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The East Coast combines vibrant cityscapes with breathtaking natural vistas — and there’s no better way to experience it all than on a road trip.

Picture yourself hiking the scenic trails of Acadia National Park in Maine, savoring farm-to-table dishes in Vermont, or wandering the historic cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina. Whale watch along Cape Cod’s coastline, admire the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., or soak up the vibrant culture and cuisine in Miami. Whether you’re a foodie, fitness enthusiast, history lover or all of the above, get ready for an unforgettable East Coast road trip, where world-renowned attractions and hidden gems will enchant you.

Dive into our in-depth guide for an unforgettable road trip in the East Coast centered around sustainability and connecting with communities. Pack your appetite for adventure — the Atlantic Coast is calling your name.

Best Time of Year for a Road Trip on the East Coast of America

The East Coast truly is a year-round destination. Any time of year can be the best time to visit the East Coast — it all depends on what you’re looking for. From breathtaking fall foliage to crisp winter mountain air to lazy beach days, you can have it all along the East Coast if you know where to go and when.

Spring (March to May)

Spring brings mild weather — which means you can leave your coat at home while avoiding the summer crowds. There are several charming spots to visit on the East Coast during the spring. Witness the cherry blossoms blooming in Washington D.C. Enjoy outdoor festivals in Asheville, NC, like the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival in March or the Asheville Orchid Festival in April. Enjoy scenic coastal walks in Newport, RI, while daydreaming about life in the historic mansions.

Summer (June to August)

If it’s sunkissed skin and water activities you’re craving, visit the East Coast during the summer. With dozens of beach towns — including glitzy, hotel-studded shores and romantic, tucked-away coves — the East Coast is an inviting summer destination. Explore the charming coastal region of New England, including the historic towns throughout Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Watch bikini-clad roller skaters along the shores of Miami beaches or visit wildlife reserves. Just keep in mind that the warm weather brings crowds, so if you plan on doing your road trip in the summer, book everything (like rental cars and hotels) early.

Fall (September to November)

There’s simply no replacement for an East Coast autumn. If your soul is aching for leaves changing colors and cozy cafes overlooking a moody, overcast shoreline, you have to take an East Coast road trip in the fall. New England offers prime autumn foliage viewing opportunities in spots like the Berkshires and Acadia National Park. Quaint seaside towns like Camden in Maine and North Conway in New Hampshire will lure you in with snug shops and welcoming inns. Plus, it’s not quite snow season yet, so you can enjoy crisp weather without worrying about snow tires.

Winter (December to February)

Winter can be an appealing time to visit the East Coast because the crowds die down, and so do prices for things like hotels and rental cars. Plus, the East Coast never lacks enriching and entertaining indoor activities, from world-class museums to iconic playhouses and unique dining experiences. Winter in New York is magical, with Rockefeller Center adorned with Christmas lights and ice skating open on Chelsea Piers. Vermont is one of the top destinations for snow activities, from skiing to horse-drawn sleigh rides. Meanwhile, sun seekers can trade the cold for warmer winters in Florida.

East Coast Road Trip Essentials: What to Pack for the Journey

Packing with purpose will ensure you have everything you need to maximize the fun, prepare for the unexpected and be kind to the planet. Here is our suggested packing list for your East Coast road trip:

• Reusable water bottle
• Eco-friendly toiletries
• Hiking boots
• Lightweight, packable backpack
• Portable tripod
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Layers (leggings, hoodies and tees)
• Yoga mat
• Journal
• Waterproof day bag
• Trash bags (to clean up on trails)
• Organic snacks
• Eastern US map (ours includes points of interest, clearly labeled highways, detailed city grids and an easy-to-use legend)

You can tailor this list to the season you’re traveling and the places you’re visiting. However, the East Coast is known for unpredictable weather, so packing layers and rain accessories is always a good idea.

Top 9 Destinations for Adventure, Culture and Cuisine on East Coast Road Trip Routes

Ready to explore the vibrant and culturally diverse East Coast? Our list of must-visit East Coast road trip stops combines outdoor adventure, cultural experiences and local cuisine. For efficiency, consider planning your route around the states, cities and towns you want to visit the most. We promise that no matter where you choose to visit, you’ll be amazed by how many attractions — both manmade and nature-made — there are to see up and down the East Coast.

