The US’s East Coast is full of destinations that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. There are breathtaking scenery, museums, cuisines, natural attractions, lively cities, and stunning beaches to explore. 14 states share the Atlantic coastline, and each state has something unique to offer. When planning a visit to the East Coast, be sure to check out these scenic cities.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, the outdoors does not get more glamorous or fascinating than Myrtle Beach. The spinning Sky Wheel (Ferris Wheel) is the highlight of the city and Myrtle Beach. Neon lights, countless festivals, miles of soft sandy beaches, and a never-ending excitement hanging in the air make this one of the most exciting places to visit on the East Coast. The stretch of beach is called the Grand Strand, where thousands go to relax and enjoy swimming and surfing. There are so many things to do near Myrtle Beach, ensuring a fun-filled trip for all ages. Make sure to create an itinerary that includes a visit to this place and a checklist of activities you’d like to do!
Tennessee
In Tennessee, there is an amazing gem for outdoor lovers called the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains offer a wondrous diversity of life, both flora and fauna. Straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee borders, this location has everything an outdoor lover would ever wish for.
The snow-capped mountains are stunning, and the serene, lush forests, historic homes, wildflowers, and vast camping grounds make this place a popular destination for travelers. Be sure to take a hike on one of the many trails in the park and explore wonderful waterfalls, rivers, and landscapes. There are black bears in the park, so be attentive. Remember, they are in their natural habitat, and you are the intruder here.
New York City, New York
New York City is a fast city; everyone seems to be in a hurry here, but the attractions the city offers make this city one of the best places to visit when you are on the East Coast. You’d need to spend a few days here to sample everything the city has to offer. The Statue of Liberty, countless museums, theme parks, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the infamous Brooklyn Bridge, the Grand Central Terminal, and other numerous attractions are present in New York.
If you want to have an outstanding view of the city, head over to the One Trade Center Building. The observation deck on the 101st floor offers you mind-blowing all-round views of the whole city.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the home of the infamous Walt Disney Studios. A visit to this town would not be complete without taking your kids to the theme parks at the Walt Disney Studios or Universal Studios. There are no shortages of theme parks, water parks, museums, historical places, and bursting shopping complexes to explore. Kids will love exploring the LEGOLAND resort, where they get to play with all kinds of Legos.
Miami, Florida
Florida cities are full of wonders and lots of attractions. Miami is one of the most prolific, popular, and sunny cities in Florida. Miami Beach is an amazing place to visit and enjoy swimming and surfing with your kids. There are other attractions you should not miss during your stay here. For instance, Zoo Miami has more than 3,000 animals and over 1,000 tree species, spanning almost 750 acres of land. You can always catch a festival or a street performance on the streets of Miami at any given time of the year.
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is a great city for travelers looking to enjoy outdoor adventures. When visiting here, you should not miss a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountain is part of the Appalachian Mountains Range, which extends through several other states in the US. You will recognize them from afar because of their distinctive blue hue. There are numerous wildlife and plant species to explore inside this park.
Another attraction in Roanoke is Mill Mountain Park, a 568-acre property that contains numerous hiking and biking trails. The Carvins Cove Natural Reserve will offer you the opportunity to take stunning photos. You can also do some fishing and snorkeling on the reservoir inside the Carvins Cove Reserve. Kayaking lovers can head over to Smith Mountain Lake, a 21,000-acre piece that is a great ground for fishing and water sports.
Washington DC
Not every traveler loves the wild, and Washington, DC, offers a perfect alternative for travelers seeking to explore contemporary buildings, renowned architectural designs, historical museums, and beautiful galleries. For instance, the Smithsonian Institute is one of the largest museums in the world and home to millions of artifacts and exhibitions. If you are a fan of American history, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will take you down memory lane. You can explore a lot of what the city has to offer by hopping on a tour bus or a cruise.
Annapolis, Maryland
Just like Roanoke, Annapolis is a great place for people seeking to decompress from their busy lives. You will have access to acres and acres of land for wild camping, hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor sports. The Chesapeake Bay shoreline offers a fantastic avenue for world-renowned sailing. Snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and scuba diving are other activities you can do on the waters of Chesapeake Bay. If you do not like the water, you can head over to the maritime museum or the Historic Annapolis Museum to dive into the history of the city and America. An evening in the city can always be made more jovial with a visit to one of the concerts or festivities happening in the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. You can also take a guided tour of the Annapolis Naval Academy to learn more about the training of the US Navy and Marine Corps.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a lively city. Music, entertainment, dances, local cuisine, and a diverse arts and culture scene make this one of the most vibrant cities on the East Coast. This list of attractions to visit in the city grows longer when you add in the wonderful beaches and national parks.
The beaches are said to be among the cleanest on the East Coast, attracting thousands of tourists seeking water sports fun such as camping, surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Be sure to visit the museums as well to learn more about Annapolis’s contribution to the making of the history of the United States.
