Tour Duration
19-Day
Tour Type
Private
Language

Why you should visit the East Coast

Ever wondered how different the North from the South is? With this complete On The Road Itinerary, you will drive from the State of New York down to Virginia passing through the Carolinas to reach Georgia and Florida.

You will see so much of the US from big cities up north with all their giant skyscrapers, culture and history to small towns in the South with their incredible Southern Charm, hospitality and heritage to National Parks and Natural Wildlife Refuges.

This Itinerary includes everything -- small-town vibes, big metropolis, architecture, history, wild horses, comfort food, southern charm, pristine beaches, a national park and much more!

This itinerary is planned so you visit the region in 19 days.

When to plan your East Coast Vacation?

Since this itinerary will take you from New York all the way down to Florida driving through several states and their different climates, we recommend doing it between Spring and Fall, avoiding the middle of both Winter & Summer. 

Each season will "gift" you a complete different scenery from the lush vegetation of Spring to the bright orange colors of Fall. If you are thinking to enjoy some of the beaches in the Carolinas & Georgia, you should elect late spring through early Summer or alternatively, late Summer through early Fall, although you might encounter the Hurricane Season as you drive South.

On the other-end, if you want to focus your vacation around the Fall Foliage of the North-East , you must select mid to late Fall. 

Winter, we simply don't recommend it because it is just too cold to enjoy any of the beaches you will encounter in North & South Carolina, and Georgia, even if you simply want to drive by those. Additionally, you may encounter Snow and Winter storms up north and certain road closures. 

Summer can be a good options, you definitely won't encounter any snow or road closure. However, be careful of the extreme heat and humidity as you drive South. At the very least, try to avoid August and plan your trip for June and/or September. 

Medical Insurance

International Travelers? We certainly recommend adding a Medical Insurance while traveling in the US as medical bills are quite expenses. When picking a company, check that there is a 24/7 costumer service and compare the prices of the various policies and the limitations.

International Flights

International flights are not included in the price of this package - we can help you book international and domestic flights.

Book your spot now

Book your spot now
See the available options by selecting a date from the calendar.

DETAILED ITINERARY

STARTING FROM NEW YORK *

* (ALTERNATELY FROM MIAMI)


Day 1: NYC

Arrival and Airport Transfer. Check-in Hotel.

Free time to enjoy an afternoon walk around the Big Apple. Maybe, if you are up to it and the weather is nice, you can visit one of the Panoramic Observatories such as The Empire, The One or The Top of The Rock. It will be a great way to kick-off your time in NYC with incredible panoramic views at Sunset. 

Night: New York Watson Hotel *** or similar




Day 2 & 3: NYC

You will have 2 full days to explore New York City.

You can schedule a couple of activities to better visit the city, there are many Tours you can choose from. Or if this is not your first time, and you just want to relax, you can simply walk around the Big Apple and catch up with the latest happenings and openings. 

Not sure what to do in the Evening?
How about a panoramic cruise with dinner or maybe a elegant Restaurant in one of the Rooftops?

Night: New York Watson Hotel *** or similar




Day 4: NYC > Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Time to start driving! In the morning, you will pick up your rental car and drive straight to Philadelphia, located approx. 1h45 min south of NYC. Here, you can spend half a day exploring the historic city which served as the capital of the US for 10 years. Make sure to go inside Independence Hall to learn more about the History of the US and walk along the oldest-inhabited houses in Elfreth's Alley. 

On your way out of the city, stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to check out the popular "Rocky Steps". 

If it's something that interests you, you can stop by Lancaster Country to explore the community of the Amish people and their villages, maybe ride one of their Buggies around the country-side, and make plans to arrive in Washington DC by evening.

Night: Washington DC Hampton Inn Union Station*** or similar




Day 5: Washington, District of Columbia

A full day to visit the capital DC with all its Museums, Memorials, and many other important attractions like Capitol Hill, Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon, Georgetown, and Adams Morgans, etc.

If you don't feel like exploring the capital on your own, we recommend a Tour!

Night: Washington DC Hampton Inn Union Station*** or similar




Day 6: DC > Shenandoah National Park > Richmond

Today is the day you leave big cities behind and explore a beautiful National Park -- The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

In the morning, head to the front Royal Entrance (North Gate) located approx. 70 miles (ca. 113 km) south of DC and you will start driving south across the park driving along scenic routes including over 100 miles (ca. 161 km) along the Skyline Drive (3h9) to reach the south entrance -- Rockfish Gap Entrance Station.

You will continue towards Richmond where you will spend the night.

Today, you will drive a total of 268 miles (ca. 431 km).

Night: Richmond - Holiday Inn Express Richmond Northwest I-64 *** or similar




Day 7: Richmond VA > Duck (NC) > Corolla Wild Horses > Point Harbor Area

Welcome to the phenomenal Outer Banks of North Carolina. You will leave Richmond area and head East towards the Atlantic and the town of Corolla 3h22 minutes by car (187 miles (ca. 301 km).)

