12 Most Beautiful Places To Visit on the East Coast To Add to Your Bucket List
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Do you want to experience gorgeous mountains, tropical beaches, and cities rich in history? The most beautiful places to visit on the East Coast have more to offer than you can imagine.
The East Coast of the US stretches from the tropical swamps of southern Florida to the cold forests of Maine. Historical places, stunning beaches, and some of the world’s greatest cities are along its shores.
Like every travel destination, some places are more awe-inspiring and travel-worthy than others. Below are the 12 most beautiful places to visit on the East Coast.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is a breathtaking destination and one of the most beautiful places in the US. Thick forests cover rocky peaks and dramatic coastlines. Lakes, rivers, creeks, and waterfalls add to the dramatic scenery.
No matter which season you visit, you’ll be amazed at the awe-inspiring scenery. Hit the road to explore the park’s hiking trails and historical monuments. Then, stop at beautiful landmarks such as Pirate’s Cove Farm and Bass Harbor Head Light Station.
After your drive, consider hiking to attractions such as Bubble Rock, where you can catch unbelievable views of the islands and lakes. If you come for a fall getaway, you’ll catch one of the most stunning views in North America.
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Miami, Florida
Miami is a city full of nightlife, cultural highlights, and beautiful places. Its beaches alone earn it a top spot on the most beautiful places on the East Coast list.
From Miami Beach’s Art Deco buildings to Little Havana’s rainbow facades, Miami’s architecture is like a burst of color. Besides the grand architecture, you’ll see manicured parks full of intensely colored tropical plants and homes surrounded by lush gardens and fountains.
For a taste of something truly wonderful, try catching a sunset cruise. When you look back, you’ll see the city’s towering skyline glistening in the evening sun.
Just outside the city is Biscayne National Park. Here, the beauty continues below the surface. From colorful coral reefs to amazing wildlife like manatees and sea turtles, you won’t be able to take your eyes away.
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Portland, Maine
Portland has one of the most beautiful landscapes of any US city. Between the acres of forested islands off its coast and its historic architecture and lighthouses, you’ll find plenty of alluring places in Maine’s coastal city.
One of the city’s most photographed sights is the Portland Head Light, an 18th-century lighthouse surrounded by a dramatic coastline. Many visitors come here for sunrise and sunset to capture the structure at its most photogenic.
One of the most beautiful seasons to visit Portland, Maine, is fall. When the foliage changes colors, the city is bathed in bright reds, yellows, and oranges.
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Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a southern city with endless beauty. From its historical architecture to its amazing green spaces, you’ll have plenty to admire.
No matter what season you visit, Charleston looks like a painting. You’ll stroll through centuries-old cobblestone streets with Spanish moss-covered oaks providing shade.
Downtown features striking architecture, such as Rainbow Row’s colorful 18th-century homes. You’ll pass stately 18th-century mansions, Revolutionary War-period buildings, and beautiful parks and gardens scattered throughout the city.
Besides the center of town, Charleston’s surrounding countryside has some of the most charming scenery in the US. You’ll see coastal communities, small villages, and natural areas full of unique wildlife.
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St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has everything you’d want in a beautiful East Coast destination. You can enjoy beaches with crystal-clear warm water, palm tree-lined streets, and historical architecture in this one-of-a-kind destination.
Start your day by taking a horse-drawn carriage through the historic city center. Then, make your way to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, one of the oldest buildings in the US.
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Just a short drive from downtown is Anastasia State Park, a green space full of wildlife, beaches, and creeks. After taking in the natural settings, head back downtown to enjoy the colorful architecture, restaurants, and shops of the historic St George St.
Read also: Awesome US Islands for Beach Holiday
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a series of windswept islands off the coast of North Carolina. You can drive along Highway 12 and see historic places, dunes, and a romantic coastline stretching for miles.
