Here’s my easy East Coast USA Trip Itinerary for a fantastic 1 and 2 week adventures! My family and I have lived on the East Coast for 12 years and share our favorites from Boston to New York, DC, and Florida. Whether you're into history, beaches, food, or outdoor activities, this itinerary will create an unforgettable East Coast trip. I’ve included my local tips, hotel, restaurant, and tour recommendations!
Table of Contents East Coast USA Trip Itinerary :
- 1 Week Itinerary (Boston, NYC, DC = 7.5 driving hours)
- 2 Week Itinerary (Above + Savannah GA, St. Augustine and Orlando Florida = 7 driving hours + flight)
- FAQ (How many days? Best Months? What Cities?)
- Google Map
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1 Week East Coast USA Trip Itinerary
If you only have 1 week on the East Coast of the USA, I highly recommend a sprint through 3 main cities with time for natural beauty like my itinerary below! You will see all the sites plus some local hidden gems. You can, of course, take this more slowly and double your time in each city and add another week for a 2 week itinerary below, which includes a southern stretch of Georgia and Florida with a finale at Disney!
Overview of 1 Week East Coast Itinerary
- Cities Visited - 4: Boston, Massachusettes, New York City, New York, Washington, D.C., and EITHER Bluemont, Virginia or Chesapeake, Maryland
- Time in Car - 7 hours 40 mins: Note this is with average traffic. These are major US cities so time in a car can change widely!
- Other Transportation Options: Bus or Amtrak
- Number of Hotels - 3: (recommendations below!
Day 1: Boston, MA - First stop on your East Coast USA Trip Itinerary!
Starting your East Coast USA trip in the beautiful city of Boston will let you immerse yourself in rich American history and vibrant culture from the very beginning. I was really impressed by the diverse food choices!
Morning:
- Freedom Trail: Walk the 2.5-mile trail to explore 16 historical sites, including the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and the Old State House. Freedom Trail Official Site
- Tour Option:
- Freedom Trail: Small Group Walking Tour of Revolutionary Boston - 5 star with 2,200 reviews
- Boston's Best Freedom Trail Tour - 4.5 stars with 1500 reviews
Afternoon:
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market: Enjoy lunch at one of the many food stalls, offering a variety of cuisines. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Experience the interactive exhibits and reenactments of the historic event. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- Ticket Option: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
Evening:
- North End: Enjoy an Italian dinner in Boston’s historic neighborhood, famous for its delicious cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. North End Dining Guide.
- Hotel Check-in: Stay overnight in Boston. We stayed a little outside the city but I would recommend for your quick trip, I would highly recommend a more central hotel like the Boston Marriott Long Wharf or The Liberty Hotel for a unique luxury experience.
Day 2: Explore Boston & Enjoy Great Food!
Morning:
- Boston Common: Start your walk here, the oldest city park in the United States. Visit the nearby Massachusetts State House with its iconic golden dome.
- Tour Options:
Afternoon:
- Wander Around Harvard Univeristy. Visitors are welcome to explore the campus grounds, visit Harvard Yard, and enjoy the architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this historic institution. You can find more information about visiting Harvard University and exploring the campus on their official visitor information page: Visit Harvard.
Evening:
- Walk around Commonwealth Ave for some great food options. I had some of the best Chinese food here!
Day 3: Boston, MA to New York City, NY - 4 Hour East Coast Road Trip
Morning:
- Depart Boston: Drive to New York City, which typically takes around 4 hours. Alternatively, consider taking a bus to avoid the hassle of renting a car and paying approximately $20-$30 in tolls. Megabus and Greyhound offer direct routes from Boston to NYC.
- Local Tip: I would leave around 7 AM to avoid Boston morning traffic and get into NYC around 11 AM - 1 PM when traffic is at its lowest (but still high!)
Afternoon:
- Central Park: Arrive in NYC and start your exploration with a visit to Central Park, an iconic urban park with numerous attractions, trails, and picturesque spots. Central Park Official Site
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Visit one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, housing over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years. The Met
- Tour Option:
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: "Make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps on a guided tour of NYC’s top attractions. Travel by both the Staten Island Ferry and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. - 6 hours, 5 stars with over 9,000 views!
