The East Coast of the United States is an excellent choice for family vacations that center on kid-friendly activities, outdoor attractions, and the natural beauty of mountains and coastlines because it is home to some of the most desirable family vacation destinations in the United States. The best holidays on the East Coast include something enjoyable for every member of the family, regardless of how close or how far they travel to get there.
The Best Trips for Families to Take Along the East Coast
The following are some of the best vacation sites along the East Coast that can be enjoyed at any time of year by people of all different interests, from history enthusiasts to baseball fans and everyone in between.
1. The Adirondack Mountains located in New York
The Adirondacks are an area of towering mountains, old-growth forest, and pristine lakes located just four hours from New York City or Boston, making it an ideal trip for families throughout all four seasons.
Fishing, swimming, riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities are at their peak during the summer months. During the winter months, the most popular outdoor activities are snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and ice skating on frozen lakes (or on the Olympic ice at Lake Placid). Because of the breathtaking display of red, amber, and orange leaves that light up the landscape in the fall, this season is a favorite among families. Meadows filled with wildflowers are adorned with stunning blossoms once spring arrives.
The region is dotted with quaint little communities like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Bolton Landing, all of which are located on or in close proximity to picturesque lakes. These resort communities exude an air of yesteryear because to the presence of restaurants on the water’s edge and quaint mom-and-pop stores at every turn. The Wild Center near Tupper Lake provides visitors with a meaningful connection to the Adirondacks through the use of multimedia exhibits, 31 acres of defined trails, and a network of treetop bridges known as the Wild Walk. This attraction is popular with both children and their parents.
Try out one of the “46ers,” which are the 46 highest peaks in the Adirondack range; locals strive to all of them, and shops like Imagination Station in Lake Placid sell wall hangings on which hikers can highlight their peaks. If trekking seems interesting to you, try out one of the “46ers.”
How to Spend Your Nights in the Adirondacks
The Saranac Waterfront Lodge, which is located on the picturesque Lake Saranac, is an excellent choice for families. This family-friendly hotel is located directly on the water and is ideally situated for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking (there are many easy to moderate trails nearby), biking (rentals are available on site), and various water sports, such as fishing, kayaking, and chartered boat rides (boats depart from the hotel’s private dock). After enjoying a meal either indoors or outdoors at the lodge’s on-site restaurant, The Boathouse, visitors can head outside with a s’mores pack to toast marshmallows over one of the numerous fire pits provided for their use.
The historic Sagamore Hotel on Lake George provides on-site activities throughout the year, like an ice bar and s’mores in the winter and ice cream hour and boat trips in the summer, for guests who are seeking for a little bit more excitement in their vacation.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Any family looking for vacations on the East Coast that have an urban vibe might consider going to Boston because it has plenty of open space, interactive museums, and historic sites to visit. The city is both compact and walkable, making it simple to navigate without the use of a vehicle. At the same time, it is located close enough to other areas of the region to serve as a jumping off point for trips to other New England vacation spots, beach villages, and fall foliage destinations.
At the Museum of Science, visitors can engage in a wide variety of hands-on activities, and the New England Aquarium is home to more than 800 different types of marine life. The Boston Children’s Museum is a great place for hands-on discovery and play, and it has a history of celebrating diversity with exhibits such as “Boston Black” and the new “You, Me, We,” both of which aim to encourage dialogue around race and identity. The museum also has a long history of celebrating diversity. A trip to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an engaging approach to gain a deeper understanding of this historic event, and the Freedom Trail is a route that may be walked that passes significant locations associated with the struggle for American freedom.
When the weather is warmer, visitors to the Boston Public Garden can enjoy the outdoors by going to see the “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture or taking a ride on the swan boat, which is the ducks’ favorite activity. Alternately, during the winter months you can enjoy ice skating at the Frog Pond on Boston Common.
