If you’re interested in seeing some of the most iconic and historic cities in the US, then travelling along the northern part of the East Coast is an opportunity not to be missed. I’ve had the pleasure to be able to explore these cities on numerous different occasions and putting them together into one epic trip is something I think is ideal for first-time visitors to the region.
Whether you’re looking forward to learning about Revolutionary War history in Boston, eating the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, taking in a Broadway show in New York or visiting some of the world’s best museums in Washington, DC, you can do it here.
The East Coast of the United States is such a unique and incredible place to visit, and this itinerary will help you plan the ultimate two weeks, getting the most out of it.
Table of Contents
Getting To & Around
While there is so much to see along the east coast from the Florida Keys to the far north of Maine, this itinerary concentrates on some of the largest cities in New England and the Mid-Atlantic – and, fortunately, there are major airports in each of these cities.
I’ve written this route from north to south; however, it can easily be reversed and you can begin in Washington, DC if that works out better for you.
If you’re beginning in Boston, it’s home to Logan Airport, which is located close to the city centre and has connections to most major US cities and countless cities internationally.
Philadelphia is also home to its own international airport, DC has 2 (Dulles and Reagan, however, it is also served by the Baltimore Airport) and New York has countless – including JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.
It makes the most sense to fly into and out of either Boston or DC to avoid having to backtrack on your trip.
When it comes to getting around, this part of the US is one of the few that is incredibly well-connected via public transit, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend renting a car. In fact, it can be more hassle than it’s worth as all four cities on this route are easily navigated on foot or public transportation.
I think the best way to get from city-to-city for this itinerary is via the train. The Amtrak train network between the major cities along the East Coast is efficient and comfortable – and if you book enough in advance, can be relatively affordable. You can check schedules here.
Even if you have a return flight to and from Boston, you can easily get from DC to the Massachusetts capital on the train in about 7-8 hours.
2-Week US East Coast Itinerary
I think two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get the most out of the most notable and historic cities along the East Coast of the USA.
This allows you to take in a lot of sites and sounds while not feeling particularly rushed. I would also suggest purchasing a city pass, such as the Boston City Pass, New York City Pass & Philadelphia City Pass, if you plan to visit a lot of attractions in these cities.
Days 1-3: Boston
Begin your trip in Boston, the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the northernmost stop on this itinerary. Spending three full days here is a great way to kick off your trip and it also is definitely enough to see the highlights of the city – and maybe even go on a day trip.
Spend your first day walking the Freedom Trail. This walking route in the centre of Boston covers some incredible historic sites and monuments and really makes Boston feel like an open-air museum. You can do it independently or join a walking tour.
Starting in Boston Common and ending at the USS Constitution, you can even grab the Charlestown Ferry back to the centre of Boston once you’re done and see the city from the harbour.
Also, make sure to stop at Quincy Market or, my preferred, Boston Public Market for some local eats.
On your second day, you can spend it exploring all of the sights and tastes of Boston’s Chinatown – the only one in New England. From there, you can explore downtown Boston with landmarks like the Trinity Church and the gorgeous Boston Public Library.
End your day by exploring & eating your way (there are plenty of food tours you can join) through the vibrant North End – the traditional Italian neighbourhood.
On your third day in Boston, you have a few options. You can stay within the city and take the time to explore some more neighbourhoods – such as Cambridge, where you can visit MIT & Harvard – or visit a few of its incredible museums – such as the John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
You can also go on a day trip – Lexington & Concord is a great option if you want to learn more about the Revolutionary War, take the ferry to Salem to learn about the famous witch trials or take the Cape Cod Fast Ferry to Provincetown which is a bit of a longer day trip, but I think is definitely doable during the summer months!
Where to Stay in Boston
Harborside Inn – Located only a stone’s throw from the harbour, this mid-range hotel has queen, king and double rooms to choose from. There’s also a restaurant, bar and parking on site.
Omni Boston Hotel – A hip, modern, 4-star hotel located in the centre of Boston, this place has spacious and chic rooms, a rooftop swimming pool & on-site bar.
HI Boston – A great option for budget visitors to the Massachusetts capital, this hostel offers male, female and all-gender dorms ranging in size, great common areas, laundry facilities and a central location.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Boston hotels!
Days 4-8: New York City
From Boston, you can hop on a train to New York’s Penn Station and be there in under 4 hours. And once you’re there, does the City that Never Sleeps really need an introduction?
As the largest city in the USA and a dynamic and exciting metropolis, there’s a reason that this itinerary has dedicated five days here – there is so much to see and do that you don’t want to feel rushed.
Spend your first day taking in all of the iconic NYC sites that you can find downtown, like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island & Battery Park. You can book a guided tour here.
Day 2 can be spent learning about the tragedy of 9/11 at Ground Zero before heading to Midtown and taking in the lights of Times Square – and maybe even seeing a Broadway show!
Start day 3 by admiring the view from the Empire State Building (buy tickets here). Visit Rockefeller Center, stroll through Bryant Park and enjoy the hectic energy at Grand Central Station.
