16 Stop East Coast Road Trip – Portland to Miami

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Get the most out of your East Coast road trip with our free itinerary and route planner. Starting in Portland, Maine, and winding south to Miami, Florida, this adventure takes in historically significant landmarks, stunning national parks, breezy beaches, and lively cities. We’ve visited every location, and Amanda has lived in two!

Portland, Maine – 1 Night

Start your journey from Portland, the most populous city in Maine—not to be confused with Portland, Oregon!

Be prepared for all kinds of weather; we’re yet to see the Old Port with blue skies, ha!

Things to Do in Portland, ME

Do a self-guided tour of the craft breweries and pubs around the Old Port and Waterfront District, being mindful of who is driving in the morning!

Or, if you are limited in time, the Old Port culinary walking tour is the quickest way to try several local dishes and learn about the area.

Then, let someone else drive you to Cape Elizabeth on this lighthouse tour, or add Portland Head Light to your itinerary on the way to Salem the next day.

What to Eat

Portland is famous for lobster and seafood, such as oysters, but there are also pizza, BBQ, and Asian-style restaurants.

It is also known for its craft beer; check out Allagash Brewing Company or Orange Bike Brewing Company.

If you have a sweet tooth, look out for the donuts made from potatoes at The Holy Donut.

Accommodation in Portland

Many accommodation options have parking facilities; for example, Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port offers parking and can be booked via Expedia, Hotels, or Booking.

Check out our guide on where to stay in Portland for more suggestions.

RV Parks

Wassamki Springs Campground is less than 10 miles from Downtown and is close to a lake, which is great for cooling off during summer.

Parking in Portland

Car parks and street parking can be found downtown.

Want to explore more of this state?

Plan the perfect Maine summer vacation with our helpful guide to the islands and more.

Amanda has been visiting Acadia National Park since she was young, and Gemma thinks Bangor is underrated!

Salem, Massachusetts – 1 Night

The next leg of the East Coast road trip takes us to Massachusetts, the Bay State, where Amanda was born and currently lives.

After a night of rest, slip back into the driver’s seat to Salem, which is less than 100 miles from Portland.

This is where you will be transported back in time to learn about the 25 locals who lost their lives during the Salem Witch Trials.

Things to Do in Salem

Join this one-hour walking tour to listen to a well-rounded view of the history of Salem.

Some of the sights you will visit on foot are the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Ropes Mansion, and the Old Burying Point Cemetery.  

Alternatively, you can go it alone using this Salem audio tour on your phone, which I personally did during my overnight stay.

Narration kick off at all the important locations around the city and shares knowledge about each stop.

If visiting during October, expect crowds, so give yourself more time to get around.

Other Things to Do

• Learn more about witchcraft at the Salem Witch Museum (19 1/2 N Washington Square) 
• See the statue of Elizabeth Montgomery from Bewitched, which was filmed here
• Shop along Essex Street 
• Visit the iconic Salem Maritime National Historic Site
• Hocus Pocus filming locations

Read more about the best things to do in Salem.

What to Eat

For the best seafood, head to The Lobster Shanty or dine at Turner’s Seafood at the historic Lyceum Hall.

Grab a cookie from Fatties or candy at Ye Olde Pepper Company for snacks.

Accommodation in Salem

The Hampton Inn offers parking and can be booked via Expedia, Hotels, and Booking.

Here’s our guide to the best Salem hotels: some old, some new.

RV Parks

Winter Island Park is a centrally located RV park. However, there are no sewer facilities.

Parking in Salem

Salem has garages, such as South Harbor Garage, Salem East India Square Garage, and Museum Place Garage; however, your accommodation will likely include parking.

Alternatively, base yourself in Boston and take a day trip to Salem.

Boston, Massachusetts – 2 Nights

Boston is only 25 miles from Salem, and while its highlights can be whizzed around in a day, 2-3 days would provide a much more relaxed experience.

Things to Do in Boston

Trolley tours are a great way to see the city quickly.

They cover the most popular stops in 1.5 hours and provide historical information for each landmark.

Another bonus is that you can get off at the stops that interest you and then hop on the next trolley, continuing the tour from where you left it.

Stops include Faneuil Hall (food), North End, Boston (food), Beacon Hill (architecture), Cheers Boston (pub), Boston Common (park), and Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (tour).

Alternatively, Boston is a walkable city and the T transport system is efficient.

