Things to Do on the East Coast of the United States

Travel Themes

• Interests (rated ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★.

Nature-Adventure

While the East Coast is first associated with its cities (New York, Philadelphia, Washington, etc.), this part of America also offers a beautiful hinterland with scenic landscapes of small mountains (the Appalachians), lakes, rivers, and forests perfect for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking (including the famous Appalachian Trail), canoeing, or even hunting. The states of New York and Pennsylvania are where nature and the outdoors are most prominent, particularly in the Adirondacks and the Catskill Mountains.

As for the seaside, lakes, and rivers, the region is also well-endowed, with the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland) on the Atlantic coast, as well as the Finger Lakes and the Thousand Islands further inland. Not to mention, of course, the must-see Niagara Falls on the U.S.-Canada border.

Culture

With Philadelphia, and especially New York and Washington, culture lovers will be delighted and discover some of the best the country has to offer in this field, particularly in museums and socio-cultural events. The region also boasts many historical landmarks, from the early days of the United States (Philadelphia and other sites) to the Civil War (Antietam, Gettysburg, etc.).

Relaxation-Holidays

While not the top relaxation-holiday destination in the country, the region still offers its share of beaches and resorts that attract crowds (mostly local) in season. Rehoboth Beach (Delaware), Ocean City (Maryland), Long Island (New York), and especially the coastline of Jersey Shore with its 200 km of beaches in New Jersey around Atlantic City are the most popular spots. In winter, the hinterland (Pennsylvania, New York) also provides great opportunities for ski holidays.

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

All states with an ocean coastline have beaches and seaside resorts that draw a large local crowd during the warmer months, particularly along the coasts of New Jersey (the "Jersey Shore"). On the other side, Lakes Erie and Ontario, bordering the states of New York and Pennsylvania, also offer several swimming spots and a chain of over a thousand small islands, the Thousand Islands, along the St. Lawrence River.

Water Activities

Sea fishing:

Diving:

Water sports:

Sailing:

Hiking

Hiking

As soon as you move away from the East Coast’s major cities, you’ll easily find plenty of spots perfect for hiking, especially in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. Whether for short walks or multi-day treks.

The Appalachian Trail (see official site) is one of the most famous hiking trails, with 3,500 km of paths across 14 eastern U.S. states. Starting in Georgia, it ends in Maine and is one of the eleven "National Scenic Trails" in the country, allowing hikers to explore protected areas with stunning scenery.

Two other National Scenic Trails are also found in the region: the "Potomac Heritage Trail" (see official site) with 1,150 km from Virginia to Washington, and especially one of the longest marked trails in the world, the "North Country Trail" (see official site), spanning 7,400 km between New York and North Dakota.

Other great hiking spots in the East Coast include the area around Deep Creek Lake (Maryland), the Delaware Water Gap (Delaware and Pennsylvania), the Adirondacks, the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes (New York state), and the Poconos, a region of hills and forests in Pennsylvania popular with hikers. In short, a wide range of options for all tastes and levels...

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Winter Sports

Outdoor Sports

Golf

Hunting and River Fishing

Whitewater Activities

Other Activities

Climbing:

Paragliding and Aerial Sports:

Caving:

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out