The East Coast is a treasure trove of destinations for travelers of all ages, but its classic sights are particularly well suited to families who like to travel – or who are just introducing their youngest members to traveling.
It would be entirely possible to spend months going from north to south along the coast, but since most of us don’t have that kind of time, you need to narrow down the options. Consider these iconic choices for family travel along the Atlantic coast.
* Niagara Falls: Simply put, these legendary falls are one of America’s great natural wonders. Kids and parents alike will be wowed by the roaring power of the falls, and the experience will only be enhanced by the area’s rich history as a classic travel destination. The abundance of Niagara Falls hotels makes it easy to get a great room at just about any time of year, which takes some of the headaches out of planning.
* Boston: While New York City is the biggest of big-name destinations, consider Boston as a great place to take the family. It’s a strikingly beautiful city and one of the best places in the country to delve into the history of early America. Walking tours led by guides in historic costumes make learning a thrill for kids – and you might even get a good brushing up on your history lessons, too. Great arts venues and top-notch sports make the city appealing to everyone’s interests.
* Washington D.C.: The Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Monument – that’s just the beginning of the sights your family can visit in the nation’s capital. A visit to D.C. is perhaps one of the best ways to give your kids a thrilling glimpse of where governing happens, not to mention some of the country’s most important monuments. A slew of outstanding museums that make learning fun will add to the value of a visit to Washington, and you can day trip to colonial Williamsburg for a step into the past.
* Myrtle Beach: The famous South Carolina destination is the ideal getaway for family fun. Golf, beaches, water parks and resorts will keep everyone entertained and very happy. Spend the days outside soaking up the sunshine and then head indoors at night for a wide array of fun concerts and shows that are appropriate for travelers of all ages. The fun doesn’t stop when warm weather fades; many hotels and resorts offer great rates, and many attractions stay open year-round.
* Orlando: The mere mention of seeing Mickey and Minnie will get your kids’ hearts racing, and it’s worth every penny spent on flights to Orlando to see their faces light up when they set foot in the Magic Kingdom. Of course, you’ll be able to visit other theme parks nearby, like Epcot Center and Animal Kingdom, and even stay in a Disney hotel to keep the fun going from breakfast ’til bedtime.
If you’re looking for a little extra East Coast adventure that takes you off America’s shores, look into Disney cruises that take you to the Bahamas for a bit of tropical island flavor. There are cruises that last just three days, which could easily be wrapped into a longer vacation. To find out about vacation packages that combine everything you need to simplify your family trip, visit travel websites like Travelocity.com.