1. Drink and Dine Your Way Through Vermont

If it’s fresh air and wide, open spaces you’re after, don’t skip Vermont. It offers breathtaking natural landscapes with friendly people and charming businesses for a winning combination.

Vermont is a dreamscape for craft beer lovers because it has the highest number of breweries per capita in the country. City Brew Tours offers public and private brewery tours in Burlington (the largest city). Don’t miss Vermont Pub & Brewery, the oldest brewpub in Vermont.

When all that beer tasting has you feeling hungry, there are several picturesque farm-to-table restaurants where you can fill up. The Restaurant at Hill Farm in Sunderland is set in a lofted barn and offers seasonal farm-to-table dishes sourced from their own garden, along with panoramic views of the Taconic Mountain Range. Michael’s on the Hill in Waterbury is situated inside an early 1800s farmhouse and serves sustainable comfort food with a Switzerland-European focus.

2. Explore Natural Wonders in Maine’s Acadia National Park Maine)

Hit the trails (or the water) in Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hikeable paths and several bodies of kayak-friendly water, Acadia National Park is a nature lover’s hotspot.

If you only have half a day here, we recommend driving Park Loop Road, which is easily one of the most scenic drives on the East Coast. This 27-mile loop will take you past many of the park’s highlights, including Thunder Hole, a semi-submerged cave known for its thunderous waves, and Otter Cliff, a 110-foot-high granite precipice with stunning ocean views.

Looking for an easy nature stroll? Head to Jordan Pond, with its 3.3-mile path that weaves along the water’s rocky shoreline. If you brought your bikes, explore the Carriage Roads, 45 miles of paved paths that take you past park landmarks like 17 stone-faced bridges and “Rockefeller’s Teeth” — roughly stacked blocks of granite that line the roads. Our Maine state recreational map can help you identify additional spots for outdoor activities in the park.

3. Admire Animals and Architecture in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

With its fascinating maritime history, numerous art galleries and exciting water activities, Cape Cod appeals to outdoorsy travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Cape Cod is one of the top whale-watching destinations in the country, and Race Point Beach might be the most famous location to view these majestic creatures. June through September is peak migration season, making this an ideal summer activity.

Enjoy historic architecture on Commercial Street while popping in and out of the charming cafes and art galleries. Once you’re in Cape Cod, you aren’t far from Martha’s Vineyard. In fact, several boats make multiple daily trips to the Vineyard, including the Steamship Authority and the Island Queen.

4. Take a Bite Out of The Big (Green) Apple in New York City

If you’ve never been to NYC, you have to make it a part of your road trip. An East Coast treasure, the Big Apple offers experiences and attractions for nearly every style of traveler, from art lovers to shopping addicts to fervent foodies.

If you’re looking for the greener side of the city that never sleeps, check out its urban farms. Randall’s Island Urban Farm is dedicated to teaching sustainable farming practices. Brooklyn Grange operates rooftop urban farms in Brooklyn Navy Yard and Sunset Park and hosts events focused on organic farming.

Get your “Ohm” on in the heart of the city and enjoy one of the yoga classes in Central Park. Support local food distributors at the Union Square Greenmarket. If a cultural experience is calling your name, there are several under-the-radar museums to support. Check out the Museum of the City of New York, which highlights graffiti-based art, or the Queen Museum, which celebrates the history and diversity of its namesake borough.

5. Satisfy Hungry History Buffs in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. masterfully intermingles green open spaces with historical landmarks, satisfying your desires for culture and nature. Enjoy a lazy afternoon wandering the breathtaking botanic gardens, like the U.S. Botanic Garden’s Bartholdi Park or the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.

Admire the 100+ monuments and memorials at the National Mall. Zip between famous museums like the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian or the National Museum of Natural History on a bicycle. Capital BikeShare offers rentable e-bikes and has docking stations around the city.

When your attention has turned from history to hunger, the capital is rich with innovative, sustainable food purveyors. Grab a quick bite at Chaia, a “farm-to-taco” concept serving seasonal vegetarian tacos. Satisfy a large group with various palettes at Union Market, with more than 40 local vendors selling everything from dumplings to doughnuts.