Day 4 is all about New York’s museums, but first, start your day with a leisurely wander (or join a bike tour!) through Central Park before spending hours learning at the American Museum of Natural History (pre-book tickets here) and, of course, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Your final day in New York should be spent on a jaunt away from Manhattan – but not too far, don’t worry! Begin by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge before spending the day exploring a little bit of this eclectic borough, including its great food scene!
Where to Stay in NYC
Broadway Plaza Hotel – This plush hotel just minutes from the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park, I think its location is perfect for sightseeing and its comfortable rooms are perfect for a good night’s rest.
Archer Hotel – This swish hotel is perfect for those who want to be in the midst of the action of Midtown Manhattan. The rooms are large and comfy, there are 2 restaurants and a rooftop bar.
The Wallace Hotel – A 5-star hotel on the Upper West Side, this luxurious place has plenty of plush rooms, amenities like a fitness centre and valet parking and easy access to Central Park and the Lincoln Center.
American Dream Hostel – Located in the Flatiron District, this hostel is a great budget option offering several different dorms of varying sizes. There are also good common areas to socialise with others.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more New York hotels!
Days 9-11: Philadelphia
It’s a short jaunt from New York to one of my absolute favourite cities not just on the East Coast, but in the entire USA – Philadelphia. Not only is Philly packed with fascinating US history, this diverse city has a wonderful food scene, great walkability and a diverse culture.
3 days in Philly is plenty to get a great feel for the city – you can cover quite a lot of ground in that time period.
Spend your first day seeing some of the sites that you know Philly for – beautiful Independence Hall and, of course, the Liberty Bell! You can also get a bite to eat at bustling Reading Terminal Market before visiting the Museum of the American Revolution. If you want to learn more about the history, I suggest joining this historic walking tour.
On day 2, I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Jewish American History – which is also free to enter! This was a highlight of our visit to Philly and we were surprised by how long we ended up spending there – about 3 hours total!
If, for whatever reason, that doesn’t interest you, then I recommend checking out the African American Museum of Philadelphia instead.
Next, wander through the gorgeous neighbourhood of Society Hill, before taking the time to explore South Street and the Italian Market – this is a great place to try some Philly classics like a cheesesteak at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a tomato pie at Sarcone’s Bakery and, if it’s hot out, a water ice at John’s Water Ice.
And make sure not to miss the Philadelphia Magic Gardens – this art installation is absolutely fascinating and super photogenic!
Dedicate day 3 for enjoying some of the museums that Philadelphia has on offer. Choose one or two, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation or the Franklin Institute. End your day by unwinding in lovely Fairmount Park.
Where to stay in Philadelphia
Alexander Inn – A great mid-range option in Center City, this inn has several comfortable rooms available and breakfast on offer each morning.
The Notary Hotel – This plush hotel in the centre of Philadelphia is an excellent luxe option. There are countless rooms and suites on offer, 2 restaurants, valet parking, a fitness centre and more.
The Windsor Suites – Boasting a rooftop swimming pool, a fitness centre, gorgeous rooms and two restaurants, this hotel is an excellent luxury option in the heart of Philadelphia.
Apple Hostels – Located in the heart of Old City, this hostel has a range of clean dorms and great common areas. There is even a pool table and they offer a free beer to guests every night!
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Philadelphia hotels!
Days 12-14: Washington, DC
From Philadelphia, head south to your final destination of this itinerary – the nation’s capital of Washington, DC. This is a great place to learn and, thanks to the wonderful Smithsonian network of museums, you can fill your final 3 days with as many as possible – and most are free!
Your first day should be dedicated to seeing, of course, the White House, the Washington Monument and the sites on the National Mall. You can also use this time to see the deeply moving war memorials that are found in this area.
Day 2 is time for a tour a the US Capitol and, of course, a visit to the Natural History Museum – guided tours are available. For something a little bit more bookish, it’s also worth taking in the National Archives Museum on this day.
On your final day in DC and of your trip to the East Coast, visit a few more museums. The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum is a definite highlight and you can organise a guided tour.
However, make sure not to miss the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to learn about one of the most horrific and tragic events in history and prevent it from ever happening again.
This museum is a lot and incredibly sobering, but also know that – if you’re travelling with young children – it may not be appropriate to visit due to the graphic nature.
Where to Stay in DC
Phoenix Park Hotel – A well-located mid-range option in the US capital, this hotel has a handful of queen and king rooms to choose from, friendly owners and breakfast available.
Hotel Washington – An upscale hotel with sweeping views of the National Mall, there are not only an array of gorgeous rooms, but amenities like a bar, restaurants, spa and more.
Highroad Hostel Washington, DC – Offering both dorm and private rooms, this hostel is centrally located, has a great environment and is a good option for those travelling on a budget.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Washington, DC hotels!
Have More Time?
If you have more than 2 weeks to dedicate to your trip, you’re spoilt for choice because there is just so much to see.
For example, you could head north of Boston and explore coastal New England while en route to Maine.
Alternatively, you could head south from Washington, DC and into Virginia. If you’re travelling with children – or are simply a history buff – Colonial Williamsburg is an excellent place to tack onto your trip.
You can also just choose to dedicate more time to any of the cities listed in this itinerary!
Visiting the biggest cities in the East Coast of the USA is a trip of a lifetime – and one that’s super easy to do via public transportation!
Are you planning a trip to the East Coast? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
