The Best USA East Coast Road Trip

Who doesn't love a long hall road trip full of exploring new places? Over the summer I drove from my home town just north of Boston all the way down to Miami. While the driving gets tiring, this east coast road trip was so fun and exciting. Each day you will get to see a new city or state. This USA East Coast Road Trip has all of the best stops from Massachusetts to Florida.

This post is all about your USA east coast road trip

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Your East Coast Road Trip Map

I know it looks like a lot! I did this road trip in 5 days and I had enough time to see almost everything on my list! If you are looking for a shorter itinerary keep reading as I will include my 3 day itinerary as well.

When To Do Your East Coast Road Trip

Do this road trip in the fall! In the northeast you will be able to see the beautiful fall foliage. In the southern states it won't be as hot. The summers in the south are super hot so try to avoid the summers. You could do this road trip in the winter, but from New York north is super cold.

About the USA

If you are visiting the USA from a different country here is what you need to know!

Safety - The USA is huge so it really depends on which part of the country you are in. The east coast is fairly safe. In big cities like New York, Boston, and Miami just take normal precautions like keeping your belongings close and use common sense. (especially in New York)

Solo Travel - The USA is not very good for solo travel. There are not many hostels so it will be difficult to meet people. I would recommend doing this usa road trip with a travel buddy.

My 5 Day USA East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Day One (Boston, MA - NYC)

Boston, MA

If you are flying from Europe, flights to Boston are usually fairly inexpensive. If you have a long flight or have never seen Boston you should add a day to your trip and explore Boston, MA.

☘️Read Next - A Locals Guide To Boston, Massachusetts

Mystic, Ct

Have you ever seen Mystic Pizza? If you haven't, watch it on your way to Mystic, CT! Mystic Pizza was filmed at a pizza joint called Mystic Pizza in Mystic, CT. Mystic is also located on the water and has a cute downtown area. Mystic makes for a great lunch stop and as a place to stretch your legs!

☁️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Mystic

New York, NY

Spend the night in New York, New York! There is so much to do in New York. But on a road trip you won't have much time.

🚕Read Next - A Complete Guide To New York City

What To Do In New York

There are so many amazing things to do in NYC. Since you will only be there for a night, my go to activity in NYC is seeing the Empire State Building. Make sure to go to the top because of the amazing 360 views of the city.

Where To Dine in new york

The Butchers Daughter is my favorite place to eat while in NYC! Try the veggie burger it is insanely good. There are so many amazing restaurants/eateries in NYC - for more recs check out our NYC travel guide.

Where to stay in New York

🛎️Merrion Row Hotel - $ (dog friendly) The Merrion Row Hotel is a great option if you are on a budget and are traveling with your dog. At the Merrion Row Hotel you will find comfortable rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and more.

🛎️The Muse - $$ Located in the heart of Manhattan you will find The Muse. The middle priced hotel offers laundry, a gym, spacious rooms, and more.

🛎️Park Terrence - $$$ (dog friendly) The Park Terrance Hotel is a dog friendly hotel that offers a fitness center, restaurant, bar, and more located in the heart of Manhattan.

🛎️The Ritz Carlton -$$$$ If you are looking for luxury than the Ritz Carlton is for you. Located next to Central Park, you will find everything you need at the Ritz.

Day Two (NYC - Richmond, VA)

Washington D.C.

Next stop is Washington D.C.! We stopped in Washington for 3 hours and loved it. It is the perfect stop because once you reach Washington D.C. you will want to stretch your legs. If you are doing this east coast road trip with kids they will love this stop, and its educational.

Washington D.C. was a great place to stop for lunch! We went to Tatte and loved it. (get the Tatte Latte)

🇺🇲Read Next - A Complete Guide To Washington, DC

Richmond, va

Spend the night in the adorable city, Richmond! Richmond is lined with cobblestone streets and lovely shops. We started to notice the southern hospitality when we were in Richmond.

⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To Richmond, VA

what to do in richmond

Check out James Park River, Canal Walk, and Church Hill while in Richmond. I loved this walking tour because it made planning so much less stressful, and I left Richmond knowing that I had seen almost everything.

Where to stay in richmond

🛎️Richmond Marriott -$$$ The Richmond Marriott is a comfortable and spacious hotel that offers everything you need for a lovely stay in Richmond.

🛎️Graduate - $$ (dog friendly) Graduate is a unique hotel that offers comfortable accommodation and is dog friendly. I stayed here and thought it was great!

🛎️Linden Row Inn - $ (dog friendly) The Linden Row Inn is an adorable boutique hotel that is perfect if you are on a budget and traveling with a dog.

