New York to Orlando: Coasting along the East Coast

The first leg of your drive down the East Coast of the US is one of world-famous destinations, historic sites and beautiful scenery. While you could drive the most direct route between New York and Washington much more quickly, this road trip takes you via a far more fascinating tour. You can easily spend a week checking out all the sights, so don’t be tempted to cut your time short during this leg. 
 
New York, New York! It’s one of the most famous cities in the world, and a place that you’ll need several days to explore before even thinking about starting out on your East Coast motorhome trip. There is an endless list of attractions in this bustling city, so aim to give yourself plenty of time to see as many as possible. Take a walk through the iconic Central Park to see why it’s the most visited park in the United States, get your photo taken in Times Square, and catch the Staten Island ferry across New York harbour for gorgeous scenery and a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Climb the 103 storeys of the Empire State Building (or just take the elevator), and while away an afternoon at the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) taking in one of the most astonishing art collections on the planet. Cheer on the teams at a game in Yankee Stadium, discover the mayhem and magic of Chinatown, and enjoy a picnic in an elevated park space that used to be a rail track at the High Line. There are dozens of major attractions and countless smaller ones, so even those who have visited the city before will find new things to discover! 
 
When you do manage to tear yourself away from New York, follow the I-95, but turn off to access US-1 after the Raritan River. 
 
Princeton University is a leading educational institution, and America’s fourth oldest college. It was chartered in 1746, and is known for its courses in engineering, natural sciences, the humanities, and social sciences. As well as all that, it’s a fascinating and historic site that you can visit during your East Coast road trip. The school offers one-hour tours with current students who will show you around the grounds, telling you about the rich history and architecture of the site, and answer any questions you may have. It’s easily one of the most beautiful campuses you will ever see, so should not be missed. 
 
After Princeton, get back on the I-95 and follow the Delaware River until you reach Philadelphia. 
 
Philadelphia is one of those places that will simply astound you with its culture and history. It’s home to the iconic Liberty Bell, which is a national symbol for the freedom of all Americans. The center where the bell is housed also offers a film about the history of the bell and exhibits, all of which you can view for free. Right next to the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall, which is notable as the signing place of both the American Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The only way you can access the Hall is with a tour, but once again the experience is free. Arrive at the Independence Visitor Centre early to get a tour time of your choice. Another fascinating, if less uplifting, site is that of the Eastern State Penitentiary. You can take a tour of this hauntingly captivating structure, which was once the most expensive and famous prison in the world, and see where some of the country’s most infamous criminals such as Al Capone and ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton were once kept. And of course, no trip to Philly is complete without a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Along with its beautiful collection of artworks, the stairs leading up to it are those from the ‘Rocky’ montage scene and make for an epic photo opportunity! 
 
Follow the I-95 away from the city, turning onto US-322 to rejoin US-1.
 
Get out of your motorhome rental and stretch those legs with a stroll through the exquisite 1,077 acres of Longwood Gardens. The gardens were designed by the innovative Pierre S. du Pont and include seasonal flower displays, intricate fountains, grand architecture and explosions of colour and scent at every turn. There are performances in the park throughout the year, as well as education opportunities for those who want to learn more about plant life and conservation. For the full experience, book in for a tour to hear about the park’s history, and to see its most rewarding displays. 
 
Continue heading west for another of America’s top historic destinations - Gettysburg. It’s known primarily as the turning point of the Civil War, where General Robert E. Lee’s attempt at winning the North was thwarted in what has become known as the ‘High Water Mark of the Rebellion’ in 1863. It‘s the site of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which would quickly become his most famous speech. Today, the small town of Gettysburg is full of historic sites and monuments to this massive moment in the country’s history. You can follow the footsteps of the soldiers in the battle, wander the battlefield and learn more at the Gettysburg museum and visitor center.

The second leg of your New York to Miami Beach road trip is all about history - both that of America and of the world. It’s one where you will begin in the world’s most famous ‘Washington’ city, and finish in another ‘Washington’ - one with an entirely different atmosphere. Once again, you could take a more direct route, but the time saved would mean missing out on a place of international historical significance, and one of absolute mystery, as well as the beautiful scenery on the way to both of them. 
 
