Embarking on a road trip along the U.S. East Coast? Get ready for adventure packed with lovely landscapes, tons of history, and some of the country’s best food.
From the historical sites and nature of Virginia to the rugged coastal lobster shacks of Maine and the tropical vibes of the Florida Keys, this stretch of the United States is one of its most diverse.
To create the best possible guide to US East Coast road trips, I reached out to a group of travel bloggers, each with their own unique slant on a particular patch of the vast East Coast.
They were tasked with quite a challenge: curate the perfect one-week East Coast road trip itinerary chock-full of expert insights.
The responses span the entire coastline, including small towns, national parks, white sand beaches, and virtually every kind of landscape you can think of.
Here are 11 carefully crafted road trip ideas for an East Coast getaway, each perfectly plotted to fill up a week that’s jam-packed with sites to explore.
Coastal Virginia, Maryland, and DC
Contributed by Megan of Virginia Travel Tips
Day 1: Start in Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is Maryland’s capital city, but the metropolis feels more like a small town than a capital city.
Start your morning off by exploring Historic Annapolis, where you can visit the William Paca House & Garden.
William Paca was one of the Founding Fathers and ex-Governor of Maryland and his 18th-century Georgian mansion is one of the top landmarks in Annapolis!
Other places worth checking out are the US Naval Academy Museum, the Maryland State House (capitol building), and the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse.
Seafood lovers will be ecstatic because Annapolis boasts some of the freshest fish and shellfish on the East Coast.
Head over to Eastport to Boatyard Bar & Grill for some crab steamed with Old Bay spice.
Day 2 to 3: Continue to Maryland and Virginia’s Eastern Shore
After a day exploring Annapolis, hit the road and make your way to the Eastern Shore of Maryland (and further on to Virginia).
Make a stop for lunch in Cambridge and then spend the afternoon checking out this small town, from the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center to the Choptank River Lighthouse (and beyond).
There are a handful of oyster bars and crab shacks in town, but beware—some close during the winter season.
If you’re looking for accommodation, there are plenty of options in Salisbury, or you can continue south toward Chincoteague, Virginia, where you will spend a large portion of the next day.
Chincoteague is a coastal community famous for its pony swim and beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore (shared by Virginia and Maryland).
There are so many things to do in Chincoteague, from relaxing on the beaches of Assateague Island to climbing the Assateague Lighthouse.
Plus, the gorgeous Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers 15 miles of immersive trails.
If you have extra time in the day, drive south to Cape Charles, where you’ll find a calm coastal community on the Chesapeake Bay. It is also a great place to stay overnight!
Day 4: Continue to Virginia Beach (or Norfolk)
In the morning, you will make your way over the 17-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and to Virginia Beach.
Beach-goers can take the day to relax, but if you’re not keen on sunbathing, Virginia’s most populous city has plenty more to offer.
Check out the ViBe Creative District, where you will find independent businesses and the workshops of local artisans (and a lot of street art).
If there is extra time in the day, drive to Norfolk and explore a different part of Hampton Roads.
Norfolk is famous for Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin BB-64.
Freemason Abbey Restaurant is in a repurposed church from 1873 and is a great stop for dinner.
Day 5: Continue to Jamestown and Williamsburg
Jamestown is the site of the first English settlement in the US and is located just an hour away from the Hampton Roads area.
It is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, but you don’t need much time there (2 hours maximum) unless you are traveling with children, as there are several interactive displays and reenactments.
After Jamestown, make your way to Colonial Williamsburg, a place that is said to be the world’s largest living history museum.
Colonial Williamsburg will inevitably surprise you with its size, so do try to get there early enough so that you have the time to see everything!
The Governor’s Palace, King’s Arms Tavern, and Bassett Hall are some iconic places you can visit with your Colonial Williamsburg ticket.
Day 6 to 7: Finish in Washington DC
Complete your trip in the nation’s capital!
Washington DC has countless sites to visit, like the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the National Mall.
Decide on which Smithsonian museums you want to visit and add them to your itinerary for Day 6!
The Natural History and American History Museums are great for kids, while adults will enjoy the Air and Space and African American History Museums.
Note that the African American History Museum requires advance reservations.
