Katie and Pierce
The East Coast has some of America’s most memorable driving experiences. From coastal highways with Atlantic views to mountain routes through ancient forests, east coast road trips deliver natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant cities all within easy reach.
Whether you have a weekend or two weeks to spare, these routes showcase the best of the East Coast’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Gas up, roll down the windows, and let the adventure begin!
1. NYC to Finger Lakes, New York
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City and head to the peaceful Finger Lakes region on this 5-day east coast road trip. Wine lovers will feel right at home touring the vineyards along Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake.
You’ll be amazed by the cascading waters at Taughannock Falls State Park, where nature puts on a spectacular show. History comes alive at the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, where you can walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Cap off your trip in Corning, where artisans transform molten glass into stunning creations at the Corning Museum of Glass. For a cozy place to rest, La Tourelle Hotel & Spa near Buttermilk Falls makes a perfect home base for your adventures.
2. Boston to Acadia National Park, Maine
This 3-4 day New England coastal trek starts in Boston’s historic streets before whisking you to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where centuries-old buildings and the Strawbery Banke Museum tell tales of colonial life.
In Portland, Maine, wander through the charming Old Port with its distinctive red brick buildings and savor fresh-caught seafood by the waterfront. Along the route, you’ll pass architectural gems like the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge and the picture-perfect Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
The crown jewel awaits at Acadia National Park, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse stands sentinel against the crashing waves. It’s absolutely magical at sunset. Rest your head at Portland Harbor Hotel in Portland and Acadia Hotel in Bar Harbor.
3. Miami to Key West, Florida
This iconic 159-mile drive over 42 bridges could be your quickest getaway (just one day) or a leisurely 3-day island-hopping adventure. From Miami’s vibrant art scene, you’ll cruise alongside turquoise waters all the way to Key West on one of the most scenic east coast road trips available.
Stop in Key Largo to see the curious Coral Castle or snorkel through the underwater wonderland of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. In Marathon, walk among ancient fossils at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.
Don’t miss the pristine beaches of Bahia Honda State Park. A slice of paradise that feels worlds away from everyday life. The journey ends in quirky Key West, where sunsets are celebrated nightly. Treat yourself to oceanfront stays at Key Largo Marriott Resort and Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalow Hotel in Key West.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile mountain road connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park. With a gentle 45 mph speed limit, this route invites you to slow down and soak in the views from over 200 overlooks.
Stand atop Mount Mitchell, North Carolina’s highest peak, and feel on top of the world. Marvel at the waterfalls scattered throughout Pisgah National Forest, or gaze into the depths of Linville Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of the East.” The engineering marvel of Linn Cove Viaduct seems to float among the treetops.
What makes this drive special? No billboards, no neon signs, no restaurants along the route. Just you and nature. While Switzerland Inn is the only hotel on the parkway itself, you’ll find cozy spots nearby like Engadine Inn & Cabins near Asheville.
5. Outer Banks, North Carolina
This 2-3 day island-hopping adventure takes you from Corolla to Cedar Island through charming beach towns like Duck, Nags Head, and Kitty Hawk. Part of the fun is taking the ferries: a free ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke and a paid journey onward to Cedar Island.
Historic lighthouses dot the coastline, from the red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse to the iconic striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Aviation history buffs will love standing on the very spot where humans first took flight at the Wright Brothers Memorial.
For a wild experience, drive your 4×4 on Corolla’s beaches or watch the legendary wild horses roam free in their natural habitat. When day turns to night, Days Inn & Suites Mariner in Kill Devils Hills puts you right by the ocean and close to the main attractions.
6. Washington DC to Philadelphia to New York City
This 10-day journey connects three cities that shaped America on what many consider the ultimate east coast USA road trip. Start in Washington DC, where you can walk the National Mall from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial without spending a dime on attractions.
In Philadelphia, place your hand on the Liberty Bell, peek into the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America.
Finish big in New York City, where iconic sights await around every corner: the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the harbor, the dazzling lights of Times Square, the peaceful paths of Central Park, and sky-high views from the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center. From Philly’s soft pretzels to New York’s pizza slices, your taste buds will thank you too. Rest up at Hotel Hive in DC, Marriott Philadelphia Centre City, and Hyatt Times Square.
