East Coast Road Trip Stops from Florida to Maine
This road trip itinerary includes all the best places to visit on the East Coast. You’ll find three suggested stops in every state from Florida to Maine. There’s a little something for everyone: history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and art lovers.
Read our list, choose your favorite East Coast road trip stops and hit the road!
Florida
- Everglades National Park: No trek through the Sunshine State is complete without seeing the alligators and swampland. Take the scenic route through this outdoor paradise.
- Orlando Theme Parks: Choose your favorites from the always-growing list of theme parks in town: 4 at Walt Disney World, 3 at Universal Orlando, plus SeaWorld, Legoland, and more. There are almost always crowds, but there’s so much fun to be had, you may hardly notice.
- Daytona Beach: Get the full oceanside experience on this 23-mile stretch of white sand. Go for a swim or grab some boardwalk food. Before leaving town, car lovers should stop by the Daytona International Speedway.
Georgia
- Albany: Get a feel for a smaller Southern city when you stop by Albany. Make sure to visit the Ray Charles statue in the center of town before heading to other attractions near Albany.
- Atlanta: With attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and stadiums for four pro sports teams, Atlanta has something for the entire family. When you finish up in the city, take a mini road trip outside of Atlanta.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park: This park in the northeast corner of the state features a 1000-foot-deep gorge and six waterfalls. Spend a day hiking to the overlooks and across the suspension bridge.
South Carolina
- Columbia: Visit the state capital and feel like a true resident of the Carolinas. Walk through the Hampton Preston Mansion to see what pre-Civil War life was like, and tour the state museum to get the rest of the story.
- Charleston: Get a real feel for the Old South in this city exploding with hospitality. This city has buildings that pre-date the American Revolution! The best way to see the sights? A horse-and-carriage tour downtown.
- Myrtle Beach: Thrill-seekers are always welcome in this Atlantic coast paradise! Amusement park rides and carnival fare can be found all over town. If you just want to enjoy the sand and surf, head south to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.
North Carolina
- Charlotte Motor Speedway: Race fans haven’t truly lived until they’ve seen an event at this iconic track. If you’re passing through on a non-race day, take a tour of the facility; they’re offered daily. Charlotte is also the gateway to other road trip destinations in North Carolina.
- The Biltmore Estate: A true American castle, this private residence outside Asheville has more than 250 rooms inside and 8,000 acres surrounding it. You may wonder if you’re in an episode of Downton Abbey while wandering the halls of this opulent home.
- The Research Triangle: The cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, each home to a prominent university, form an area known as the Research Triangle. Sports fans should tour the Carolina Basketball Museum. If you’re an animal lover, you’re sure to be enchanted by the Duke Lemur Center. You can also find outdoor hotspots near the Raleigh-Durham metro area.
Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg: They say “Virginia is for lovers”—of history, of course! You almost literally step into the past in this town that operates like a Revolutionary War-era village. Interact with historical figures, watch artisans make goods by hand, and take a ghost tour at night.
- Mount Vernon: Before you head to the nation’s capital, see the home of our first president. Washington’s grand estate remains open to public tours. You can also see the gardens, slave quarters, barns, and Washington’s final resting place.
- State and national parks near DC: There’s plenty of natural beauty in northern Virginia you won’t want to miss. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail, or kayak along the Potomac in Leesylvania State Park. Be aware that some parts of this region are dead zones for cell service.
Washington, DC
- Arlington National Cemetery: Although it’s technically in Virginia, Arlington is just across from downtown DC. Pay your respects to servicemen and women before heading into DC for a full day of museums and monuments.
- The White House: Easily the most recognizable residence in the United States, the White House welcomes visitors to some of its most famous rooms. You won’t see the West Wing or the Oval Office, but you will see the state dining room, the Blue Room, the China Room, and more.
- The National Mall: This 1.2-mile area is the hub of the nation’s capital, stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to Capitol Hill. Don’t miss the three major Smithsonian museums: American History, Natural History, and Air & Space.
Maryland
- Sandy Point State Park: Get your first views of Chesapeake Bay at this beach near Annapolis. And if you haven’t had enough American history yet, stop by the Hall of Presidents Before Washington at the Westin Hotel—it’s free and open 24/7!
- Baltimore: Ocean lovers will have a blast walking the decks of the Historic Ships of Baltimore exhibit and spying the creatures at the National Aquarium. When you finish up in Maryland’s biggest city, take a day trip beyond Baltimore.
- Ocean City: Craving some excitement? Head for this seaside resort town. You’ll find several amusement parks along the boardwalk, loads of delicious restaurants, and plenty of nightlife options.
Delaware
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway: This route winds through eastern Maryland and Delaware up to Philadelphia. Follow the footsteps of Harriet Tubman and other brave Americans who sought to free people from slavery.
- Rehoboth Beach: If you prefer to stay as close to the sand as possible, head north on US-1 to the biggest beach town in Delaware. This family-friendly spot is perfect for building a sandcastle or jumping in the water.
- Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library: View a vast and varied assortment of American creations at this once-private collection that is now open to the public. Antiquers will love peering at everything from tables to ceramics to clock-making tools.