On your second day in DC, hit up some more museums or make your way to historic Georgetown.
You can walk along the C&O Canal and have lunch at one of the many eateries in the neighborhood.
Spend the afternoon checking out the United States Botanic Garden before wrapping up your week-long road trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Contributed by Cosette of KarsTravels
Day 1: Shenandoah National Park
Start at the Front Royal Entrance Station of Shenandoah National Park.
You’ll be taking the Skyline Drive, which brings you all the way through the park.
Stop at all the overlooks to enjoy the views on the Shenandoah Valley from all different angles.
There are numerous hikes that you can do in the park, short loops to long day hikes.
Exit the park at the Rockfish Gap Entrance Station to continue on with this road trip.
Days 2 to 5: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
Start at the North end of the Blue Ridge Parkway; it’s close to where you exited Shenandoah National Park.
You have 4 days to drive the 469 miles of the parkway, so enjoy every moment!
There are numerous overlooks with endless views on the Blue Ridge mountains, like the gorgeous Grandview Overlook below.
Stop at an overlook to watch the sunset, which is mesmerizing. You won’t be the only one watching, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Along the parkway beautiful hikes start, both short ones of half an hour to longer.
The parkway drive is perfect for waterfall chasers, there are several along the road.
The Blue Ridge Parkway covers 2 states: Virginia and North Carolina.
Besides the overlooks and hikes there are a lot of attractions at or close to the drive, such as the Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Natural Bridge State Park and Mount Mitchell State Park.
After 4 days of driving and exploring and feeling like you’re in another world, you’ll exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at the South end.
Day 6: Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
At the South end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll be close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Smoky Mountains is the park with the most visitors each year, so don’t expect a secluded park!
Drive to Clingmans Dome; it’s the highest point in the park. There’s 800 miles of hiking trails, so your day is filled no matter which you choose.
Day 7: Drive back home one of two ways.
You have two options here.
One, you can drive back to Waynesboro (near Shenandoah National Park, about 364 miles on the 81).
Alternately, visit Gatlinburg on the way back, which is totally different from what you’ve done the other days of the week, which is chock full of attractions, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Coastal Carolinas Road Trip
Contributed by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: A Travel Blog
Looking for the perfect summer US east coast road trip?
See the best the Carolinas’ low country and its famous barrier islands on a Coastal Carolinas road trip.
Day 1: Arrive Norfolk, VA and drive to Charleston, SC
Pick up your rental car and hit the road for a 6.5 hour drive down to Charleston.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs along the way, swing by one of the Civil War battlefields you pass, such as Averasboro.
If you want an extra day of exploring for this trip, book a one-way car rental and fly into Charleston and out of Norfolk.
Day 2: Explore Charleston, SC
Plan to spend this entire day in Charleston’s historic downtown.
Explore the Historic Charleston City Market, tour the Old Slave Mart Museum, and take a horse carriage tour past popular landmarks such as Rainbow Row and the Pineapple Fountain.
In the afternoon, take the ferry to Fort Sumter, then close out the night with a ghost tour.
Day 3: Continue to Wilmington, NC via Myrtle Beach
As you depart Charleston, continue up the coast to Myrtle Beach.
After a brief walk on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk and promenade, end your day in Wilmington, NC.
Wilmington is known for its lively bar scene, so plan a pub crawl for the evening.
Day 4 to 6: Continue to the Outer Banks
If you want to linger in Wilmington, consider touring the USS Carolina battleship or Bellamy Mansion.
Otherwise, hit the open road and head up to Outer Banks islands.
On the way, check out the town of New Bern, which is known for its Swiss architecture. It’s also birthplace of Pepsi!
On Day 5, spend your day driving through the southern Outer Banks Islands. Visit Bodie, Cape Hatteras, and Ocracoke lighthouses.
Do a little beachcombing and tour the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras — it’s fascinating.
Then, take the ferry to Ocracoke Island to see the Ocracoke Banker ponies.
On Day 6, head through the more congested northern Outer Bank Islands.
Visit Currituck Lighthouse and book a tour to see the wild horses in Corolla.
Don’t forget to pick up some famous Duck Donuts!
Day 7: Finish in Norfolk, VA
Depart the Outer Bank islands and head to Norfolk.
