Exploring The USA’s East Coast Highlights

The USA has always been a popular destination for travelling tourists due to its unique attractions, varied landscape and indulgent cuisine. Home to the infamous New York City and stunning South Beach in Miami, the East Coast is a great place to start if you’re looking to travel around the states.

What attractions should you visit though?

South Beach, Miami, Florida

When you think of Miami you probably imagine Art Deco hotels lining Ocean Drive with neon flashing lights above, and you’d be correct. The pastel colours create a cinematic feel and make for the perfect photograph, so make sure you’ve got your camera at the ready. 800 of these Art Deco buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings as each showcase a unique design, and their own, individual personality.

Museums are also plentiful in the South Beach neighbourhood,whether you wish to explore the history of Art Deco through paintings,sculptures and furniture in The Wolfsonian, or learn the work of Barbara Capitman - who helped save these beautiful buildings from destruction in the 1970s - in the Art Deco Museum.

Manhattan, New York City, New York

When visiting the Big Apple, it’s a must to climb up The Empire State Building to get that picture-perfect view of the city’s skyline and wander around the 843 acres of greenery that is Central Park.

However, if you’re booking your trip well in advance, why not book a trip to the top of the Statue of Liberty? You can climb a series of spiralling stairs to see out of her iconic crown at the harbour, with the concrete jungle in the background.

Times Square should also be on your to-do list due to its multi-coloured flashing billboards, yellow cabs rushing past and skyscrapers towering above you. It’s an experience like no other, as you get to see first-hand,the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

Back Bay, Boston, Massachusetts

The best way to see some of Boston’s highlights in one trip,is to follow the red-brick road - the worldwide-known Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile-long walkway travels on through the centre of Boston, tracing the events leading up to the American Revolutionary War.

Are you a hard-core baseball fan? Or just simply want to engross yourself in the local’s day to day life? Then get tickets to Fenway Park and watch the Red Sox do what they do best. However, if you’re looking fora more relaxing trip, Copley Square may be more suited to you. Here you can find a cluster of historic buildings including the Romanesque Trinity Church that breaks up the sea of modern skyscrapers.

Downtown, Portland, Maine

Being a city of the sea means that on arrival you’ll hear the screams of seagulls and smell the scent of fried fish filling the air. When wandering down the narrow cobbled streets, lined with red-brick buildings disguised as trendy cafes, bars and shops, you’ll want to stop at each window to peer in and see their contrasting interior design.

Museums and art galleries also dominate the area, the most popular being the Portland Museum of Art that displays many American artists,but focussed mainly on Maine artists such as Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper. The 19th-century Victoria Mansion is also a must-see when in Portland as it exhibits a rich interior that includes Victorian frescoes, paintings, furniture and carpets.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

The capital of the USA, Washington, D.C. is home to many iconic monuments, fascinating museums and amazing art galleries, most situated along the world-famous National Mall. On its west end you’ll find the iconic Lincoln Memorial that pays respect to the late Abraham Lincoln, whose giant statue overlooks the Reflecting Pool.

Several museums and art galleries line up next to the Reflecting Pool including The National Air & Space Museum and National Gallery of Art, both filled to the brim with ancient artefacts and paintings tourists from all over the world, travel to see.

If you’re fascinated by American politics then viewing the White House from the South Lawn may be top of your list, or wandering around the US Capitol building, where you’ll get to learn more of the country’s political history.

Do you wish to book a trip to USA’s East Coast to visit one of these awe-inspiring attractions? Then contact us via our website or call us on 0800 021 3237. Alternatively, you can visit either our Ipswich or Woodbridge travel agents and speak to a member of the team.