New York City is a tough show to follow, but if any U.S. city can do it, it’s Washington, DC. Of course, the most famous attraction here is arguably the White House, home of the current President of the United States. It is possible to take a tour of the White House, but the only way you can do so is by submitting a tour request to a Member of Congress, and even then you must do it at least three weeks in advance. A far more accessible attraction is the National Mall, which is not a typical mall at all with its 1,000 acres of lush green spaces in the heart of the city. It’s really a massive boulevard of history, with the Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr and Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorials all housed at this location. It’s where protesters throughout history have gathered to speak up about injustices, and is even where Martin Luther King Jr made his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Within this mall are several more of Washington’s best assets. It features no fewer than five national museums, including the National Museum of American History, and the National Air and Space Museum. The National Gallery of Art, which is in itself an incredible experience, also offers free live jazz sessions on Friday evenings through summer outdoors in the gardens, and outdoor ice skating through winter. 
 
You’ll be back on the I-95 to get to your next major stop at Richmond, VA. As another of the country’s oldest cities, it’s heavy with history and brimming with cultural destinations. One of which is the awe-inspiring Maymont Estate, a veritable American castle that dates back to the late 1800s. Set on 100 acres of manicured gardens, this estate was donated to the city and has been kept in its original state for the public to view for more than 100 years. History buffs will love the St. John’s Episcopal Church, which was built in 1741 as the town’s first church, and is where Patrick Henry once said the words “Give me liberty or give me death” during a speech that would help decide the fate of the Revolutionary War. The church is now a National Historic Landmark, and sees more than 40,000 visitors every year. Richmond was also once home to ‘America’s Shakespeare’ Edgar Allen Poe. He lived just a few blocks away from where now stands the Edgar Allen Poe Museum with the world’s finest collection of original works, letters and memorabilia. 
 
The town of Kitty Hawk is a small but lovely ‘blink and you miss it’ type of place - but it is noteworthy for one very important piece of history that happened here in 1903. It was here that two brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, spent several years planning and designing a machine that could fly. It was also here that they eventually managed to achieve the first powered flight in history, thus creating a whole new form of travel and changing the world. In 2003, the town of Kitty Hawk celebrated the 100-year anniversary of that achievement, building a Monument to a Century of Flight. The town is also where you’ll find the Wright Brothers National Memorial, not to mention some gorgeous East Coast beaches! 
 
Just 30 minutes down the road from Kitty Hawk is another historic location - but one made famous by an entirely different event. Back in 1857, more than 100 men, women and children from England settled on a small spit of land that would come to be known as Roanoke Island. They had initially intended to reach Chesapeake Bay, but happenstance meant they fell a little short. It was the first English settlement in the new world. Not long after they arrived, the governor of the colony John White set sail for England for more supplies. It was three years before he could return, and when he did, he found the colony completely deserted without a hint of what might have happened. Today, this bizarre moment in history has become one of America’s greatest mysteries. As well as exploring the modern day township, one of the best things to do on Roanoke Island is to visit the Festival Park. You can board the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century ship for a ride out to sea, visit the Settlement Site to see how the early colonists lived, and explore the Roanoke Adventure Museum.
 
From Roanoke, follow the US-64 to Washington, NC.

Leg three of your East Coast road trip starts at the southern coast of North Carolina, and ends at the southern coast of South Carolina. The route along the shoreline is slightly slower than the inland highway system, but it offers a far greater display of fascinating history and attractions. The beachfront will be a constant joy out your left window along this leg, and each town brings with it architecture and museums that look like they’re from a completely different era. A great part of this route is the chance to see plenty of marvellous animals and wildlife, so take it slow and enjoy the ride! 
 
When you leave Washington NC, you’ll head south, joining the I-40 to reach Wilmington before following US-17 along the coastline for the entirety of this leg. 
 
