East Coast Road Trips You Can Take From Philadelphia
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East coast road trips were always a quick way to get out of town when I was a kid. My parents couldn’t afford to fly our family of 4 on vacations often, so instead, they opted to drive.
With snacks packed and VHS movies ready to go, we would hit the open road in our high-top van.
Now that I’m an adult, road trips are still one of my favorite ways to travel. That is why I introduced road trips to Peter early in our relationship and we now make it a rule to go at least once a year.
But with limited PTO (paid time off) driving across the country isn’t an easy option for us. So we try to focus on east coast road trips. From the tip of Maine to the Everglades of Florida and more, there are options for everyone.
In this post, we are going to use Philadelphia as our home base for distance and time starting with the shortest distance.
Table of Contents
1-3 Hour East Coast Road Trip Ideas
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Approximately 2hrs 40mins
If you love horses, the beach, and just nature in general. Then Assateague Island National Seashore is a great place to head.
Camp out on the beach and wake up to wild ponies in camp. What more can you ask for?
Baltimore, Maryland
Approximately 1hr and 45mins
Baltimore is home to the National Aquarium where you can see marine life and interact with seals, penguins and more.
This isn’t the only attraction in the city of Baltimore as they also are home to many historical locations such as Fort McHenery or The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum.
Don’t forget to enjoy some crab legs for dinner!
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Approximately 2hrs 30mins
Gettysburg, the historical battle in the American Civil War. Today, you can explore the town and battlefields. We recommend utilizing the auto tour as you explore the battlefield.
Explore Devils Den, Little Round Top, and more as you learn about the tactics and decisions that lead to the battle of Gettysburg during your tour of the battlefields.
And if you are looking for a little spookier adventure, definitely hit up one of the many ghost tours that are hosted throughout the night in town.
Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Approximately 1hr 15mins to 2hrs 30mins
“Goin’ down the shore” is a statement that those of us from the Philadelphia area hear throughout the summer. It’s a go-to location for weekend trips where you can enjoy the sand, saltwater, and entertainment. Let’s not forget the taffy, fudge, and many other boardwalk foods.
Did you know there are over 40 beaches that make up the Jersey Shore?
The most famous ones include Seaside Heights from the MTV show Jersey Shore, Wildwood, Cape May, and Atlantic City.
Each beach provides visitors with a little something different. Atlantic City is known for the casinos and live events, Wildwood is famous for its boardwalk and Morey’s Pier.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Approximately 1hr 30mins
Amish Country, where you can find great handmade quilts, delicious pies, and a little slice of the country.
Lancaster, PA is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States. The Amish settled in the 1720s and 30s and now offer you glimpses into their humble lives.
Stop by The Amish Farm and House to learn about their way of living or hit up one of the local bakeries to try Shoofly Pie. Then head over to the outlet malls for an afternoon of shopping.
New York City, New York
Approximately 1hr 45mins
New York, New York!!!!
Hit up a Broadway show, explore many of the museums, or go on a shopping spree.
New York has so much to offer for a quick getaway or a week-long vacation.
Ocean City, Maryland
Approximately 2hrs 45mins
Boardwalks and night life, this makes Ocean City Maryland a great vacation location.
Catch some waves in the morning, enjoy a friendly game of mini-golf in the afternoon, and explore the games, shops, and amusements in the evening.
There is a little bit of everything in this location.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Approximately 1hr 45mins
If you love skiing, mountains, camping, & romance, then the Poconos are exactly what you are looking for.
There are 3 major ski resorts and numerous different indoor water parks along with miles of trails to choose from. Known for being a romantic getaway location, there really is a little bit of everything for everyone.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Approximately 2hrs 15mins
From a day trip to a week-long vacation, Rehoboth Beach is a great location to enjoy the sun.
After the beach, grab a drink at one of the many breweries or dinner with some friends before heading home.
3-5 Hour East Coast Road Trip Ideas
Boston, Massachusetts
Approximately 5hrs
Stand in the spot where the revolutionary war started or explore the ships of the Boston Harbor, then head to one of the neighborhoods for a great meal.
Boston offers you history, sports, and food all in one location.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Approximately 3hrs and 20mins
Home to the Chincoteague Pony and the famous pony crossing, this small island town is one of our favorite beach destinations.
Explore the many restaurants and downtown area after a day of lounging on the beach and catching some waves.
Chincoteague offers a slower pace to your vacation destinations.
Finger Lakes, New York
Approximately 5hrs
Wine tasting, great views, hiking trails, and great food… what more could you really ask for? The Finger Lakes, also known as the east coasts Napa Valley, is a great long weekend road trip opportunity when you just need to get out of town.
The best part, you can bring your dog into many of the tasting rooms.
Newport, Rhode Island
Approximately 4hrs and 20mins
Enjoy a Cliff walk and Ocean drive then hit up on of the many historical locations before heading out to dinner.
Newport offers you a great opportunity to explore classic coastal towns while getting a break from your regular day-to-day.
Richmond, Virginia
Approximately 4hrs
Richmond the capital of Virginia, is a great city with a little bit of everything for everyone. From historical sites, museums, and nature preserves for hiking and picnicking.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Approximately 5hrs
Virginia Beach is great for young and old, single or families because they do their best to ensure you have a good time. As one of the first cities in the United States to pay street performers.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Approximately 5hrs
Williamsburg a historical town in Virginia is a great place to learn about colonial living. From farming, soap making, revolutionary war, and more this town provide a living history experience unlike any other. And when you want a break from history, Busch Gardens is right around the corner!
5-8 Hour East Coast Road Trips
Concord, New Hampshire
Approximately 6hrs and 20mins
The capital of New Hampshire, Concord offers you great breweries and hiking trails.
Stop by one of the many breweries after a day of hiking or explore the small town shops to grab a unique souvenir.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Approximately 7hrs
Martha’s Vineyard, the place where The Obamas like to vacation. Is a great little island off the coast of Massachusetts. Frequented by beachgoers, this location is a great getaway for a beach road trip.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Approximately 5hrs
The city of bridges (445+ bridges) is located on the Southwestern side of Pennsylvania. Known for its steel production history, there are many museums and activities for all ages.
Portland, Maine
Approximately 6hrs and 30mins
Portland, Maine is a great fishing town. Explore the harbor or adventure off on a beach day, but don’t forget to grab a lobster roll!
Salam, Massachuttes
Approximately 5hrs 30mins
Salem is a great small town with an evil history. Great location for a fall getaway, Salem takes hold of its history and embraces it. Explore the small shops and witch-themed cafes.
8-12 Hour East Coast Road Trips
Bar Harbor, Maine
Approximately 9hrs and 30mins
Explore Maine’s Frenchmen Bay by staying in Bar Harbor. Get a lobster roll, go whale watching, or climb through some hiking trails. This city has a little bit of everything.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Approximately 8hrs and 20mins
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Take either a Cog Train or drive up to the observatory. Once you get to the top grab a bite to eat, visit the museum, or explore the observation area.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Approximately 9hrs
With over 60 miles of beaches, Myrtle Beach is a great southern location to get family fun and sun on your next vacation.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Approximately 8hrs and 30mins
Just east of Martha’s Vineyard, you can find Nantucket. A cute island that is referenced in many videos.
To get to this island you have to take a ferry or air, making for a unique experience added to your vacation.
Niagara Falls, New York
Approximately 6hrs and 30mins
Niagara Falls is cut between New York, USA, and Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada.
The United States side of the falls is where the four great lakes plunge over the falls. Here you can walk under the falls and take the voyage on Maid of the Mist into the waterfalls.
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