East-Coast Road Trip Getaways
Summer is the best time for road trips, skimming the coastline and soaking up some Americana. If you want to stay over in the sought after destinations, you’re going to want to make a plan. Our family would always take off for grandma’s house and take a different route each time. We would use the US as our real life summer school as we zigzagged across the country, learning and seeing new places.
Back then, it was much easier to pull over to stay somewhere at a roadside hotel or motel. Things aren’t quite what they used to be. The pandemic and other summer travel factors like crazy flights have people staying in the US to explore.
While you’re getting into the summer, stay closer to home and explore these road-trip itineraries focused on the east coast and mostly accessible from Philly:
New Hope & Lambertville
These two towns on either side of the Delaware River as well as the state lines of PA & New Jersey have a lot to offer. Lambertville is connected to New Hope, Pennsylvania, by the historic Lambertville-New Hope Bridge. Walk across the bridge and explore the charming town of New Hope, which offers more galleries, shops, and restaurants.
These two quaint towns and artist havens are full of galleries, cool Victorian-style homes, antique shops, and eclectic shopping, which are my favorite kind. Stay at a B&B or boutique inn for the full experience if you want to stay over!
Attend a Local Event: Lambertville hosts various events throughout the year, including art festivals, music concerts, and holiday celebrations. Check the town's calendar of events to see if there's anything happening during your visit.
The Shore: Cape May
This nice shore point has a lot to offer from picturesque beaches for fun in the sun to dining scene with a range of restaurants with fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, breweries, wineries, and farmer’s markets. You'll also find charming boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops along the streets of the town.
Some popular beach spots include Sunset Beach, Poverty Beach, and Higbee Beach. Something unique to NJ, be sure to check for any beach tags or fees required before heading to the beach. It may come with your rental, hotel, or homes so double-check. When you based in Cape May, you’re not far from Wildwood and other shore spots if you want to bounce around.
Just recently, we did a day trip to Cape May, stopping at Hawkhaven Winery, and Cape May Brewery. There’s plenty more to do when the sun is shining on Washington Street aka Main Street. If you making the drive from Philly, add Sweet Amalia’s on your itinerary to make a stop for their delicious oysters, fresh New Jersey tomatoes, and farm-fresh items.
Finger Lakes
Start with Seneca Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes and offers a wide range of activities. You can go boating, fishing, or even take a scenic cruise along the lake. There are also several wineries located along Seneca Lake's shores, making it a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts.
Explore Watkins Glen State Park: This breathtaking park is famous for its stunning gorge and waterfalls. The park offers several hiking trails that allow you to explore its natural beauty up close. Don't miss the popular Gorge Trail, which takes you past 19 waterfalls.
Head to Taughannock Falls State Park located on the shores of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock — one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beach where you can relax and enjoy the lake views.
Enjoy the wineries: The Finger Lakes region is known for its exceptional wineries. Take some time to explore the numerous vineyards and wineries in the area, such as the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Wagner Vineyards, or Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard. You can go wine tasting, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy the scenic vineyard landscapes.
Visit Ithaca: The city of Ithaca, located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, is a vibrant college town with a lively arts and culture scene. Explore the eclectic shops (especially antiques) and restaurants downtown, visit the Cornell University campus, or take a stroll through the beautiful Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Experience the Finger Lakes Wine Festival: If you visit during the summer, consider attending the Finger Lakes Wine Festival held at Watkins Glen International racetrack. It's a popular event featuring wine tastings, live music, and food vendors.
Explore other Finger Lakes: While Seneca and Cayuga are the largest lakes, there are several other beautiful Finger Lakes worth visiting, such as Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, and Skaneateles Lake. Each lake has its own charm and offers opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
On Cayuga, there are wine tours by boat. Um, yes please!
Cross Pennsylvania: From Philly to Pittsburgh
The stretch along the southern state border has some great spots, starting in Philly with a stop in Lancaster, known for its famous Amish culture and picturesque countryside with great markets, and take a ride on a traditional Amish buggy. There’s also a burgeoning dining scene and cute boutique properties if you want to stay overnight.
Hit Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg. If you're interested in history, visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol or the State Museum of Pennsylvania. The National Civil War Museum is also worth a visit for history buffs.
Just east of Harrisburg, you'll find the town of Hershey, famous for its chocolate. Make a stop at Hershey's Chocolate World to indulge in sweet treats or take a tour of Hershey's Chocolate Factory.
Head onwards southwest from Harrisburg to reach Gettysburg, a significant historical site from the American Civil War. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and Museum to learn about the battle and explore the hallowed grounds.