- New York City: Half-Day Pizza Bus Tour "Climb aboard a big yellow school bus for a pizza tour of New York. Learn the history, science, culture, and taste of great pizza by visiting 4 outstanding pizzerias, with different routes every time."
And be sure to check out my 24 Hours in NYC blog post for all the best things to do with limited time + a Google Map to help you plan your fun! And more New York Travel blogs here!
Evening:
- CHOICE:
- Times Square: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Times Square, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant energy. Enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Times Square Information
- Our family recently went to Summit One Vanderbilt and it was truly a breathtaking experience! 360-degree views of New York City from its observation deck, combining unparalleled vistas with an immersive, multi-sensory experience that showcases the city's skyline in a truly unique way.
- Hotel Check-in: We've been lucky to tag-along with my husband on work trips so we've stayed at JW Marriott Essex House right on Central Park (and saw some K-Pop stars!) For families, I would recommend Hotel Beacon NYC as rooms have fully-equipped kitchenettes which helps save money and time by making some meals in the room. The subway entrance is just a couple blocks away too!
Day 4: Classic New York City Itinerary on Your East Coast USA Trip
Morning:
- Statue of Liberty: Take a ferry it's free and you will see the Statue of Liberty on the side! We’ve done this lots of times as we have family on Staten Island.
- Insider Tip: If you have kids, the SeaGlass Carousel in Battery Park right when you get out from the Ferry Terminal is great!
- Ellis Island Tour: If you want to go on to Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty up close, check out this easy tour. (5 stars and 9,500 reviews!)
Afternoon:
- Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across the bridge for stunning views.
- Chelsea Market is a great place in the Meatpacking District for food and shopping.
- Can't miss Joe's Pizza!
Evening: Catch a Broadway performance!
- In Advance: Telecharge is a reliable option for purchasing Broadway tickets in advance, offering tickets to a wide range of shows. You can browse available performances and book your seats well ahead of your visit. Telecharge
- Day Of: TKTS Booths: For same-day tickets, the TKTS booths operated by the Theatre Development Fund offer discounted Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets. The most popular location is in Times Square, where you can purchase tickets at up to 50% off the regular price. TKTS Times Square
Day 5: NYC to Washington, D.C.
- Depart New York: You have several options for traveling from New York City to Washington, D.C.:
- Drive: The driving distance is approximately 225 miles and takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. The toll cost for the trip is roughly $15-$30.
- Bus: Buses like Megabus offer direct services. The journey takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours and prices range from $15 to $50 depending on the time of booking and availability.
- Train: Amtrak provides regular service from NYC to D.C. with travel times between 3 and 3.5 hours. Prices vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the type of train and how far in advance you book.
Afternoon and Evening:
- Georgetown: Enjoy dinner and a walk around this charming and historic neighborhood, known for its cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and upscale dining options.
- Hotel Check-in: Since I've lived in the DC area for 12 years, I have a list for all budgets for the best family hotels in DC here but my favorite one is the Residence Inn close to the National Mall.
Day 6: Washington DC Fun Day on Your East Coast Trip
Morning:
- Washington Monument: If you score tickets (check out my blog post about how to the Washington Monument) this is the best way to get an overview of the city. My kids loved it!
- National Mall: I recommend starting near the Washington Monument and going towards the Lincoln Memorial. If you can make it, check out the Vietnam Memorial and Korean Memorial. These landmarks are free to visit and the best bathroom is near the WWII Memorial.
- Insider Tip: Constitution Gardens is stunning close to the Vietnam Memorial
- Walk to the White House at Lafayette Square to take a picture through the fence (if allowed that day!)
- Tour Options:
- DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart - 2 hours long, 2,100 5 star reviews
- Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour & Changing of the Guards - 1.5 hours long, 1900 5 star reviews
- VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise - 7 hours long, 49 reviews with an average 4.5 star
- Check out these Food Halls and Kid Friendly Spots in the DMV for ideas!
Afternoon:
- Lunch Near the National Mall - Here's a blog post on Food Options Near the Smithsonians so based on where you want to go for the afternoon, pick one!