Other Things to Do in Boston

• Visit Boston Public Gardens
• Learn about Boston’s past during this historic walking tour 
• Do the popular Fenway Park tour, which can be booked via Viator or GetYourGuide
• Add a day for the famous Harvard University and MIT campuses

Our Boston Guides

• Boston Bucket List
• Where to Stay in Boston
• Boston at Night
• Date Ideas in Boston
• Boston in the Winter
• Boston Day Trips
• All Boston Guides

Where to Eat

• Faneuil Hall food vendors
• Green Dragon Tavern
• Pinocchio’s Pizza
• Neptune Oyster
• Pizzeria Regina
• Giacomo’s Boston North End
• Dunkin’ Donuts
• Enjoy a drink at the TV show Cheers bar

Accommodation in Boston

Most hotels, like the affordable Moxy Downtown, which you can book through Expedia, Hotels, and Booking, offer a parking valet service, but it is expensive.

Boston is a pricy city, so consider this when planning your road trip.

We’ve written extensively about Boston’s neighborhoods and accommodation in this guide.

RV Parks

Alternatively, RVs can be parked at Hanscom AFB FamCamp, 22 miles from Boston.

Parking in Boston

Like most cities, Boston also has plenty of parking garages.

Some are Boston Common Garage, Boston Harbor Garage, Seaport Boston Parking, and Dock Square Parking Garage.

You can also get free street parking on Sundays.

Get all the details in our guide to parking in Boston.

Other Places to Visit in Massachusetts

Salem and Boston will give you a taster of what Mass offers, but there is so much more to this historic state.

Consider the following stops if you can find more time or plan to return.

Visit Motif No 1, the most painted building in the US, in Rockport, or Gloucester, the oldest seaport, established in 1623.

Enjoy the Appalachian Mountains, check out Mass MoCA, and visit Shakespeare & Company at Lenox in the Berkshires.

There are so many fun things to do in Amherst and Western Mass.

Closer to Boston, learn more about the Indigenous people of Mass in Plymouth.

This is a popular Thanksgiving location for the parade and National Day of Mourning events.

Take the ferry to Provincetown at the tip of gorgeous Cape Cod.

Head further south, and you can island hop to the upmarket Martha’s Vineyard to see the Aquinnah Cliffs.

If you want more island life, you can ferry from Martha’s Vineyard to the idyllic ‘far away place’ Nantucket.

You could easily spend the whole summer in Massachusetts alone!

Providence – 1 Night

Fifty miles from Boston lies Rhode Island’s capital, Providence.

This college town has a lot going on during the summer, so much so that I (Gemma) extended my stay to five nights.

The fact that accommodation was relatively affordable and included parking was also attractive.

Things to Do in Providence

• Dine at Federal Hill, an Italian-American neighborhood
• Go back to school at Brown University, College Hill
• Bar hop through Providence’s West End 
• Wander through Roger Williams Park
• Watch in awe at the WaterFire Providence festival
• Do a bus tour to see the fancy mansions of Newport

The next stop is NYC, which is 200 miles from Providence.

New York City – 3 Nights

Having visited New York City many times, I would skip taking a vehicle to avoid parking nightmares and toll fees.

If you can survive without a car, leave it at the last stop, Providence, and get the train in, or park closer in New Jersey and take the train from there.

Things to Do in NYC

First-timers will be spoilt for choice between observation decks – the traditional Empire State Building or the modern SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and they shouldn’t miss a walk or cycle through Central Park.

It’s a rite of passage to watch the ads change at Times Square and see a show on Broadway.

Catch a Yankees game in The Bronx or head across the striking Brooklyn Bridge for street art and craft beer.

Not your first rodeo?

Check out our guide of unique things to do created by our NYC writer, Nicole.

Things to Eat

• Food cart hot dogs
• A slice of pizza the size of your head
• Fresh bagels
• Food with a performance at Ellen Stardust Diner
• Burgers, sushi, and snacks at TSQ MKT
• Lunch at Katz
• Pierogies at Veselka in the East Village
• Fancier dining options at a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant
• Smorgasvird in Brooklyn

Parking in New York

New York City has parking garages, but they are expensive.

There are designated Manhattan Free Parking areas during specific hours of the day; you’ll have to be patient to find a space.

Tip: Download the Park NYC app to make payments.

Or, park in New Jersey and take public transport into the city.

Check out Liberty Harbor RV Park in New Jersey if road-tripping with an RV.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 2 Nights

Philadelphia is under 100 miles from Manhattan, NYC, and is known for its history and cheesesteaks.