On your way, take a few nights to stay at Nemacolin Resort with an incredible amount of activities, dining, spa, golf, and accommodations on site. Then, less than 30 minutes away is the famous Fallingwater designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. It’s ideal to make this on your way to your next and final stop.
Finally, stop in Pittsburgh, known as the "Steel City," which offers a vibrant cultural scene, sports attractions, and beautiful riverfront views. Some popular sites to visit include the Andy Warhol Museum, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Mount Washington for panoramic city views, and the Strip District for unique shopping and dining experiences.
New England
Explore the charm and beauty of the New England states. There’s quite a lot to do, so plan a few days stopping in the top few places. *My own road trip report will be out after later in July.
A great place to start is Boston, the capital of Massachusetts. Explore historic sites like the Freedom Trail (history buffs will love Paul Revere’s house!), visit renowned museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the New England Aquarium, and enjoy the lively atmosphere in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and the North End. Plus the top colleges and campuses are great to explore.
Head southeast to Cape Cod with plenty of popular stops along the peninsula with waterfront access. Relax on the beautiful beaches, visit the quaint towns of Chatham and Provincetown, and take a scenic drive along Route 6A, known as the Old King's Highway. The boating culture is lovely so book yourself a boat ride or sailing activity. Ferry over to nearby Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket if you manage to score a rental or hotel to stay.
Continue your road trip by driving to Newport, Rhode Island. This coastal town is famous for its opulent mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, which were once summer residences of wealthy families. Explore the Cliff Walk, a scenic path along the shoreline, and enjoy the vibrant waterfront area.
Drive further east to Mystic, Connecticut. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, an interactive maritime museum that showcases the area's seafaring heritage. Explore the historic downtown area, indulge in delicious seafood, and consider a visit to the Mystic Aquarium.
Journey north to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, known for their stunning natural beauty. Hike in Franconia Notch State Park, ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Kancamagus Highway.
Make room for plenty of lobster rolls in Portland, Maine. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district, sample delicious seafood at the local restaurants, and consider visiting the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Wrap up your itinerary with driving to Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island. Explore the park's rugged coastline, hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for stunning views, and enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking.
Again with these places, you want to plan accommodations in advance if you can, and allow for flexibility to enjoy unexpected discoveries along the way.
Go South: Cities to Pair
Combine a few places like Ocean City, Maryland and Chincoteague Island & Assateague Island, which have wild horses, dunes, beaches and more.
Then head to the capital of the United States, D.C., which is rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks like The National Mall, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Gallery of Art. The great part about DC is many of the museums are free. Check ahead and the availability too for some amazing one that’s newer and hard to come by tickets National Museum of African American History and Culture.
If you want to get over to other neighborhoods, head to historic neighborhood of Georgetown which offers charming cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and a lively dining scene.
I enjoy a visit and spending time in Capitol Hill Neighborhood, since it’s filled with historic row houses, boutique shops, and restaurants.
Southern Cities
Embarking on a road trip through the southern cities of the United States can be an exciting adventure filled with diverse cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes — with tons of good southern fare.
Explore the vibrant city of Atlanta, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Georgia Aquarium.
Savannah, Georgia Drive southeast to Savannah, known for its beautiful historic district, charming squares, and moss-draped oak trees. Take a walk along River Street, visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and enjoy the city's southern hospitality.
Recently visited Charleston for the first time. It was colorful and a lovely city renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic charm. Visit the Battery, tour the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and savor delicious Lowcountry cuisine. Check out my guide here to get more details.
A solid beer city! Head to Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the Biltmore Estate, go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and wander through downtown Asheville's artsy and vibrant atmosphere.
Top road-trip tips would be:
Pick a good navigator: Look at gas prices and have your navigator look at this along the way to compare to keep prices down; playlist is also imperative for whoever holds the map and controls
Pack great road snacks and drinks that won’t make you have to stop a ton but keep you hydrated
Plan out a rough outline with accommodations booked in case it’s peak season summer days
Hotels to Consider:
Boston: The Newbury
Pittsburgh/Nearby: Nemacolin
Maine: White Barn Inn
Portland, RI: The Vanderbilt
Vermont: Twin Farms
New Hampshire: Ocean House
Connecticut: Mayflower Inn & Spa
DC: So many options here, based on your budget - ask me!
Asheville: Biltmore Estate
Charleston: Emeline
Consider days of the weeks you’re visiting attractions and dining options available; strongly consider reservations for the must-dos
Enjoy the ride!
