The tourist destinations on the east coast of the US are a healthy mix of historic landmarks and natural attractions. The east coast also has the nation’s biggest city- New York City. Washington DC is also located on the eastern coast. The best thing about the tourist destinations on the eastern coast is that they are located relatively close to each other, compared to the western coast. You can visit most of them inside a two week itinerary. Here are the most famous and the best tourist destinations on the east coast.
The Statue of Liberty
The majestic Statue of Liberty, overlooking Manhattan and New York City was a gift from France to the United States. The statue represents the Roman Goddess of Liberty, Libertas. It is a universal monument of liberty and democracy and is probably the most famous icon of the United States. For many emigrants, the Statue of Liberty used to be the first sign when they were arriving to the US. The Statue was built by Gustave Eiffel, who also built the Eiffel Tower in France.
Niagara Falls
For a time, Niagara Falls was the most famous honeymoon destination in the US. The falls is on Niagara river, on the border between the US and Canada. Niagara Falls is actually three falls- American falls, Horseshoe falls and Bridal Veil falls. American falls and Bridal Veil falls are on the US side and Horseshoe falls is located in Canada. It is said that the falls is more than 12000 years old. Niagara Falls is the site of many legends and myths and has been captured on paint by many famous painters. Niagara Falls is about six hours away from New York city.
New York City
No visit to the eastern sea board is complete without a visit to New York City. The city has nearly everything. Shopping, Broadway Theater, famous landmarks, parks and more. You will need to reserve at least a week to go sightseeing around the city. Central Park, Ellis Island, Museum of Modern Art, Times Square, Empire State Building, The Cloisters, Bronx Zoo, Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium are just some of the places you have to visit when you are in New York city.
Washington D.C
The nation’s capital, Washington D.C is the seat of the President in the US. Did you know that Washington DC is home to over 180 consulates and embassies? When you are in Washington DC, do not forget to include the National Museum of National History, the United States Capitol, the White House, National Mall (don’t miss the Lincoln Memorial here) John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Zoological Park.
Acadia National Park
If you want to visit just one national park on the eastern seaboard, it has to be Acadia National Park in Maine. The park is famous for its granite peaks, lakes, woodlands, old carriage roads and the great shoreline. The park is spread over more than 19000 hectares and is home to hundreds of species of wildlife such as beavers, foxes, black bears, coyotes, muskrats, porcupines, deers and more. Most of all, tourists come to Acadia National Park to see the beautiful scenery.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon in Fairfax county, Virginia was the home of the first president of the United States, George Washington. His tomb is also located on the premises. The property remains in private hands (the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association) who bought it for $200,000 in 1859, when the United States government and the Commonwealth of Virginia refused to buy it. The association has been maintaining the property since then.
There are more attractions on the east coast of the US, like the Florida Everglades, Biltmore Estate, Hanging Rock State Park, Shenandoah Caverns, Philadelphia and more.