Upon arriving in Norfolk, spend some time exploring the naval city.
Take a boat tour of the naval base and walk along the Elizabeth River Trail.
Finish your road trip with a visit to some of the city’s museums such as the Chrysler Museum of Art or Nauticus.
Wilmington, NC to Kiawah Island, SC (via Charleston)
Contributed by Taylor Deer of Brown Eyed Flower Child
One of the best East Coast road trips to enjoy in a week is from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina, followed by Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
Below is the best road trip itinerary to follow — have a great trip!
Day 1: Arrive in Wilmington
Believe it or not, Wilmington has a lot of incredible things to do, from relaxing at the beach to participating in haunted tours.
It’s a must to enjoy at least 3 days in Wilmington, NC, before continuing south.
When you first arrive in Wilmington, I suggest heading straight to Wrightsville Beach to enjoy a relaxing day by the ocean.
Oceanic Restaurant is a great place to eat in Wrightsville Beach, which overlooks the aqua-blue sea.
Afterward, enjoy the Masonboro Island Nature Cruise with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours.
It takes you around the Intracoastal Waterway between Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington!
In the evening, make sure you don’t miss the sunset on the Wilmington Riverwalk.
One of the best places to enjoy a drink with sunset views is at Sauce’d. An excellent spot to savor a delicious dinner in downtown Wilmington is Seabird Restaurant.
A great hotel in Wilmington, North Carolina is Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, located on the Riverwalk.
Day 2: Adventure around Wilmington
On your second day in Wilmington, start the day off by kayaking in Carolina Beach State Park with Paddle NC.
Afterward, head back to Wrightsville Beach for a relaxing beach day!
Ceviche’s is a great place to have lunch near Wrightsville Beach, which specializes in Panamanian dishes.
Later on, enjoy a great Italian dinner at either Tarantelli’s Ristorante Italiano or Floriana.
Later in the evening, enjoy a thrilling ghost tour around historic downtown Wilmington!
Day 3: Drive to Charleston
Before hitting the road, make sure to explore Airlie Gardens.
It has a whopping 67 acres of formal gardens, oak trees, historical sculptures, and more!
When you’re finished exploring the gardens, head south to Charleston.
The drive from Wilmington to Charleston is around three and a half hours. Along the way, you can stop at Myrtle Beach.
Once you arrive in Charleston, discover the historic downtown area.
The best spots to stroll through are Rainbow Row, The Battery, and along King Street.
A great place to enjoy lunch or dinner is at Husk Restaurant.
The best hotel to stay in Charleston, South Carolina is The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel, located in the heart of downtown.
Day 4: Enjoy everything Charleston offers
On your second day in Charleston, grab breakfast at Poogan’s Porch or High Cotton, which offers a jazz brunch!
Head to one of Charleston’s local beaches in the afternoon to relax in the sun.
Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island are the closest beaches to downtown.
Later in the day, savor a delicious seafood dinner at The Darling Oyster Bar on King Street.
Later on, get spooked out on another ghost tour throughout the city of Charleston.
Day 5: Drive to Kiawah Island
After enjoying a lovely couple of days in the charming city of Charleston, head 45 minutes to Kiawah Island.
It’s a renowned golf resort that boasts 10 miles of beautiful beaches, marshlands, luxury resorts, and renowned restaurants.
When you arrive, walk through the charming Freshfields Village, which offers excellent restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, beach stores, and more.
A great lunch place is either Café Eugenia or Cantina 76.
From there, rent bikes and explore the beautiful area filled with stunning oak trees with Spanish moss.
One of the best spots to relax and cool off is the Marsh House.
The best place to stay and have dinner on Kiawah Island is Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary.
Day 6: Relax on Kiawah Island
When you wake up during a vacation on Kiawah Island, one of the top places to fuel up is Java Java in Freshfields Village.
From there, you can enjoy a fun and unique candle-making class at Palmetto Scent Studio.
For lunch and a refreshing drink, check out the The Co-op, and from there, head to Kiawah Island Beach Club.
You can enjoy food and drink service on the beach or by the pool at this beautiful spot.
Hege’s Restaurant or FortyEight Wine Bar & Kitchen are two wonderful spots to have dinner in Freshfields Village.