Where to Stay in Boston and Its Suburbs
The luxurious Boston Harbor Hotel is always a hit with families since it offers breathtaking views of Boston Harbor as well as individualized treatment to its guests. The Verb Hotel, which caters to aficionados of rock ‘n’ roll and baseball, features genuine music memorabilia in each of its rooms and is conveniently located a short distance from Fenway Park.
3. The historic district of Williamsburg in Virginia
Take a break from the 21st century and take your family on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, the East Coast’s most popular tourist destination and home to the largest living history museum in the United States. Walk about on cobblestone lanes that are crowded with horse-drawn carriages as you are surrounded by well-preserved buildings from the 18th century that perfectly capture the mood of the era.
Children really like visiting the re-enactors who are dressed in period-appropriate garb and seeing them go about their daily activities and demonstrate historical trades and crafts such as bookbinding, blacksmithing, wig-making, open-hearth cooking, and more. Questions are encouraged. Historic taverns cater to families with a love of good food by offering dishes that are based on recipes from the Colonial era. Families should be sure to check out the Slavery and Remembrance guide, which was produced as a result of a partnership between The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and UNESCO’s Slave Route Project. This guide will help families gain a more in-depth understanding of the experiences of all Williamsburg residents.
Where to Stay in Colonial Williamsburg and Its Surrounding Areas
The Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg is not only a hit with children since it features a large indoor waterpark and themed rooms, but it is also regarded as one of the top Great Wolf Lodge locations in the United States.
4. The Pocono Mountains, located in Pennsylvania
The Poconos Mountain Region, which is located in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, gives the impression of being a remote East Coast vacation spot despite the fact that it is only a two-hour drive from both New York City and Philadelphia. The region is known for its abundant wildlife, including black bears and elk. These mountains, with their breathtaking scenery and vast array of opportunities for outdoor recreation, have proven time and again to be an effective remedy for the frenetic pace of life in the city. This region is home to a variety of beautiful landscapes, including pristine lakes, towering mountains, and quaint villages.
In summer, hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating are popular sports. You may go downhill skiing at Camelback, Shawnee, and Jack Frost in the winter, and there are also options to snowshoe and ice skate on frozen lakes during this season. Canoeing and kayaking on the Delaware River during the spring is possible due to the higher water levels.
Late in the year, when apple picking, pumpkin farms, and vivid foliage weave together to create a tapestry of color, there is no shortage of fall vacation ideas. There are also a number of indoor water parks available, such as Kalahari and Aquatopia, in the event that the weather does not cooperate.
Accommodation Options in the Poconos
Since 1958, the same family has owned and managed the quaint Woodloch Resort, which is now widely considered to be among the very best all-inclusive family resorts in the United States. Everyone in your family is sure to have a good time at the glistening lake, the swimming pools, the ice skating, the go-carts, and the bedtime-friendly evening entertainment. There are a ton of activities available for family members of all ages. The abundance of planned and unplanned activities, such as family games and nighttime entertainment, make Woodloch the perfect place to go on vacation with people of varying ages because it encourages interaction amongst everyone in the group.
5. Cooperstown in the state of New York
Although it is best known as the location of the Baseball Hall of Fame, the village of Cooperstown, which is situated on the shores of the beautiful Otsego Lake, is so much more than just a shrine to baseball, which is the national game of the United States.
The Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown provides visitors with a glimpse into rural life in the 19th century through the use of guides in period garb who demonstrate time-honored customs. Wander around the cottages and stop by one of the shops to see a newspaper being produced or horseshoes being fashioned. A trip on the museum’s Empire State Carousel, which is accessible from April through October and has 24 carved animals native to New York State, is the perfect way to cap off the experience. Another recommended destination is the Fenimore Art Museum. Please touch and family values are emphasized at this location, which was developed on the grounds of the historic estate owned by James Fenimore Cooper.
Accommodation Options in the Town of Cooperstown
At The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a family-friendly hotel steeped with history and charm, you may claim a rocking chair on the verandah and relax while taking in the view of the lake and the surrounding small-town scenery.