- Pick Your Own Smithsonian! I would recommend the following but you can also read my list of 20 Best Museums in DC here.
- National Air and Space Museum: Home to famous aircraft and space artifacts.
- National Museum of American History: Exhibits on American culture, history, and innovation.
And if you are interested in other ideas with kids, I put 30 of my favorite places in DC with kids!
Evening:
- The Wharf in Washington, D.C., is an ideal evening spot to end your trip with its vibrant waterfront atmosphere, diverse dining options, and stunning views of the Potomac River, making it perfect for a memorable and relaxing final night in the city. There are even dock swings!
- Tour Option:
- Memorials At Night is amazing but highly recommend going with a tour like this one: DC National Mall Night Tour with 10 Stops, Reserved Entry Tickets
More Info: Check out my 4-Day Itinerary to DC for tons more ideas on neighborhoods, playgrounds and DC restaurants!
Day 7: Virginia Hills and Appalachian Trail or Maryland Chesapeake Shores
To finish out your weeklong sprint through some of the USA’s best cities, get outside the city centers and explore the beauty of the mid-Atlantic with a choose-your-own adventure.
Virginia Rolling Hills:
- Bluemont, Virginia: Head to Bluemont and hike a part of the Appalachian Trail to the Bears Den Overlook. The hike is approximately 1.5 hours from D.C., but the drive is beautiful! More on my Virginia Walks Blog Post.
- Dinner at Bear Chase Brewery: Enjoy an early dinner with stunning views at Bear Chase Brewery. Bear Chase Brewery.
- This is a great option if you are flying out of Dulles International Airport because it’s closer than D.C.
Maryland Shores:
- Chesapeake Beach, Maryland: Drive approximately 1.5 hours from D.C. to Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Enjoy this quaint town, beach, and playground on the beach.
- Eat at Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant: Enjoy a meal with beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay.
- This is a great option if you are flying out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) because it’s closer than D.C.
Check out the 18 Best Theme Parks on the East Coast here!
2 Week Itinerary East Coast USA Trip
After your week in the Northeast, fly from Washington DC to Savannah, Georgia, and start your Southeast fun-filled leg with beautiful beaches and iconic theme parks!
Overview of Week # 2 East Coast Itinerary
- Cities Visited - 4: Savannah, Georgia, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, and Orlando, Florida
- Time in Car - 7 hours: Note this is with average traffic. I would definitely rent a car for this week as buses and trains are not as convenient.
- Number of Hotels - 3: (recommendations below!)
Day 8: Savannah, Georgia - First Day in the South on Your East Coast Trip!
Morning:
- Forsyth Park: Start your day with a stroll through this historic park featuring a beautiful fountain and lush greenery pictured below!
Afternoon:
- Savannah Historic District: Explore the cobblestone streets, historic homes, and quaint shops of Savannah’s picturesque historic district. Savannah Historic District
- Tour Options:
- Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour - 1.5 hours 4.5 stars with 1500 reviews
- Savannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - 4.5 stars with 4900 reviews
- Savannah Land & Sea Combo: City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise - 5 hours 4.5 stars with 1455 reviews
Evening:
- River Street: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Savannah River, offering beautiful views and vibrant nightlife. River Street Dining Guide
Hotel Check-in: Consider staying at The Alida Hotel or Residence Inn Savannah Downtown Historic District with a pool and kitchenettes!
Day 9: Savannah, GA to St. Augustine, Florida Road Trip
Morning:
- Depart Savannah: The drive to St. Augustine is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Afternoon:
- Castillo de San Marcos: Visit this historic fort and explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Castillo de San Marcos
- St. George Street: Enjoy lunch and a leisurely walk along this pedestrian-only street filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. St. George Street
- Tour Options:
- Dolphin, Manatee and Sea Turtle Adventure Tour of St. Augustine - 2 hours 685 reviews with 4.5 rating
- Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine - 1.5 hours 958 reviews with 5 rating!
Evening:
- Dinner at Columbia Restaurant: Savor authentic Spanish cuisine at this historic restaurant.
Hotel Check-in: Stay overnight in St. Augustine at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa or the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront.