New Jersey
- Atlantic City Boardwalk: America’s most famous coastal resort city is always open for business. Find plenty of fun at the Steel Pier, and try your luck at the gambling tables at night.
- Thomas Edison National Historic Park: Tour the home of America’s most legendary inventor. His creations include the lightbulb, the phonograph, and an early film camera.
- Newark: As part of the NYC metro area, Newark is the perfect place to end your tour of Jersey. It’s also a great spot to start a road trip to New England hotspots. Visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms at Essex County Branch Brook Park.
New York
- New York City: You could spend a lifetime in this city and still not do everything. Your NYC bucket list should include a show on Broadway, a trip to the Statue of Liberty, and a view from the top of one of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.
- State parks near NYC: Do you prefer the great outdoors to the urban jungle? There are plenty of state parks near the Big Apple where you can get away from the hustle and bustle.
- Niagara Falls: If you’ve never seen this breathtaking natural wonder, make the trip while you’re in the area. There’s no shortage of great road trip stops in the Empire State.
Connecticut
- Yale University: Start your tour of the New England Ivy League universities at the Yale campus by browsing its libraries and art galleries. The college town of New Haven also has plenty of unique eateries and boutique shops.
- Connecticut Wine Trail: Grab a free passport from one of the state’s 35 wineries and hit as many as you can while you wind through quaint small towns.
- Mark Twain House and Museum: You may associate Twain with Missouri and the South because of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, but he spent many years in this New England home.
Rhode Island
- Mile of History in Providence: Take a stroll on Benefit Street past Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, and many elegant historic buildings. Paid guided tours start at the John Brown House Museum.
- Crescent Park Looff Carousel: This beautiful hand-carved wood carousel dates back to 1895. It runs seasonally, so check the website before visiting.
- International Tennis Hall of Fame: Located in Newport, this site hosted the first men’s tennis tournament in the US and now holds fascinating interactive exhibits like a hologram of Roger Federer and a trivia match.
Massachusetts
- JFK Presidential Library: This museum and library, located just south of Boston, celebrates the life and service of President Kennedy and also features exhibits about First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. See artifacts related to the 1960 election, the space program, and other key moments of JFK’s presidency.
- Boston: Old world charm meets new world modernity in the Massachusetts state capital. History lovers absolutely must walk the Freedom Trail. Sports fans should also make time for a trip to Fenway Park. If you need more inspiration, check out these East Coast road trip ideas just outside of Boston.
- Salem: History and literature feel alive in Old Salem. Several museums teach visitors about the infamous witch trials that took place here in the late 17th century. Also in town is the actual House of the Seven Gables, close to the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
New Hampshire
- The Strawbery Banke Museum: Not all museums are indoors. This collection of buildings and gardens serves as an outdoor museum. Visitors get to see snapshots of life in Portsmouth from 1696 to 1954.
- American Classic Arcade Museum: The Guinness Book of World Records calls this unique spot the world’s largest arcade. There are no admission fees, and most of the games on display are playable—so bring your pocket change.
- White Mountain National Forest: Amazing hikes and scenic drives are abundant in the White Mountains. If you find yourself here in the winter, enjoy the scenery on skis, snowboards, or snowshoes.
 (Resized):16-9?fmt=png-alpha&bfc=on)
Maine
- Any Lighthouse: Maine has more than 5,000 miles of coastline, which means dozens of charming lighthouses. Make sure you hop out and examine at least one up close, such as the red-and-white-striped West Quoddy Head lighthouse.
- Monhegan Island: At the end of your East Coast road trip, you may be craving time outside the car. Head to Monhegan Island for the day! This fishing village has no paved roads. Your legs will feel good and stretched when you catch the ferry back to the mainland.
- Acadia National Park: The National Park Service calls this park “the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” Acadia contains the highest peak on the Eastern seaboard and is home to numerous species of wildlife.
 (Resized):16-9?fmt=png-alpha&bfc=on)
Reserve a Car Rental for Your East Coast Road Trip
There’s so much to see and do along the East Coast, and a road trip from Florida to Maine is the best way to visit all the fun stops along the way. If you need a rental car for your extended adventure, reserve one with Avis.
Rent a Road Trip CarFrequently Asked Questions
The best season for an East Coast road trip is really anytime but winter. Spring brings mild temperatures and minimal poor weather, plus beautiful floral scenery. Summer means warm weather and sunshine-filled days perfect for beach trips. Fall features colorful foliage, particularly in New England. If you want to take an East Coast road trip in the winter, Florida is the recommended starting point.
I-95 is the major highway that runs from Maine to Florida, touching most major cities between Bangor and Miami. However, I-95 doesn’t always stay on the coastline, sometimes jutting inland to include cities like Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, or Fayetteville on the route. If you want to truly follow the Atlantic Coast on your roadtrip, you’ll need to veer off of I-95 for some stretches.
The biggest US cities that touch the Atlantic Ocean include (from north to south) Boston, New York, and Miami. Several smaller but still well-known US cities also have an Atlantic shoreline, such as Portland, Maine; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Wilmington, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; and many cities in Florida.