6. The District of Columbia
The nation’s capital is considered to be the most desirable destination for family vacations among all of the East Coast hotspots. There are some of the most well-known monuments and museums in the United States to be found in this city, and many of them, like the Smithsonian museums, do not charge admission fees. In addition, you won’t need a car in this wonderful city because you may use the low-cost and convenient DC Circulator for just $1 (or 50 cents for children and seniors) and travel from monument to museum to metro station. There is an abundance of free activities to choose from, including watching pandas play at the National Zoo and attending the Sunday Drum Circle at Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park in honor of the well-known activist). Both of these activities can be found in the District of Columbia.
Do not miss out on seeing the dazzling Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History, Dorothy’s ruby slippers at the National Museum of American History, or the life-size tipi at the National Museum of the American Indian. All three exhibits can be found at the National Museums of Natural History, American History, and the National Museum of the American Indian. Another essential stop should be made at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which houses a fascinating collection.
When you get the munchies, go on down to the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl for some hot dogs smothered in their own delicious homemade chili sauce. Grab extra napkins and enjoy. Families will enjoy the food options at Eastern Market, which is just a few Metro stops away from the National Mall. There are stalls there selling a wide variety of dishes, so everyone will be satisfied.
Locations of Overnight Lodging in Washington, D.C.
The Willard InterContinental Washington is a hotel that is steeped in history because it was the location where Abraham Lincoln lived for ten days prior to his inauguration and where Martin Luther King Jr. edited his “I Have a Dream” speech in the lobby. Both of these events took place before Lincoln was inaugurated. The Children’s Library emphasizes a variety of people and events that played a role in the hotel’s history as well as played a significant part in the history of the nation.
Consider staying at the luxurious Kimpton Hotel Monaco instead, which offers a similar experience at a price that is significantly lower. This old General Post Office is a destination in and of itself due to its stunning modern and historic design as well as its enormous rooms that are suitable for visitors from around the country (and 18th century mail). According to an article that was published about it in the Harper’s New Monthly Magazine in December 1859, “We doubt there is a building in the world more chaste and aesthetically flawless than the General Post Office.”
7. The Shenandoah Valley in the state of Virginia
The beautiful Shenandoah Valley is home to a plethora of activities suitable for the whole family. It is home to Shenandoah National Park, a natural wonderland that features miles of hiking trails, an abundance of animals, and breathtaking views along the 105-mile, two-lane Skyline Drive. This drive is widely regarded as one of the best ideas for a family vacation in the entire country.
Head down into one of the valley’s many caverns, which are packed with alien stalagmites, for some real fun below ground. Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia that has an elevator, which makes the descent much simpler for families who are also bringing travel strollers along. Dinosaur Land is a roadside attraction in White Post that features fifty enormous fiberglass dinosaur statues that children are encouraged to climb on. Visitors who are interested in dinosaurs will appreciate a stop here.
Locations of Overnight Lodging in the Shenandoah Valley
Massanutten Resort is a massive facility that features an indoor-outdoor waterpark, golf, skiing, dining, and a variety of other activities. The resort is located on more than 6,000 acres in the center of the Shenandoah Valley. The Shenandoah River Cabins are ideal for families and are located at the west entrance of the National Park. These cabins are well-appointed and have everything a family needs after a day spent exploring the great outdoors. If you are interested in planning your vacation around the National Park, you should consider staying there.
8. The beach of Clearwater in Florida
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to Hurricane Ian, travelers should double check their itineraries before heading to Clearwater Beach in Florida. When you visit Clearwater Beach, you’ll find that the sand is as fluffy as a cloud, and the water in the Gulf is the deepest shade of blue you’ll see on any East Coast trip. The traditional pier and the beachfront promenade dotted with palm trees both beckon visitors to take a leisurely stroll.
