The East Coast of the United States is a cocktail of diverse destinations, alternating between mythical cities and breathtaking nature. New York, the city that never sleeps: a must-see, of course, but the region also has other attractions, from Philadelphia to Boston, via Washington D.C. The East Coast also appeals to nature lovers. The surroundings of the big cities are grandiose. As Halloween looms, the United States will finally reopen its borders to the general public on November 8 for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. The perfect opportunity for a road-trip in the US style.
The cradle of the American nation
The United States was born in this part of the East Coast, mainly in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers arrived from England on board the Mayflower. They landed on the Cape Cod Peninsula in Massachusetts. Boston was founded in 1630 by these "Puritans" who were fleeing religious persecution by the English authorities. During the colonial period, the Puritan City - as it was known - resisted the English oppressors. It was in Boston that the Revolutionary War began in 1770 with the rebellion of the inhabitants against a tax increase, and three years later with another insurrection against a new tax on tea. Today, Boston is rich in buildings from the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, which can be seen along the Freedom Trail.
A little further south, in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin in Independence Hall. Philly is "America's most historic square mile". You can learn a lot about the birth of the United States and the values of freedom and democracy that define the country by visiting the museums in the city's historic district.
A wide range of cultural activities
Whether in Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C., via Provincetown, Massachusetts or Baltimore, Maryland, the visitor is spoiled for choice when it comes to museums. Washington has priceless treasures in its plethora of museums, the most famous of which are the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection and the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Most of the museums are free, a strong point of the capital of the United States. In Baltimore, at the Walters Museum, another of the country's treasures, visitors will discover a splendid collection of American and Asian art. In Philadelphia, the Barnes Foundation continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, happy to discover the paintings of the great masters of French Impressionism. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most beautiful in the country and its collections are of inestimable quality. And what about New York, which has 150 museums, including the largest in the West, the MET, as well as the very popular MoMa. In Boston, Isabella Gardner's Venetian palace combines the beauty of the place with its artistic wealth. Provincetown, located on the Cape Cod peninsula, has been home to many artists since the last century and is full of original art galleries (on Main Street). The East Coast is the ideal place to embark on a cultural tour with stops in major cities from Washington to Boston.
An unusual nature
A trip to the East Coast is an opportunity to visit the famous modern metropolises of the East, but it also allows you to discover beautiful landscapes, especially along the Appalachian Mountains.
New England is home to some of the jewels of the United States. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a must-see on the East Coast, especially in the fall. Hikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts in general, are in for a treat. Waterfalls invite you to take a dip before heading back out on the small trails through the warm-toned forests. In the summer, you can cool off in the lake district in the south of the state, including the gigantic Winnipesaukee. On the state border, Vermont is not to be outdone with the Green Mountains, another favourite destination for a nature getaway. Further west, New York State rolls out its Finger Lakes before the fireworks of the famous Niagara Falls. The Adirondack wilderness and the thousand islands of the Thousand Islands will make the traveller forget that the hectic life of Manhattan is only a few hours away.
Interested in wildlife? Head to Maine to search for the famous moose on the roads of Acadia National Park, an island of mountains set against the steel blue ocean. And don't forget the long, wild beaches of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket in Massachusetts, and further south, the coasts of New Jersey and the Chesapeake Bay.
The historical and cultural melting pot of the United States, the traveller will not be less seduced by the exceptional natural environment of this part of the United States... There are more than just national parks in the American West!
A mythical cuisine
Seafood is a must for any stay on the coast. How can you resist the call of the blue crabs of Maryland? And the famous All You Can Eat menu, which gives visitors the opportunity to have an orgy of this crustacean at a lower cost, with a hammer in hand! And what about the fondant crab cake... New England is probably the best eating region in the United States. In and around Boston, the specialty is clam chowder with potatoes, onions and bacon. To be enjoyed with a glass of white wine! This typical New England dish is on the menus of all the fish restaurants in Boston and Cape Cod. As we head up to Vermont, we are surprised to discover high quality local products, including excellent cheeses. And here we are soon in Maine, the home of the lobster, absolutely essential! On a roll, steamed, in brandy sauce... Try it all... it's a delight. And more than a specialty, it's an experience.
In New York City, all kinds of food can be found (nearly 24,000 restaurants): Delis with their procession of Italian or Eastern European Jewish-inspired dishes and sandwiches, barbecues, Cajun, Tex-Mex or African-American soul food. In Philadelphia, the must-try specialty is the Philly cheesesteak, invented in the 1930s. It's a sandwich made with ground meat, cheese, onions and mushrooms or other ingredients, depending on your taste.
In the big cities, such as New York, Washington DC, Boston or Philadelphia, world cuisines are well rooted in the country's traditions: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai restaurants... European flavours are not lacking either; French bistros and Italian trattorias are popular. Depending on the city, Cuban and Puerto Rican restaurants are numerous, and you can even try tasty and original Ethiopian cuisine in Washington DC. Finally, there is no shortage of gourmet restaurants, especially in New York where there are many starred establishments, but also in Washington. Enjoy your meal!
Useful information
When is the best time to visit? The best seasons to visit the East Coast are spring, late summer and autumn. The Indian summer is beautiful and the autumn colours of red, yellow and orange are vibrant. The US borders reopen to vaccinated travelers on November 8. Make your reservations now!
Getting there. The easiest way to get there is to fly to New York or Washington, D.C., and from there, spread out.
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