If you’re thinking about your adventures for next year, then the East Coast of the USA could well be something to consider. With it just a short hop over the border from Ottawa, there are a wealth of different cities to discover, from the bright lights of the Big Apple, to the more intriguing towns, gorgeous national parks and historic cities.
But where should be on your hitlist for the next year? We run down the five must-visit cities on the East Coast of the USA that you should consider over the next 12 months…
Of course, we were always going to start with New York City. It’s the city that never sleeps, the land of opportunity, and all that yada yada. But it is also a place like no other. From the huge skyscrapers, to the unique humour, diverse neighbourhoods and world-famous attractions, there’s so much to do. In fact, you could live there for a year, two, even three and still not have finished exploring it.
It has everything you could possibly want and is most certainly a place you simply must visit if you’re contemplating a trip to the East Coast.
Just a two hour drive down the East Coast from New York is Atlantic City in New Jersey. It’s really resurrected itself over the last few years as the state has legalised online casino games. The revenue generated from that is transforming the AC back to what it once was, a gambling hotspot with absolutely tons to do.
Whether you’re a lover of the likes of roulette or not, though, it should still be a place to consider, with some great activities from fairgrounds to museums, and fantastic musical acts and shows on each day.
It’s probably not a place you’re going to stay for any more than a few days at, but then with New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC virtually on the doorstep, there’s plenty of other city options for you, not to mention the beautiful New Jersey landscape.
Right to the south of the East Coast is Miami, a gloriously sunny city that is truly stunning. A hugely popular city with tourists, the Florida city is famed for its art deco buildings, gorgeous surrounding beaches and its lively culture. The South Beach is the place to visit to get all that rolled into one, while you’ll also find plenty to explore in the likes of Little Havana and Downtown, which is lined with fantastic shops and world-class restaurants.
Shenandoah National Park
For those looking for something more natural rather than a big city break, Virginia can certainly help you out. Right along the East Coast there are some beautiful, completely untouched parts of the country that are truly breathtaking.
Shenandoah National Park is certainly one of those. It’s filled with rolling hills, wildflowers, jaw-dropping waterfalls and lush, green forest. You could almost mistake it for paradise.
There are some great places to stay and some incredible hikes on offer, and if you’re lucky you may even spot some rare animals in their natural habitat, including bears, deer and bobcats.
Charleston in South Carolina is a city built on its Southern charm and tourists flock here to get a taste of it. It’s a city that’s friendly, full of history and certainly an alternative to the big cities like Boston, New York and Philly that all line the East Coast.
The streets are quaint, the local folks all have smiles on their faces and come the evening there’s plenty of music and dancing going on.
When it comes to attractions, there’s plenty to do too, including the Waterfront Park, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Middleton Place Plantation, which are not only beautiful today, but also a reminder of the darker colonial era and history of slavery.
