7+ Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes (Itineraries + Tips)

Planning to take an East Coast USA road trip but not sure where you want to go?

We adore taking road trips in the United States, and for as long as I can remember, road tripping the US East Coast has been my travel comfort zone.

As a child, I was shuttled from Orlando to North Carolina to visit family at least a couple of times a year for the better part of a decade, and a few years later, my family spent a couple of months taking an East Coast road trip all the way from North Carolina to Maine.

In my early twenties, I made some truly special memories taking road trips throughout the South with my mom and Grammy.

Fast forward another several years, and Jeremy and I have made the East Coast our beloved full-time home: after a very short stint in Boston, and a longer one in New York City, we’re now happily settled outside of Raleigh, North Carolina–and we continue to take East Coast road trips quite often!

Kate Storm in a black dress in front of a brick home on Jones Street during a long weekend in Savannah GA
Savannah, Georgia is forever one of my favorite road trip destinations.

We haven’t been able to get everywhere (yet), so for this post, we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to recommend some of the absolute best east coast USA road trip routes… and added a couple of new destinations to our bucket list in the process.

From the southernmost point in the continental USA to the rocky beaches of Maine, here’s where to go on your next eastern US road trip.

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Sand Beach, Acadia National Park.

Quick Tips for Your East Coast USA Road Trip

Before diving into the top East Coast road trip itineraries, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind–especially if you’re traveling from outside the region!

Beware of heavy traffic–especially around Washington DC and New York City.

Traveling to or through the DMV (that’s DC-Maryland-Virginia, specifically the areas that are within commuting distance of DC) is an exercise in patience: rush hour starts very early, ends very late, and can get extremely intense!

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New York is more of the same, though for road-trippers heading further afield and not stopping in the city, I have to say we’ve personally found the DC traffic to be even worse.

Either way, though: do your absolute best to travel through each of these cities in the off-hours if possible.

Driving from DC to Boston means passing through the most densely populated part of the country, and you can definitely tell when on the road!

kate storm standing at a magnifying glass on liberty island overlooking financial district manhattan
Visiting the Statue of Liberty when living in New York!

… and be wary of driving around certain cities.

This mostly pertains to New York, but can apply to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and even in certain cases places like Savannah and Charleston as well: just because you’re on a road trip doesn’t mean that you’ll want to drive every day!

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When in major cities that either have decent public transportation or are walkable, consider parking your car for the duration of your day.

If you’re flying into a city where you don’t need a car, consider simply not picking one up until you leave for your next stop.

kate storm walking down elfreths alley during a long weekend in philadelphia itinerary
We didn’t touch our car in between arriving and leaving Philadelphia.

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your United States road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits.

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Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through Discover Cars, which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your East Coast road trip.

Browse rental cars for your Eastern US road trip today!

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm at craggy pinnacle on blue ridge parkway during 3 days in asheville nc
Road tripping (part of) the Blue Ridge Parkway in spring.

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

Our home country is filled with an enormous number of interesting and beautiful places, but perhaps none shine quite as brightly as our national park system.

While the East Coast isn’t as famed for its national parks as the West, there are still more stunning parks to enjoy than you could reach on a single trip!

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee) is the most-visited national park in the country, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is stunning, and Acadia National Park in Maine is rugged New England coastline at its finest.

Dip further south, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a beautiful place to spend a day.

Head all the way south, and Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is easily among the most unique national parks in the country–as is Everglades National Park, which is easier to access than Dry Tortugas (which requires either a ferry ride or seaplane to visit).

2 kayaks in the mangrove tunnels at everglades np, one of the best national parks to visit in february january december
Everglades National Park.

… and if you’re visiting national parks, pick up an America the Beautiful Pass.

If you’re planning to visit more than one national park during your road trip along the East Coast, consider picking up an America the Beautiful Pass, also known as the USA’s annual national parks pass.

For only $80–less for certain groups like seniors and military personnel–the park covers day-use fees to over 2,000 federally managed lands, including all 62 national parks, for an entire year.

It’s one of the best travel deals around and will pay for itself within 3-4 visits to popular US national parks (for example, as of the time of writing, Acadia National Park costs $35/car to visit).

Buy your national parks pass today!

Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Sunset in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Southeast USA Road Trip Routes

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Sarah of Travels of Sarah Fay

The best way to see the beauty of Florida is a drive from the Qrt Deco-clad roads of Miami to the beaches of Key West.

There is something very satisfying about reaching the end of the Route 1 highway in Key West!

