East Coast Cities You Want to Make Sure Are on Your Bucket List

By Kacey M. Bradley
Lifestyle Blogger and Freelance Writer The Drifter Collective

The East Coast is a great place to visit, with a multitude of cities that provide a little bit of everything - from bustling major metropolitan areas to more rural scenic beauty. From Maine to Florida, the East Coast includes many cities you want to make sure are on your bucket list to visit. The most notable seven East Coast cities to visit include:

New York City

NYC is the most densely populated city in the country, so it makes sense that it’s full of attractions. The five boroughs all have things to do, 24/7, in the city that never sleeps. Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are all worthwhile attractions, while ample green spaces (like Central Park) and outdoor activities (ice skating at Rockefeller Center) provide a change-of-pace. Museums, Broadway and easily accessible transit are a few more reasons why NYC should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

Boston

Historic Boston is rich with history; from viewing a gorgeous scenic backdrop of the city at Boston Harbour to strolling through Copley Square while feeling like you're back in time, everything from the architecture to Harvard Square shops seems like a blast from the past. Also be sure to catch a game at baseball's oldest professional ballpark, Fenway Park, to watch the hometown Red Sox play in an unforgettably exciting atmosphere. These beautiful relics combined with sharp aspects like modernity, like the Millennium Tower and other luxurious buildings in Boston, make Boston a diversely beautiful city.

Washington, DC

Even if you’re not a history buff or political junkie, it’s hard to omit DC from your bucket list. A visit in March or April is particularly recommended, as the city's National Cherry Blossom Festival is breathtaking. For year-round attractions, many museums - like the National Zoo, National Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum and National Gallery of Art - are either free or very low-cost. Plus, historic political buildings like the White House, Supreme Court and Capitol buildings are available for scheduled tours.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia certainly rivals Boston in its historical richness, as visitors can attend a variety of very notable landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, Independence Hall and Franklin Court. Plus, the city’s four sports teams - baseball's Phillies, football's Eagles, basketball's 76ers and hockey's Flyers - are all attractions for sports fan in need of a frenzied game atmosphere.

Portland, Maine

Just a 50-minute plane ride from JFK, Portland, Maine is a wonderful city to visit, particularly during the summer. Its Old Port District is notable for a plethora of restaurants and shops, with European-esque cobblestone streets. The waterfront is about 20 yards away, featuring Portland Harbor, one of the busiest East Coast ports. Ferry service to various major islands in the Casco Bay offers plenty of great trips during the summer, with sightseeing cruises available. Also, don't leave without trying a lobster roll; you won't regret it.

Burlington, Vermont

Much like Portland, the appeal of Burlington comes in its waterside charm and plethora of great mom ‘n’ pop shops. Situated right next to beautiful Lake Champlain, Burlington is very walkable and full of vibrant streets with live musical performances. Be sure to eat at acclaimed restaurant Hen of the Wood, specializing in farm-to-table fare. If you’re a craft beer fan, keep an eye out for beer on tap from The Alchemist and Hill Farmstead, Vermont breweries who are ranked as among the top breweries in the world, with Hill Farmstead as the best.

Charleston, South Carolina

Stylistically somewhere between southern charm and east-coast bustle, Charleston finds a pleasurable middle ground. The shopping/dining district of King Street is particularly heavy on the southern vibe, with an event called Second Sunday on the second Sunday of each month, where traffic is closed on the streets and everyone is encouraged to shop, dine and walk at their leisure. Also stroll over to The Battery, a historical seawall, for an interesting history lesson and scenic views of the gorgeous Charleston peninsula. Also, from Waterfront Park to a variety of farmers' markets, Charleston always provides something fun to do.

These seven East Coast cities are all great places to visit, all offering their unique charm and historical importance. They are all worth having on your travel bucket list.