Holidays to New York & The East Coast
Home to the historic foundations of the Unites States, this fascinating region offers the perfect introduction to America for first-time visitors, whilst its endless experiences and the sheer diversity of places to explore make it a fantastic destination for returning travellers too.
Where to visit on America’s East Coast:
Although you may not expect it, America’s East Coast boasts a huge amount of diversity. Of course, there are the iconic cities of Washington D.C. and New York City, but as you venture further out into New York State or the Capital Region you’ll find picturesque natural scenery, opportunities for outdoor adventure and charming small towns steeped in history.
New York City
Earning its place as one of America’s most iconic destinations, ‘The Big Apple’ offers an enticing blend of history, culture and gastronomy, all framed by its iconic landmarks. Discover the Empire State Building, stroll through Central Park, cruise past the Statue of Liberty, marvel at the billboards of Times Square, and perhaps catch a Broadway Show.
Washington D.C.
The U.S. capital is home to the illustrious White House, poignant monuments, majestic government buildings and plenty of museums. The city is easily walkable, and you can spend hours just exploring on foot, taking in the ornate Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical architecture, popping in and out of the many free museums and unwinding in the city’s ample parks and green spaces.
The Capital Region
There are a number of notable towns around Washington D.C. that are overflowing with American history; delightful Williamsburg, historical Gettysburg and the city of Philadelphia, the final resting place of the Liberty Bell and the U.S. Constitution.
New York State
Beyond the ‘City That Never Sleeps’, Upstate New York has so much to offer. Discover two lush mountain ranges, the Adirondacks and Catskills, the scenic Hudson Valley, perfect for a river cruise, and of course, mighty Niagara Falls. The sophisticated seaside towns of the Hamptons also make a popular escape out of the city.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Starting at Rockfish Gap, Virginia, and travelling to Cherokee, North Carolina, this iconic road trip navigates stunning foliage, winding rivers and spectacular mountain views as you wind through the Great Smokey range. You can also expect some incredible sunrises and sunsets as you go.
What is the Best Time to Visit New York & The East Coast?
There really is no bad time to visit New York and the East Coast, but choosing your ideal month to visit depends what you’d like to do.
Spring (March to May) – Witness Washington D.C. dusted in pink as the cherry blossoms come out. As it’s starting to warm up, the temperatures are pleasant for walking around cities and cruising, but it’s best to bring lots of layers.
Summer (June to August) – Niagara Falls is at peak flow over the summer, all the attractions around it are running at full capacity and there is a packed schedule of festivals and events. Enjoy the parks and green spaces in the cities, and get out into nature in Upstate New York.
Autumn (September to November) – The fall foliage in New York State is captivating, and it’s a great time to pair a visit to New York with a New England road trip. America goes big on celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving, and you can enjoy all manner of pumpkin spiced treats and apple cider.
Winter (December to February) – Winter in New York City is absolutely magical: the famous Rockefeller Tree, ice skating in Central Park and dazzling Fifth Avenue window displays… Outside of New York City, you can find a real sense of tranquillity over the winter, as there are much fewer visitors.
How Long Do I Need to Explore New York & The East Coast?
You can enjoy a city break in Washington D.C., New York City or Philadelphia in just four or five days, but if you’d like to explore New York State, more of the Capital Region or city hop, we’d recommend at least a week or two.
Just get in touch with our America Experts to plan your perfect trip.
Plan your holiday