We recommend spending the afternoon exploring the North Side of the Outer Banks (north of the town Duck) and especially check out the Wild Horses reserve around Corolla.

Consider taking a nice tour (maybe in a 4x4) that will take you to the beach to admire these wild horses.

Night: around Point Harbor (NC) Baymont inn & suites Kitty Hawk Outer Banks ** or similar




Day 8: Point Harbor > North Carolina Outer Banks > Cedar Island

This is the second day dedicated to the Outer Banks. Today, you will complete the explorations of the incredible area off the coast of North Carolina.

From Point Harbor, you will drive south for approx. 2h59 min (101 miles (ca. 163 km)) to reach Ocracoke. From here you will hop on a ferry NC-12 (with your car) to reach Hatteras, the other section of the Outer Banks.

It's a day behind the wheel but the scenery is incredible. You can stop anytime and walk along white beaches and natural preserve. The outer banks are 200-mile-long (320 km) string of barrier islands considered a true natural  masterpiece. 

You will have one more Ferry to grab to reach the mainland by Cedar Island. Once arrive, you will drive through the Cedar Island National Refuge to head south.

Consider that from Ocracoke to Emerald Isle (or similar) it will be approx. 3h55 min (77 miles (ca. 124 km)) included 2 rides in Ferry-boats.

Night: By Cedar Island / Emerald Island - Hampton inn Morehead city*** or similar




Day 9: Emerald Island > Myrtle Beach

Another day by the incredible North Carolina shoreline.

In the morning, drive south towards one of the most famous beaches -- Myrtle Beach. You will have 160 miles (ca. 257 km) to go, approx, 3h by car or more if you decide to take the local roads.

Night: Myrtle Beach Best Western Plus Myrtle Beach*** or similar




Day 10: NC > Charleston (SC)

Let's cross into South Carolina, another amazing state known for charming, and historic, small towns, and incredible sea-side villages.

From Myrtle Beach to Charleston, you will have about 2h15 minutes by car (99 miles (ca. 159 km)).
Arrive in Charleston by mid-day, check-in and enjoy the afternoon to explore this incredible town.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar




Day 11: Charleston

A much-needed day resting from driving up and down the coast. Enjoy the entire day exploring the historic town on foot or on a tour.

Charleston has plenty of attractions and activities to choose from that will keep you entertained day and night.

Night: Charleston Town & Country inn & Conference Center*** or similar




Day 12: Charleston > Beaufort > Savannah

After breakfast, you will head south towards lovely Savannah. On the road, you can stop for a coffee break in Beaufort, another historic town, and arrive in Savannah by lunch. Distance 106 miles (ca. 171 km)

Enjoy your afternoon exploring this quaint Georgian Town.

Night: Savannah Indigo Savannah Historic District*** or similar




Day 13: Savannah > St. Augustine

Today is the day you will cross into Florida. Consider that you will have approx. 2h47 min by car to reach the historic St. Augustine (176 miles (ca. 283 km))

Do you know that St. Augustine is the oldest town in the entire continental United States?

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the historic town including the iconic San Marcos Castillo.

Night: St. Augustine Holiday inn Express hotel & suites Saint Augustine north*** or similar




Day 14: St. Augustine > Daytona Beach > Titusville

Love Nascar? Even if you are not a die-hard fan of the American speed-car races, Daytona 500 is still one of the biggest competitions in auto racing out there. You can visit the track "Daytona International Speedway" to learn more. 
   
You won't have too much to drive, merely 60 miles (ca. 97 km) 1 hour.

Enjoy a day along the Florida Atlantic coast. 

Night: Titusville Quality inn Kennedy Space Center*** or similar




Day 15: Kennedy Space Center > Merritt Island

Let's go to Space! Enjoy a visit to the incredible  Kennedy Space Center. Not only you can visit the NASA Museum and learn all about Space Explorations (failures & successes) but you can also ride one of their buses that will take you around Cape Canaveral to see the original  Rockets' launch Pads.

After the Kennedy Space Center, you can dedicate a few hours to visit the incredible Merritt Island National Refuge to admire some of Florida's unique wildlife, including the Manatees!

Night: Melbourne Comfort Suites Palm Bay *** or similar




Day 16: Melbourne > West Palm Beach > Miami

Here you are, almost done with the driving! You will have the last "few miles" to reach Miami.

If you want to stop along the way, you can visit West Palm Beach, a seaside town famous for its extravagant houses, yachts, and the extremely wealthy population.

Arrive in Miami by late afternoon, drop off car and check-in Hotel.

Night: Miami Hilton Garden inn Miami beach South beach *** or similar




Day 17 & 18: Miami

Enjoy 2 days to explore Miami with South Beach and the modern Downtown area. There are plenty of activities you can do once you are in Miami. 

