Eastern Seaboard, USA road trip
East Coast Road Trip itinerary
An East Coast road trip is the classic American drive: a north-to-south run down the Eastern Seaboard linking the country's great cities with barrier-island beaches and the historic towns of the Deep South. This itinerary follows roughly 1,500 miles from Boston to Miami, mixing big-city days in New York and Washington with the slower coastal charm of the Outer Banks, Charleston and Savannah.
- Duration
- 12–14 days
- Distance
- 1,500 miles
- Start and finish
- Boston to Miami (north to south)
- Best time
- Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) give the mildest weather and lighter crowds. Summers are hot and humid in the south, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep the Carolina, Georgia and Florida legs flexible.
See the ready-made plan
The full East Coast Road Trip itinerary is already plotted in the planner, day by day. Open it to see the route on the map, then drag stops, add your own and keep notes as you go.
Why drive the East Coast Road Trip?
A 12–14 day East Coast USA road trip itinerary down the Eastern Seaboard from Boston to Miami — New York, Washington DC, the Outer Banks, Charleston, Savannah and Florida.
- Boston's Freedom Trail and Newport's Gilded Age mansions
- The skyline, parks and museums of New York City
- Washington's monuments and free Smithsonian museums
- Charleston and Savannah's historic streets and the Outer Banks beaches
12–14 days East Coast Road Trip itinerary
Days 1–2
Boston and Newport
Start in Boston with the Freedom Trail, the harbour and a wander round Beacon Hill, then drive south to Newport, Rhode Island (around 75 miles) for its Gilded Age mansions, the Cliff Walk and the New England coast.
Days 3–4
Coastal Connecticut to New York City
Follow the Connecticut shoreline through Mystic and New Haven on the way to New York City, about 215 miles in total. Leave the car on the city's edge and use the subway, giving yourself a full day for Manhattan's skyline, parks and museums.
Day 5
Philadelphia
Drive the short leg to Philadelphia (around 95 miles) for Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the old quarter — an easy half-day's drive that breaks the run south.
Days 6–7
Washington, DC
Continue past Baltimore to Washington, DC (about 140 miles), then settle in for a day or two among the monuments, the National Mall and the free Smithsonian museums. Park on the outskirts and use the Metro in the centre.
Days 8–9
Coastal Virginia and the Outer Banks
Head south into Virginia for Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia Beach (roughly 190 miles), then cross into North Carolina for the Outer Banks — a thin chain of barrier islands with lighthouses, dunes and the wide beaches of Cape Hatteras.
Days 10–11
Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Charleston
Work down the Carolina coast through Wilmington and Myrtle Beach to Charleston, South Carolina. The Outer Banks to Charleston run is long, around 350 miles, so break it overnight before slowing down for Charleston's cobbled streets, historic harbour and the Battery.
Day 12
Savannah
Take the easy drive to Savannah, Georgia (about 110 miles) for its oak-shaded squares, the riverfront and one of the most walkable historic centres in the South.
Days 13–14
The Florida coast to Miami
Cross into Florida for St Augustine, the oldest city in the country (around 140 miles), then make the longer final push down the coast to Miami (roughly 310 miles), finishing with South Beach and the Art Deco district.
Planning tips
Skip the car in the big cities
Driving and parking in Boston, New York and Washington is stressful and expensive. Use park-and-ride or public transport in the centres, or collect the hire car after the northern cities.
Mind hurricane season in the south
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and peaks in late summer, mainly affecting the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Keep the southern leg flexible and watch the forecast.
Get an E-ZPass for the tolls
The I-95 corridor and many bridges and tunnels are tolled. An E-ZPass transponder, often available with the hire car, saves time and avoids the higher pay-by-plate rates.
Don't underestimate the distances
Boston to Miami is around 1,500 miles. Two weeks keeps it comfortable; with less time, drive a shorter stretch such as Boston to Washington or Washington down to Florida.
East Coast Road Trip FAQ
How many days do you need for an East Coast road trip?
Two weeks is comfortable for the full Boston to Miami route. With a week, drive a shorter section such as Boston to Washington, DC, or Washington down to Florida.
What is the best route for an East Coast USA road trip?
The classic route runs north to south down the Eastern Seaboard: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, coastal Virginia and the Outer Banks, Charleston, Savannah and the Florida coast to Miami.
How many miles is a Boston to Miami road trip?
It is roughly 1,500 miles (about 2,400 km) down the coast. Most travellers spread it over 12 to 14 days to enjoy the cities and beaches along the way.
When is the best time for an East Coast road trip?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Summers are hot and humid in the south, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November.
Which direction is best to drive the East Coast?
Driving north to south, from Boston to Miami, follows the cooler northern cities into the warmer south and is the most popular way to plan the trip. It works just as well in reverse.
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