It is so iconic that it is popular to take a photo at the last highway marker for Route 1 in Key West.

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This iconic overseas highway crosses 42 bridges that take you to a few destinations not to be missed including Key Largo, Islamorada, Bahia Honda State Park, and the famous Key West, which is indisputably one of the best beach towns on the East Coast.

Top things to do in Key Largo include taking a glass-bottom boat tour or snorkeling to see one of the world’s best reefs.

The John Pennekamp State Park offers snorkeling tours that will show you the colorful wonders of the reef.

Kate in a pink dress next to a blue Vespa on Ocean Avenue.

Before making your way to Key West, stop at the famous Robbie’s Marina to not only eat but feed the Tarpon off the pier and maybe see a shark.

Then as you make your way down south, why not stop at the Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada.

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Along this drive, you will find one of the best beaches in the world at Bahia Honda State Park located on Marathon Key.

The endless expanse of pearly white sand and turquoise waters and a little hike on one of the original bridges constructed from Miami to Key West is the perfect way to relax before getting to the party in Key West.

Highway over the Caribbean Sea leading the to Floriday Keys as shot with a drone. The Florida Keys are one of the best places to visit in USA

Finally, in Key West, you can have a slice of the famous Key Lime Pie, take a picture at the southernmost point of the continental USA, and party on Duval Street because you have completed this epic east coast USA road trip.

If you are feeling adventurous you could also try and check out Everglades National Park, which is just a short detour off of Route 1 when leaving Miami, or make plans to visit Dry Tortugas National Park off the coast.

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Driving Distance

110 miles

Recommended Trip Length

You can drive from Miami to Key West in about 4 hours if you go straight through.

With a couple of days to explore, you’ll be able to see plenty of sights along the way, making this an excellent weekend road trip on the East Coast!

Palm-tree lined path leading to Caribbean Sea beach in Key West Florida, one of the best southern weekend getaways

St. Augustine to Charleston Road Trip

From us!

For a mix of relaxing coastal vibes and delightful southern charm, plan an East Coast USA road trip leading from St. Augustine, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina!

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This road trip has its fair share of beaches and natural beauty, while also covering some of the best East Coast cities to visit.

Start your trip in St. Augustine, which happens to be the oldest city in the USA: founded by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine is packed with history. 

Be sure not to miss visiting the Castillo de San Marcos for a rare chance to visit a castle in the USA, the Lightner Museum, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Once you’ve had your fill of history for the day, kick back and enjoy some of Florida’s legendary beaches.

View of palm trees and ocean water over the stone wall of St Augustine Florida's 17th century fort. St Augustine is one of the best weekend trips in the south

From St. Augustine, head to Savannah to admire what is arguably the most beautiful city in the south.

Stroll through the 22 town squares, wander down famous Jones Street to peek at one of the most beautiful streets in the USA, visit Forsyth Park, tour some house museums, hit up City Market, and, if you’re up for a scare, head out on a ghost tour.

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After visiting Savannah and possibly stopping at nearby Tybee Island for a little more beach time, make your way to Charleston for the final stop on this east coast USA road trip.

In Charleston, be sure to snap photos at the famous Rainbow Row and on Folly Beach, visit Fort Sumter, check out the Charleston City Market, and visit the stunning 1500-year-old Angel Tree.

kate storm in a floral dress at rainbow row in charleston sc
Rainbow Row, one of the top photo spots in Charleston.

Those interested in military history will also enjoy a visit to Patriot’s Point, and food lovers can’t go wrong with jumping on a food tour to taste some of the best Lowcountry food around.

Driving Distance

282 miles

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Recommended Trip Length

We suggest spending at least 5 days on this East Coast road trip.

However, by slowing down and potentially adding other side stops like Tybee Island or Hilton Head, you could easily make this into a 7-10 day vacation!

Kate Storm in a black dress walking away from the camera along Jones Steet in Savannah GA, with several American flags hanging from homes on the right side of the photo
Jones Street, Savannah, Georgia.

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Bret Love and Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel

One of America’s most iconic road trips, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearly 500 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.

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Construction of the route began back in 1935, and it has been the United States National Park System’s most visited attraction almost every year since the mid-1940s.

The route begins on U.S. Route 441 at Oconaluftee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, North Carolina. It ends at the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia at Rockfish Gap. 

Once you take this jaw-droppingly beautiful drive for yourself, you’ll see why.

kate storm and ranger storm at looking glass falls, one of the best stops on a 3 days in asheville itinerary
Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah National Forest.

With stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and thousands of different wildlife species along the way (birds, bears, deer, and more), the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a taste of unspoiled Americana at its finest. 

There are way too many highlights of this route to adequately summarize here, but I’d definitely recommend spending a few days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and exploring the area in and around the quirky city of Asheville, which is home to the famous Biltmore Estate among many other highlights.

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Heading north, there are great hiking and fishing in both the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests, as well as charming little mountain towns such as Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.

Virginia’s must-sees include Roanoke, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and of course Shenandoah National Park.

Blue Ridge Parkway USA shot from above during the fall, with fall foliage on either side of the road--one of the best weekend trips in the United States

Our favorite time to explore this region is autumn.

The crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler, and the stunning color of the leaves turn the Blue Ridge Mountain scenery into something magical.

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Driving Distance

469 miles

Recommended Trip Length

We suggest exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway over the course of 3-5 days.

kate storm in a blue dress in front of the biltmore house asheville north carolina
The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC.

Mid-Atlantic Road Trip Routes

The Adirondacks Road Trip

From Jim of Uncovering New York

The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York are one of the most beautiful and remote regions of the East Coast of the United States.

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While there are faster routes between Lake George and Lake Placid, this road trip route will take you through some of the region’s most beautiful small towns and past some of its best attractions.

Start in Lake George. While here, consider taking a boat cruise on the Minne Ha Ha and touring Fort William Henry.

From here, head north out of town on Route 9 before picking up NY-28 South and then NY-8 South.

Saranac Lake, Adriondacks New York in the fall, with houses nestled against the lake shore, taken from across the water. Upstate NY in the fall in is one of the most romantic USA trips to take!

Route 8 passes along the southern reaches of the Adirondack Park and past many great waterfalls and hiking trails. One to make sure not to miss is the 70-foot Auger Falls.

Shortly after Auger Falls, take NY-30 north, making sure not to miss the beautiful shores of Indian Lake and the hike to Ok Slip Falls.

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In the town of Blue Mountain Lake, the Adirondack Experience is a can’t-miss museum that tells the story of the Adirondack Park and people that call it home.

This is a truly fantastic museum and is worth saving a few hours to experience. While in town, you can also explore local art at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts.

Continue on the journey enjoying the incredible scenery of the Adirondacks as you pass by spots like Long Lake and Tupper Lake. Veer off onto NY-3 East for your final stop for the evening in Saranac Lake, New York.

Saranac Lake, NY - BroadwayMwanner, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The next day, explore the history of this community at the Saranac Laboratory Museum and learn how the community was built by tuberculous patients. You can also visit the former home of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Finally, take NY-86 the short distance to Lake Placid, home to two Winter Olympics. While in town, tour the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, High Falls Gorge, and enjoy shopping in this quaint town.

End your weekend road trip with a climb up Cobble Hill for great views of Lake Placid.

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Driving Distance

150 miles

Recommended Trip Length

While you certainly spend a full week or even longer exploring this route and the communities along it, this is a great two-day road trip that’s perfect for any nature lover.

Overview in Adriondacks New York showing fall foliage and a lake in the distance. The Adriondacks are one of the best east coast USA road trips!

New England Road Trip Routes

New Hampshire Road Trip

From Micki of The Barefoot Nomad

New Hampshire’s fiery fall foliage, mountain passes, serene lakes, and rugged coastline make for a picturesque East Coast USA road trip.

The state is a dream destination for nature lovers, with ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, swimming, and outdoor winter sports. 

One of the state’s highlights is the charming seaside town of Portsmouth, where you can enjoy craft ale and fresh seafood among jewel-box colonial buildings.

Odiorne State Park is a short 10-minute drive from downtown Portsmouth, and home to rugged coastal views, the educational Seacoast Science Center, and the remains of Fort Dearborn.

lighthouse in portsmouth new hampshire with waves crashing against rocks

From Portsmouth, make your way to the Kancamagus Highway, which is rightly touted as one of the USA’s most scenic drives.

The Kancamagus twists through the White Mountains and offers stunning views of fall foliage and plenty of hiking and camping.

From the Kancamagus, continue to Franconia State Park to see the Flume Gorge, a natural gorge that runs for about 800 feet at the foot of Mount Liberty.

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The 1886 Pemigewasset covered bridge at Franconia Notch State Park is well worth a stop. 

From there, it’s a short 10-minute drive from the Flume Gorge to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, an 80-passenger cable car that reaches the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain.

