The East Coast is full of culturally rich cities, beautiful beaches and fun activities that are great for the whole family. From toddler to grandparent, here are nine destinations every generation will love:
East Coast Multigenerational Travel Destinations
1. Washington, D.C.
There are so many interesting things to do in our nation’s capital that everyone in the family will enjoy. You definitely have to check out the Smithsonian, which is a great learning experience for kids and adults of all ages. Another popular destination is the National Zoo, which is a part of the Smithsonian and is free of charge. At the zoo you will see pandas, elephants and more than 2,000 animals from around the world. The best time to visit D.C. is in the fall or spring. In the fall you can experience the beautiful changing colors of the leaves and the spring is filled with blossoming cherry trees.
2. Boston, Ma
Boston is another city that is full of history and adventure! The Boston Duck Tours will take you on a sightseeing tour of Boston by land and sea (The Charles River). These boat/bus hybrids are informative and fun, and will give you a great view of the city. Take the whole family out to the ballgame and see the Boston Red Sox in historic Fenway Park. Games run April to September, and the summer and beginning of fall are great times to visit “Beantown.”
3. Myrtle Beach, SC
Take a family trip to the beach and unwind in Myrtle Beach. This city is has many great places to golf (and mini-golf), swim and shop! The Family Kingdom Amusement Park has rides, attractions and entertainers that the whole family can enjoy. Myrtle Beach is known for its warm climate and large stretch of beaches called the “Grand Strand.” It is also famous for The Carolina Opry, where you can see a variety of shows year-round. The best time to visit is from May to August, when the weather is perfect for spending the day at the beach.
4. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Continue to explore the Atlantic coast in one of Florida’s most family-friendly cities. Whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach or seeing the city on a riverboat, everyone will love what is called the “Venice of America.” Fort Lauderdale has both Flamingo Garden and Butterfly World, the world’s largest butterfly park. About an hour south of Fort Lauderdale is Everglades National Park where you can see a variety of animals including alligators and panthers. The best time to visit is from December to April as the summer can be very humid.
5. Atlanta, GA
The home of Coca-Cola and the renowned Georgia Aquarium are just some popular destinations in Georgia’s capital. The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere with many different kinds of dolphins, whales and other marine life. The MLK Jr. National Historic Site is also something the whole family will appreciate learning about. The fall, summer and spring time are all beautiful in Atlanta, but if you want to beat the heat you should avoid the summer.
6. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is lined with a three-mile boardwalk along its gorgeous beaches. There are also many parks and historic sites throughout the city. Every year the East Coast Surfing Championships are hosted here in late August. Take a surfing lesson or just watch people surfing the waves. Located in the Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is the longest in the world. The best time to visit Virginia Beach is in the summer, when the weather is warm. However, this is the busiest time of year so be sure to book your stay in advance.
7. Buffalo, NY
Everyone has to see Niagara Falls at least one time in your life, so why not go with your whole family? Located about 20 miles north of Buffalo, Niagara Falls has the most powerful waterfall in North America. Take a boat ride around the falls or explore above in a helicopter. Buffalo also has beautiful botanical gardens and food (especially wings). If you’re looking for warm temperatures visit in the summer. Otherwise Niagara Falls will be less busy and pricey in the spring and fall.
8. Bar Harbor, ME
This small island off of Maine is full of adventure. Surrounded by Acadia National Park, there are so many activities to enjoy outdoors including hiking, swimming, kayaking and more. Take a whale watch or go on a horse drawn carriage ride. It is best to visit from June to October, however, Maine has scenic foliage in the fall.
9. Ocean City, NJ
You may be thinking the Jersey shore is not the most family-friendly destination, however, Ocean City has prohibited the sale of alcohol in its limits. It was rated one the Best Family Beaches and for good reason. The area includes a large boardwalk and shopping area. Fishing, mini-golf and amusement park are some of the fun things to do in Ocean City. Summertime is the best time to visit this destination.
This article was written by Taylor Bishop