Day 7: Drive or fly home
Now that you’ve finished this epic East Coast road trip, you can either return your rental car at a nearby airport and fly home (though that will incur a one-way rental fee) or you can drive back to Wilmington where you started.
It’s only about 4 hours from Kiawah Island to Wilmington (without traffic) so unless you are supposed pressed for time it is probably better for the budget to drive home.
Virginia and the Outer Banks, NC
Contributed by Kara of TryingToUnwind.com
Day 1: Start in Abingdon, VA
Let’s get Day 1 started with some time outdoors.
The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the nation’s top rated rail trails. So rent a bicycle in Abington — it includes a van shuttle for you and your bike to Whitetop Station at the top.
If the thought of rental gear makes you cringe, you can also bring your own bike and book a shuttle at one of the main local bike shops on Main Street in Abingdon.
Temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler at the higher elevation so bring a jacket.
The ride is mostly downhill so you probably won’t be working up a sweat between Whitetop and Abingdon.
Remember the trip is about the journey, not the destination!
Don’t miss the numerous beautiful Creekside stops or one of the family-owned trailside cafes — top tip, if it’s open, grab lunch at the Hellbender Café.
After a wander around the cute shops in downtown Abingdon, drive to Winston Salem, NC.
Day 2-3: Continue to Winston Salem, NC
The city of Winston Salem is best known for the living history experience known as Old Salem Museum and Gardens.
It is an entire historic Moravian village, complete with actors performing work using historical tools and methods.
Take a half-day detour to nearby quaint Mount Airy, the inspiration for the 1950s classic, The Andy Griffith TV Show.
Get a pork chop sandwich and a Cheerwine soda at Snappy Lunch.
Wander around and grab a few pictures of the adorable downtown area full of Mayberry memorabilia.
Nearby Pilot Mountain State Park offers great hiking options as well!
Another thing you can do is explore a Yadkin Valley vineyard or two while you are in the area.
A few of the most popular NC vineyards are Rafaldini, Childress, and Shelton.
End your second day by driving to your next destination, Chapel Hill.
If your timing works out, have a meal at the famed Lexington BBQ en route.
Day 4: Continue to Chapel Hill
This stop is about city time, so choose your own adventure.
The NC Triangle area consists of the cities of Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham.
Accommodations between Chapel Hill and Durham are a great base for exploring the area!
A few highlights of the area are the NC Art Museum in Raleigh, Franklin Street for people watching and shopping in Chapel Hill, and Duke Gardens in Durham for spending time in nature year-round.
Day 5-7: Finish in the Outer Banks
Start day 5 by leaving Chapel Hill and heading east to the coast.
We’ve saved the best for last: some beautiful NC beaches!
The destination is Nags Heads, the beginning of the barrier islands known as the North Carolina Outer Banks.
The Outer Banks are known for gorgeous wide sandy beaches that are home to several herds of wild horses!
If you want more than just some relaxing beach time, don’t worry there are several options in the OBX.
A few of the most popular Outer Banks highlights are: Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, hang-gliding at Jockey’s Ridge, or booking a wild horse tour by 4×4 on the beach!
Miami to Key West
Contributed by Victoria of Florida Trippers
One of the best one-week East Coast road trips in the USA is the trip from Miami to Key West.
Covering 165 miles, this epic road trip starts in Miami and ends in Key West, and you’ll drive back the same way you came.
Day 1: Explore Miami
Explore downtown Miami where you can walk through Bayfront Park since it sits on Biscayne Bay.
Afterward, get some cool keepsakes at Bayside Marketplace before heading to Wynwood to see some of the area’s famous murals.
Continue to Little Havana and see why this area is so beloved by taking a stroll along Calle Ocho.
End the day at South Beach so that you can catch the sunset at South Pointe Park.
Day 2: Head to Everglades National Park
Spend the morning seeing alligators from the Anhinga Trail.
You can also go walking the Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, searching for manatees near Flamingo.
Then, in the afternoon, check out Shark Valley before going an an exhilarating airboat ride through the park.
Day 3: Biscayne National Park
Get in the water and explore Biscayne National Park!
You can do this by joining a tour that will take you to do fun things like visiting Boca Chita Key and paddle boarding through Jones Lagoon.
