America has some of the most diverse weather and terrain in the world – which makes it such an exciting place to explore. Whether it’s roadside attractions, things to eat, historic tours, wine tasting, hiking or some downtime – the East Coast has everything, and more. If you’re planning a trip to the East Coast soon, the experts over at Travelbag have prepared us with a 21-point list of the must-see things to do when you’re over there. Enjoy!
- Wear a lobster bib in Maine, ME
No trip to Maine is complete without a visit to a lobster shack. The seafood in this part of the world is the stuff of legends, so head to Georgetown, New Harbour or another lovely town on the coast, don that bib and tuck into a heavenly lobster roll.
- Ride the New York subway, NY
Get a City PASS ticket and explore one of the most famous cities in the world – New York! There is so much stuff to do, but trying to pack in as many things on your bucket list is half the fun!
- Take the Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, VT
You can pretend you want to learn all about the history of the company that put Vermont on the map, but we know you’re really there for the scoop shop, custom ice cream cakes and free samples!
- Visit Provincetown, MA
On the tip of Cape Cod is the unique and charming Provincetown. This place is a haven for art, self-expression and folky vibes. Known by locals as ‘The End of the World’, it’s a great place to spend a few hours around lunch having a snoop around.
- Have a day at the beach on Block Island, RI
A whimsical little island and part of the state of Rhode Island, the Nature Conservancy lists Block Island as one of “The Last Great Places”. Formed by glaciers, Block Island is a diverse array of salt ponds, sand dunes, beaches, maritime scrubland, kettle hole ponds and coastal bluffs.
- Grab a pastrami on rye from Katz Deli, NY
Featuring in THAT scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’, Katz Deli has been serving the best pastrami sandwich in New York for 128 years. The old-style diner is the perfect pit stop.
- The Hamptons, NY
Holiday homes to the rich and famous, the Hamptons is the summer destination to see and be seen. Areas like Montauk, Sag Island and Fire Island are the best places to go if you fancy a spot of whale watching, wine tasting or an early morning hike along the coast.
- Chincoteague Island, VA
How about visiting a beach resort island where you can rub shoulders with the wild ponies who populate the avenues and lanes? Chincoteague Island in Virginia is unique and a great place to be at one with nature.
- Take a hike around Hanging Rock State Park, NC
Perhaps the ultimate location for a hike on the East Coast, Hanging Rock is a mixture of mountains, waterfalls, cabins, lakes and bathhouses. Strangely, the park is a natural habitat to fauna normally found on the west coast – wild turkey, white-tailed deer and peregrine falcons roam freely.
- Visit Amish Country, PA
It might feel a little voyeuristic, but to witness the simple, stripped-back lifestyle of the peaceful Amish community in Pennsylvania is an education in itself. Take a steam train on the Strasburg Railroad and try the ‘shoo fly pie’ at Plain & Fancy Restaurant.
- Say hi to President Trump!, DC
There’s a lot of history at the White House, but there’s more to DC than 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress and the Jefferson Memorial are all available for history and politics buffs to visit.
- Fall in love with Savannah, GA
There are some beautiful parts of the U.S. but Savannah is top of the list. Cobble streets, trees covered in Spanish moss, town squares and historic homes and buildings all make up this historic city.
- Marvel at Niagara Falls, NY
Niagara Falls needs to be seen to be believed. Located on the border of the United States and Canada, it is a massive pull for tourists in the state of New York.
- Climb Lady Liberty, NY
The statue of Liberty has been holding her lantern aloft since 1886 and has only just recently opened for public access again. The gift of friendship from France to the American people is well worth checking out on a visit to NYC.
- Eat a New York hot dog/pizza/pretzel/cronut/cheesecake/bagel (delete as appropriate), NY
While in New York, you have to try one of the foods that helped made the city famous. Your tummy will thank you for it.
- Shenandoah Caverns, VA
If the Virginian heat is getting to you, it might be time to go underground. Shenandoah Caverns are a great family attraction with cool temperatures and even cooler sights.
- Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center, FL
In 1961, JFK declared that the goal of sending an American safely to the moon before the decade was up. Sadly, he wasn’t around to see his dream made reality in 1969. This centre is dedicated to the president who helped America into space and makes a great family day out.
- Take a tour of Harvard, MA
Harvard contains so much history, that anyone interested in finding out about the early lives of JFK, Matt Damon, Bill Gates, Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg should spend a few hours on a tour here.
- Have a chilled glass at Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Although not a lot of wine is made by the sandy beaches, lighthouses and gentle waves of Martha’s Vineyard, it is certainly the place to rent a beach house and take some time out. Oak Bluffs and Edgartown are two places to settle in for a few days.
- See a ghost at the Ellis Hotel, GA
If you fancy a scare, pay a visit to the Ellis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1946, 119 people died there in a fire. Since then, there have been countless reports of ghostly faces, items being moved on their own accord and strange noises down empty hallways. Arghhh!
- Take your vows, NY
Fancy getting hitched/renewing your vows? Do it at the world’s smallest church in Oneida, New York State. With just enough room for a bride, a groom and a minister, the ceremony promises to be an intimate affair.]]>