East Coast Classic

The East Coast: history

This is where the United States began. In Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the Constitution was written in 1787, both in Independence Hall.

New York was the first capital in 1789, then Philadelphia for ten years, and Washington from 1800. Niagara Falls, at the far end of the route, has drawn visitors since the early 1800s.

The East Coast: tourist attractions

• Statue of Liberty & Times SquareThe two best-known sights of New York.
• Empire State BuildingThe classic view over Manhattan.
• Independence Hall & Liberty BellThe birthplace of the nation, in the old centre of Philadelphia.
• National Mall, WashingtonThe Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol in one long walk.
• Smithsonian museumsFree museums along the Mall.
• Maid of the Mist, NiagaraThe boat ride to the foot of the falls.
• Niagara by nightThe falls lit in colour after dark.

The East Coast: excursions nearby

• BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham between New York and PhiladelphiaThe stone mandir at Robbinsville, New Jersey.
• Lancaster County about 70 miles from PhiladelphiaAmish farms, buggies and markets.
• Hershey about 95 miles from PhiladelphiaChocolate World and the theme park.
• Corning Museum of Glass on the road to NiagaraGlass-blowing shows and a huge collection.
• Mount Vernon about 16 miles from WashingtonGeorge Washington's home.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.