Wilmington is known as North Carolina’s most accessible coastal destination, and when you drive into the heart of this gorgeous old town, it’s easy to see why. One of the simplest attractions is one of the best, with the Riverwalk taking you on a stroll down the waterfront, with the blue waters of the Cape Fear River on one side and an endless string of shops, bars and cafes on the other. You can also take a walk of a different kind - one on the decks of the USS North Carolina, and old battleship that now resides across the river in downtown Wilmington and acts as a floating museum for World War II from a naval perspective. Alternatively, give your feet a break and book in a trolley ride through the historic district of Wilmington to see many of the old mansions, homes and cafes throughout the town. 
 
Myrtle Beach is easily South Carolina’s most popular destination with visitors, and it’s a particularly good one for those on a road trip with kids. As well as more than 60 miles of luxurious East Coast sandy shoreline, Myrtle Beach is its own adventure playground. The Splashes Oceanfront Water Park is located right by the beach, and adds rides, speed slides, and water flumes to your day out in the water. For something a little more relaxed, take a wander down the Springmaid Pier to see the fishermen at work. This spot is known for its bountiful catches, and you can even try your hand at catching a Tarpon, Spanish Mackerel or other fish from this wharf. The T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Preserve Wild Encounter Tour is an incredible opportunity to get up close with powerful animals. It stands for The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, and is where you can meet Bubbles the elephant, see adult tigers running at full speed, and even meet a liger. 
 
Georgetown is the third oldest city in the state, and is packed with activities and tours for families, couples, and adventurers. Be sure to stop here overnight, as it’s one of the best places you’ll ever find for a ghost tour - you can wander the streets with only a lantern to light the way as you hear the eerie tales from centuries past. Its waterfront location also makes it a great spot for riverboat and fishing tours, but if you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, there are countless historic buildings and sites around town. The Stewart Parker and Kaminski Houses are both beautiful examples of centuries-old architecture, and the Georgetown County Museum is where you’ll find more than 300 years of American history from about the area. 
 
The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to stop along the East Coast to take a closer look at the raw natural beauty of the area and some of the wildlife that call it home. There are more than 293 bird species in Cape Romain throughout the year, and it’s renowned as one of the most productive environments in the world. Alongside countless bird species, you can also see animals such as red wolves, sea turtles, and alligators - all amongst the 24 types of reptiles, 12 varieties of amphibians and 36 mammal species in the refuge. One of the non-wildlife highlights is Boneyard Beach, a haunting and scenic stretch of shoreline with scraggly bare trees scattered across the landscape. You can also take a ferry ride out to Bulls Island to see oceanic wildlife such as dolphins, and to explore even more of this stunning region.

The fourth leg of your road trip will take you from South Carolina, all the way through Georgia, and into Florida. This leg is as full of history as an encyclopedia and as much stunning outdoor landscape as a Lord of the Rings film. You’ll see a couple of the south’s most famous cities - as well as the country’s oldest. Plus, if you’re ready for a serene rest stop for a few days, there’s no better place than the isolated Cumberland Island National Seashore. Set aside a good week for this one, as you’ll never want to leave. 
 
Charleston is one of those places that perfectly manages to mix history, exquisite outdoor areas and a thriving culture all in one. Many people love this town for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture and iconic horse-drawn carriages, but you’ll need plenty of time here to discover what makes you love it the most. The Charleston City Market is the town’s most visited attraction and a perfect first stop. The Great Hall there is a magnificent space filled with vendors of all types selling crafts, food, souvenirs and more, and the three open air sheds add even more choices to the mix - just don’t forget to admire the gorgeous building itself while you’re there. Once you’ve stocked up on goodies at the markets, make your way to Middleton Place, the home of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. The gardens here are ethereal in their beauty and incredibly diverse, and the house museum (built in 1755) offers an insightful look into the region’s past. Another wonderful outdoor space is the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which also dates back to the 1700s and is a past winner of the title of ‘America’s Most Beautiful Gardens’. There are also several historic homes you can take a look at, including Drayton Hall, Nathaniel Russell House, and Gov. William Aiken House, and don’t forget to walk or drive down Rainbow Row with it’s bright candy-coloured homes. 
 
When you head out of Charleston, take the US-17 southwest towards Savannah. 
 
