14 Great States on the East Coast for Your Next Family Vacation

When most people think of vacation destinations in the United States, they may not automatically think of states on the East Coast.

From Maine to Florida, these states offer everything a family could want in a vacation spot.

Today, we are exploring USA east coast states and offering just a few reasons why you should consider visiting one or more of them this year.

How Many East Coast USA States Are There?

There are 14 States on the east coast of the United States.

An East Coast state has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

For this reason, you will notice that Pennsylvania and Vermont are not included in the east coast USA states even though they appear to be in the general region.

However, you will still find plenty to explore in the USA east coast states below

Maine: The Pine Tree State

Maine is the northernmost point among the states on the east coast.

Maine is perfect to visit if you are looking to get away from the heat and enjoy some cooler temperatures.

During the summer months, you can enjoy all that Maine has to offer, from hiking and camping in Acadia National Park to relaxing on one of the many pristine beaches.

And in the winter, you can experience a true New England winter complete with snow-capped mountains and cozy fireside chats.

Kids will love trying out new activities like lobster fishing or visiting a sugar house to learn how maple syrup is made.

No matter what you choose to do, you can be sure that a family vacation in Maine will be an unforgettable experience.

New Hampshire: The Granite State

• Major Cities: Concord, Manchester
• Well-known for: White Mountain National Forest, Lake Winnipesaukee, The Old Man of the Mountain
• Average High Temperature in June: 77 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 36 degrees Fahrenheit

New Hampshire is one of the states on the east coast to visit if you love the outdoors.

With over 4.8 million acres of forestland, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

Kids will love exploring the state's natural wonders, like the White Mountain National Forest or Lake Winnipesaukee, while parents can enjoy taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery.

When it's time to take a break from all the outdoor activities, New Hampshire has plenty of charming towns and villages to explore.

If you are a fan of snow sports, New Hampshire is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast.

So why not plan your next family vacation in New Hampshire? You won't regret it!

Massachusetts: The Bay State

• Major Cities: Boston, Worcester, Springfield
• Well-known for: Harvard University, Fenway Park, The Boston Marathon
• Average High Temperature in June: 76 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 41 degrees Fahrenheit

Massachusetts is one of the best states on the east coast to visit if you are interested in American history.

Kids will love exploring Massachusetts because it is home to so many famous landmarks and historical sites.

They can visit Harvard University, the birthplace of American freedom in Lexington and Concord, or Fenway Park – the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and home of the Boston Red Sox.

In addition to all the historical attractions, Massachusetts also has plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy such as zoos, amusement parks, and beaches that are perfect for a day of family fun.

So if you're looking for a vacation that is sure to please everyone, consider planning your trip to Massachusetts.

Rhode Island: The Ocean State

• Major Cities: Providence, Newport
• Well-known for: Beaches, Mansions, The Rhode Island School of Design
• Average High Temperature in June: 78 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 42 degrees Fahrenheit

Rhode Island is one of the more relaxed states on the east coast to visit for your family vacation.

With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is home to some of the best beaches in New England.

Rhode Island is a great place to visit with kids who will enjoy exploring Fort Adams State Park and The Breakers Mansion.

And if you are looking to do a little shopping, be sure to check out the luxury shops in Newport.

No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, Rhode Island has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next trip to the Ocean State?

Connecticut: The Constitution State

• Major Cities: Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven
• Well-known for: Yale University, The Mark Twain House, Mystic Seaport
• Average High Temperature in June: 79 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 40 degrees Fahrenheit

Connecticut is another excellent state to dive into American history – among a few other states on the east coast.

Kids will love exploring the Mark Twain House, where they can learn all about the life of one of America's most famous authors.

They can also visit Yale University, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

And if they are interested in the sea, they can visit Mystic Seaport, where they can learn all about the history of the whaling industry.

The constitution state offers so much to learn for growing minds!

New York: The Empire State

• Major Cities: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester
• Well-known for: Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls
• Average High Temperature in June: 79 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 44 degrees Fahrenheit

Of all the states on the east coast to visit, New York is great if you are looking for a mix of everything.

The state is home to one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world, New York City.

Kids will enjoy exploring all that New York has to offer, from the world-famous Central Park to the top of the Empire State Building.

And if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can head upstate to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains or take a trip to Niagara Falls.

No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it in New York.

New Jersey: The Garden State

• Major Cities: Newark, Trenton, Camden
• Well-known for: The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, Princeton University
• Average High Temperature in June: 82 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 44 degrees Fahrenheit

New Jersey is home to the Jersey Shore, where you can find miles of sandy beaches and boardwalks.

If you are looking for a place to gamble, Atlantic City is home to many casinos and hotels and is directly on the east coast.

If you are looking for a taste of the city, be sure to visit Newark, which is the largest city in New Jersey where kids can explore the Newark Museum or catch a show at the Prudential Center.

Finally, if you are looking for a mix of history and culture, be sure to visit Princeton University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

Visit New Jersey today for a vacation that offers plenty to explore.

Delaware: The First State

• Major Cities: Wilmington, Dover, Newark
• Well-known for: The Delaware Beaches, Winterthur Museum, Longwood Gardens
• Average High Temperature in June: 82 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 45 degrees Fahrenheit

Delaware is the perfect east coast state to visit with plenty of things to do that the whole family will enjoy.