6. Find Peace on the Paths of The Appalachian Trail (Virginia)

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,000+ mile footpath that passes through 14 states. The Virginian section contains a stunning mixture of forests, farmland, mountains and valleys and is a hiker’s paradise.

Beginners can trek to Kelly Knob. This hike is four miles out and back and offers a sense of solitude rarely found on the Appalachian Trail. The trail begins in the historic village of Newport and takes you on a short climb up to the top of Johns Creek Mountain before signs point you to Kelly Knob, which gives you expansive views of the New River and nearby mountains.

Intermediate hikers can head over to McAfee Knob. This 7.8-mile there-and-back hike is considered the jewel of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. You’ll pick the trailhead up at VA 311 and head north towards Catawba Mountain before moving on towards the Knob, which spills out onto a picturesque hanging rock with mountain views.

Those after a challenging trek can check out Angels Rest. Don’t let its heavenly name fool you; this 5.0-mile hike involves tons of switchbacks and a steep incline. But it’s worth it for the incredible scenery along the way, including a boulder garden, views of the New River Valley and the Virginia countryside. You’ll pick up this trail near the town of Pearisburg.

7. Catch Wind and a Meal on the Outer Banks (North Carolina)

A world of their own, the Outer Banks comprise barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. They’re known for their sandy beaches, state parks and captivating shipwreck dive sites.

The region is also known for its wild horses, which allegedly arrived with Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Wildlife lovers can visit Corolla Wild Horses, a sanctuary dedicated to responsibly managing the wild horse population here.

Looking to get active? Try kiteboarding, which involves attaching a large kite to a board and gliding across the water. It’s one of the more popular water activities in the area, thanks to the reliably strong winds and shallow waters.

Once you’ve kiteboarded up an appetite, there are several delicious and sustainable seafood restaurants to fill your bellies. Aqua Restaurant in Duck creates dishes using locally caught fish with sustainably farmed ingredients, all complemented by a waterfront view. Basnight’s Lone Cedar in Nags Head is a neighborhood institution that gets its catches fresh daily from the neighborhood fishermen and serves them with vegetables grown on-site.

8. Savor the South in Charleston, South Carolina

Infuse some southern charm into your East Coast road trip with a visit to Charleston. Its cuisine and architecture are as nuanced and vibrant as the people of the city.

Have your iconic southern moment with a stroll down one of the city’s famous cobblestone streets. Legare Street, King Street and Chalmers Street are a few of the only eight remaining cobblestone streets. When your feet get tired, pull up a seat at one of the many casual eateries at Cannonborough Elliotborough, a bustling food-centric neighborhood where you can find everything from southern comfort food in homey cafes to speakeasy bars offering elevated appetizers.

Charleston also has dozens of significant museums and monuments. If you only have time for a couple, we recommend the Fort Sumter National Monument, the site of the first shots fired by Confederate forces during the Civil War, or the Old Slave Mart Museum, another sobering yet important reminder of our country’s troubled past.

9. Enjoy Wildlife and Nightlife in Miami, Florida

Sandy shores, electric nightlife and a touch of Cuban culture, here we come — you’ve arrived in Miami. From inspiring art communities to active wildlife, Miami is a feast for your eyes (and stomach, which we’ll get to).

Appreciate authentic local creative expression at Wynwood Walls, Miami’s original street art museum. This outdoor exhibit features massive colorful street murals from international artists. Go from manmade beauty to Mother Nature’s creations and head to Everglades National Park. Here, you can spot wild animals including alligators, crocodiles and panthers (just be sure to keep your distance and stick to the designated paths).

Head back to civilization after a day in the park and enjoy sumptuous culinary innovations in the city’s many sustainable restaurants. The Redlander Restaurant offers farm-fresh dishes centered around local produce, all with a South Florida tropical flair. Looking for something casual? Harry’s Pizzeria offers pies with farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients that change every month. Or catch a local favorite happy hour at The River Oyster Bar for super-fresh oysters sourced from local fishermen.

Pick Your East Coast USA Road Trip Route

Hopefully, our must-see East Coast sights will inspire you to plan your trip. Now it’s time to map out your East Coast drive. The best way to curate your route is to decide what attractions are most appealing to you and how much time you have. An East Coast road trip can take as little as five days and as long as three weeks, depending on how much you want to cover. Below we’ve suggested three routes, each one with a distinct focus and feel. Consider them guidelines, but still pack your paper East Coast road trip map to get a big picture of your route and see if there are any additional places you’d like to visit along the way.

