East Coast Family Vacations: How, What, Where

The East Coast is brimming with landmarks and locations of monumental historical significance. This is due to a simple fact that European settlers predominantly disembarked along this long and winding coast of the New World in search of a better tomorrow. 

Simply speaking, in the age that predates the Declaration of Independence, the West Coast counted among the most distant places in the world. That is why the cornerstones of major cities and seats of government were placed here. Appropriately, the East Coast represents a treasure trove of urban and rural wonders that have become just as iconic as other parts of the world, and it is a wonderful stretch of land to brave with your family.

The packing conundrum

Considering it’s a family trip, packing might present a challenge. A strategy that has helped many a parent through this ordeal is ‘repacking’. This entails preparing – or packing – all the luggage that you have and then venturing to subtract items that are not essential. Some people go through three or four iterations before they get it right. 

That being said, you always have to leave enough room for travel toys and games if you are a parent to an 8-year-old and/or younger. Matters are trickier when you are packing for kids as well, so having one dedicated suitcase for child toys and clothes might be a sound investment if they are under 3 or over 7. 

Also, since the whole family is going on a trip, you must make room for a first aid kit that will hold at least the basic items you might require in the case of injury, allergic reaction or other health-related complications. 

The kit should contain painkillers (one type for adults and one for children), disinfectant spray, wet wipes, bandages, sunscreen lotion, mosquito repellant, as well as antihistamines and (possibly) vitamin supplements.  

How to travel?

If you want to have a wholesome, comprehensible East Coast experience with your family, it is a no-brainer that you should travel by car, possibly in a roomy van or an RV. If you live on the other side of the States or off-continent, you should strongly consider renting a vehicle once your family lands at your first destination via an airplane. 

Where to go?

It is understandable if you have a hard time choosing the assembly of destinations for your East Coast family vacation. After all, the sites are just too numerous and too irresistible to pass by. 

Philadelphia

The coastline is filled with historically laden stories so it could be a prudent ‘gateway’ to your family vacation to start with Philadelphia – the birthplace of the US. Plus, it is a wonderful, walkable city for families with kids; this could also be a good opportunity to start teaching your child about the American history (if they’ve yet grown out of toddling, of course). 

New York City

Of course, New York City is practically synonymous with the East Coast, not to mention the fact that it counts among the most famous cities in the world. It boasts some of the most resplendent museums you could visit and catching a family-friendly Broadway show can be an event to remember. Manhattan is the jewel of New York, and Central Park is its pièce de résistance, the place where families can retreat from all the sidewalk ruckus to have a dynamic bonding time. 

Charleston 

You can also mix it up with urban experiences and head on a long road trip along the coast until you reach Charleston, South Carolina for a few days of that legendary Southern hospitality. The kids will gawk in wonder at the breathtaking facades of this atmospheric yet tame city. 

Natural splendor

Still, we should also point out that the East Coast is not exclusively about the urbanities. It is dotted with amazing natural splendor from Maine to Florida, as long as you are ready to venture into the hinterland. Arcadia National Park in Maine comes to mind as a family-friendly location, but it would be unfair to assemble a crammed list of East Coast natural locales, especially since there are so many gems along the slopes of the Appalachian mountains. 

Ready to Take a Trip Down the East Coast?

While it is absolutely undeniable that West Coast also boasts its fair share of wonders, the East Coast still has the edge when it comes to the sheer amount of family-friendly content. It is a fast-paced environment laden with wondrous historical facades and crucial national monuments that every child should see sooner rather than later.

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