Nothing to do this summer and already itching to get out of the house? No worries. Here's a list of 14 popular east coast summer road trips for you and your friends.
1. Bar Harbor, ME
Hungry for some lobstah or Maine blueberry ice cream? This town offers some of New England's best ocean-side hiking trails, as well as farmers' markets galore. Bar Harbor's accessibility to the ocean and tavern-filled downtown make it a top summer road-trip destination.
2. Miami, FL
If you're tired of hitting the books and the snow, Miami is probably the perfect destination for you. Grab a towel, some sunglasses, and check out Florida's beach and music festival scene. If that's not enough to sell you on it, hop on a cruise and enjoy the world-class sun and sand.
3. Kancamagus Highway, NH
Looking for a summer camping or hiking adventure trip? Get lost in New Hampshire's breath-taking scenery along the Kancamagus Highway. The White Mountain National Forest offers a haven for hikers and a scenic drive for those who would rather stay in their cars. Either way, it's so rustic, you will think you're in an Abercrombie ad.
4. Asheville, NC
Asheville is known for having some of the country's best craft breweries and a trendy, diverse downtown art community. Plus the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains allows for the perfect mix of nature and urban excursion opportunities.
5. Boston, MA
Boston in the summer offers a rich history of America's heritage, a beautiful harbor attached to an eclectic nightlife, and some of the best colleges and universities in the country. In the heart of New England, this city's sports-infused personality will undoubtedly make for a wicked good summah road trip.
6. Charlottesville, VA
Looking for some Southern charm in the middle of the Appalachian mountains? Charlottesville offers a downtown for the art-appreciating, all-organic outdoorsy-type. Thomas Jefferson's home city also houses a hip live-music scene, the University of Virginia and the Shenandoah National Park.
7. New York, NY
Broadway. The Statue of Liberty. The Yankees. Times Square. Central Park. Enough Said.
8. Surf City, NC
Love the beach? Love to surf? Surf City hosts arguably some of the best surfing on the east coast with affordable, local rentals and lessons for visitors. What more could you want on your summer break?
9. Portland, ME
Portland, Maine is home to six of New England's lighthouses within 20 minutes from the city. Check out the annual Maine Foodie Tour, the beautiful ocean-side bike trails, and kayak rentals in Casco Bay.
10. New Orleans, LA
A bustling French Quarter. A heritage of live jazz music. Gumbo. The Indy Grand Prix. New Orleans is famous for it's cool mix of African American and French culture, like nothing anywhere else in the U.S.A.
11. Washington, D.C.
Looking to get a head start on next semester's American History homework? Washington, D.C. allows a chance for a college student to explore our nation's heritage that won't break the bank. The best part is: the museums are free.
12. Montréal, QC
If you were looking to go to Europe this summer, but your wallet was holding you back, look no further. This Canadian city's foreign flair is exactly what you need. Be sure to check out St. Catherine's street, Vieux Montréal (Old City), and the Norte Dame Basilica. Don't forget your passport and your French phrasebook!
13. Nashville, TN
The capital of country music is not all that Nashville, Tennessee is known for. Visit the Southern mansions, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or go grab a drink and some grub one of Music City's live-music venues.
14. Charleston, SC
Charleston is the oldest and second-largest city in South Carolina. Explore the waterfront park, adorable downtown, and stunning gardens and plantations. This city is the perfect mix of southern charm and fun nightlife scene, making it a perfect destination for your summer road trip!
Happy travels!
