Northeast Travel Guide
The Northeast is home to one of the top travel destinations in the world – a little place called New York City. With incredible culture, food, art, architecture, and entertainment, it’s near the top of everyone’s bucket list for a reason. However, while some may claim it’s either “New York or nowhere,” there’s so much to discover beyond the concrete jungles of the City That Never Sleeps.
The Northeast region boasts some of the country’s most significant historical sites.
From Revolutionary War battlegrounds in Massachusetts to the liberty bell in Pennsylvania, history buffs will have no shortage of noteworthy landmarks to uncover. The nation’s capital, Washington D.C., should also be added to that list. Those looking for a dose of the quiet life will also find a place in the Northeast. There’s an unmistakable charm to this region of the country. You’ll find quaint coastal towns along the Atlantic, remarkable autumn colors across New England, excellent hiking spots in Maine, and even an incredible wine region in Upstate New York.
Destinations
Northeast Basics
States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Timezone: Eastern Standard & Eastern Daylight
Climate: Humid Continental (four distinct seasons marked by warm summers and cold, snowy winters)
Major Airports:
John F. Kennedy (JFK) – New York City, New York
LaGuardia (LGA) – New York City, New York
Newark Liberty (EWR) – Newark, New Jersey
Boston Logan (BOS) – Boston, Massachusetts
Dulles (IAD) – Washington D.C.
Reagan National (DCA) – Washington D.C.
Baltimore-Washington (BWI) – Baltimore, Maryland
Philadelphia (PHL) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh (PIT) – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Bradley (BDL) – Hartford, Connecticut
Best Time to Visit
SUMMER
This is an extremely popular time to visit coastal areas, and with comfortable temperatures and fresh seafood, it’s easy to understand why. Summer is peak tourist season, so expect crowds, traffic, and to pay a premium for lodging (especially in NYC).
AUTUMN
Fall weather in the Northeast is pleasant, and fall colors throughout New England specifically are the best in the country. This is another peak time for tourists, but a visit in early September before the leaves turn can help you avoid the crowds.
WINTER
The majority of the Northeast experiences cold winters and heavy snowfall. This is a great time to go skiing in places like Vermont or to experience Christmas in New York. The southern regions have milder winters, but temperatures still get chilly.
SPRING
The spring season in the Northeast is short but very sweet. Predicting exactly when this period of pleasant weather will hit is a bit of a gamble, but it’ll pay off if you get it right. Spring is a slow tourist season, so this is a great time to visit for lower prices and to beat the crowds.
northeast road trip playlists
Genres: Alt-Rock, R&B, Indie, Hip-Hop
Featured Artists: The Strokes, Barrie, Vampire Weekend, Santigold, Kid Cudi, Lil’ Nas X, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alicia Keys, & more.
Genre: Swing, Jazz, 1950s
Featured Artists: Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Doris Day, Peggy Lee, Artie Shaw, Etta James, Chet Baker, & more.
Genre: Indie, 1960s Rock, Bedroom Pop, Sea Shanty
Featured Artists: Vampire Weekend, Frances Forever, Dropkick Murphys, The Zombies, Barrie, & more.