Things to Do in Philadelphia

One of the most recognizable landmarks of American freedom, the Liberty Bell, is found at Independence National Historical Park (INHP), the birthplace of American democracy.

The park also includes Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the National Constitution Center, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Independence Visitor Center, all of which are free to visit.

Take a photo before the famous Rocky statue and run up the steps like in the movie.

Where to Eat

Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s oldest and largest public markets, and it opened in 1893.

It is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and offers a variety of locally sourced poultry, meats, and produce. 

Accommodation in Philidelphia

For hotels with parking, consider the Philly Inn & Suites, which can be booked through Expedia, Hotels, and Booking.

RV Parks

Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA is less than 20 miles from the city’s attractions.

Parking in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has downtown parking garages, metered spots, and neighborhood parking for short-term stays.

Check out the official parking site for the up-to-date finder.

Lewes, Delaware – 2 Days

Unless you are keen on trying your luck at a game of crabs or roulette in Atlantic City, the next stop on your East Coast itinerary should be Lewes, Delaware, which is 120 miles from Philidelphia.

Lewes and surrounding towns are located on the beach, so if you can stretch your itinerary to accommodate more days, you might appreciate some R&R at this stage of the road trip.

If you are not too fussed about a beach vacation and/or want to save miles and time, check out the city of Wilmington in Delaware instead, which is only 33 miles from Philadelphia.

Things to Do in Lewes

The First Town in the First State’s main attraction is its beach and businesses built around summer trade.

Play golf, hit the trails, go fishing, set sail, or simply sunbathe at Lewes Beach, then enjoy a slice or two at Grotto Pizza.

If Lewes is too quiet for your vacation, stay in Rehoboth Beach.

Parking in Lewes, DE

Most accommodation will provide parking for your vehicle, and there is metered parking around town; however, it does get busy during the summer months.

RV Parks

For RV parking, check out the dreamy Cape Henlopen State Park.

Baltimore, Maryland – 2 Nights

Baltimore is a seaport city 120 miles from Lewes or 70 miles from Wilmington. 

Things to Do in Baltimore

Head to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum to visit the original home of 1800s writer Edgar Allen Poe.

The museum contains artifacts from his life, and you can read his poems and short stories written when he lived in Baltimore. 

Next, try a craft beer brewery tour and learn more about the city through its booze.

Read next: Things to do in Baltimore for more inspiration.

Things to Eat

You will find Oprah Winfrey’s favorite crab cakes from Pappas in Baltimore.

If crab cakes don’t tickle you, you can explore Lexington Market’s 66 food vendors.

Accommodation

Tru By Hilton Baltimore Harbor East has parking nearby, and overnight rates are affordable when reserved through the hotel.

Check out your vacation dates at Expedia, Hotels, and Booking.

RV Parks

Reserve a stay at Orem’s Trailer Park, a family-owned park with friendly staff.

Parking in Baltimore

Use LAZ Parking to find parking garages in advance.

Washington D.C – 2 Nights

Washington, D.C, is less than 40 miles from Baltimore and marks around the halfway mark in our East Coast road trip itinerary!

It is also one of Amanda’s favorites having lived here at the start of her career.

Things to Do in D.C.

Walk the halls of the Smithsonian Museums, do a tour of Congress, and check out the Lincoln Memorial.

At nighttime, you can hop aboard a trolley for a moonlight tour.

Photographers should time their visit for the peak of cherry blossom season (late March and early April); it’s a stunning scene!

What to Eat

D.C.’s most famous signature dishes are half-smoked ground pork and beef sausages or chicken wings in Mumbo sauce.

You can’t miss Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street; it’s one of our favorite things to do.

RV Parks

Rock Creek Park Grove is less than 10 miles from the tourist attractions in D.C.

Parking in Washington, DC

Expect metered parking and parking garages, but finding a space can be tricky.

Another option is to park at a metro station and take public transport into the city; see options here.

Norfolk, Virginia – 1 Night

Two hundred miles from D.C. lies Norfolk, and I guarantee it will surprise you!

This waterfront city has a lively bar scene, maritime museums, independent makers, and street art.

Norfolk is also the gateway to the glorious Outer Banks in North Carolina, a highly recommended addition to your road trip route.

Washington, D.C., to Norfolk is just under 200 miles.

Things to Do in Norfolk

Take a tour of Nauticus, the maritime-themed science center at the downtown waterfront. 

