If you’ve been reading this website for a while now, you’ll know I’m a big lover of American road trip holidays! Whilst we do our best to explore as much of our home country as possible (we being my boyfriend and I!) nothing quite beats a great American road trip. We had our first taster with our month spent in California where we stopped by destinations including San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, San Diego, LA and Las Vegas. It was a whirlwind of a month but hands down the best month of my life so far. Since then we’ve been focusing on renovating our house and squeezing in smaller trips such as 5 nights in Boston and long weekends in the Lake District. With the house shaping up, we can now look to planning our next USA road trip, yippee!

As an avid travel planner, blog reader and Pinterest lurker, I’d like to think I’ve pretty much nailed our next road trip itinerary…you’ll have to let me know your thoughts and whether I’ve missed out on any key stops. As we went West Coast last time, I want to mix it up and head East Coast – especially after falling in love with Boston so much!

So here we go…

Day 1-2: Boston

Not just because I love it…Boston is actually a great starting point for a US East Coast road trip thanks to its regular, cheap and short flights. We managed to bag ours for around £300 AND it only took 6 hours which is pretty great. It’s also a fantastic city and one that I’m dying to head back to.

Things to do in Boston

• Catch a Red Sox game
• Visit nearby Salem
• Freedom Trail
• Faneuil Hill Marketplace
• Boston Common
• Newbury Street

Read my post on how to spend a long weekend in Boston

Looking for the best Instagram spots in Boston? I’ve got you covered

Here’s how to spend a day in Salem 

Day 3-5: New York City

I can’t quite believe I still haven’t made it to New York! I love America, but for some reason whenever it comes round to booking a trip I never seem to jump on the idea of NYC. I think because it’s so hyped I’m almost nervous about booking a grand trip only to feel disappointed and letdown. It’s probably best that my first visit is part of a bigger US road trip so I can gauge whether or not NY is me.

Things to do in New York

• Times Square
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Central Park
• Top of the Rock
• Empire State Building
• The High Line
• 9/11 Memorial

Day 6-8: Philadelphia

Philadelphia is somewhere that’s been high up on Charlie’s list for quite some time, and mine too for that matter. It’s one of those destinations I wouldn’t necessarily plan a whole holiday around, but including it in a road trip seems like a great way to see the city. I follow a few Philadelphia gals on my Instagram and their stories make me totally jealous! Quaint neighbourhoods, plenty of green spaces and a foodie heaven.

Things to do in Philadelphia

• Liberty Bell
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Independence Hall
• Love Park
• Philadelphia Museum of Art

Day 9-11: Washington DC

It wouldn’t be an East Coast road trip without a couple of nights exploring Washington DC. Brimming with history…and politics, there’s tonnes to explore. If politics isn’t quite up your street, don’t panic! From some of the best museums in America, to the beautiful botanic garden and famous monuments and memorials, there’s way more to Washington than just the White House.

Things to do in Washington DC

• United States Botanic Garden
• Capitol Building
• The White House
• Holocaust Memorial
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Day 12-14 Chicago

A little further away from the above but definitely worth the long drive (but perhaps book in an overnight stop) is the windy city! Chicago peaked my interest recently, especially when I heard a Hoxton Hotel has recently opened there. Beautiful buildings, delicious food and a long list of attractions – Chicago really does have it all. Tuck into a deep dish pizza, wander around Lake Michigan, shop til you drop and visit one of the world-class museums. Ok, I really need to book some flights…

Things to do in Chicago

• Millennium Park
• Cloud Gate
• Navy Pier
• Willis Tower
• The Art Institute of Chicago

Wow what a list! I can’t wait to live this East Coast dream out *hopefully* next year, I always feel so at home in America – I almost breathe a sigh of relief when I land. Probably because I know we have tonnes of fun ahead…

Have you ever done an East Coast road trip? I’d love to hear all about it!