They say the west coast is the best coast, but that’s simply not true, and you will see why with our list of the 16 best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit.
Growing up in North Carolina and now living in New York City, I am obviously a big fan of the east coast. Don’t get me wrong, the west coast is nice. However, I think the east coast has so much more to offer and so many places to see. This is especially true when it comes to history, as most of America’s oldest history has settings on the east coast. If you are looking to plan the ultimate east coast road trip (maybe you’ll start in Florida and go north until you can’t go north anymore) or looking for east coast trip ideas, we have you covered. From beach towns to quaint southern cities and the United States’ biggest metropolises, there really is something for everyone when it comes to east coast road trip destinations. Read about these historical places to visit on the east coast, we already covered, maybe some of the most important historical events that changed the world happened right there. It would be a pity not to visit them. However, if you are more in the mood for a romantic escape from the city, again, we can tell you where the best east cost weekend getaways for couples are. While I’ve seen just about everything south of Massachusetts, my bucket list includes a north east coast road trip to places like Maine and Rhode Island to visit their historical, small villages during the crisp, cool weather of fall.
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If you are planning a trip across the Eastern Seaboard, then you are going to enjoy this article thoroughly. But before we begin, please bear in mind that there is a way more than just 16 best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit, so we are going to miss a bunch of them. However, the ones that we will cover in our article are a must-see for anyone planning an Atlantic coast road trip. To come up with this list, as usual, we sought help from various online sources like US News, Trip Advisor and Vacation Express, specifically to help you come up with an east coast road trip itinerary. For ranking the list, we kept things simple, and went for Google ratings for the places we picked, since Google reviews are pretty in depth and to the point. People who have been there are the best sources for collecting feedback. When hundreds and thousands of people say that a place is awesome, then we see no point in not agreeing.
From places to visit on the east coast in the summer, to the winter or whenever else, you’ll find somewhere you’ll want to see with our list of 16 best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit.
16. Liberty Bell
Philadelphia, PA
Google rating: 4.4
Liberty Bell is one of the most iconic symbols of freedom in America, located in the Independence National Historical Park (which we will talk about further down the list). The bell is known for the crack that runs down its side, and this is also the reason behind its retirement. Many believe that the crack appeared after it was rung to commemorate Chief Justice John Marshall’s death in 1835. The definitive reason for the crack is still unknown.
12. Independence National Historical Park
Philadelphia, PA
Google rating: 4.5
Next on our list of best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit is the Independence National Historical Park that is home to some various historic places and sites associated with the American Revolution and the nation’s founding history. You cannot miss going there if you find yourself in Philadelphia. Along with the aforementioned Liberty Bell, you will have the opportunity to visit few other historic places of the United States where you can see so much in one go.
12. Old South Meeting House
Boston, Massachusetts
Google rating: 4.5
Old South Meeting House is a Congregational church that severed as the hub of free speech and a place for Puritans to meet in Boston. Back in 1729, it was the largest building in colonial Boston, and it is also the venue of the Boston Tea Party. As a visitor, you will be able to see the enactment of the famous Boston Tea Party and also be able to learn about the rich history of the place and surrounding areas.
12. Plimoth Plantation
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Google rating: 4.5
We are continuing our list of best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit with Plimouth Plantation that is a living museum established in 1947. If you are interested in learning about the settlement of the Plymouth Colony, then this is the place where you will be able to do so. The place is run exactly like the original Plymouth Colony was run way back in the 17th century. It is actually a piece of living, breathing history where time has stopped flowing forward. It really is an amazing experience for anyone interested in the history of the United States.
12. Ford’s Theatre
Washington, D.C.
Google rating: 4.5
The building was originally a place of worship, but during the 1860s it became a theater. However, a rather infamous incident makes the theater historically significant, as this is the place where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Not everything in history is glorious and chivalrous, and some historical events are dark and dreadful. But that does not mean we cannot learn anything from them. When you are visiting Washington D.C., you should definitely take the time to visit the theater and see the very site where Mr. Lincoln was assassinated.