There’s a short hiking trail at the summit that offers views of the mountains of New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Maine, and even the Canadian province of Quebec.

aerial view of white mountain national forest along kancamagus highway during fall foliage season, one of the top tourist attractions in usa

Next up, a stop at idyllic Lake Winnipesaukee offers a change from the mountains. While some areas around the lake (like Weirs Beach in Laconia) are packed with tourists in summer, Winnipesaukee’s 183 miles of coastline, and more than 300 islands mean that secluded spots aren’t hard to find.

While you can take this trip in any season, many mountain passes, like the Kancamagus Highway, are closed during heavy snowfalls. However, winter is a great time to try snowshoeing or skiing at any of the state’s 19 ski resorts.

In autumn, North Conway, Kancamagus Highway, and Franconia boast some of the best fall foliage in the world.

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Start and end this trip by flying into Boston, Massachusetts, heading north through Portsmouth, Odiorne State Park, Kancamagus Highway, Franconia State Park, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Lake Winnipesaukee, and ending your loop in Boston.

Driving Distance

377 miles

Recommended Trip Length

Four days is plenty for this drive, though you’ll have to limit your time in a few locations. You’ll be on the road for about 7 and a half hours during this Eastern US vacation.

New Hampshire 1886 Pemigewasset Covered Bridge at Fronconia Notch State Park, part of one of the best east coast USA road trips!
Photo provided by Micki of The Barefoot Nomad. Reused with permission.

New York City to Boston Road Trip (Via Cape Cod)

No, New York isn’t in New England–but most of this East Coast road trip takes place there!

While you can simply drive directly between New York and Boston (or better yet, take the train or bus), you can sample much more of southern New England by hugging the coast as you travel north and then detouring to Cape Cod.

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New York City itself isn’t much of a traditional road trip destination–but it is an amazing place to fly into, so if it’s your entry point to the East Coast, be sure to pause to spend some time there!

Some of the top things to do in New York include strolling through Central Park, admiring the city from one of its iconic observation decks, taking the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, checking out one of its many incredible museums (The Met, the American Museum of Natural History, and MOMA are most popular with first-timers), and seeing a Broadway show… among hundreds of other incredible things.

Here’s our detailed guide to planning a trip to NYC.

kate storm and ranger storm in central park new york city with skyscrapers in the background
Central Park, NYC

From there, avoid rush hour and head north to charming Mystic, Connecticut, where you can enjoy highlights like the Mystic Seaport and Olde Mistick Village.

A bit further along your road trip route you’ll find gorgeous Newport, Rhode Island, the haunt of the wealthiest families of the Gilded Age.

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Today, you can find a sizable collection of Gilded Age mansions (most famously, The Breakers built by the Vanderbilts) available to tour in Newport.

Don’t miss the Cliff Walk while you’re there, either!

After Newport, head down the Cape to visit one of the East Coast’s most famous coastal destinations!

hydrangeas blooming on cape cod with the ocean visible in the distance

Cape Cod is lined with adorable towns, from Chatham to Sandwich and beyond, but your road trip isn’t complete until you reach Provincetown on the tip of the Cape.

While you’re there, be sure to stroll down the vibrant Commercial Street (ideally both during the day and at night!), check out the soaring Pilgrim Monument that stands above the town, sample some of the many delicious restaurants, and of course, enjoy the beaches and whale watching.

From there, head up to Boston, where you can walk the Freedom Trail, explore gorgeous neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End, and revel in discovering one of the US’s most beautiful cities (here are the best things to do in Boston).

Driving Distance

415 miles

Recommended Trip Length

Assuming you’re spending at least a couple of days each in New York and Boston, we’d recommend setting aside at least 10 days for this East Coast road trip itinerary.

kate storm standing on acorn street in boston massachusetts, one of the most romantic getaways in usa
Acorn Street, Boston

Portland to Bar Harbor Road Trip

From Kaisa of Glam Granola Travel

The Maine stretch of US-1, also known as the Coastal Highway, is a classic New England-style East Coast road trip.

While you could drive this iconic seaside road in a day, there are so many things to do in Portland, Acadia, and everywhere in between, it’s best appreciated leisurely over several days.

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You can start at either end, but starting in Portland and heading north provides increasingly beautiful scenery. There are plenty of campsites and B&Bs along the way in Maine’s many state parks and harbor towns.

Portland is famous for potato donuts, breweries, and quirky local charm.

