Ultimate East Coast

Start your East Coast America road trip with four amazing days exploring the world’s most incredible city on foot and by cab. An epicentre of the arts and America’s true dining and shopping capital. If you’ve got the energy and arrive early enough, we recommend starting with an open-top bus tour. Not only is it great value for money, but it will also help you familiarise yourself with the lay of the land. Your detailed Road Trip Pack is packed with recommendations on where to eat and what to see and do in The Big Apple.

The magnificent Central Park is the most visited urban park in the US. You can easily spend an entire day here with 843 acres of walking trails, ice rinks, cycle paths, a Zoo, and even a castle. Bordering one length of the park is 5th Avenue, home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, such as The Met, Guggenheim and The Natural History Museum. Madison and Park Avenue are here, too, great for watching the wealthiest New Yorkers dip in and out of the numerous lavish designer stores.

Philadelphia is often overshadowed by its noisier neighbours – New York to the north and Washington, DC to the south. However, we think Philly holds its own in this illustrious company, boasting as much history and great shopping, nightlife, and museums. Where else in the world can you recreate that famous scene from Rocky? The steps of the Museum of Art await. Who’ll be the first to reach the top? Lastly, if you don’t fancy driving just yet, then you can ride the train to Philly and possibly DC. You’ll then collect your car for the rest of the journey when you leave Washington. As always, the choice is yours.

You’ll drive down to Washington DC, today via one of two routes. Either head straight for DC, which will take two to three hours. Alternatively, you can go on a little history tour that visits Amish Country, Gettysburg, and the historic Harpers Ferry en route. Your detailed Road Trip Pack will tell you all the available route options for every leg of this East Coast road trip; which route you take will be totally up to you, of course. After dinner in the Capitol, consider visiting some of the main sights along The Mall, which are proudly lit once the sun sets.

This historic part of America forms a triangle between Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown. Williamsburg, in particular, will educate you about the lives of the early English settlers who arrived in the 17th Century. Travel west from here, and you’ll discover the affluent plantation homes of former enslavers which line the James River.

Spend the morning exploring the beaches and lighthouses of the Outerbanks, as you head south along scenic Highway 12. Should you decide to take the coastal route to Wilmington, we’ll book you onto two ferries that link the island’s roads in this area. Spend the late afternoon and evening in Wilmington, which features a scenic Riverwalk lined with boutiques, cafés and a vibrant nightlife by the Cape Fear River. The city’s historic charm comes from its brick-lined streets, Victorian and Antebellum architecture, and mossy oaks.

Spend a full day discovering the history and architecture of Charleston. The city is thriving at the moment, attracting new restaurants and culture into the mix. As always, your detailed Road Trip Pack will show all the available visitor options. These include Magnolia Plantation, Charleston City Market, and so many more. After spending two memorable days in this beautiful city, Charleston will stay with you for many a year.

More than 2 square miles of lovingly restored colonial houses and commercial property are expertly arranged around 21 of Savannah’s 1-acre squares. It is a great city to walk around in the warm sun found here. Look out for Forrest Gump whilst you stroll; he likes chatting to people on the park benches here. Which will be your favourite Southern Belle city? Charleston or Savannah? Let us know when you get home; it’s a very close vote indeed.

You now have the option to leave the coastline for a few days and head inland to visit Orlando. Where a former orange grove is now known as Walt Disney World. This resort is the size of Greater Manchester alone and boasts an incredible range of theme parks and water parks. Orlando’s numerous parks are continually evolving, making Orlando a mecca for theme park enthusiasts. Would you prefer to stay on the coast and avoid Orlando? Then, you can opt to have an additional day on Amelia Island and a stop at Cape Canaveral or Palm Beach instead.

You’ll complete your Ultimate East Coast road trip by driving down to Miami today; here, you’ll find miles of sandy beaches backed with sensational Art Deco hotels. South Beach is the perfect base for your three-night stay. It is a great place to cruise around, walk the boardwalk or enjoy a meal while you peoplewatch. Forget Miami Vice, this area is classy, and the hotels are amongst America’s finest. Miami is also packed with great shopping options, from gigantic malls to the trendy boutiques on Collins Ave. Whatever your tastes or budget – Miami has your retail needs covered.

You should spend your last day and a half of the holiday relaxing by the hotel pool or chilling on the beach. Check out the cool lifeguard huts that watch over the Atlantic coastline. It’s been an action-packed three weeks, so why not rest up to recharge your batteries before flying home from your East Coast holiday.