East Coast Road Trip
Highlights
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Historical Landmarks
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Washington, D.C.: The nation’s capital is packed with monuments, museums, and political landmarks such as the White House, Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial.
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Boston, MA: Rich in American history, with sites like the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere’s House, and Boston Tea Party Ships.
2. Scenic Beauty
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Blue Ridge Parkway: Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route offers stunning mountain views and serene landscapes stretching from Virginia to North Carolina.
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Acadia National Park, ME: Coastal beauty with rocky shores, woodland, and Cadillac Mountain.
3. Cultural Experiences
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New York City, NY: The Big Apple offers Broadway shows, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park.
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Savannah, GA: Experience Southern charm with its historic district, beautiful squares, and Spanish moss-draped trees.
Sample Itinerary
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Day
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Route
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Highlights
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|
1
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New York City to Philadelphia
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Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall
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2
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Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
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National Mall, Smithsonian Museums
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3
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Washington, D.C. to Shenandoah National Park
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Skyline Drive, hiking trails
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4
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Shenandoah National Park to Asheville, NC
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate
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5
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Asheville to Savannah
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Historic downtown, Forsyth Park
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6
|
Savannah to Orlando, FL
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Disney World, Universal Studios
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Budgeting
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Expense Category
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Estimated Cost (7-Day Trip)
|
|
Fuel
|
$200 -$300
|
|
Accommodation
|
$700 -$1,200
|
|
Food and Drinks
|
$350 -$600
|
|
Activities
|
$200 -$400
|
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Miscellaneous
|
$100 -$200
|
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Total
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$1,550 -$2,700
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West Coast Road Trip
Highlights
Natural Wonders
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Yosemite National Park, CA: Famous for its majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and giant sequoias.
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Redwood National and State Parks, CA: Home to the tallest trees on earth and lush, tranquil forests.
Iconic Cities
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San Francisco, CA: Discover the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Los Angeles, CA: Explore Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, and Griffith Observatory.
Stunning Coastlines
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Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1): This scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views and picturesque stops along the California coast.
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Olympic National Park, WA: Diverse ecosystems including rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and alpine peaks.
Sample Itinerary
|
Day
|
Route
|
Highlights
|
|
1
|
Seattle to Portland
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Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Columbia River Gorge
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2
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Portland to Redwood National Park
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Multnomah Falls, scenic drives, giant redwoods
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3
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Redwood National Park to San Francisco
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Avenue of the Giants, Golden Gate Bridge
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4
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San Francisco to Big Sur
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Alcatraz, Pacific Coast Highway
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5
|
Big Sur to Los Angeles
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Bixby Creek Bridge, Santa Monica Pier
|
|
6
|
Los Angeles to San Diego
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Hollywood, La Jolla Cove
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Budgeting
|
Expense Category
|
Estimated Cost (7-Day Trip)
|
|
Fuel
|
$250 -$350
|
|
Accommodation
|
$800 -$1,400
|
|
Food and Drinks
|
$400 -$700
|
|
Activities
|
$250 -$450
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
$100 -$200
|
|
Total
|
$1,800 -$3,100
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Comparing the Routes
Scenic Views
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East Coast
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West Coast
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Appalachian Mountains
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Pacific Ocean
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Coastal towns of New England
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California’s iconic coastline
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Historical architecture
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Majestic national parks
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Cultural and Historical Sites
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East Coast
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West Coast
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Colonial history in Boston
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Gold Rush history in San Francisco
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Political landmarks in Washington, D.C.
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Film and music history in Los Angeles
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Southern charm in Savannah
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Tech innovation in Silicon Valley
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Activities and Experiences
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East Coast
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West Coast
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Museums and historical tours
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Hiking and outdoor adventures
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Broadway shows in New York City
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Beach activities and surfing
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Southern cuisine and hospitality
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Diverse culinary experiences
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When deciding between an East Coast or West Coast road trip, consider what type of experiences you’re looking for. The East Coast offers rich historical landmarks and charming coastal towns, while the West Coast provides dramatic natural landscapes and vibrant city life. Both routes promise unforgettable adventures and unique experiences.