Just remember that you can only visit this incredible park as part of a tour and not on your own.
Day 4: Continue your drive towards Key West.
Begin the day at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and order a giant slice of key lime pie.
Then, check out the birds at Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary before feeding the tarpons at Robbie’s.
You can then enjoy the drive along 7-mile bridge before heading to Bahia Honda State Park where you can explore Loggerhead Beach.
Stroll along the Old Bahia Honda Bridge and end your day learning about a local endangered species at the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center.
Day 5: Key West
Experience all that Key West has to offer!
Get out onto the water and see dolphins with a local boat tour.
Then, head back ashore and visit the Hemingway House and the Truman House.
Finally, unwind at Latitudes where the sunset views are epic.
Day 6: Take a day trip to Dry Tortugas
Embark on an epic day trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Hop aboard the Yankee Freedom Ferry from Key West and enjoy a 2.5 hour ride to the park that includes breakfast and lunch.
Once on the islands, you can explore historic Fort Jefferson or do a nice walk around Bush Key before going snorkeling.
Day 7: More Key West and drive home
Go on a kayak tour through the area’s many mangroves before visiting the Key West Light House and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in the afternoon.
You’ll then spend the evening watching the sunset at Mallory Square before grabbing drinks at Sloppy Joe’s on Duval Street if you’re staying the night.
If you’re planning to head home tonight, forego the drinks and start on your road trip back to Miami!
Acadia National Park to the Canadian border, Maine
Contributed by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
The best way to experience the beauty of the remote Maine coast is an East Coast road trip from Acadia to the Canadian border.
Best of all? This road trip lacks crowds, plus has gorgeous scenery and outdoor adventures seldom experienced by most visitors to Maine.
Day 1 to 2: Winter Harbor and Beyond
The trip starts in the vibrant town of Winter Harbor on the Schoodic Peninsula.
Enjoy the many galleries and entertainment events as well as the fabulous ocean views — and don’t forget to sample lobster just pulled from the ocean.
On day two, explore the Schoodic Peninsula, the quiet side of Acadia National Park.
There are hiking and biking trails with panoramic views of Frenchman Bay. Watch the surf crash on huge granite rocks on Schoodic Point.
Day 3 to 4: Milbridge and Beyond
Day 3 and 4 is based in Milbridge, an authentic Downeast town on the coast.
A visit to the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge is a highlight for nature lovers.
Catherine Hill Winery nearby has daily wine tastings while relaxing in their beautiful flower covered grounds. Don’t miss their blueberry wine!
Day 5: Jonesport and Cherryfield
Drive to Jonesport on day five. On the way, stop at Cherryfield, called the wild blueberry capital of the world!
Grab a slice of the wild blueberry pie at the blue dome of Wild Blueberry Land. You’ll be glad you did.
Jonesport is a working fishing village that has hiking, biking and paddling adventures nearby.
Any type of adventurer will love Roque Bluffs State Park as its white sand beach is a rarity on the usually rocky Maine coast!
Day 6 and 7: Visit Lubec and drive back
Finish the road trip with two days in Lubec on the Canadian border.
The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse has breathtaking views, including the chance to see whales spouting and feeding!
For something truly incredible, you can marvel at the 20-foot tides in the Bay of Fundy.
The McCurdy Smokehouse Museum tells the story of herring fishing in the area. There’s a brewery and fantastic ocean-side seafood restaurants to try.
After you’ve explored the area, it’s time to drive back to the Acadia area!
Florida’s Gulf Coast
Contributed by Candice of Exploring The Gulf
Road trips are a great way to see the USA, and Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a stellar route.
Follow our one-week itinerary to see the best of what the Sunshine State can offer!
Day 1-2: Start in Destin
Start your first day in Destin wandering the Harborwalk Village.
It’s one of the most happening areas of the town, with bustling shops and delicious places to eat. It’s also a hub for water sports rentals and tours!
Jump on a boat and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays on Crab Island, or opt for a low-key dolphin tour instead.
Then, wrap up your evening with a dinner to remember at the Airstream Food Truck Park!
On day two, begin the day aboard a fishing charter.
Then, spend the afternoon at the Air Force Armament Museum.
