Let's Plan your east coast vacation

 Old Quebec City (Vieux Québec) is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the only city in North America north of Mexico City to have preserved its walled ramparts, Quebec offers a glimpse of what living in a fortified city several centuries ago looked like. The Upper Town is built into a cliff that offers expansive views of the mighty Saint-Lawrence River, and you can wander the cobblestoned streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, lined with cafés and boutiques, as well as explore the surrounding historic convents, churches, and monuments. 

 Montreal is a great destination for tourists. It is a unique melting pot of cultures, with a vibrant arts scene and delicious food to enjoy. The city is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the Notre Dame Basilica and the Old Port. In addition, Montreal is known for its beautiful architecture, including the stunning neo-Gothic structures of McGill University. The city is home to many world-renowned museums and galleries, as well as a lively music and nightlife scene. There is also no shortage of things to do outdoors, with countless parks and green spaces to explore. 

Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, one of America’s favorite parks, and is situated on Mount Desert Island right on the gorgeous Frenchman’s Bay. Here you will find Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard, where you can often see the country’s first sunrise. Bar Harbor is beloved by visitors for so many reasons – from the endless outdoor activities to award-winning dining and accommodations – and it is routinely on national “best of” lists, including as one of America's Favorite Town. 

 In the Southern part of Maine you will find the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport. It is a remarkable New England town that offers a unique travel opportunity to all tourists for all seasons. The place most commonly known as being the summer home of former president George H. W. Bush, is also a city where you can take a foodie tour, kayak on the river and indulge in fresh lobster at every meal.

Kennebunk’s Lower Village & Kennebunkport’s Dock Square are located along the ocean and Kennebunk River. Settled in the 1600’s and a long time ship building mecca, the river banks saw five-masted ships and schooners making their way down the river on their way to the sea. Sea captains built fine mansions, many of which are preserved today as lovely inns with antique charm. 

A stroll through the nooks and crannies of Old Port offers a great introduction to Portland's history, not to mention its outstanding foodie scene. When you're looking for a thirst-quenching lager to pair with all of the city's delicious eats, head to one of Portland's microbreweries; many offer free brewery tours. Meanwhile, those with even the slightest interest in the arts should visit the greats at the Portland Museum of Art or tour the grand interiors of the Victoria Mansion. And if you're just looking to admire the splendor of Maine's lovely landscapes, head to Eastern Promenade or plan daytrips to the Casco Bay Islands or Cape Elizabeth. 

North Conway is a one-stop destination for those visiting the White Mountains of New Hampshire and has a little of everything for every outdoor adventure or culinary enthusiast, as well as those looking for a unique treasure to bring home. In 2020, North Conway made two of USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards lists and took home the top spot as the “Best Ski Town” and was in the top 10 for “Best Small Town for Adventure”.

 Take a drive and find one of many covered bridges and waterfalls and in the summer, find a swimming hole along the Saco River.  Local ski resort, Cranmore Mountain, is not only a great place to visit in winter, but they also offer summer scenic chair lift rides, a mountain coaster, and a Mountain Adventure Park. There’s no end to the fun in North Conway. 

Boston's nearly four centuries of history are showcased by the city's must-see sights. The Massachusetts capital is home to one-of-a-kind and must-do activities for every type of traveler. Start your tour on the Freedom Trail which will lead you to landmarks like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common, some of its most-visited historic site. Or discover Beantown's artsy side at the Museum of Fine Arts and its fashion sense along Newbury Street. Start with a drink at the famous Cheers Bar then head to the Quincy Market to grab a bite to eat. If you're a fan of baseball, you can't miss catching a game at Fenway Park, home to the famous Red Sox. 

With an expansive 40 miles of national seashore, Cape Cod is one of New England's premier beach destinations. But there's more to do here than lay in the sand: Thriving summer theater scenes draw out the best of Broadway while miles-long bike trails and well-protected wildlife showcase the one-of-a-kind Cape Cod environs. You can't miss a chance to hop aboard one of the best whale watching tours in Cape Cod, and don't forget to visit lively Provincetown, where boutiques, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops abound. 

 Continuously inhabited since 1626, Salem has its share of history—and it’s still evolving to this day, as evidenced by its town tagline, “Still Making History.” More than just a scenic, coastal town with an infamous past, Salem has relied upon a storied culture based on both myths and facts to turn it into the eclectic vibrant place it is today. Lighthouses and legends; beaches and brews, and a smattering of local lore all combine to make Salem a fun spot to visit and explore. Rather than eschew its past, Salem has chosen to embrace it—cleverly turning one of early America’s most infamous events into an integral part of its cultural identity. As a result, there is a myriad of nods to its bewitching history that range from historical to downright haunting. 

Newport also known as The City by the Sea, and the Newport region have been among America's premier vacation destinations for centuries. Within this historic city are excellent restaurants, interesting shopping venues like lower Thames Street and the Brick Market Place, and picturesque wharves that remind visitors of the city’s dynamic seafaring past and present.