The state is home to the Delaware Beaches, where you can find miles of sandy beaches and boardwalks.

Kids will love exploring the Winterthur Museum, which is dedicated to American decorative arts, or the Longwood Gardens, which is a world-renowned garden that features over 1,000 different types of plants.

And if you are looking for a taste of the city, be sure to visit Wilmington.

Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware and offers plenty of cultural attractions, including theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.

Be sure to visit Delaware today for a vacation that everyone will remember!

Maryland: The Old Line State

• Major Cities: Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick
• Well-known for: The Chesapeake Bay, Crab Cakes, The National Aquarium
• Average High Temperature in June: 85 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 46 degrees Fahrenheit

If you're looking for a great place to take your kids on vacation on the east coast, look no further than Maryland.

The Old Line State is home to plenty of activities that will keep the kiddos entertained all day long.

Kids will love exploring Baltimore, which is home to many famous landmarks, including the Inner Harbor and the National Aquarium.

Don't forget to sample some of the state's famous crab cakes while you are here!

Finally, be sure to visit Annapolis, which is the capital of Maryland and features beautiful colonial architecture.

From the bustling city of Baltimore to the sandy beaches of the Eastern Shore, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Maryland.

Virginia: The Old Dominion

• Major Cities: Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville
• Well-known for: Colonial Williamsburg, The Virginia Beach, The Blue Ridge Mountains
• Average High Temperature in June: 83 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 52 degrees Fahrenheit

Virginia is among several states on the east coast for families interested in learning more about American history.

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that allows visitors to experience what life was like in the 18th century.

Explore the state capitol building in Richmond or visit Charlottesville – home to Monticello – Thomas Jefferson's home.

And if you are looking for a taste of the outdoors, be sure to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains, which offer plenty of hiking and camping opportunities.

If the weather is nice, Virginia Beach is a great place to enjoy the sun and the surf.

Whether you're looking for some history and culture, outdoor exploration or relaxing beach days, Virginia has it all!

North Carolina: The Tar Heel State

• Major Cities: Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro
• Well-known for: The Outer Banks, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Average High Temperature in June: 86 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 54 degrees Fahrenheit

North Carolina is among the best states on the east coast if you are looking for a mix of outdoor activities and city life.

The Outer Banks is a popular beach destination, and there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Asheville is a great place to visit if you're interested in the arts, as it is home to the Biltmore Estate – the largest private home in America – and the River Arts District.

And of course, Raleigh and Charlotte are both great cities to explore, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Kids will enjoy The North Carolina Zoo, the Greensboro Science Center, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

Laid back and beautiful, you won't regret planning a trip to North Carolina.

South Carolina: The Palmetto State

• Major Cities: Columbia, Charleston, Greenville
• Well-known for: Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Congaree National Park
• Average High Temperature in June: 92 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 60 degrees Fahrenheit

South Carolina is the perfect east coast state to visit if you are looking for a mix of beach life and outdoor activities.

Myrtle Beach is a popular beach vacation destination, and Hilton Head Island is a great place for everyone from beachgoers to world-class golfers.

Columbia is the state capital and has plenty of history to explore, while the coastal town of Charleston is one of the most picturesque cities in America.

And if you're looking for some time in the great outdoors, Congaree National Park is a great option to take the kids hiking and camping.

With so much to see, you'll be sure to stay busy in South Carolina.

Georgia: The Empire State of the South

• Major Cities: Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah
• Well-known for: The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain, The Fox Theatre
• Average High Temperature in June: 86 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 54 degrees Fahrenheit

Georgia is an ideal east coast state to visit if you are looking for a mix of major cities and scenic beauty.

Atlanta is the state capital and has plenty for families to see and do.

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, and the Fox Theatre hosts a variety of children's shows.

The riverfront town of Savannah is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America.

And if you're looking for some time in the great outdoors, Stone Mountain is a great option for hiking and camping.

Don't forget to explore the beautiful low country, beaches, and islands on the Atlantic coastline.

Georgia is sure to be a memorable vacation for your family.

Florida: The Sunshine State

• Major Cities: Orlando, Miami, Tampa
• Well-known for: Disney World, The Florida Keys, Miami Beach
• Average High Temperature in June: 91 degrees Fahrenheit
• Average High Temperature in December: 72 degrees Fahrenheit

Our southernmost state on the list of states on the east coast is Florida.

If you are looking for a beach vacation, Florida is the perfect spot.

With over 1,350 miles of coastline, there is plenty of room to find your perfect spot in the sand.

In addition to its beaches, Florida is also home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. These are

Head south to the beautiful Florida Keys and feel like you've traveled to the Caribbean!

Beaches, amusement parks, and year-round warm temperatures are just a few of the reasons why families flock to Florida each year.

The Great States on the East Coast

If you're looking for a fun and affordable family vacation, be sure to add one or more of the states on the east coast to your list.

With plenty of beaches, theme parks, and historical attractions, there is something for everyone in these east coast USA states.

Whether you are looking to relax, enjoy the great outdoors, or experience all that winter has to offer, be sure to add a few of these East Coast states to your travel list.

It's easy to see why so many families choose to visit this region each year!