last edited Aug 14, 2020
East Coast States of the United States
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Location Map of East Coast of the United States
East Coast of the United States
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Delaware
The second smallest state in the Union is better known for being the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787—or, incidentally, as a tax haven—than as a tourist destination. Yet it boasts lovely beaches, some of which are well-regarded, like Bethany Beach or Rehoboth Beach.
Maryland
Though not very large or widely known beyond its borders, Maryland remains a pleasant and diverse state, with landscapes ranging from sea to countryside. It also preserves many traces of its past. Visitors will enjoy Ocean City for its beaches and lively atmosphere, Chesapeake Bay or the Deep Creek Lake region for nature and activities, as well as the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis for their historic and tourist districts. The Antietam National Battlefield is also worth a visit for its Civil War history.
New Jersey
This state, the most densely populated in the country—with its northern part serving as a vast suburb of New York and its southwest as an extension of Philadelphia—has long been a favored seaside destination. Its Atlantic coast, with its beautiful beaches, particularly the 200 kilometers known as the Jersey Shore, is a major regional tourism hub, complete with the "Las Vegas of the East": Atlantic City, famous for its casinos and vibrant nightlife.
New York (state)
While everyone knows and visits the city of New York, the state of the same name is not limited to the "Big Apple." Beyond its urban areas, the territory offers a mix of beaches (especially on Long Island), rugged coastlines, islands (like the Thousand Islands), lakes (the Finger Lakes), forests, and mountains. In short, a "natural" state where, winter or summer, you can enjoy a variety of activities in the Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains, or the Hudson Valley. It’s also in New York State, near the Canadian border, that you’ll find the famous Niagara Falls.
Pennsylvania
Though the state is home to two major U.S. cities—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—it remains largely rural, mountainous, and forested, especially in its western half. Visitors come for both the historical and cultural heritage of its cities (starting with Philadelphia and its Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776) and the nature and outdoor activities. Pennsylvania is also Amish and Mennonite country, particularly in the Lancaster County, where tourism has developed around this community.
Washington DC
With its countless museums, memorials, and grand monuments like the Capitol or the Lincoln Memorial, the capital of the United States is a must-visit on any East Coast trip.