America’s East Coast is full of mysteries, exciting gems and home to some of the most incredible views of America; beautifully encompassed by the swell of the North Atlantic. How do you narrow down the locations that are both full of culture and beauty? Here are five locations down the East Coast that you may not have thought to visit during your time in the USA. From lemon-infused lobster rolls in New York to casinos in Jacksonville and white water rafting in Maine; there is something for every traveler; the luxury traveler and adventurer. Let’s begin with five eclectic places to visit in 2020!
Portland, Maine
There is nowhere quite as picturesque as Maine. With sprawling coastlines, majestic coastline lighthouses, rocky terrain, and snowy winters, there are plenty of things to see across Maine. Portland is Maine’s largest city and one of the most bustling. It has the famous Old Port Waterfront, which features working fishing wharves. It’s idyllic for a stroll and nearby houses the famous Western Promenade and before you reach it, there are lots of converted warehouses that give you a truly traditional feel, now full of shops and places to grab a coffee. Down along the banks near the promenade, you are able to see the best of what the city had to offer in terms of views of the mountains beyond. Be sure to stop here for a drink and soak it all up.
It is at its peak tourist time through summer due to its relatively average summer temperature and low rainfall. It’s generally a cooler area, but you may find summer is filled with tourists. Still, there is plenty to keep you occupied if you’re in the area, you don’t have to stay central to Portland as there are optional trips you can take from the city which make for lovely family day trips! One of them is the Casco Bay Islands.
Portland has its own airport so travel back and forth is made much easier, it makes it a great travel stop along the east coast. The city of Portland offers plenty for the discerning diner. From luxury to more casual, you’ll find what you need. Some of the most famous casual spots to grab a plate of fine seafood includes Duckfat and Central Provisions, which are headed by James Beard Award-winning chefs and finalists. It seems to be the place for training chefs, with access to some of the most delicious food, a lot of it being seafood.
Philadelphia, PA
You may be aware of Philadelphia from the 1993 Tom Hanks movie, but Philadelphia really has a lot to offer for the city lover. It makes for an ideal city break with its majestic skyscrapers, but without the hustle of Manhattan, Philadelphia has everything easily located and the suburbs are on your doorstep. It is a versatile city, it has the vibe of New York, with a lot of the same personalities, it has a thriving financial and business district which makes it a popular choice for people in the business. The “City of Brotherly Love” is a city for the people, and it is a melting pot of a vast array of nationalities, so many people have settled in Philadelphia over the years. It’s relatively popular for its Italian bakeries and restaurants as well as the famous Irish bars and Irish potato candy! A true Philadelphian delicacy, which must be tasted whilst in the city.
It has a huge history of medicine. Some of the country’s best and most proclaimed doctors have studied there and there are many teaching hospitals. It has been known as a relatively underrated city for some time, tourism exists but it is not perhaps as boosted as it should be, you won’t find a huge descent of tourists there, which may go in your favor as a traveler. A place where sport blossoms, there are plenty of places where you will see the influence of baseball for example. As we previously mentioned, there was an influx of Italians who moved into the city and today it’s a great place to have a taste of Italy! Philadelphia’s Italian Quarter is one of the most authentic in the country and many of the restaurants and shops date the back the to early 1900s, they are really a taste of old Italy, it’s a certainty that you must try the authentic tomato pie and spices from the food shops. You won’t be disappointed if you’re a true foodie!
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is perhaps one of the finest that the east coast has to offer in terms of an all American town that provides American culture and southern hospitality with beautiful coastal scenery and of course, great food. It’s a family orientated place, lots of parks, outdoor activities and plenty of museums that will undoubtedly keep the children occupied. The best family restaurants in Myrtle Beach can be found here to ensure that you and the kids are dipping into some of the best dishes that Myrtle Beach has to offer. The area boasts lots of things to do with kids and prides itself on this! It has a true vacation feel, the kind of place to bring the whole family through summer.
In terms of location, it’s practicality geography wise is vital, there is good access to all surrounding areas. The beach is full of fun activities, games and arcades for the children; and the famous Ferris wheel which encapsulates the entire town including incredible views of the South Atlantic.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is a popular spot among younger travelers, as it boats so many clubs and bars. Its long beach is ideal for tourists, and families alike, but rather it has a more cosmopolitan feel and there is a three-mile boardwalk with stretches straight along the beach; it’s stunning and refreshing ocean walk which is ideal in summer. The bayside First Landing State Park is also the memorial to mark where the Jamestown colonists from England landed; meaning it’s also quite the melting pot of nationalities also! There is an aquarium, Marine Science Centre, where you can catch a glimpse of the Atlantic ocean life, sharks, rays and sea turtles, which is a fascinating day out for the children.