Top 5 Must Visit Destinations on the East Coast

The East Coast has dozens of incredible cities worth visiting. In fact, with so many choices, you can plan a vacation tailored to your favorite activities. Visit one of the following five top cities on the East Coast and experience the activities and attractions you can find in each of these locations.

1. Sunbathing: Key West, Florida

Key West

If the top thing to do on your itinerary is get plenty of sun, then a trip to Key West, Florida, is a must-do activity. This island city promises all the warmth you can handle, with an 80 percent sunshine rate and plenty of cloud-free days that provide ample direct sunlight.

You can arrive via Kia West International Airport or drive in across the ocean on the Overseas Highway. You’ll find plenty of resorts, more affordable accommodations, and rustic camping grounds to suit your travel budget.

2. Dog-Friendly Attractions: Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia, is one of the most pet-friendly cities in America, making it a must-visit place for people who want to see the East Coast with their pups.

Take a canine cruise down the Potomac River with your best friend, and visit the Old Town neighborhood for Doggie Yappy Hour on Tuesday evenings in the summer and fall. Plenty of pet-friendly attractions and pet-friendly hotels in the city await to accommodate you and your companion.

3. Shopping: Manhattan, New York City

Manhattan

People with a passion for shopping owe it to themselves to visit Manhattan in New York City. You could easily spend a day happily lost among the shops on Chelsea Street or searching for items at Grand Central Market. Shopping is such a big deal here that you can take a tour to learn more about the area’s retail history. For example, the Garment District Special Access Shopping Tour is a three-hour guided adventure of New York’s Garment District.

4. History: Washington, D.C.

Anyone interested in American history could spend weeks exploring Washington, D.C. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, below are a few must-see spots:

  • The White House
  • National Mall
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • United States Capitol
  • National Air and Space Museum

In addition to these national spots of interest, many Civil War battlefields — such as Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park and Antietam National Battlefield — are within an easy day trip from the city.

5. Eating: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is famous for its food, and if you make a trip here, you’re certain to try a Philly cheesesteak, one of the city’s legendary pretzels, and an Italian tomato pie. But make sure you try some of the less stereotypical fare as well.

The Dandelion is a British pub with incredible atmosphere, and Barbuzzo is famous for its Mediterranean dishes. Food tours are available if you’d like to try the best the city has to offer in one afternoon.

If you have some wanderlust, set your sights on one of the above top cities on the East Coast. Although this list focuses on one of the best activities each city is known for, you’ll find plenty more to do wherever you visit. Enjoy your adventure exploring some of the East Coast destinations in the United States.