Visitors come from far and wide to tour the Gilded-Age mansions that were once home to famous families like the Vanderbilts, Kennedys, and Astors.  The Rosecliff, The Elms, The Breakers, Marble House, Kingscote, and several others are now open to the public and showcase gorgeous gardens and spectacular views.  Many of the major properties host beloved annual events, like the springtime Newport Flower Show and a variety of sparkling, festive celebrations at Christmas.

 Assateague's wild horses are well known, even to many people who have never been to the island. The "wild" horses on Assateague are actually feral animals, meaning that they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society. Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island. 

Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Go fishing, clamming biking and kayaking. Watch the wild horses, birds and deer. Discover the rhythms of life on island time. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent. 

New York City is a dazzling metropolis with endless attractions, from iconic landmarks to cultural gems and culinary delights. Explore the Statue of Liberty, the symbol of freedom and democracy, and enjoy the panoramic views from the crown or the pedestal.  Experience the hustle and bustle of Times Square, the crossroads of the world, and marvel at the neon lights, giant billboards and street performers.  Stroll through Central Park, the green oasis in the heart of the city, and discover its many attractions, such as the zoo, the lake, the castle and the carousel.  Visit some of the world's finest museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.  Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in the country and enjoy the stunning views of the skyline and the harbor. 

 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is the perfect destination for families as it offers many kid-friendly tourist spots and attractions. Guests should not miss exploring the city's Dutch Wonderland, a magical amusement park, and getting a glimpse of nineteenth-century farm life. Aside from this, the city is also famous for being the home of the Amish. Guests can explore the city by visiting its famous landmarks or mingling with the locals. Lastly, one activity that guests should not miss on trying in the city is learning more about the Hearty Amish cooking and traditional crafts. 

Philadelphia is famous for its pivotal role in American History. Along with being home to many historic landmarks, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed here which gives particular meaning to their significance. Many historic attractions include the Independence National Historical Park, The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Reading Terminal Market is a particular favorite with visitors and locals alike and their famous cheesesteaks cannot be missed. From enjoying drinks at a bar to dancing the night away, the city has options to entertain every kind of traveler. 

 Baltimore boasts Yankee-Southern fusion architecture and a rich and eclectic culture, jam-packed with trendy art galleries, lively theaters and world-class collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.  Visit historical sites like Fort McHenry National Monument, dine on freshly caught blue crabs steamed and seasoned with a heavy dose of Old Bay and experience Baltimore's literary side with a trip to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum . Baseball lovers will especially love cheering on the Orioles at Camden Yards.  With its laid-back vibes, plentiful historical and cultural attractions and picturesque setting along the Chesapeake Bay, there's a good chance Baltimore will charm you.

 A traditional D.C. adventure is filled with tours of classic attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. And there's no better way to experience iconic D.C. than with a stroll around the Tidal Basin in late March or early April, just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival where you'll be rewarded with a canopy of beautiful pink blooms. With a recent explosion of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and clubs, D.C. is transitioning into a thriving cultural hub. 

History drips from the Outer Banks: Here, aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright took their famous first flight (at Kill Devil Hills), the pirate Blackbeard fought his last battle (at Ocracoke) and the mysterious Lost Colony disappeared (exactly where is anyone's guess, but it was last seen on Roanoke Island near Manteo). Yet this chain of barrier islands located off the coast of North Carolina isn't just for history buffs. Fishing, windsurfing and wildlife watching attract adventurous types as well. The Outer Banks' roughly 3,000 shipwrecks, explorable by snorkeling or scuba diving, earned it a reputation as "the graveyard of the Atlantic." Families gravitate toward the beaches where wild Spanish Mustangs (horses) roam free and you can watch the dolphins frolicking just outside the break of the waves.  

 Last year, the Outer Banks was voted #2 in Best Family Beach Vacations in the US. 

The clean beaches are the main draw in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but there's more to this vacation hot spot than its 60 miles of brown sand. One of the most popular East Coast family vacation destinations, Myrtle Beach boasts amusement parks that offer everything from water slides to roller coasters to race tracks. While the shopaholics of the family spend time at the outlet malls, golfers of all skill levels can flock to one of the area's more than 100 courses, and then the whole family can enjoy pirate or medieval-inspired revues during dinner. When you're not on the beach, attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and the Broadway Grand Prix can entertain family members of all ages. In short, Myrtle Beach is the ideal destination for budget-minded families looking for a multitude of entertainment options on a budget.  

While visiting Hilton Head Island you should follow the leisurely pace of the residents.   

If you know anything about the island, you know that golfing, tennis and "spa-ing" are how it earned its moneyed reputation. But you could spend an entire vacation here without ever swinging a golf club or a tennis racket. The island is full of natural wonders, including the Coastal Discovery Museum and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, not to mention 12 miles of sandy beaches. So whether you came to get up close and personal with low country wildlife, perfect your backhand or simply relax on the sand, Hilton Head has something for you.

 Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemetaries, cobblestone alleys: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night and pass horse-drawn carriages, you just might think you've traveled back in time.  History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. History buffs can visit Fort Sumter to learn about the Civil War, Middleton Place to hear stories about the plantation owners and the enslaved Africans who worked for them, and Emanuel AME Church to see where Martin Luther King Jr. once delivered a historic speech.  

 Savannah, with its Spanish moss, Southern accents and creepy graveyards, is a lot like Charleston, South Carolina. But this city about 100 miles to the south has an eccentric streak. Savannah College of Art and Design students mix with ghost hunters and preservationists, while Southern restaurants share street blocks with edgy cafes and restored theaters. Sit on the bench underneath the Spanish moss trees that Tom Hanks sat on during the filming of Forest Gump and view the spectacular southern homes of the semi-elite.  

Savannah's role in American history seeps from nearly every corner – it's home to one of the oldest African American churches in North America and Fort Pulaski acted as a safe haven for enslaved people to escape to freedom.  Regardless of if you're in town to immerse yourself in history, or see the sights, sample the tasty Southern cuisine or spend a few nights bar-hopping, Savannah is definitely worth checking out. 

Fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine.  St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States, and a must-visit for history buffs and beachgoers alike.  Featuring well-preserved architecture, the city is a blend of both Spanish and Menorcan influences.   Catch a glimpse of the Castillo de San Marcos that sits adjacent to St. George Street, a pedestrian-only shopping district in the downtown area. Built by the Spanish to keep rival powers (and pirates) at bay, Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.

Merritt Island is well known for its windsurfing events, conservation areas, mangrove islands, and wildlife sanctuaries and is also the home of Kennedy Space Center.  NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a space adventure park where you can get an up-close view of the planets, tour a NASA spaceflight, and meet a veteran NASA space astronaut.  Now in 2023, there are more rocket launches than ever before, with NASA's Artemis Program endeavoring to take us back to the moon, and companies like SpaceX, Boeing, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin launching rockets on a monthly basis. If you time it right, you can be in Merritt Island when a rocket blasts off from the space center or from the adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  While in the area, explore the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a conservation park for endangered species, birds, and other wildlife, which provides a great educational tour. Black Point Wildlife Drive is a wildlife point with alligators, birds, wild boars, turtles, and many more.  

On your way to Orlando is a beautiful natural spring, crystal clear and full of wild Manatee.  A must see for anyone in the area.  Situated along St. John’s River, there’s quite a few treasures at Blue Spring State Park. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, and tubing are just a few of the water activities that can be done at Blue Spring State Park. What makes this state park so unique, though, is all the manatees in their natural habitat. Before the park was established in 1970, researchers found there was only a small number of the sea cows, less than 20. But after 2018 and careful protection efforts, there are now around 485 gentle sea creatures that call Blue Spring their home. Guests can also canoe or kayak, renting these at the park if they wish, or they can take a guided river boat cruise if walking 4.5 miles on Pine Island Trail seems a bit daunting. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day at Blue Spring State Park.

The city of Orlando, Florida, offers a range of dining, entertainment and lodging options to accommodate all styles, budgets and tastes.   Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, bird watcher, foodie, water sports fanatic, sun worshipper, arts patron, serious shopper or anything in between, the possibilities are endless.  While there is nothing quite like seeing the magic through a child’s eyes, even grown-ups can be kids again at one of Orlando’s many theme parks, Walt Disney World alone boasts four uniquely different parks, while thrill seekers and Harry Potter lovers alike will marvel at Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure.  And for those who are looking to escape the heat, cool off at one of the many water parks, such as Universal’s brand-new Volcano Bay. Orlando has something for everyone! 

 Miami is a melting pot of culture, celebrating its diversity through food, art, and entertainment. Though just one city, it represents destinations all over the world, a trait that travelers discover the moment they arrive.  The mix of languages may grab attention, but it’s the look of luxury that catches the eye. Alongside its relocated cultures is top-rated dining, accommodations, and spas that lure those with a taste for the finer things in life. All of this among beautiful beaches and expansive wildlife. Culture, endless amenities and entertainment, and easy access to nature combine to make up some of the best reasons to visit.  

  With dazzling historic architecture, vibrant night life, and “Floribbean” character, Key West is a cultural gem that’s closer to the Cuban capital of Havana than it is to Miami. Known as the “Natural Keys,” the Lower Keys boasts one of the most beautiful state parks in the country, Bahia Honda State Park.  The city of Marathon at the Keys’ midpoint, in turn, has earned accolades as the islands’ ultimate family-friendly destination, and all-ages activities abound. Homey, laid-back Islamorada is a “playground for adults” that boasts eco-tours, world-renowned boating and sport fishing, and date-night culinary destinations to suit every taste. Key Largo’s most spectacular draw is its proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a subaquatic wonderland that became the United States’ very first underwater preserve in 1960. Whether your idea of a perfect trip includes snorkeling along protected waterways, soaking in a dynamic arts and culture scene, or reveling in centuries of history, the Florida Keys is a beautiful and exciting place to explore.