Then, enjoy drinks and a meal at Waterside Market, which has indoor and patio dining.

Or, do a cruise on the Elizabeth River.

What to Eat

As with most of the destinations in our guide, Norfolk is big on seafood, and you don’t have to search far for a plate of freshly shucked oysters.

BBQ is also big in the city; we’re in the south now after all!

Norfolk is also home to Virginia’s first and only urban winery, Mermaid Winery.

RV Parks

Chesapeake and First Landing State Park Campground are less than 20 miles from downtown.

Parking in Norfolk

The city has many parking garages and some street parking; we had no issues finding a space during our visit.

Kitty Hawk (North Carolina) – 2 Nights

I spent a week in the Outer Banks.

If you love being by the ocean, I strongly suggest spending a few days in the OBX!

I honestly cannot stress how much I enjoyed my time here.

Things to Do in Kitty Hawk

You can visit many of the town’s attractions and neighboring activities using Kitty Hawk as a base.

Wake up to spectacular sunrises and drive over to the other side of the barrier island for sunset.

The Black Pelican and Hurricane Mos are great for sundown drinks, and coffee shops like Ashley’s Espresso help ease the hangover.

Visit Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the brothers who made the first successful airplane flight and Jockey’s Ridge State Park for a unique dune experience.

Head north for the 4×4 Corolla horse tours, where your guide drives in search of the majestic Spanish horses, usually hiding in the shade under the vacation rentals–this was a highlight!

What to Eat

Unsurprisingly, seafood is the most popular meal in the OBX.

You can also try North Carolina BBQ, which is a little different from other states in the South.

Duck Donuts are legendary and sold throughout the island.

If you make it as far as Buxton, get up early to sample Orange Blossom Bakerty’s Apple Uglies.

Where to Stay

Stay as close to the North Virginia Dare Trail as possible.

That way, you can walk to the beach and leave the car at your rental or hotel.

Check out the queen or king rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn or this 3-bedroom townhome with ocean views.

Tip: If you plan to stay in Duck, ensure your accommodation has beach access, as this town does not have public beaches.

Parking in Outer Banks

While most bars and restaurants have parking, beach parking can be limited.

Avalon Pier has a large car park with daily fees.

RV Campsites

There are RV campsites dotted along the coast.

Kitty Hawk RV Park is an example of one on the beach.

Wilmington (North Carolina) – 1 Night

Break up the journey from OBX to Charleston (South Carolina) with a night in the lively college town of Wilmington.

Things to Do in Wilmington

Stay in a historic home and take advantage of the hearty breakfasts.

Walk or bar hop along the waterfront and tour the Battleship North Carolina.

If you want to soak up the sun, Wrightsville Beach is also down the road.

Where to Stay

Verandas Bed and Breakfast is a historic mansion with free parking; I’ve stayed here.

The staff were very kind, letting us park after check out and storing our luggage.

Breakfast was delicious!

Parking in Wilmington

Most accommodation offers street parking; they provide a pass that you put in the car window to avoid getting a ticket.

Garages offer better rates for more extended stays.

RV Campsites

Wilmington KOA Holiday is less than 10 miles from the riverfront.

Charleston (South Carolina) – 3 Nights

There is so much going on that you’ll want to spend three nights in the Holy City.

Things to Do in Charleston

Join a walking tour to learn more about the Battery, the colonial houses, and their history.

Take a photo of Rainbow Row (East Bay Street), then dine around the Charleston City Market area.

Jump back in the car to visit the Angel Oak Tree at Angel Oak Park (Johns Island) and tour McLeod Plantation, which focuses as much on the lives of the Gullah people in the Lowcountry as the plantation owners.

If you want to combine a city trip with a beach vacation, Folly Beach is less than 12 miles away and has a fun street filled with bars and restaurants.

I stayed at Folly Beach for three nights after Charleston before moving to Savannah.

There’s no denying that the city can be expensive; here are our budget tips.

Things to Eat

Charleston is known for crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, hush puppies, Frogmore stew, fried green tomatoes, and okra soup.

Brunch is also a big deal.

Here’s our guide to where locals eat.

Tip: If visiting over the weekend, make reservations; the same goes for Savannah (below).

RV Parks

The James Island County Park campground is a 643-acre park less than 10 miles from Charleston.

Parking in Charleston

While the city has parking garages and street parking, I’d try to avoid driving in the city, as parking is challenging, especially at night over the weekend.

Savannah, Georgia – 3 Nights

I could easily live in Savannah, which has cute squares and a bustling waterfront.