Start your day on the beach to catch the Outer Banks’ famous sunrises. Visit destinations such as Kitty Hawk to see the birthplace of aviation. Then, head to Avalon Beach to walk along the peaceful shoreline and see historic homes and parks.
Visit the protected wildlife refuges along the banks. You’ll see striking wildlife including birds, mammals, and romantic wildflowers. If you can, rent a boat or kayak and explore the incredible landscape. Be aware that this region is so beautiful, you may not want to come home.
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Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth has all the iconic New England charm you would want in an East Coast vacation. Imagine looking out over the historic harbor and watching fishing boats unload their catches while the New England sunset hits the water in front of you.
Downtown Portsmouth has a mixture of historic architecture and a maritime vibe. Visit destinations such as the Sheafe Warehouse and the Strawbery Banke Museum. Drive through the city, and you’ll find other historical sites and beautiful parks.
If you visit in the fall, you can catch Portsmouth covered in brightly colored foliage. Take a drive through the coastal countryside and catch vivid displays of color reflecting over the tranquil water. As romantic destinations go, it’s hard to beat Portsmouth.
Read also: Charming Coastal Cities To Visit in the US
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s historical sights, beautiful parks, and photogenic cityscapes make it one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast. You’ll feel like you entered the past as soon as you arrive.
You can walk down East River Street and admire the charming 19th-century architecture in the Savannah Historic District. Then, you can rest in one of its forested parks and watch the sunlight illuminate the Spanish moss covering the trees.
Just a short drive from downtown are historic islands with some of the best sunrises in the country. You’ll watch magnificent wildlife including colorful birds rest in marshes near shore. Savannah is a must for anyone looking for a mix of history, beauty, and relaxation.
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Providence, Rhode Island
Providence has an abundance of historical homes, beautiful parks, dramatic landscapes, and offshore islands. As soon as you arrive, you’ll know it’s one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Start your journey downtown and visit the historic Market Square. Stroll through the stately architecture of Benefit St and the 18th-century buildings of Brown University.
After getting your fill of downtown’s beautiful architecture, drive south through the countryside. You’ll travel across islands with rolling hills and farms and see historic towns such as Bristol.
Then, hop on a ferry to Block Island, where you can admire clay cliffs, historic lighthouses, and quiet spaces perfect for reflecting on the beauty of life. With such a huge concentration of beautiful places, you might not want to leave.
Read also: Spectacular Hidden Treasures in the U.S.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., may be the nation’s capital, but it’s a magnetic city full of stunning architecture and natural beauty. Bring your camera, because you’ll want to capture the entire city.
Start your trip by checking out monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Then, visit the US Capitol Building, the White House, and other historic landmarks.
If you come during the spring, head to the National Mall to see the city’s cherry blossoms. These post-card-worthy trees were gifts from Japan and are one of the most famous attractions on the East Coast.
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New York City, New York
New York City may have a reputation for noisy cabs and scenes straight out of 1970s crime movies. But the truth is, the Big Apple is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The New York skyline soars above the Hudson and East Rivers and captures sunlight like a prism. Art Deco and modern skyscrapers glisten in the sun and turn magnificent colors at night. From the iconic Grand Central Terminal to the One World Trade Center, New York has some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, and you can easily explore it on foot.
Besides its skyline and architecture are its parks. There is nothing more photogenic than Central Park in the fall. When its colorful foliage and Manhatten’s skyline converge in the same scene, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Read also: Weekend Getaways on the East Coast
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is an exciting destination full of East Coast charm and striking natural scenery. The island’s rolling hills are covered in romantic vineyards and forests. You’ll also see historic homes and farms that resemble paintings.
The best way to see the island is by car. Drive through the countryside and explore the hidden beaches and historical monuments, such as the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse.
When you’re done driving, head to a harbor restaurant in Tisbury to take in the evening harbor scenes along the boardwalk. Or, drive to South Beach to take in some of the most dramatic sunsets in the US.
Read also: Best Beach Destinations in the US
