The American East Coast has some of the most scenic and historical sites in the country, making it an ideal candidate for your next road trip. Whether you want to take an East Coast trip to get away from the summer months, see the seasons change this fall, or simply want to unwind and travel with your family, there’s something for everyone driving along the eastern seaboard.
While planning a road trip is a fairly simple process, putting it together can sometimes be cumbersome. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of five cheap road trips that are perfect for anyone looking to explore the region on a budget. You’ll also find our road trip packing list here.
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Before taking any road trip, we recommend ensuring your car is fully serviced and safe for a long-distance trip. Additionally, you should also check if your car insurance is up to date. If you’re looking to change providers, it can help to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
Budget Friendly Road Trips Along the East Coast
With that out of the way, let’s check out some of the cheap road trip options along the East Coast:
1. Mystic, Connecticut
If you’re looking for a quintessential small town experience on the East Coast, Mystic, CT, has to be on top of your list. A whaling town at its core, Mystic is a quaint town with some of the icons of yesteryear. By many accounts, it seems the town never really got out of the 1950s, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, particularly for a road trip. The people are friendly and hospitable, and there are a ton of ways to spend time in this classic maritime town in New England.
Mystic Attractions
Given the nature and history of the town, thousands flock to the Mystic Seaport to learn more about the history and culture of the region. The Seaport offers knowledge on older fishing techniques, and there’s even an exhibit of an old whaling ship. Visitors can also visit the planetarium if they’re up to learn more about our solar system and beyond.
You can also visit the Mystic Aquarium or the Mystic Museum of Art when you’re in the area. The latter has exhibits showcasing artists from the region and is free to enter. Visitors can choose from a variety of world-class restaurants in Mystic, in addition to pocket-friendly options.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
This Rhode Island town is better suited for tourists who want the New England experience but in a more casual setting. Courtesy of the region’s Aquidneck Island, Newport is a hub for fishing, yachting, and sailing activities. It is a popular summer destination, but the hospitality of the locals makes it an ideal stop on your road trip regardless of the time of the year.
Newport Attractions
Take a walk through Thames Street to view some iconic sites of Newport. This street includes a bunch of food and shopping options. You can make a trip to Castle Hill Inn, which has a lush lawn and Adirondack chairs positioned towards Narragansett Bay. While you’re here, also consider watching the sunset from the lighthouse.
Another popular attraction in Newport is Del’s, which has been selling frozen lemonade in the region since the 1950s. Nothing beats a lemonade, especially on a hot summer day in Newport. Visitors can choose from a long list of hotels in Newport, with several budget options available as well.
3. Morristown, New Jersey
Often referred to as a suburb of New Jersey, Morristown has a lot of history behind it. It was crucial in the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence and is also known as the military capital of the American Revolution. It sits just 25 miles away from Manhattan, NY, and has iconic parks as well as the performing arts center. This Northern New Jersey town is an excellent place to visit on your road trip, with several eateries and hotels to choose from.
Morristown Attractions
We recommend visiting the Morristown National Historical Park, as well as a home built in 1750 by Henry Wick. Visitors can take a hike at Jockey Hollow Grand Loop Trail amidst the hills of Morristown. Fall is generally considered the ideal time to hike given the change in color of the surrounding trees. This affordable suburb should be high on your list of places to visit on an East Coast road trip.
If you’re up for catching some live performances, pop over by the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which usually hosts stand-up comedians, singers, actors, and other entertainers. The variety of hotels, restaurants and shopping options in Morristown means it can fit into any budget.
4. Washington, D.C.
While D.C. doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for an East Coast road trip on a budget, it has everything one could ask for. The abundance of free parks and monuments alone is enough reason to visit Washington D.C., with the vibrant culture, bustling art scene, and iconic eateries making it the perfect destination. There’s a lot of history in D.C., too, so you will never run out of things to do when you’re in this part of America. Your trip to D.C. may just be the best road trip you’ve taken yet.
Attractions in Washington, D.C.
If you’re traveling with kids, it is highly recommended to visit one (or all) of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, with all of them charging no entry fee. Also pop by at Rock Creek Park, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, and Tidal Basin. If you’re tired of visiting all the monuments in D.C., we suggest visiting Meridian Hill Park, which has a weekend drum circle and other fun activities.
If you’re looking for fresh produce in the region, stop by Dupont Circle, home to some of the best farmer’s markets in D.C. The multicultural Adams Morgan neighborhood has a busy nightlife, which is worth a visit, along with the vegetarian-friendly outlets in Takoma Park. Shaw, the central D.C. neighborhood, has some quaint coffee shops if you’re seeking some quiet time away from the noise.
Considering the high tourist population of D.C., visitors have a ton of hotels to choose from, even with a low budget. You can also take advantage of the city’s metro system to get around without paying for parking everywhere. The daily passes for visitors are a great buy and get you around town quickly. Check out local accommodation options on sites like Airbnb to find some hidden gems.
5. New York City, New York
There’s not much you can say about New York City that hasn’t been said already. This metropolis is home to different cultures and is famously known as the city that never sleeps. Considering the traffic situation in NYC, it doesn’t immediately come across as the ideal road trip destination. However, it’s an excellent choice if you don’t mind discovering places by taking walks. Chances are that you would need at least a week to fully experience what New York City has to offer.
NYC Attractions
Since NYC has been the location for so many iconic films, it’s a must-visit destination for movie buffs. Just randomly taking a stroll through the city could help you discover streets or scenes from films like Night at the Museum, When Harry Met Sally, Ghostbusters, and so on.
When you’ve walked through the iconic streets of the city, you can hop on the Staten Island Ferry to take in the skyscrapers and monuments of NYC from a distance. It’s important to remember that the Staten Island Ferry is a free service provided by the City of New York, so visitors should be on guard for scammers trying to sell ferry tickets. Be sure to read our 2-Day Itinerary in New York City for other great ideas of what to see in the city that never sleeps
There are a ton of classic pizzerias in NYC that offer the famous New York-style pizza. Fine dining options are available in abundance, too. At this point, you’re likely aware that New York City also has a buzzing nightlife and shopping scene, so be sure to unwind and take a step back to enjoy what the city has to offer.
If you want to avoid driving in New York, you can also hop on the train from D.C. to New York and then set out on foot.
The Bottom Line
Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to unwind from the stresses of your everyday life. The experience is heightened when you have your entire family with you. Pick a place that suits your family the best, and make reservations and other bookings in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. Finally, make the most of your East Coast road trip by visiting places you’ve never been and signing up for activities you’ve always wanted to try.
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