Allagash and Bissell Brothers are two award-winning breweries; the former often has food trucks, while the latter shares space with a great local café. The Old Port area near the water is full of cool shops, including one of the best Portland donut shops The Holy Donut.

Portland Head Light on a sunny summer day with flowers in the foreground

A picnic in the Eastern Promenade park overlooking the water is a particularly peaceful way to spend the afternoon. 

Heading north of Portland, one encounters more and more of what Maine does best—natural beauty and seafood.

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There are three unique state parks to choose from on this route, from south to north: Popham Beach State Park (Phippsburg), Camden Hills State Park (Cambden), and Moose Point State Park (Searsport).

Popham Beach State Park is known for its perfect sandy beach, rare along Maine’s rocky coastline, and picturesque lighthouses. Camden Hills’ main attraction is the panoramic view of Camden and the ocean from Mt. Megunticook, a moderate day hike. Moose Point has awesome tide pools, which are so much fun to explore and observe critters in.

In Wicasset, between Popham Beach and Camden Hills, Red’s Eats makes one of New England’s most delicious lobster rolls. For a state famous for its lobster rolls, being considered among the best is a massive accomplishment.

aerial view of cars driving through acadia national park in maine

Finally, end this East Coast USA road trip in Acadia National Park.

Located next to Bar Harbor on Bar Island, it’s a true gem of the National Park system and there is no other park like it. Whale-watching trips leave from Bar Harbor every day during the high season and are a definite must-see!

The hiking in Acadia is incredible, as well—don’t miss the Beehive, a short, thrilling (but still family-friendly) climb up rocky cliffs complete with metal bars and manmade bridges between the rocks, or the chance to appreciate the view from the top of Cadillac Mountain.

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Driving Distance

175 miles

Recommended Trip Length

While you can technically complete this US road trip route in a day, we suggest taking a couple of days to savor the sights along the way.

Things to Do in Acadia National Park
Sunset at Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park.

New England Road Trip Loop

From Danielle of Wanderlust While Working

Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains, breathtaking coastal views, photogenic lighthouses, or the excitement of a big city, New England has it all.

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For the perfect northeast USA road trip, take an epic road trip through New England starting and ending in Boston.

Enjoy exploring Boston via the Freedom Trail and take in some of America’s oldest historical sites along the 3.5-mile route.

Things to Do in Boston: Acorn Street

Next, drive southwest to the coast of Newport, RI, home of the extravagant Newport Mansions.

After exploring Newport for a day, continue to follow the coast to the quaint seaside town of Mystic, CT, the home of beautiful Mystic Seaport.

Next, cut across Western Massachusetts to the lush Green Mountains in Vermont with a stop in Burlington bordering the beautiful Lake Champlain.

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Spend the day wandering this cute college town and imbibing in one of the many breweries (Vermont has the largest number of breweries per capita of any state!).

From here, head east through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, home to Mount Washington, the tallest mountain on the East Coast.

The last major stop of the loop is Maine’s Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, ME. See all Acadia has to offer whether it’s hiking, biking the famous carriage roads, or exploring the coast by boat for a few days before returning to Boston via Portland, ME.

Portland Bug Light as seen from the side with a sailboat passing by behind it

While there is plenty to do in New England any time of year, visit in summer for the best weather and to enjoy the coastal beaches or in fall for a tour through New England’s famous fall foliage.

Along the way don’t forget to try some of the food New England is famous for, including Maine lobsters and New England clam chowder!

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Driving Distance

1,100 miles

Recommended Trip Length

We recommend taking about 10 full days to road trip New England in depth.

woodstock vermont in early fall with white home in the foreground and entrance to covered bridge in the background

Read More About Planning an East Coast Vacation

From Miami to Maine, we have enjoyed writing dozens of blog posts about traveling the East Coast!

If you’re eager to keep planning your US East Coast road trip, you may also like these guides:

Photo of an empty road with yellow double line in the center. Trees with fall foliage are on either side of the road. Black text on a white background reads "7 epic east coast usa road trips"
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0 thoughts on “7+ Epic East Coast USA Road Trip Routes (Itineraries + Tips)”

  1. In 2007 we drove part of one of your routes from Savannah (where we spent three nights) to Charleston (where we also spent a night). I had just read “Midnight In The garden of Good and Evil” (John Berendts) which brought extra meaning to Savannah’s sights. It was such a pretty city that allegedly in 1866 General Sherman refused to torch it as had been his custom in other towns.

    On Tybee Island we had a dellicious crab meal at The Crab Shack. Hopefully it’s still there. I loved their novel idea of having a hole in the centre of the table where the food scraps are simply dropped where they fall into a bin.