After spending some quality time at the beach, you should brush the sand off your feet and then check out the various activities that the neighborhood has to offer. Animals that have been rescued from harm or illness and brought to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for rehabilitation are treated there with the intention of returning them to their natural environment as soon as they are healthy enough to do so. Animals that are unable to be released into the wild are kept here for tourists to view and enjoy. The most famous previous resident of the aquarium was Winter, the tailless dolphin who became famous after appearing in the film adaptation of the classic book Dolphin Tale.
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Route is a multi-use paved urban trail that connects parks, seaside landscapes, and residential areas. It is a great destination for families that enjoy being active. The 37-mile trail goes from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and passes through Clearwater in the middle of its journey. Bikers, skateboarders, joggers, and walkers of all ages are some of the people who frequent the area.
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach and Its Surrounding Areas
The Sandpearl Resort is recognized as one of the finest beach resorts in Florida and is located directly on the sea. The resort’s rooms and suites make the most of their waterfront setting by providing expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay, and the coast. The interior design is in harmony with the surrounding natural world, so you can anticipate calming earth tones. The lovely swimming pool, which is designed in the manner of a lagoon, is the perfect place for a dip with the family.
9. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is a city that caters to everyone’s needs thanks to its charming pedestrian-only cobblestone shopping district, its atmosphere of a university town, and its lake and mountain sports. Burlington is an East Coast holiday destination that should be considered for a visit at any time of the year due to its abundance of New England character and spectacular natural beauty.
Your family members who have an interest in transportation will not want to miss seeing the Steamship Ticonderoga, which can be seen at the Shelburne Museum, which is located just south of the city. This walking beam side-wheel passenger steamboat, which is now a National Historic Landmark, is the only one left in operation. While you are safely on land to observe the ship, make your way back to the city center to the Church Street Marketplace. Here, customers can buy in a lovely New England setting without having to worry about being near moving vehicles. Naturally, you should treat yourselves to a trip to the very first Ben & Jerry’s, and ice cream aficionados with a real sweet tooth should make reservations for the Factory Tour, which is located around half an hour’s drive from Burlington.
Visitors can hit the slopes at any number of nearby ski resorts including Smugglers’ Notch and Mad River Glen, take a boat out on the water, or bike along the former rail trail that is now the Burlington Greenway along the water in Burlington. These are just some of the many reasons people travel to Burlington to participate in the many different types of outdoor activities.
Accommodation Options in the City of Burlington
The Made INN Vermont lives up to the B&B reputation that New England has earned, making it an ideal destination for families. The guests at this hotel, which welcomes those traveling with their canine companions and features artistic and whimsical decor, won’t be let down by the welcoming hosts or the delectable meals. You won’t need to worry about starting your day late because breakfast is included, and when you get back, you’ll be greeted with friendly hospitality.
10. Savannah, Georgia
This city on the East Coast is sometimes ignored in favor of its beach-y peers, but Savannah will not disappoint families with all that it has to offer because of the variety of activities and attractions it provides. Savannah exudes a quintessential sense of southern ambiance, thanks in large part to the Gothic Revival St. John the Baptist Church and the other examples of antebellum architecture seen throughout the city.
Historic rail carriages are on display at the Georgia State Railroad Museum, which is located in the roundhouse that formerly housed the Central of Georgia Railway. Rail fans shouldn’t miss out on this opportunity. Both the Tybee Island Marine Science Center and the Savannah Children’s Museum offer a variety of hands-on activities that will keep children of all ages involved in both learning and play. The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters offer a well-rounded and informative display of Savannah’s history, which the whole family may enjoy to gain a better understanding of the city and its tangled past. Appreciate the magnificent architecture while hearing from advisors who are extremely knowledgeable about the differences in the experiences of the city’s most powerless and most influential residents.
Locations of Overnight Lodging in Savannah
How can you choose amongst all of Savannah’s hotels that welcome families when there are so many of them? A tranquil setting just outside of the park is yours to enjoy when you stay at The Mansion at Forsyth Park. The Mansion at Forsyth Park, which is located within easy walking distance of all the action, provides amenities such as a pool and bicycles for the enjoyment of families.