Road trip in the USA: the East Coast
Visiting the United States is an incredible experience. American cities are so diverse that there’s something for everyone. However, it’s important to prepare for a trip to the USA. While it’s a good idea to get off the beaten track, it’s important not to miss out on cities that are well worth a visit. If the West Coast, particularly California, doesn’t appeal to you that much, perhaps you’ll be more tempted to explore the East Coast?
There’s nothing like a road trip to immerse yourself in American culture! Let’s start our East Coast tour right now and experience an incredible stay in the USA with our trip ideas!
The 6 top cities to visit on an American East Coast road trip
Boston
The capital of New England, Boston is a city full of surprises. Stroll along the Freedom Trail and admire the many monuments and buildings, from the Massachusetts State House to the Old State House. Indulge in the city’s culinary specialties and try a lobster sandwich. A quick detour to Harvard is a must, as it is one of the oldest American universities and one of the most prestigious in the world.
New York
It’s impossible not to visit New York on an East Coast road trip. Stroll through Manhattan and enjoy a hot dog before taking to the air in Central Park, browsing the stores and watching the crowds and neon signs in Times Square. Broadway is a Big Apple landmark, where you’ll have the opportunity to see musicals. The Met, or Metropolitan Museum of Art, will delight you if you want to visit one of the best museums in the world. Take pictures of the city from the Brooklyn Bridge or from the top of the Empire State Building. And don’t forget to take the ferry to Ellis Island to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty. As you can see, you’ll need several days to soak up the atmosphere in the Big Apple. You won’t be able to resist the immensity and immoderation of New York City.
Philadelphia
Start your tour of Philadelphia at Independence Hall and continue walking through the streets and rows of red-brick houses. Feeling peckish? Head to the city’s central market, known in the U.S. as the Terminal Reading Market, where you may come across Amish cheese and charcuterie stands. The East Passyunk district is packed with colorful murals, so grab a coffee.
Washington
Washington is the federal capital of the United States of America, and as such, there’s no way around it! You’ll feel small in this city of gigantic buildings. Don’t miss the White House, just a few meters away. Visits are possible, but you’ll need to contact the French embassy to do so. Breathe in the fresh air as you stroll along the National Mall. Continue on to the U.S. Capitol, then the U.S. Supreme Court, and finally the Congressional Library. Looking for smaller-scale buildings and shopping? Georgetown is the place for you.
Atlanta
Atlanta is a city of many facets. Centennial Olympic Park is located in the heart of the city, where you can start your visit. Nearby, you’ll find CNN headquarters and one of the world’s largest aquariums! One of Atlanta’s trendiest neighborhoods is Little Five Points, where you’ll plunge into an alternative universe filled with rock’n’roll bars and stores. Piedmont Park is a must-see in Atlanta, and weather permitting, enjoy a picnic by the water and admire the skyline.
New Orleans
The town has a particularly authentic atmosphere. The French Quarter, known as the Old French Quarter, will charm you with its architecture. St-Louis Cathedral is a must-see. For souvenirs and specialties, the French Market is the place to go. You can’t get to New Orleans without crossing Bourbon Street, where a festive atmosphere awaits you. Next door, you can admire the Spanish and Creole architecture of Royal Street. New Orleans is the city of jazz and blues. The bars offer live music you’ll remember for the rest of your life. If you’re not afraid of the water, take a kayak out into the bayous.
Other interesting destinations on the East Coast
Of course, there’s much more to the U.S. East Coast than just these 6 cities. Cape Cod, on the Atlantic coast, for example, is very popular with travellers for its beautiful sandy beach. It’s also possible to see sea lions. Maine and Vermont are also states that will captivate you with their wide-open spaces, if you have the time.
USA tour: what you need to know before you go
Whether you’re planning a trip with your family, as a couple or with friends, don’t forget that traveling in the USA takes preparation! That way, you won’t miss out on anything you want to see. To save money on flights, compare the most attractive prices on flight comparators such as SkyScanner. Off-season travel is generally very cost-effective. If you’re not afraid of sleeping with someone you don’t know, you can try couchsurfing, which means you don’t have to pay for a hotel room.
Remember that a travel authorization is required to arrive on American soil. To travel to the USA, you’ll need an ESTA application. This allows nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) member countries to stay in the USA for up to 90 days. Provided, of course, that the applicant has a valid passport, whether electronic or biometric, and that the application has been validated by the American authorities.
For a road trip in the USA, you need a car. To do this, don’t hesitate to rent a car. Check with the rental company that you can travel the entire coastline with the vehicle, and don’t forget to carry some cash with you, as some roads may charge a fee. This will also allow you to leave tips, which is common practice in the USA.
Our final tip: don’t hesitate to buy CityPasses to save money and visit all the attractions without queuing.