From the coastal cities of New England to the sizzling beaches of Miami, there’s a lot to see on an East Coast road trip.
Are you ready to hit the road? Read on. We share nine can’t-miss stops for your road trip through the eastern United States!
1. New York, NY
No East Coast road trip is complete without a stop at the Big Apple! You’ve got five whole boroughs to explore, although there’s plenty to do in Manhattan alone. Gawk at the bright lights of Time Square, shop along Fifth Avenue, and, of course, eat lots of pizza!
Instagrammable Spot: Take a skyline selfie at the top of Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building, or head to Washington Street in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood for a beautiful shot of the blue Manhattan Bridge.
2. Boston, MA
It’s totally optional, but this would be the time to bust out your best attempt at a Boston accent. We recommended going for a walk on the Freedom Trail, a 2+ mile stroll through our nation’s historical landmarks. You can end with a picnic on Boston Common!
Instagrammable Spot: Head to the North End for the best Italian food you’ll have outside of Italy, and plenty of Instagrammable moments on Hanover Street or at the Paul Revere House.
3. Newport, RI
Walking along the cliffside trail by Newport’s historic mansions, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time into the Gilded Age of The Great Gatsby. Put on your best summer dress, a fabulous hat, and pretend you’re Daisy Buchanan!
Instagrammable Spot: Literally any mansion, inside or out — it’s up to you!
4. Saint Michaels, MD
From its sailboat-filled waterfront to the Cape Cod-style architecture, this historic seaport is everything you imagine New England would be. Go for a sail along the water, chow down on some seafood, or unwind at one of the local breweries or wineries.
Instagrammable Spot: Stop for a bite and pose with a Yelp-worthy plate of oysters or crab legs (bonus points if you capture picturesque Chesapeake bay in the background).
5. Charlotte, NC
With its love of murals, Charlotte is a city built for the ‘Gram. Camp North End offers a fun mix of murals, old train tracks, grub, and coffee. There’s also Optimist Hall. This huge food hall has options for you and all your friends, no matter your tastes or dietary restrictions.
Instagrammable Spot: NoDa (short for North Davidson) has everything you need for a great Instagram photo: food, shops, and — you guessed it — lots of artsy murals!
6. Charleston, SC
Charleston’s making the rounds on all the top travel lists, and it’s easy to see why. This Carolina city has something for everyone on a East Coast road trip. Breathe in that crisp Atlantic Ocean air from Folly Beach Pier, browse the galleries on Broad Street, or go for a run with the locals through Hampton Park.
Instagrammable Spot: Does it get cuter than Rainbow Row? This adorable street of historic Georgian homes are all painted in different colors. Choose the one that best compliments your outfit!
7. Savannah, GA
Now this is a city that knows what Southern charm is all about! Walk the cobblestoned streets of Savannah’s Historic District, lined with oak trees and antebellum mansions, and sit on a park bench while you stare in awe at the 150+ year-old fountain in Forsyth Park.
Instagrammable Spot: If you missed Rainbow Row in Charleston, you can see its sister here! For something Savannah’s own, grab a macaron and coffee at the Paris Market.
8. New Orleans, LA
The Big Easy gets big crazy during Mardi Gras, but any other time of year you’ll be met with quaint historic homes, scrumptious Creole food, and a town that’s all about hospitality. Feel free to take a nice long nap during the day— you’ll be out late enjoying the nightlife!
Instagrammable Spot: Have a friend photograph you getting on or off the St. Charles Streetcar, or stop for a selfie anywhere along Bourbon Street.
9. Miami, FL
Listen to Will Smith and get ready to “party in the city where the heat is on!” Pack your swimsuit because you’ll be wearing it a lot! At night, throw on a cute coverup and head to Little Havana for Cuban food and dancing.
Instagrammable Spot: With its white furnishings, huge windows, and rooftop pool, 1 Hotel South Beach has a quintessential Miami vibe. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens are gorgeous, too.
Need help putting together your East Coast road trip bucket list? Follow our Pinterest board!
Fair warning: once you start driving, you may not want to stop. And why not? Let the adventure guide you! Check out our guides to road trips through the middle of the U.S. and the West Coast for more inspiration!
Roam often, stay stylish.
