From Maine to Florida, a trip along the East Coast passes through such cities as historic Savannah and glitzy Atlantic City. Detours allow you to visit mountains, including Shenandoah National Park or the Smokies. If you want to explore this region, take time first to research online to plan the best route.

Step 1

Visit tourism websites of the states in which you'll be driving. This will help you map out where you want to stop to better plan the length and route of your trip. The usa.gov site has a link to official tourism sites for each of the United States.

Step 2

Plan your travel route, taking into consideration travel time versus scenic drives. If you just want to get from each stopping point the quickest, use the interstates, but you'll miss some of the better roads for nature viewing. For example, Interstate 95 is the quickest path up much of the Eastern Seaboard, but it veers from the coast. To travel along the Atlantic Ocean, you'd need to take highways. U.S. 17 will allow you to visit the coastal region of the Carolinas, while U.S. 13 traverses the coastlines of Virginia and Delaware.

Step 3

Reserve a room at a hotel at your overnight stopping points if you're planning a multiple-day trip. You can search for hotels in the area and book in advance, or just find one on the way. If you're traveling along the interstate you will often find coupon books with discounts for lodging in the area. Major cities along the interstates that go up the East Coast include Savannah, Fayetteville, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

Step 4

Prepare your vehicle for the ride. Get the oil and air filter changed. Make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressure and check the transmission fluid and coolant levels. Inspect belts and hoses to ensure none are loose and could come off during the trip.

Tip

  • Trip planning software or certain websites such as planyourroadtrip.com can be useful for mapping out your path. Most list major attractions and accommodations along the way.

Resources

About the Author

A veteran of the newspaper industry, Johnny Kampis has worked as a freelance writer since 2005. His articles have appeared in various publications including "The New York Times," "Atlanta-Journal Constitution" and the "San Francisco Chronicle." He currently serves as an editor of poker-based "Rounder" magazine and writer for the Alabama football publication "Crimson" magazine.

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