For more hotel inspo check out our guide to the 10 coolest hotels in Richmond, VA.

Day Three (Richmond, VA - Charleston, SC)

On day three we did a ton of driving! I am not going to write too much about Raleigh and Wilmington because we just stopped to get food here and then left. If you do want to spend more time in Raleigh you could checkout downtown. If you want to spend more time in Wilmington you could try the famous Sweet and Savory Cafe in downtown!

Charleston, SC

Charleston was one of my favorite stops on this east coast USA road trip. I have been to Charleston a few times and let me tell you, it never gets old! Spend the night in Charleston.

🐟Read Next - A Complete Guide To Charleston, SC

What to do in charleston

There is so much to do in Charleston! Be sure you don't miss Rainbow Row, Pineapple Fountain, City Market, and King Street.

Charleston has so much good food! Here are some of my favorites include Millers All Day, Butcher & Bee, Second State Coffee, and Magnolias.

where to stay in charleston

🛎️Francis Marion Hotel - $ Located in the downtown area you will find the affordable Francis Marion Hotel. The Francis Marion Hotel provides a restaurant, spa, gym, bar, and more.

🛎️Hilton Club Liberty Place - $$ I stayed at The Hilton Club Liberty Place. It was affordable, in a great location, dog friendly, and comfortable.

🛎️The Pinch - $$$ The Pinch is an adorable boutique hotel in the downtown area. You will find two restaurants, a gym, bar, spa, and more at The Pinch Hotel.

🛎️Planters Inn - $$$$ The Planters Inn is a cute boutique hotel located in downtown Charleston. At The Planters Inn you will find two restaurants, spacious room, a gym, bar, spa, and more!

For more on Charleston hotels checkout our guide to the Top Charleston Hotels Perfect for a Cozy Fall Getaway.

Day Four (Charleston, SC - St. Augustine, FL)

savannah, Ga

savannah - best stop on the east coast usa road trip

You must stop in Savannah, Georgia on your USA east coast road trip! Savannah has the most amazing parks, history, shopping, and culture. Savannah is only an hour south of Charleston.

🌳Read Next - A Complete Guide To Savannah, GA

What to do in Savannah

While in Savannah I loved seeing the old Savannah mansions (The Andrew Low House is my favorite), Forsyth Park (look for the water fountain), and The Victorian District.

Some of my favorite restaurants and cafes in Savannah include Foxy Loxy, Chive Sea Bar, The Olde pink House, and Common Thread.

St. Augustine, FL

I went to St. Augustine for the first time on this road trip and it does not disappoint! St. Augustine if perfect for kids and for beachgoers! St. Augustine is such a unique + historic city.

☁️Read Next - A Complete Guide To St. Augustine, FL

What to do in St. Augustine

Here is what you cannot miss in St. Augustine...St. George Street, San Marcos National Monument, and The Beach.

In terms of food I loved Maple Street Biscuits, Harry's Seafood, Prohibition Kitchen, and Gas Full Service.

where to stay in st.augustine

Guy Harvey - $ Guy Harvey is a lovely beachside hotel that is a perfect place to relax after a long day of driving. At The Guy Harvey Resort you will find a pool, beach access, a bar, a gym, and more.

Embassy Suites $$$ - The Embassy Suites is probably the nicest hotel you will find in St. Augustine. Located on the beach you will find a swimming pool, gym, bar, and beach access at the Embassy Suites.

Day Five (St. Augustine, FL - Miami, FL)

Miami, FL

The final destination on my USA east coast road trip is Miami, FL. Miami has something for everyone. Weather you are a fellow foodie or love a night out on the town Miami a must visit city in the USA!

🏖️Read Next - A Complete Guide To Miami, FL

What to do in miami

These are my favorite things to do in Miami include explore cuban culture in Little Havana, going for a swim at South Beach, visiting Key Biscayne, doing a day trip to the Everglades National Park, and seeing the amazing art at Wynwood.

Miami is home to some of the best food in the world! These are some of my favorites...Threefold Cafe, Shorty's, and the Rusty Pelican.

Where To Stay In Miami

🛎️Thesis - $$ Located right next to the University of Miami you will find the lovely Thesis Hotel. I always stay here when visiting friends at U Miami and I love it!

🛎️Arlo Wynwood - $$$ Wynwood is one of the best area in Miami. The cool art seen, restaurants, and more make this area so exciting. The Arlo in Wynnwood is a bright hotel that offers everything you need for the perfect stay in Miami.

3 Day east coast road trip Itinerary

Day One: Leave from Boston and spend the night in Washington D.C.

Day Two: Leave Washington D.C. and spend the night in Charleston

Day Three: Leave Charleston and arrive in Miami