New York & the East

East USA is home to the country’s most famous city. Instantly recognisable, New York is synonymous with soaring skyscrapers, glitzy shows and world-class shopping. You can visit iconic landmarks – like Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building – and splash the cash on Fifth Avenue. And don’t forget to make time to explore Central Park.

NYC is undoubtedly the star of the show in these parts, but glittering Chicago should also be on your East USA itinerary. Famous for its delicious pizza, toe-tapping jazz and fun-filled pier, the Windy City is a great choice for families.

If you’re travelling with friends, though, you might find that lively Atlantic City is more your scene. At this beachside hub, you can have a flutter in the casinos, stroll along the famous boardwalk, and have a brilliant night out in one of the city’s many clubs.

At the other end of the spectrum, Philadelphia is ideal for history-lovers. Make sure you see the Liberty Bell, visit Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 – and browse the museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The City That Never Sleeps boasts some of the world’s best museums. Culture vultures should have the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on their to-do list during a holiday to New York and the East. History buffs should catch the ferry to Ellis Island, to learn about this fascinating immigration gateway to the USA. Or, for more modern history, visit the poignant 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Chicago has its fair share of museums, too. The Field Museum showcases all sorts of natural history exhibitions, from dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies. And the Art Institute of Chicago has one of the best collections in the world, with works by Hokusai, O’Keeffe and Monet.

For history nerds though, Gettysburg should be at the very top of the list. In Pennsylvania, the Gettysburg National Battlefield was a real turning point in the American Civil War. Today, Gettysburg National Military Park houses a museum, visitor centre and cemetery, where a memorial marks the site of Abraham Lincoln’s iconic 1863 Gettysburg Address.

When you’ve had your fill of the big cities in New York and the East, why not get back to nature? There are dozens of national parks in this region, so you’ll never be too far away from scenic mountains or green open spaces.
In New York State, you can go hiking through the Catskill Mountains, where you’ll find pine-scented forests and the picturesque Kaaterskill Falls. Or, for the ultimate day trip, venture upstate to marvel at Niagara Falls. Straddling the Canada-US border, this staggering waterfall is a must-see.

Over in New Jersey, meanwhile, keen hikers can traverse part of the Appalachian Trail. Weaving 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine, it’s one of the longest continuous footpaths in the world. And 72 of those miles run through various parks in New Jersey. So if you want to tackle part of the trail, head to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, High Point State Park or Wawayanda State Park.

Like the UK, there are four distinct seasons in the East USA – but the best time to go depends on how you want to spend your holiday. If you’re planning to go sightseeing in the cities, it’s best to visit before the summer heat and humidity arrives. April to June is the perfect time to visit Chicago, New York and Philadelphia.

If you’re seeking some beach time in Atlantic City, though, summer is the best time for your trip. Temperatures regularly reach 27°C, so you’ll be able to sunbathe on the sands in comfort.

Similarly, if you’re planning to spend your time hiking across national parks in New York and the East, summer is a great time to see these luscious areas in all their glory. Or why not plan your holiday for autumn, to admire the fiery foliage?

In December, meanwhile, the cities will be aglow with twinkling lights. If you’re looking for a festive getaway or a pre-Christmas shopping spree, a holiday to the eastern states will never disappoint. Just remember to wrap up warm, as temperatures drop to single figures.