Savannah offers a breath of fresh air and a strong dose of history as soon as you cross the state line between South Carolina and Georgia, The Peach State. It’s not often that a cemetery gets a spot on a road trip itinerary, but the Bonaventure Cemetery is something special. Made famous by the book and Clint Eastwood film ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’, this spot has long been a favourite of photographers and creatives from all over the world. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is a stately structure on the Savannah skyline, and is another piece of history that has stood the test of time - and fire. If you’ve been enjoying the historic homes along the East Coast, the ones to see in Savannah are the Isaiah Davenport House, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Mercer Williams House. Finally, spend some time strolling through Forsyth Park. This 30-acre green space is on the southern end of the historic district and offers a fabulous fountain and lush greenery. 
 
Sometimes, the beauty of a great road trip is not the big cities or massive monuments, but the little things you find along the way. It doesn’t get much smaller than the Smallest Church in America, which is just off the I-95 on US-17. This tiny church was built in 1949 with a view to being a stopping point for weary travellers. Unfortunately, the church was completely destroyed by a fire in 2015, but with donations and work from the local community, it has been rebuilt in all its former, very cute glory. 
 
As you continue south on the I-95, you’ll turn off towards a small town called St. Mary’s. The town itself is not your destination, but the Cumberland Island National Seashore that you can only access from St. Mary’s. The island has been populated since approximately 2,000 BC, and you can take a tour of the island (by van) to hear more about its history and wildlife. There are 18 miles of untouched beach, as well as five campgrounds and endless walking tracks. It’s a beautiful wilderness escape that you can take in the midst of a busy road trip - which is why it makes a great mid-way stopping point for a couple of days rest from the road. 
 
St. Augustine, Florida was founded on September 8 1565, giving it the very special title of America’s oldest city. It was settled by the Spanish, and there are still countless examples of classic Spanish buildings and monuments around the city. Easily the most famous attraction is Castillo de San Marcos, an incredible fort that was built back in the late 1600s. Despite being attacked, this fortress survived thanks to its unique design and building materials, and today remains as a fascinating memento of more dangerous times. The Lightner Museum is another unique attraction, which is a gorgeous old hotel that’s been turned into a magnificent museum of the arts. Considering you are now in the Florida, you should also make a stop at the Alligator Farm to see these terrifying beasts up close, and even take a zipline tour through the zoo to soar over them! If you’d like a place to stay, there’s arguably no place prettier than Anastasia State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and miles of scenic shoreline.
 
Orlando is basically just one big playground masquerading as a central Florida city. There are more than a dozen theme parks in and around the city, so even if you only visited half of them, it would still take a full week! Universal Orlando is one of the major ones, which is where Harry Potter buffs can submerge themselves in a world of magic and wizardry at a replica Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. You can also meet your other favourite Universal characters such as the minions from Despicable Me, the Simpsons, Shrek, ET, the Transformers and more in various rides, shows and experiences. Universal also runs the Wet ’n Wild theme park for when you need to cool off! When you need a relaxing break from all the hair-raising rides, spend some time relaxing in the Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre oasis of flourishing flower beds and a 19th century homestead. Another of the city’s fantastic theme parks is SeaWorld, a large park dedicated to education, fun and conservation, all with a focus on aquatic animals. For a little more culture before you leave, spend a day exploring the Orlando Museum of Art or the Menello Museum of Modern Art. 
 
Walt Disney World Resort is arguably the most famous theme park of all, and it’s situated slightly to the southwest of central Orlando. No matter what number it says on your birth certificate, this magical world will make you feel no more than 10 years old. Known as the original Disney World, there are multiple parks to explore here alone. The Magic Kingdom Park is what you might call ‘classic’ Disney, with the awe-inspiring turreted castle, real life Disney princesses, and the vibrant Main Street. The Epcot Park is referred to as a ‘permanent world’s fair’, as it’s all about technological innovation, international culture, and of course, always that touch of Disney magic. The Hollywood Studios section is dedicated to all things film, and the Animal Kingdom pays tribute to incredible wildlife through rides, shows and experiences. On top of all that, Disney offers two separate water parks for even more fun in the sun. 
 
Orlando's magical attractions will provide an amazing end to your journey - or you could extend it and head down to Miami and the Keys for even more fun.