A dinner at The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House is the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3-4: Continue on to Clearwater
Spend your first day in town at Clearwater Beach.
Enjoy the soft white sand and the mesmerizing emerald-green waters!
Pier 60, also located on the beach, is a great place to fish or let kids play on the beach playground.
At sunset, there are crafts and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Begin your second day in Clearwater at Honeymoon Island State Park. Enjoy the beach, explore hiking trails, and admire the area’s wildlife.
Then, spend the latter part of the day on a Clearwater sunset cruise.
Day 4-7: Finish in Fort Myers
On your first day in Fort Myers, visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve to enjoy the fascinating wetland ecosystem and catch sight of various reptiles and birds.
Then, swing by the Edison and Ford Winter Estates for a history lesson on the two inventors’ time spent in the city.
Spend your last day in Fort Myers with a visit to Manatee Park — it’s a fun spot to view the wildlife and kayak.
And for a change of pace from the outdoor adventures, take in a play at the Florida Repertory Theatre to wrap up your Florida road trip.
Afterwards, begin your drive home: about 8 hours direct, so you may want to break it up with an overnight somewhere along the way.
From Destin to Fort Myers, enjoy your East Coast road trip down Florida’s Gulf Coast!
Myrtle Beach, SC to Miami, FL
Contributed by Victoria of Guide Your Travel
This one-week East Coast road trip itinerary is all about beaches, beaches, beaches!
Here’s the best things to do on this road trip from Myrtle Beach to Miami.
Day 1 and 2: Start in Myrtle Beach
Your road trip adventure begins in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Spend the morning lounging on the beautiful sandy shores, soaking up the sun, and taking in the picturesque ocean views!
In the afternoon, head to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for a stroll, souvenir shopping, and a delightful seafood dinner at a local waterfront restaurant.
As the sun sets, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Myrtle Beach, known for its lively bars and live music.
For your second day, explore Myrtle Beach’s attractions.
Start your day with a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium, where you can marvel at fascinating marine life.
Later, take a thrilling ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for breathtaking panoramic views of the coast.
In the evening, dine at one of the city’s renowned seafood spots or try a classic Southern BBQ joint.
Day 3 and 4: Continue to Savannah, Georgia
Depart from Myrtle Beach and go to Savannah, Georgia.
Once in Savannah, explore the historic district characterized by its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture.
Take a guided walking tour, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and charming squares.
For dinner, savor some traditional Southern cuisine at a local eatery.
For your fourth day, spend your morning at Forsyth Park, a lush green space perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Visit the stunning Mercer-Williams House and Bonaventure Cemetery to glimpse Savannah’s historic past.
Enjoy a scenic riverboat cruise on the Savannah River in the evening before dining.
We recommend eating at The Grey restaurant, which is located in a magnificent historic building and offers excellent modern Southern cuisine.
However, remember to book in advance — this place is really popular (and it’s for a reason!)
Day 4 to 7: Finish in Miami via St. Augustine and Orlando
Continue your journey south to St. Augustine, Florida, for a brief stop in one of America’s most historic cities.
Explore the historic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
Walk along St. George Street and enjoy shopping and dining in this charming historic district.
On the next day, depart St. Augustine and make your way to Orlando.
Spend a day exploring the enchanting world of theme parks like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.
Day 7: Arrive in vibrant Miami.
Spend your first day in Miami exploring the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach, then relaxing on the white sandy beach in Miami Beach.
We recommend dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab for fresh seafood in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the evening.
On your second day, visit the iconic Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and enjoy the nightlife at the famous clubs and bars, savoring the lively atmosphere that Miami is known for.
Fall Foliage in New England
Contributed by Sam of New England Wanderlust
New England is considered one of the absolute best regions in the entire world for fall foliage, and for good reason!
The entire area is completely ablaze with color during the month of October.
Throw in idyllic scenery, covered bridges, incredible farm stands, cozy inns, and amazing hiking, it truly makes for an epic road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Day 1: Start in Boston
Kickstart your morning with a stop at Tatte Bakery for one of their amazing apple turnovers, and their very cool ambience.
Once you’re fueled up, enjoy a walk through the Public Gardens and the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood.