    On the way to Charleston, Beaufort is also a pleasant stop with a delicious chocolate shop and pretty houses.

    The ferry to Fort Sumter IMO is a must for history buffs being where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.

    Reply
  2. Hi,
    Great blog packed with fantastic ideas for my as yet unplanned US road trips whenever we get back to a new normal for travelling. I’m thinking of combining my chosen road trips with some of the best rail journeys and thought about starting in New York across to San Francisco by Amtrak then drive to my next train and so on. Have you ever done this to get around the US or do you have you any route suggestions? Also, is interchanging between road and rail achievable? I’m looking at staying for no less than two months my idea being to cover many miles by train being far cheaper than renting a car for the whole time. Many thanks.
    Kev

    Reply
    • Hi Kev! Honestly, traveling by rail in the US is, generally speaking, very expensive and very inefficient. You can technically do it, but it’s usually much more about the story of crossing the US by train than the fact that it’s a good way to see the country.

      You can combine driving and trains, but again, it would be pricey to do so, especially if you’re consistently dropping your rental cars off at a different location than you pick them up at (many companies charge a fee for that).

      That being said, 2 months exploring the US is an incredible trip and you can see a lot in that time!

      Reply
  3. Love all the pictures and descriptions of the places you have travelled! Truly gives great inspiration to see the World. Our little family tries to travel a couple of times per year but would love to take a first time RV trip from Eastern NC to destination unknown between Christmas and New Year Day.
    Wide open question, but any suggestions for a 5 day adventure?

    Reply
    • That’s great to hear, thanks Brian! I’m actually typing this comment back to you from NC myself–we’re in town visiting my Mom and Grammy, who both live in the Raleigh area.

      Five days from Eastern NC in an RV… the options are pretty limitless! My first thought is St. Augustine/Savannah/Charleston–a great trifecta with limited driving. The Outer Banks Scenic Byway, perhaps with a dip north into Virginia and the Chincoteague area (especially if any of your kids are horse fans) may feel close to home but could also be an amazing trip–no swimming, of course, but I have to say I love the wide open spaces of NC beaches in the winter (and parking will be much easier too–just be sure to check for seasonal ferry and RV park closures).

      The mountains (GSMNP followed by Shenandoah, with a ride up the Blue Ridge Parkway along the way) is of course another great option, but I’d watch the weather carefully before committing to that one in December. If you do head that way, the Biltmore should still have its Christmas decor up!

      With 5 days and it being your first time in an RV, I’d hesitate to include any of the large eastern seaboard cities or go much further afield, though of course you can if you’re determined to hit the ground running!

      Reply
  4. Love your ideas for putting together some touring routes. We need help – we will be arriving in Raleigh area for a wedding in August so expecting to do some travel prior in July. Looking for road trip ideas, my husband has very limited walking capacity and will not go near a city! Will we see much doing the Blue Ridge Parkway without hiking? Also the Shenandoah Forest? And I think Id like to see some American beaches!.

    Some ideas to set us off would be great thankyou.

    Reply
    • Thanks so much, Karen! My mom and Grammy both live in Raleigh and I’ve been visiting since I was a kid, so those are stomping grounds I’m very familiar with. 🙂

      American national parks are generally very well set-up from an accessibility standpoint, and that includes Great Smoky Mountain, Shenandoah, and Blue Ridge Parkway (not technically a national park in its own right, but mostly part of the system). Not all of the parks will be accessible, of course, but scenic drives in the US virtually always have plenty of easy spots to pull off on and appreciate the views. Skyline Drive will be a hit for you guys, I suspect!

      Definitely stop by the visitor’s center in each park and pick up maps–they’ll have clear markings of pull-off spots and also how much walking is involved in them, with the answer sometimes being little to none, plus the difficulty level, distance, and accessibility access of any trails.

      National parks also tend to have at least one short wheelchair accessible trail that is paved, often found near the visitor’s center.

      Beach wise, you’ll be close to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, which are very popular and beautiful. Kitty Hawk (home of the Wright Brother’s first flight) and surrounding towns might be a great fit. Other options include the Crystal Coast (a bit further south and my stomping grounds), or heading north into Virginia and the Chincoteague area (as in Misty of Chincoteague, if you remember those books from childhood).

      In all of those places, sandy/wild beaches with lots of waves, lighthouses, fishing piers, and (in some cases) wild horse spotting on the various islands they live on are all popular attractions.

      Reply

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