USA East Coast

Traditionally, the east of the USA generally refers to the states east of the Mississippi River however for the purposes of this guide we have included Texas and Louisiana.
The eastern seaboard was the first area of the USA to be settled and is still home to its most populous cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia, as well as the capital, Washington DC. You can get your fill of urban pursuits like shopping, theatre, dining and major league sports in these centres, but there are also charming small towns to potter around and natural wonders to explore. Wherever you travel in the east you will be reminded of movies, TV shows and books, and this is a popular reason to visit this region, especially in New York where there are myriad tours allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters. Despite this 'familiarity' with much of the culture and landmarks, however, the region still has the ability to surprise, with its multiculturalism, natural beauty and especially in the south - hospitality.
History & Culture

Must-Do Experiences

Points of Interest
Most Australian citizens are able to travel to the United States without a visa by using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), with an approved ESTA. For more details go to http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html
Best Time to Visit
Activity | Time |
---|---|
Skiing | December to March, but you may get snow in late November & early April |
Autumn Colour | From September in the north to November in the south |
See a baseball game | The Major League Baseball season runs April to September |
Mardi Gras - New Orleans | Mardi Gras take place on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday) which is a Tuesday in February or March immediately before Ash Wednesday |
Getting Around
The USA is the perfect self-drive destination, so don’t be scared of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road! With so many fancy cars available for hire at very reasonable prices, why not spoil yourself and hire that ruby red Mustang you’ve always wanted to drive? Put the top down and let the wind blow through your hair as you cruise from destination to destination at your own pace.
If you’re not quite ready to jump in the driver’s seat of a canary yellow Chevy Camaro or on a Harley-Davidson motorbike, there is always the fantastic rail network to transport you around the country. Amtrak is quite extensive, and connects with a lot of other transport options, like buses and ferries, to make getting from point A to B a breeze.
Dining
A spectacular array of culinary delights is on offer throughout the East Coast, starting with every option under the sun in New York. From 99c pizza by the slice to $1000 plates at the most exclusive restaurants, along with staples like bagels and the New York hotdog. A Texas BBQ with Brisket, coleslaw, beans and potato salad is a must try or deep dish pizza in Chicago. Southern specialties in Nashville or New England signature dishes in Boston, the options are endless and delicious!
Shopping
New York baby! Need we say more? Be sure to pack a spare suitcase for your purchases if planning a spot of shopping in this fabulous city. Macy’s, Century 21, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue are the department stores not to be missed. For a designer splurge visit Prada, Chanel, Hermes and Giorgio Armani on Madison Avenue or perhaps Tiffany & Co on Fifth Avenue. Pop into Sephora, located all around Manhattan, for your beauty needs or the NBA and Niketown stores for sporting goods.
If you are heading to the Deep South, Myrtle Beach is famous for its shopping and is the largest shopping district in South Carolina.
What to Pack
The weather can vary greatly along the East Coast of the USA depending on the season and location. Summer is June to August and winter is December to February. During summer the northern states experience warm days and cooler nights while the southern states and tropical areas are much hotter. The southern winter is fairly mild but the north and Midwest will experience much colder temperatures and even snow.
So pack for the season and destination. Layers are always a good idea as is a waterproof wind jacket and comfortable shoes for walking, sightseeing and exploring. Pack your swimmers for Florida, a popular beach destination year round, and your thermals for the snow.
Traditionally the east of the USA has referred to the states east of the Mississippi River however for the purposes of this guide we have included Texas and Louisiana.
The eastern seaboard was the first area of the USA to be settled and is still home to its most populous cities like New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia as well as the capital Washington. You can get your fill of urban pursuits like shopping, theatre, dining and major league sports in these centres but there are also charming small towns to potter around and natural wonders to explore. Wherever you travel in the East you will be reminded of movies, TV shows and books and this is a popular reason to visit this region especially in New York where there are myriad tours allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters. Despite this 'familiarity' with much of the culture and landmarks however the region still has the ability to surprise with its multiculturalism, natural beauty and especially in the south - hospitality.