banks continues to be an ideal vacation spot for a laid-back household seashore trip. You can calm down by day within the heat waters of the Atlantic, interrupted solely by the occasional dolphin pod swimming by.
When you tire of the seashore, you’ll be able to attempt dangle gliding, go to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, take out a kayak or paddle board, or take an airplane experience from the place the place flight started. See the most effective issues to do within the Outer Banks.
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17. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Our favourite getaway on the east coast is Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Unlike Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island has been deliberately developed because the Fifties, and nice effort has been made to protect the stay oak bushes draped in Spanish moss that give this island its lush really feel.
Beneath the bushes, vacationers can experience alongside miles of motorcycle trails, kayak by the marshes and waterways or go horseback driving. Of course, there are seashores, golf programs — conventional and putt putt relying in your talent, and the Pinckney Nature Preserve to fill sunny days with enjoyable.
Restaurants on the island specialise in seafood, low-country delicacies, and barbecue. Truly, no matter your style, you’ll discover it right here! For solar and relaxed, southern-style enjoyable, Hilton Head presents one thing for everybody.
by Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget
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18. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a superb metropolis to go to with tweens and teenagers. The metropolis is a contemporary mixture of a bustling metropolis, open areas, and pockets of historical past. You can simply spend a full day having fun with the points of interest round Centennial Park together with the fabulous Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN, and the extremely highly effective Center for Civil and Human Rights.
You can get off the overwhelmed path with an Atlanta meals tour and a go to to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. You may bike across the Atlanta BeltLine.
Also, take a while to move to Buckhead for purchasing and eating. Just keep in mind that Atlanta is a giant metropolis so you will have your automotive (or an Uber account) and provides your self time to cope with visitors.
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19. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is my favourite of Georgia’s Golden Isles, with miles of beautiful seashores and bike trails, and a laid-back lifestyle. Since a lot of the island is a nature protect, you’ll be able to’t look forward to finding high-rise accommodations lining the seashore. But this quieter seashore life could also be simply what you might be on the lookout for.
Whether you might be visiting for every week or only a day, you have to cease by the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. And a stroll alongside Driftwood Beach (or higher but, at dawn) is an expertise like no different.
If you might be visiting in the course of the summer season, households may even benefit from the Summer Waves water park. If you need one thing somewhat quieter and extra non-public to take pleasure in nature, plan an all-inclusive keep on Little St. Simons Island.
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20. Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island on the northeastern coast of Florida isn’t the identical because the palm-lined sands of South Beach. Here you’ll find vast seashores, rolling sand dunes, and swaying seashore grasses.
Inland you’ll find Spanish moss dripping from previous oak bushes and black water swamps excellent for kayaking and different out of doors actions. Downtown Fernandina Beach presents historic trolley excursions, boutique purchasing, and a burgeoning meals scene.
You can simply take day journeys over to see the wild horses on Cumberland Island, Georgia, or head as much as the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for an eco-tour.
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21. Orlando, Florida
Of course, Orlando is the most effective household trip spots, with one thing for everybody from toddlers to teenagers (okay, and even grown-ups.) The theme parks are at all times introducing new points of interest, just like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, Pandora at Animal Kingdom, and, for Star Wars followers, Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.
But past the theme parks are so many extra adventures and points of interest that it takes a lifetime of visits to get to all of them. You can take airboat rides, zip line over alligators, go indoor skydiving, and even take pleasure in a scorching air balloon experience.
Nearby you’ll be able to go to Legoland, Safari Wilderness Ranch, or go tubing by scorching springs.
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22. Florida’s Space Coast
Kennedy Space Center is an absolute should go to for households, particularly if you are interested within the area program (and in the event you don’t, you continue to received’t be bored!) Plan on spending a complete day exploring the advanced, beginning with the Atlantis Shuttle exhibit, and ending with a go to to the Apollo / Saturn V show.
There are additionally particular occasions to make the most of like lunch with an astronaut or visiting on launch day.
While many individuals go to Kennedy Space Center on a day journey from Orlando, it is best to actually take the time to benefit from the Space Coast. Cocoa Beach is a surf capital and is a superb place to attempt browsing classes. Nearby, you’ll be able to go to the Brevard Zoo and kayak previous the giraffes. The Space Coast is filled with household enjoyable.
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23. Florida Keys
Driving by the Florida Keys is a traditional American street journeys, surrounded beautiful blue water and inexperienced mangroves, you hop from bridge to bridge as you move by the Keys.
To get the total expertise, it is smart to start out off with an evening or two in Key Largo, then an evening mid-way by the Keys in Marathon or Duck Key. Finish up your stick with a few nights in Key West.
This is the proper alternative to take pleasure in water sports activities like fishing, boating, kite browsing, paddle boarding, or kayaking. You may take to the sky for parasailing or take a extra tame glass-bottom boat over the coral reef.
When in Key West, you should definitely expertise the sundown pageant and luxuriate in a frozen, chocolate-dipped key lime pie on a stick. Kids may even take pleasure in a cease on the Key West Aquarium.
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24. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida
Sanibel and Captiva Islands off the southwest coast of Florida have a little bit of the texture of the Florida Keys, however are a lot simpler to get to with a simple flight into Fort Myers. If you might be on the lookout for a relaxed island trip with out a passport, Sanibel and Captiva match the invoice.
Sanibel is the bigger of the 2 islands, with 25 miles of motorcycle paths and mixed-use trails. Lending to that quieter way of life, half of the island is preserved in opposition to growth. Sanibel can be residence to a 6,400-acre wildlife protect.
Captiva is even quieter and each islands are recognized for fabulous shelling. Inland you’ll find loggerhead turtles, river otters, and even bald eagles. Off-shore, it isn’t uncommon to identify manatees and dolphins off the waters of the islands.
Families will take pleasure in kayaking, parasailing, crusing, biking, and naturally, shell accumulating. Nearby, I additionally love visiting Naples or Marco Island in Southwest Florida.
25. Clearwater Beach, Florida
The white sand seashores of Clearwater make it among the finest seashores on the Gulf Coast. Combined with the calm gulf waters, Clearwater Beach makes a household trip paradise. Hotels and resorts line the primary drag, giving loads of lodging choices for households.
When not having fun with the water, there are many kid-friendly actions from pirate ship adventures, dolphin cruises, out of doors films and sundown festivals, and, in fact, the well-known Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
You may simply take day journeys to Tampa and St. Petersburg for visits to Busch Gardens Tampa and the Florida Aquarium.
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26. Destin, Florida
Destin, Florida is the proper household trip vacation spot! You can spend in the future simply hanging out on the seashore or by the pool. Then the following day spend all day visiting points of interest in Destin and out on the water.
We extremely suggest the Pirate cruise or renting a Pontoon boat to go to Crab Island. If you need to keep on land take a look at the Gulfarium to see the dolphin present and all types of sea creatures or head over to an arcade for video games, lazer tag and ropes programs.
When it involves consuming, there are tons of eating places to choose from and virtually all of them are family-friendly. Some even serve the children meals on a frisbee and are proper on the seashore!
By Bryanna Royal, Crazy Family Adventure
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