In the afternoon, book a food tour to appreciate the city’s awesome culinary scene.
End your day with a sunset walk around the Charles Esplanade, and grab a table at either Neptune Oyster or Union Oyster House.
Days 2-3: Drive to the White Mountains with a stop in Salem
Get up bright and early to start your day in the iconic city of Salem!
Visit Witch House, the House of Seven Gables, and grab lunch at Lobster Shanty for an incredible lobster roll.
After lunch, begin your drive to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and if time allows, make a reservation to ride The Cog up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast.
If you only have time for a quick stop after arrival, head to Cathedral Ledge for an easy-to-access overlook of the mountains at peak foliage.
The next day, drive the the Kancamagus Highway to Franconia Notch State Park.
This drive is one of the best things to do in New England in the fall, and there are lots of great overlooks to stop at to admire the fall color.
Once at Franconia, visit Flume Gorge, hike the Artist Bluff Trail, and ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
Days 4-5: Drive to Vermont
Begin your drive to charming Vermont, and focus all your time on exploring the cute towns of Stowe and Woodstock.
While in Stowe, plan to ride the Stowe Gondola, walk around the quaint Main Street, and drive through Smugglers Notch for incredible foliage.
In Woodstock, definitely plan to visit Sugarbush Farms, visit the village’s shops, and explore Billings Farm.
Day 6: Explore the Berkshires
Drive to the lovely Williamstown, and make your way south along Route 7 in the Berkshires region for stunning fall color.
On your itinerary, be sure to squeeze in a drive up the Mount Greylock auto road to the summit!
Also plan a visit to Hilltop Orchards for amazing cider donuts and a walk through charming Stockbridge.
Finally, end your day just after dark at the very cool Naumkeag Pumpkin Show.
Day 7: Drive back to Boston
On your way back to Boston, stop in Sturbridge to visit Old Sturbridge Village.
Here, you can grab a pint (just one if you’re the one driving!) of some of the best craft beer in New England at Tree House Brewing!
Historic South Route
Contributed by Samantha Oppenheimer of Find Love and Travel
A not-to-be-missed East Coast road trip is one that will bring you through the historic south, which includes Charleston, Savannah, Georgia, and St. Augustine.
These charming southern cities are full of history and fun attractions to enjoy while road-tripping through.
Days 1 to 2: Charleston, South Carolina
Start your first two days in the Holy City of Charleston, South Carolina.
You can expect to find those quintessential southern porched homes, cobblestone streets, and beautiful alleys throughout the city.
On your first day, you should get acquainted with this walkable city.
Make your way through the French Quarter, stroll by the Pineapple Water Fountain, walk the Battery, and don’t forget to indulge in some great Southern food!
On the second day of your Charleston itinerary, consider learning Charleston’s darker history as a nexus of the slave trade, like the Old Slave Mart Museum.
Alternately, make your way to Folly Beach if it’s a nice day and enjoy your day in the water.
Days 3 to 4: Savannah, Georgia
Your next two days will be spent exploring the “Hostess City of the South,” Savannah.
Known for its beautiful planned squares, historic mansions, and oak trees dripping in Spanish Moss, you have plenty to explore, so pack your walking shoes.
The city is relatively walkable, but hopping on the trolley is a great way to learn the city’s history while being able to get from one attraction to another, especially if it’s hot out.
Some top attractions you won’t want to miss include Forsyth Park, the Bonaventure Cemetery, walking through the Savannah Historic District, and River Street.
You can easily spend two days walking around the historic squares!
But if you’d like another beach day, Savannah also has a lovely beach nearby on Tybee Island.
Here you can enjoy a white sandy beach and see the lighthouse.
Days 5 to 7: St. Augustine, Florida
Dubbed the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is one of the most historic cities to explore in the US.
On your first day, take your time exploring the Historic District.
One of the best ways to do this is by taking the hop-on-hop-off trolley tour that brings you to all the major attractions, including the Fountain of Youth.
On your second day, you can explore more of the Historic City or once again enjoy your day at the beach.
St. Augustine has a beautiful coastline from the St. Augustine Fishing Pier and beach to Micklers Landing Beach.
Once you’ve finished, make the 4.5 hour drive back to Charleston where you started this road trip.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
