Are you planning an epic road trip on the East Coast? The first question you might ask is how many days do I need to hit all the must-see spots?
The answer, of course, depends on your interests and itinerary. However, we’ve put together a general guide to help you plan your perfect East Coast road trip.
Factors to Consider
Before we dive into a possible itinerary, let’s take a look at some factors that can influence the length of your road trip:
- The number of destinations you want to visit
- Your mode of transportation
- Your budget for accommodations, meals, and activities
- Your travel style (are you in a rush or do you want to take it slow?)
Possible Itinerary for a One-Week Road Trip
If you have around one week to explore the East Coast, don’t worry. You can still squeeze in plenty of sights and attractions. Here’s one possible itinerary:
Day 1-2: New York City
Start your road trip off with a bang in the city that never sleeps. Spend two days exploring iconic landmarks such as Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget to indulge in some pizza and bagels!
Day 3: Philadelphia
Drive south for about two hours to reach Philadelphia. Check out Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell before treating yourself to a Philly cheesesteak.
Day 4: Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is only about three hours away from Philly by car. Spend a day touring museums and monuments such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Lincoln Memorial.
Day 5: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Drive south for about five hours to reach the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks. Relax on the sand, go fishing, or climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Day 6: Charleston, South Carolina
Drive southwest for about six hours to reach the charming city of Charleston. Take a stroll through historic neighborhoods before enjoying some Southern cuisine.
Day 7: Savannah, Georgia
Finally, wrap up your road trip with a visit to Savannah. Walk along River Street and admire the city’s beautiful architecture before heading back home.
Possible Itinerary for a Two-Week Road Trip
If you have two weeks (or more) to spare, you can cover even more ground on your East Coast road trip. Here’s one possible itinerary:
Days 1-2: Boston
Start your trip in Beantown and explore historical sites like the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall.
Day 3: Acadia National Park, Maine
Head north for about four hours to reach Acadia National Park. Spend a day hiking and taking in breathtaking views of the coast.
Days 4-5: Portland, Maine
Drive south to Portland for some fresh seafood and quirky shops and museums.
Days 6-7: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Take a ferry from Boston to Cape Cod and spend two days exploring quaint towns and sandy beaches.
Day 8: Newport, Rhode Island
Drive south for about an hour to reach Newport. Tour opulent mansions like The Breakers before enjoying some seafood chowder.
Day 9: Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut
Learn about maritime history at this living museum before continuing down the coast.
Days 10-11: New York City
See the Big Apple as described in the one-week itinerary.
Day 12: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Try your luck at the casinos and stroll along the boardwalk in this seaside resort town.
Day 13: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
Relax by the water and feast on some crabs in this scenic area.
Days 14-15: Asheville, North Carolina
Drive south for about eight hours to reach Asheville. Spend two days hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and exploring the city’s vibrant art scene.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many days you need for an East Coast road trip. However, we hope these sample itineraries have given you some inspiration. Whether you have a week or several weeks, there’s always something new to discover on America’s East Coast.