7. Annapolis to Virginia Beach
This 4-6 day coastal getaway starts in Annapolis, where history meets the harbor. Grab a crab cake at Dock Street Bar and Grill while watching sailboats drift by.
Next, head to the natural wonder of Chincoteague Island, where you can witness something truly special on neighboring Assateague Island: wild ponies roaming free along beaches and through pine forests. Just like in the beloved story of “Misty.” Visit the Assateague Lighthouse for sweeping views before heading to your final destination.
Virginia Beach welcomes you with 28 miles of sandy shores and a lively boardwalk packed with activities. It’s the perfect contrast from quiet island life to beach resort energy. Treat yourself to a stay at The Westin Annapolis or Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and Residence Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
8. Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA
These two Southern gems sit just 100 miles apart, making for a perfect 6-day road trip filled with historic charm and Spanish moss. Charleston captivates with its cobblestone streets, colorful row houses, and harbor views.
Visit Fort Sumter where the Civil War began, or photograph the iconic Pineapple Fountain. Take a day trip to Boone Hall Plantation with its dramatic Avenue of Oaks.
In Savannah, 22 enchanting squares invite you to sit a spell under massive oak trees. Stroll along River Street, where old cotton warehouses now house shops and restaurants serving up Southern comfort food. Take a riverboat cruise at sunset, sample fresh beignets at Huey’s, and maybe if you’re brave join a ghost tour in America’s most haunted city. Indulge in memorable meals at Charleston’s Poogan’s Porch and Savannah’s Olde Pink House. Rest your head at The Mills House in Charleston and the Disney-inspiring Hamilton Turner Inn in Savannah.
9. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
This 3-5 day, 200-mile valley journey takes you through some of Virginia’s most beautiful countryside. While Highway 81 gets you there quickly, the scenic Route 11 reveals the valley’s hidden charms.
Start in Winchester, where the pedestrian-friendly Old Town mall buzzes with shops, restaurants, and the hands-on Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. As you wind southward, roadside stands offer fresh apples and local wines.
Stop in the college town of Harrisonburg for its laid-back vibe and farm-to-table restaurants. Theater lovers shouldn’t miss Staunton’s American Shakespeare Center, a faithful recreation of the Bard’s original playhouse. In Lexington, look up at Natural Bridge, a 215-foot limestone arch that once amazed Thomas Jefferson. End your trip in outdoorsy Roanoke, where hiking trails and mountain biking routes beckon. Before leaving town you can drive up Mill Mountain to see the 88-foot Roanoke Star illuminated against the night sky. The historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester and the grand Hotel Roanoke offer classic Virginia hospitality.
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
This mountain journey begins where the Blue Ridge Parkway starts in Virginia and heads south into the heart of the Appalachians. About an hour in, you’ll come upon Natural Bridge Park, where a massive stone arch towers twenty stories above Cedar Creek.
Further along, stop at The Blue Ridge Music Center to hear the sounds that were born in these hills. Bluegrass, gospel, and blues often fill the air with live performances. Crossing into North Carolina, the gentle trails of Craggy Gardens reward you with sweeping vistas and wildflower meadows in summer.
For a real challenge, hike Mount Mitchell standing taller than any peak east of the Mississippi. After working up a thirst, sample local craft beers in nearby breweries like Wicked Weed or Lazy Hiker. Your journey peaks (literally) at Richland Balsam, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the air smells of Christmas thanks to the balsam fir forest.
11. Assateague & Chincoteague Islands
Your adventure begins with a thrill as you cross the 4.3-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis. Water stretches endlessly on both sides. This eastern seaboard road trip offers unique coastal experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
After passing through Maryland’s coastal towns, you’ll reach a place that feels like a storybook: Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam freely along windswept beaches. (Remember to keep your distance and never feed them!)
Wander through salt marshes teeming with birds and wildlife before heading to neighboring Chincoteague, Virginia. This charming island town has seafood fresh off the boat, local shops, and a more developed base for your explorations. You can rent kayaks to paddle alongside dolphins or cast a line from one of the fishing piers. Before you leave, feast on the area’s famous oysters, crabs, and clams. Seafood doesn’t get fresher than this.