6. Williamsburg Historic District
Williamsburg, Virginia
Google rating: 4.6
You can get to Williamsburg Historic District just by driving a couple of hours from Washington D.C. It is a living history museum like the Plimoth Plantation. If you are feeling like it, you can even dress up in colonial clothing and experience the rich history of the area in this place. The transition from a royal colony to the most successful republic in the world happened right here in Virginia’s Williamsburg.
6. Boston National Historical Park
Boston, Massachusetts
Google rating: 4.6
The Boston National Historical Park is nothing but an association of historic sites from Boston that showcases the significant role Boston played in America’s revolution. Anyone willing to learn about the revolutionary war and the events leading up to it should find this visit incredibly rewarding. You can see the place where the declaration of independence was read, and you can also visit the house of Paul Revere. It is a big place, so you will need more than a day to cover all the locations.
6. Mount Vernon
Alexandria, Virginia
Google rating: 4.6
I am sure you have already read about Mount Vernon, one of the best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit on our list, even if you have not yet been to the place. Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. Learn about his life as you tour the house and explore over 50 acres of land that encompasses the estate.
6. Statue of Liberty
New York City, New York
Google rating: 4.6
Well, to be honest, you will not be able to drive right up to the statue of liberty, but that is no reason for leaving such a historical monument out of the list right? This neoclassical sculpture will surely make you awe at its wonder and beauty. It is the enduring symbol of the American dream and also holds great historical significance. It’s a must-see site history buffs and tourists alike.
6. Fort Raleigh
Dare County, North Carolina
Google rating: 4.6
We are halfway through our list of 16 best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit, and here we have Fort Raleigh, the site of the first ever English settlement of Roanoke Colony which is in the territory of the present-day United States.
6. Bunker Hill Monument
Boston, Massachusetts
Google rating: 4.6
The Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major skirmishes between British and Patriot forces during the Revolutionary war, on June 17, 1775. This place will fill you with patriotism and national pride.
2. Savannah Historic District
Savannah, Georgia
Google rating: 4.7
Savannah Historic District is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the all of the United States. While you are there, you will be able to visit numerous historic sites of the revolutionary war and also the civil war, visit historic mansions and so on. This quaint, southern city has a lot to offer, including fantastic food, so you can’t go wrong with adding it to your list.
2. Monticello
Albemarle County, Virginia
Google rating: 4.7
If you are a fan of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America, then you must have to visit Monticello. It was Thomas Jefferson’s original plantation house which he built and designed himself. He started working on this project when he was only 26 years old, and even today, it is definitely a place worthy of being on our list.
2. Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
Google rating: 4.7
The Library of Congress was founded way back in the 1800 and has held the all the data regarding laws of the United States since the very beginning and also data of some 240 other global legal jurisdictions. When in D.C. not paying a visit to the Library of Congress would be a big mistake. That’s why we put it on our list of best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit, as a reminder. It’s also free to visit, so there’s really no excuse not to go.
2. Fort James Jackson
Chatham County, Georgia
Google rating: 4.7
If you want to visit the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia, you have to visit the Fort James Jackson. It is only two miles from the city of Savannah and located on the bank of the Savannah River. The fort has undergone restoration processes and is a very popular tourist attraction.
1. The Lincoln Memorial
Washington, D.C
Google rating: 4.8
The crowning jewel of our today’s list is Lincoln Memorial, a national monument built to honor the 16th president of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln. He is also perhaps the most famous president as well. His most significant contribution to the country was to lead the Union through the difficult years of the civil war and signing the Emancipation Proclamation. Any list of historic sites in America, would not be complete without this one, as there’s really nothing like this grand statue.
This wraps up our list of 16 best east coast historical road trip destinations to visit. Let us know if you have any places you would add!
