East Coast Highlights 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: New York City – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Arrive at JFK and drop off luggage at your hotel. Take a quick stroll to Times Square to soak in the neon energy and grab a coffee.

Afternoon: Hop on a ferry to visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, exploring the immigration museum and enjoying harbor views.

Evening: Wander through Central Park as the sun sets, then dine at a classic New York steakhouse in Midtown.

Day 2: Philadelphia – History & Culture

Morning: Take an early train to Philadelphia and start with a guided tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Liberty Bell and then explore the vibrant Reading Terminal Market for a lunch of Philly cheesesteaks.

Evening: Stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail, catching the sunset before enjoying a craft beer at a local brewery.

Day 3: Washington, D.C. – Monuments & Museums

Morning: Arrive in D.C. and begin at the National Mall, visiting the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.

Afternoon: Dive into the Smithsonian experience at the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Evening: Dine in the historic Georgetown neighborhood and take a night‑time walk along the Potomac River waterfront.

Day 4: Baltimore – Waterfront & Art

Morning: Travel to Baltimore and start with a harbor cruise to view the city skyline and the historic Fort McHenry.

Afternoon: Explore the American Visionary Art Museum and wander the lively Inner Harbor for lunch.

Evening: Enjoy live music at the Power Plant Live! entertainment complex before heading back to your hotel.

Day 5: Boston – Colonial Charm & Modern Vibes

Morning: Take an early train to Boston and follow the Freedom Trail, stopping at the Old State House and Paul Revere’s House.

Afternoon: Visit the world‑renowned Museum of Fine Arts and then relax in the historic Boston Public Garden, riding a swan boat.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood at the bustling Seaport District and conclude with a sunset view from the Top of the Hub observation deck.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Times Square – 1 hour – $0
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – 3 hours – $30
• Central Park – 2 hours – $0
• Independence Hall – 2 hours – $25 (tour fee)
• Liberty Bell – 0.5 hour – $0
• Reading Terminal Market – 1 hour – $15 (meal)
• Schuylkill River Trail – 1.5 hour – $0
• National Mall (Monuments) – 2 hours – $0
• National Museum of American History – 2 hours – $0
• National Air and Space Museum – 2 hours – $0
• Georgetown dinner – 2 hours – $40
• Fort McHenry – 1.5 hour – $20 (entry)
• American Visionary Art Museum – 2 hours – $15
• Inner Harbor – 1 hour – $0
• Power Plant Live! – 2 hours – $30 (food & drink)
• Freedom Trail (incl. Old State House) – 3 hours – $0
• Paul Revere’s House – 0.5 hour – $5
• Museum of Fine Arts – 2.5 hours – $25
• Boston Public Garden – 1 hour – $0
• Seaport District dinner – 2 hours – $45
• Top of the Hub observation deck – 1 hour – $20
• Total Estimated Cost: $325

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a day in the Hamptons for beach relaxation or a trip to Newport, Rhode Island for its famous mansions. To shorten the trip, focus on the three major cities—New York, Washington D.C., and Boston—and replace the Philadelphia and Baltimore stops with quick day‑trips via high‑speed rail.