If you are done with all the driving, you can elect to relax by the water and maybe do a couple of Tours to explore the historic and cultural side of Southern Florida and visit unique neighborhoods like Little Havana with Calle Ocho and the very hip Wynwood Art District and the glamorous Design District. 

Night: Miami Hilton Garden inn Miami beach South beach *** or similar





Day 19: Miami > End of Service

Free morning, airport transfer - End of Service.

* Possibility to add 2 Days in Orlando to do the Parks (Disney & Universal) during the Tour.

INCLUDES

    • 3 nights in Hotel in New York (central area) overnight stay only
    • 3 nights in Hotel in Miami (central area) overnight stay only
    • 12 nights in Hotels On the Road (some with breakfast included)
    • Rental Car for 13 days. Type Buick Lacroix or similar - Unlimited mileage - CDW insurance

EXCLUDES

    • International/Domestic Flights
    • Park Admission / Attractions
    • Extended Car Insurance
    • Food and Drink
    • Drop Off Rent a car $500.00 to be paid when you pick up the car
    • Everything not expressly indicated in "The Price Includes"

PRICE

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR + HOTELS & ACTIVITIES:
Price in Double Room
Starting at $ 2500.00 per person
Price in Triple Room
Starting at $ 1745.00 per person
Price in Quadruple Room
Starting at $ 1370.00 per person

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR & DRIVER/GUIDE + HOTEL & ACTIVITIES 
Quote on request. Please use the Form below to send in a request. 

HOTEL ROOM: Single Rooms also available. Ask for the price!

MORE INFO & FAQ

 
  • Tipping in the United States is standard practice.
  • Generally, in the United States, accommodation in triple rooms is composed of two large beds or a large bed and a small bed and quadruple accommodation is decorated with two large beds.
  • Driving in the United States:
  • 1. Passing on the right is allowed and everyone does it, don't be intimidated by roads with more than five lanes.
  • 2.It is authorized (and obligatory) to turn right at a red light when there is a signal indicating it.
  • 3. As far as parking is concerned, check the times when you can leave your car there, never park in front of a fire hydrant (although there is no sign expressly prohibiting it). If the parking spaces have markings painted on the ground to delimit them, leave the car in the middle, even if the space seems huge. on your parking meter (check before paying as there are days of the week or times when it is not necessary to pay).
  • 4.Beware of tolls. They may be marked with the words toll or turnpike and usually have no barrier, so it is possible to pass the tolls without realizing it and be fined a few weeks later. Do not stay on the lanes indicated as reserved for “Fastrak” and have cash on hand, as in some tolls you can only pay in this way.
  • 5.Unless you want to have a fine and an awkward conversation with a Highway Patrol officer, it's best not to drive more than 5 or 10 miles above the speed limit. If the police end up stopping you despite everything, always keep your hands on the steering wheel and visible and don't even think about making jokes.
  • 6.We advise you to use a roadside assistance service and have a GPS.

POLICY

  Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
Please Note:

Supplier & Local Operator Guarantee

“When purchasing your vacation activities don’t take a guess!”
 
Our team  carefully selected all local operators we collaborate with to ensure that our clients get the best possible service. All products we advertised in our website are offered by reliable suppliers that have been in business for several years and that are recognized to be leaders of excellence in the travel industry. In your travel documents, you will find complete information on the local operator, including contact numbers in case of an emergency. If you need additional help our customer service will be happy to further assist you, contact us!!

How to
get there

MAP & DIRECTIONS

 Click on Map: Sample Itinerary - The East Coast On The Road
We are your local Tour Agency in New York City
Tailored Vacations
Secure Bookings
Your peers love it!
Your vacation, your way!
Free cancellation
BECAUSE IT'S OKAY TO CHANGE PLANS

Planning a vacation shouldn't be stressful. We all know plans might change, that is why we offer free cancellation for most of our services and tours. *

*exclusions may apply, please refer to each tour.
be free!
Testimonials & Reviews
"Excellent firms don’t believe in excellence – only in constant improvement and constant change." – TOM PETERS
4.9
Based on 250 reviews
What They
Say
Devonnec770 | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
I’m the biggest fan of Fall activities, but haven’t had a chance to do anything beyond Apple Picking in NJ. I decided to take a last minute 2 day trip with a friend in Hudson Valley, but didn’t know where to start [...] Thankfully I was able to use New York Welcome to do the hard work for us [...]


From TripAdvisor - October 2021
Breanna A. | TripAdvisor
5-Star Review on TripAdvisor
Irene was a FANTASTIC tour guide! She was so knowledgeable about the area and was so patient with all our questions. We stopped to use the bathroom and we got coffee halfway through, she was so kind! It was a pleasure learning about Brooklyn from you!

From TripAdvisor - April 2022
We are social Join our community of over 350K Followers!
Office
Manhattan - NYC
New York, NY 10029

info@usawelcome.net
My Cart
Loading...
Check-out
Loading...
Payment
Secure Checkout in a few steps
Item cart added