Day 10: St. Augustine, FL to Daytona Beach, FL and Sleep in Orlando
Morning:
- Depart St. Augustine: The drive to Daytona Beach is approximately 1 hour.
Afternoon:
- Daytona International Speedway: Tour the famous speedway and learn about the history of NASCAR. Daytona International Speedway
- Beach Time: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy shores of Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach
Evening:
- Dinner at Ocean Deck Restaurant & Beach Club: Enjoy a beachfront dining experience. Ocean Deck
Orlando Hotel Check-in: Drive 1 hour to Orlando and stay 4 nights in one place for the end of your trip! Below are some options in Orlando. My grandparents lived there so we always stayed with them but my husband has stayed at the Ritz Carlton and loved it. Below are options for all budgets:
- Residence Inn Orlando at Flamingo Crossing (7-minute drive to Disney's Magic Kingdom)
- Hotels near Disney’s Magic Kingdom
- The Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes
Day 11: 4 Days in Orlando Florida for a Fun Ending Itinerary to Your East Coast Road Trip
Morning:
- Universal Studios Florida: Spend the day enjoying the attractions and entertainment at this famous theme park.
Evening:
- CityWalk: After a fun-filled day, head to Universal CityWalk for dinner and entertainment. Universal CityWalk
Day 12: Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom: Spend the day exploring the iconic Magic Kingdom, with its magical attractions, parades, and fireworks. Walt Disney World
Evening:
- Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant: Dine in the Beast’s castle for an enchanting experience.
Day 13: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Enjoy a full day at Hollywood Studios, experiencing attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and more.
Evening:
- Dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby: Indulge in a signature dining experience.
Day 14: Relaxing Final Day in Orlando, FL
Morning:
- Lake Eola Park: Start your day with a visit to this scenic park in downtown Orlando, featuring swan boat rentals and beautiful walking paths.
Afternoon:
- Orlando Science Center: Explore interactive exhibits and live science shows. Orlando Science Center
- Tour Options:
- Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch - 1 hour 2,129 reviews with 5 star average rating!
- Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure - 2 hours 166 reviews with 4.5 star average rating.
- One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando - 1 hour 371 reviews with 5 star average rating!
Evening:
- Dinner at The Boathouse: Enjoy a waterfront dining experience at Disney Springs. The Boathouse
FAQ for a USA East Coast Trip Itinerary
1) What are the best cities to visit on an East Coast road trip?
- Key cities often recommended include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charleston, Savannah, and Orlando.
2) How much time should I allocate for a USA East Coast road trip?
- A typical road trip could range from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how many stops you plan to make and how long you want to spend in each city.
3) What is the best time of year to take an East Coast road trip?
- Pros and cons to all year round but spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are generally considered the best times to travel due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Washington DC in Spring is beautiful with the DC cherry blossoms and Florida in the fall is much more comfortable!
4) What are the transportation options for traveling between major East Coast cities?
- You can travel by car, bus (e.g., Megabus, Greyhound), or train (e.g., Amtrak) but I would only recommend using these between the Northeast cities like Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and DC. Flights are also an option for longer distances.
5) How much do tolls typically cost for an East Coast road trip?
- Tolls can vary widely and I often forget about including them in the cost of travel but they are important. For example, we drive from DC to New York often and its between $30 - $45 per way because of the tolls and Staten Island is $16!
6) What are the must-see attractions in each major city?
I tried to include most of these above!
- Boston: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park
- New York City: Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty
- Philadelphia: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell
- Washington D.C.: National Mall, Smithsonian Museums
- Charleston: Historic District, Fort Sumter
- Savannah: Forsyth Park, River Street
- Orlando: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios
7) What should I pack for an East Coast road trip?
- Pack versatile clothing for varying weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes, travel documents, a first aid kit, and any personal necessities.
- I have a Women's Travel Essentials list with all my favorites that I use personally.
- I also have a Baby and Toddler Travel Essential list that I've used with my 2 kids.
USA East Coast Trip Itinerary Google Map
**Click the box in the top left corner to see the full list!
Check out this list for East Coast Campground Ideas!