Another bonus is that it is under 110 miles from Charleston (above).

Things to Do in Savannah

Wander through Forsyth Park, visit all 22 squares dotted around the city, photograph East Jones Street, take advantage of the open container laws at City Market, and hop aboard the sunset Savannah Belles Ferry cruise.

If you like the darker side of cities, take a tour of the US’s most haunted; check out this guide to haunted places for more ideas like this.

Learn about the Gullah-Geechee culture at Pin Point Museum, 12 miles from the riverfront.

Savannah is less than 18 miles from Tybee Island, and its proximity to the ocean is one of the reasons I love these southern cities.

You may also like our guide to free things to do.

Things to Eat

The most popular foods in town are fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and fresh pralines.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room is a unique experience.

You line up for opening time and sit with other patrons while plates of piping hot Southern food are delivered to your table!

Check out our article on where to eat for details.

Tip: As advised above in the Charleston section, make dinner reservations if you are visiting over the weekend to avoid disappointment.

Accommodation in Savannah

Consider staying in one of the historic bed and breakfasts to experience the famous Southern charm.

RV Parks

Red Gate Campground & RV Resort is less than 10 miles from Savannah.

Parking in Savannah

Some accommodations will include parking.

Note: Street parking is controlled by meters; be cautious on street cleaning days as you will need to move your car.

Parking garages are dotted around the city, too.

St Augustine, Florida – 3 Nights

Crossing the border to our last state, Florida, let’s visit St. Augustine, the US’s oldest city.

Things to Do in St Augustine

Wander downtown or hop on the trolley to see attractions such as The Lightner Museum For Art, Flagler College, and Plaza de la Constitution.

The city is an open-air museum with signs detailing what each building was used for.

Listen to live music and party on St. George Street, or drive to Anastasia Island for beaches.

Visit during winter to see the magical Night of Lights and other festivities.

What to Eat

Seafood at O’steen, BBQ at Mojo Old City BBQ, and modern Southern food at The Floridian.

Craft beer fans will like Auggie’s Draft Room and Dog Rose Brewing.

RV Park

Anastasia State Park is the closest RV park to the historic district, less than 10 miles.

Parking in St Augustine

Most street parking charges during peak time.

Download the ParkStAug app for lot parking locations.

Now, let’s get back on the Scenic A1A Highway and drive through the coast’s small towns that lead to Miami.

At 550 miles, this is the longest leg of the East Coast road trip, but there are many options for overnight stays to break it up.

Some personal favorites are Cocoa Beach and Jupiter.

Miami Beach and City, Florida – 3 Nights

We’ve reached our end destination, Miami, but that could technically mean Miami or Miami Beach, separate cities with different vibes connected by bridges.

Things to Do in Miami City

See street art in Wynwood, shop at the Designer District, listen to live music in Little Havana, have brunch in Coconut Grove, and eat seafood by the water Downtown.

Things to Do in Miami Beach

Hit the beach, admire the Art Deco buildings, dance into the wee hours, and then wake up and do it all again in Miami Beach.

What to Eat

Stone crabs, Cuban sandwiches, carne empanadas, and Morelia Gourmet Paletas.

Miami Accommodation

Rentals in less touristy Miami neighborhoods like Coral Gables mainly offer free private or on-street parking.

Downtown accommodation will add a fee for valet parking.

Parking lots have varying rates depending on the time of day.

My friends living in Coconut Grove never drive in the city or to the beach, opting for Uber.

RV Parks

Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground is the city’s largest, 25 miles from Downtown Miami.

Looking to continue the ride?

From Miami, you could drive down to the Florida Keys and Key West or over to the Everglades National Park, then up the Nature Coast before spending a few days around Anna Maria Island or Tampa.

I’ve driven many of these road trips to Florida!

Map

Why Take an East Coast Road Trip? 

For me, a road trip represents freedom, flexibility, and choice as I switch between cities and coastal towns, mountains and beaches, apartments and hotels for one night or one week.

Since I travel far to get to the East Coast, I like to squeeze in as much as possible without feeling overworked or rushed!

They can mean growth, too–road-tripping and documenting my travels at Hey! East Coast USA has made me appreciate beaches.

Before, my dislike of sand meant never prioritizing lazy days soaking up the sun or early rises to enjoy the sunrise, often in solitude.

So, if you’re still deciding whether to plan a trip, I hope I’ve convinced you!

Let me know in the comments.