The Northeast Adventure Route: Vermont to New York City

Here’s our recommended route, but a peek at our Northeastern US road map might inspire you to add some stops.

• Vermont to Acadia National Park (Maine): 5.5 hours
• Acadia National Park to Cape Cod, Massachusetts: 5 hours
• Cape Cod to New York City: 4 hours
• Total Estimated Driving Time: 14.5 hours

This route provides a unique mixture of natural beauty and city excitement.

The Mid-Atlantic History and Culture Route: Washington, D.C. to Charleston

Immerse yourself in history and rich cultural heritage on this route:

• Washington, D.C. to The Appalachian Trail (Virginia): 2.5 hours
• The Appalachian Trail to Charleston, South Carolina: 8 hours
• Total Estimated Driving Time: 10.5 hours

Don’t forget your Mid-Atlantic US road map — your phone might lose service in some of the more remote stretches of this trip.

The Coastal Route: Miami to Acadia National Park

If you want to start with a relaxing beach vibe and work your way up to invigorating national park excursions, consider this route:

• Miami to Charleston, South Carolina: 9 hours
• Charleston to The Outer Banks, North Carolina: 7 hours
• The Outer Banks to New York City: 8.5 hours
• New York City to Acadia National Park (Maine): 8.5 hours
• Total Estimated Driving Time: 33 hours

P.S. If you want to explore further south, our Southern US road maps can help you plan some side trips.

How to Make Your East Coast Driving Trip Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

To make your road trip even more rewarding, we’ve put together easy tips to travel more sustainably. From choosing greener transportation options to finding eco-friendly places to stay and dine, there are countless ways to adventure responsibly while enjoying the journey. We’ve done the prep work for you — all you need to do is pack your bags, hop in the car, and hit the open road!

Eco-friendly Car Rentals

Skipping traditional gas-engine vehicles can be a great way to reduce your emissions and cut down on fuel costs — a win for both the environment and your travel budget. Plus, with so many hybrid and electric vehicle options available today, it’s easy to find one that fits your road trip needs.

If you’re heading into a bustling city or navigating tight spaces, a compact electric hatchback might be your best bet. These vehicles are easy to park, offer seating for five, and provide convenient storage space, making them perfect for urban adventures. They also boast impressive electric ranges, so you’ll spend less time charging and more time exploring.

Planning a winter getaway or towing some extra gear? A compact hybrid SUV could be just the thing. These vehicles often include all-wheel drive for snowy or icy roads and are capable of towing small campers or boats. They’re versatile, efficient, and ready for adventure.

For those who value a mix of style and comfort, mid-size hybrid sedans are a great choice. With spacious cabins and seating for five, they’re perfect for couples or small families who want a smooth, cosmopolitan ride.

If you’re traveling with a bigger group or need room for extra luggage, a three-row hybrid SUV has you covered. These larger vehicles can accommodate up to eight passengers, and many models allow you to fold down the rear seats for extra cargo space — ideal for those who like to pack a little more.

One final tip: When renting a hybrid or electric vehicle, check the rental company’s policy on battery levels. Some companies charge fees if the vehicle is returned with a low charge, so it’s always good to plan ahead.

EV Driving Tips

If you don’t typically drive an electric vehicle, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Find stations along your route. Make sure to check for charging stations when planning your route for an EV. There are several apps that can help you do that, like PlugShare,ChargePoint and ChargeHub.
• Check your range. Cold weather can impact a battery’s range, so you could find yourself pulling over for a charge more frequently in the winter.
• Inquire about charging ports at your hotel. Public charging stations are the most expensive. Charging overnight at your hotel will be the most affordable way to keep your battery powered, so ask if they have an on-site charger.

With zero emissions, EVs are the most sustainable vehicle option for your road trip and, luckily today, most major manufacturers offer several EV models, making it easy to find the right one for your unique adventure.

Use Alternate Transportation

Take the opportunity to ditch the car sometimes. Many East Coast destinations are pedestrian-friendly and best experienced up close — not from behind a windshield. Here are some alternate ways to get around once you’ve parked:

• Bicycles. You can often rent these from your hotel or find public e-bikes available. Alternatively, you could put a bike rack on your vehicle and bring your own set of wheels.
• The metro. In spots like NYC and Washington D.C., get around like the locals and take the subway.
• Trolleys/street cars. If you’re traveling in warmer weather, trolleys are efficient and fun ways to get around while enjoying the sights
• Horse carriages. Looking for a whimsical form of transportation? Plenty of East Coast cities like Charleston, SC, New York City and Charlotte, NC offer horse carriage rides on public streets.

Having a car lets you set the pace when getting from one major destination to the next. However, once you’re there, hopping out of the car can help you have more intimate experiences with each attraction.

Stay at Green Hotels

Book a stay in an eco-friendly hotel to support sustainability while enjoying relaxing and wellness-focused amenities. Finding accommodations that share your passion for protecting our planet is easily accomplished with some simple steps.

Look For Third-Party Certifications

Several reputable organizations assess hotels’ commitment to greener practices and award them with certifications verifying their sustainability. Certifications to check for include:

• Green Key Global. Properties must meet the program’s strict standard for managing food waste, water use, greenhouse gas emissions and other sustainability factors to be certified
• Green Seal. Items such as laundry, bath and cleaning products donning the Green Seal have been verified as using safer chemicals, responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging and low-impact manufacturing
• Green Globe. Green Globe assesses properties on 44 different criteria, focusing on environmental impact and social responsibility.
• Audubon Green Lodging Program. This organization analyzes how effectively properties manage water conservation, energy use, air quality and chemical use.

Most of these certifications require renewal every one to three years, so confirm that the hotel is up-to-date on their assessments.

Use Travel Platforms That Highlight Eco-Friendly Properties

Take advantage of technology to narrow down your hotel search. Below are platforms that connect environmentally conscious travelers with green properties:

• EcoHotels. Focuses on sustainable properties and plants a tree for every booking.
• Wayaj. Ranks hotels on seven sustainable criteria, giving a score from 0 to 100.
• Kind Traveler. Partners with environmentally friendly hotels focused on sustainability and community, each of which donates a portion of proceeds to a local charity.
• Glooby. Helps travelers compare flight and hotel prices while indicating the most eco-friendly options.
• EcoBnb. Lists hotels that meet at least 5 of their 10 sustainability criteria, including energy-saving lights, local food, water reuse, waste recycling and others.

Many of these platforms have smartphone apps, too, for easy booking on the go.

Dining at Local, Sustainable Restaurants

Foodies can enjoy meals that are both savory and sustainable. Here are some green certifications to look for:

• Ocean Friendly Restaurants. This program recognizes restaurants that are reducing single-use plastics and implementing other ocean-friendly procedures.
• Green Restaurant Association. The GRA certifies restaurants committed to environmental practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction.
• The Sustainable Restaurant Association. This organization certifies restaurants based on responsible sourcing, recycling processes, waste reduction, community involvement and sustainably trained staff.

Not sure where you want to eat? These apps can help you find sustainable dining options:

• FoodPrint: Provides tips on how to identify sustainable restaurants and what questions to ask.
• Farm to People: Focuses on local and seasonal dining options, connecting consumers with restaurants that source ingredients from local farms.
• Happy Cow. Finds vegetarian and vegan options near you.
• Seafood Watch. Helps diners understand which types of fish are sustainable.

When in doubt, look for restaurants that promote the use of local ingredients on their website. Enjoying locally sourced ingredients is the best way to have a culinary experience that’s authentic to the area while supporting the community.

Plan Your Next East Coast Road Trip with Rand McNally Publishing

Plan your road trip on the East Coast of America with our road atlases and paper road maps as your trusted companions. Our recommendations serve as a solid jumping-off point for your journey, but the true spirit of a road trip involves a little spontaneity. And scrolling through a phone screen simply doesn’t compare to opening up a paper map and hand-picking the stops that catch your eye.

The East Coast is brimming with diverse adventures, from unforgettable culinary experiences to outdoor excursions and historic landmarks that will leave you feeling reflective and inspired. So pack your sense of curiosity and your love of the open road and visit the East Coast.