East Coast: Jacksonville to Halifax

Jacksonville sits along the St. Johns River and combines outdoor attractions, local history, and coastal experiences. Explore the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to see cedar forests, tidal marshes, wildlife, and sites connected to the Timucua people and early European settlers. Visit the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art to view contemporary works, then discover restaurants across the city serving Atlantic seafood and international dishes. Spend time on the Atlantic coast at Jacksonville’s nearby beaches, adding a coastal stop to your city exploration.

Explore Jacksonville along the St. Johns River, where you can visit the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, see cedar forests and tidal marshes, and learn about the Timucua people and early European settlers. Visit the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art for contemporary works, then sample Atlantic seafood and international cuisine throughout the city. Nearby beaches provide opportunities to relax along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Explore Brunswick, Georgia.

Draped in Spanish moss and steeped in Southern elegance, Savannah is America's most beautiful city — a living masterpiece of antebellum architecture, shaded squares, and unhurried grace. Twenty-two park-like squares anchor the historic district, each framed by magnificent mansions, ancient oaks, and inviting fountains. Stroll the beloved River Street waterfront, explore the cobblestone lanes of the Factors Walk, and savor the legendary warmth of Georgia hospitality in acclaimed restaurants. Whether discovering Savannah's Civil War history, its celebrated arts scene, or simply lingering over sweet tea in a sun-dappled square, you will be utterly captivated.

Few American cities can rival Charleston's sheer grace, beauty, and depth of history. Pastel-painted antebellum mansions line cobblestone streets draped in Spanish moss, while fragrant gardens burst with camellias and jasmine in the gentle South Carolina air. Stroll Rainbow Row, explore the dramatic fortifications of Fort Sumter, and browse the vibrant Rainbow Market. Charleston's culinary scene ranks among the South's finest, where Lowcountry shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and artisan cocktails delight at every turn. Elegant, welcoming, and endlessly photogenic, Charleston is one of America's most beloved and beautiful cities.

Graceful and unhurried, Wilmington enchants with its beautifully preserved antebellum architecture, storied riverfront, and easy access to some of North Carolina's most spectacular barrier island beaches. The mighty Battleship North Carolina stands sentinel across the Cape Fear River, a memorial to the service members who fought in World War II. Stroll the oak-canopied streets of the historic downtown, browse independent galleries and boutiques, and discover why this charming Southern city has become one of the Atlantic Coast's most sought-after destinations. The pristine beaches of nearby Wrightsville and Carolina Beach offer idyllic escapes just minutes away.

Sailing on the Atlantic Ocean.

Home to the world's largest naval station, Norfolk pulses with military pride and maritime heritage alongside a vibrant arts and food scene that has transformed this historic Virginia port. Tour the impressive Battleship Wisconsin aboard a historic Iowa-class battleship moored at the Nauticus museum and explore engaging exhibits celebrating America's naval legacy. The stunning Norfolk Botanical Garden delights with 175 acres of curated beauty, while the NEON arts district buzzes with creative energy. Stroll the lively waterfront, discover the Chrysler Museum of Art's world-class collections, and experience the warmth and vitality of this dynamic coastal city.

As you sail toward New England, enjoy a leisurely day at sea on the vibrant Atlantic Ocean. Reflect on your journey, partake in onboard activities, or simply relax and watch the horizon stretch endlessly ahead.

Positioned at the mouth of the Thames River where it meets Long Island Sound, New London combines a proud maritime and military heritage with a vibrant arts community and rich whaling history. Home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, the city offers visitors a chance to tour the beautiful campus and the historic training barque Eagle. Explore the engaging Mystic Seaport Museum nearby, discover Eugene O'Neill's childhood home, and stroll the waterfront that once made New London one of the whaling capitals of the world. History, culture, and maritime adventure converge in this compelling Connecticut port.

The playground of America's Gilded Age elite, Newport dazzles with its extraordinary collection of palatial Newport Mansions perched along the breathtaking Cliff Walk above the Atlantic. Tour The Breakers, the legendary Vanderbilt estate, and marvel at the opulence of a world that once defined American wealth. Beyond the mansions, Newport boasts world-class sailing heritage, charming Colonial architecture in its historic Point neighborhood, and a legendary waterfront lined with acclaimed restaurants and boutiques. Whether you're exploring grand estates, tracing America's sailing history, or simply soaking in the stunning ocean scenery, Newport enchants.

Clinging to the very tip of Cape Cod like a colorful exclamation point, Provincetown has inspired artists, writers, and free spirits for more than a century. The Pilgrims first landed here in 1620 before pressing on to Plymouth, and today the Pilgrim Monument towers over a town that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the extraordinary beauty of the outer Cape. Browse the eclectic galleries lining Commercial Street, taste fresh-off-the-boat seafood, and scan the horizon for humpback and finback whales on a thrilling whale watch. Provincetown's unique combination of history, art, and natural wonder is simply magical.

One of America's oldest and most beautifully preserved colonial seaports, Portsmouth charms visitors with its handsome Georgian architecture, lively waterfront, and remarkable depth of history. Strawbery Banke Museum brings four centuries of American life to vivid reality across a ten-acre campus of meticulously restored historic buildings. Explore the harbor's historic tugboats, sample acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine, and browse the independent galleries and boutiques that fill the city's vibrant downtown. Compact, elegant, and endlessly engaging, Portsmouth stands as one of New England's most rewarding small-city destinations.

Maine's most vibrant coastal city invites you to discover its rugged shoreline, legendary lighthouses, and lively waterfront culture. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, where craft breweries, acclaimed seafood, and eclectic boutiques fill historic brick buildings. Marvel at Portland Head Light, one of America's most photographed lighthouses, dramatically perched above the crashing surf of Cape Elizabeth. Sweeping views of island-dotted Casco Bay, elegant Victorian neighborhoods, and a thriving arts scene round out the unforgettable character of this New England gem.

Cruising on the Atlantic Ocean.

Nova Scotia's dynamic capital blends maritime heritage, world-class history, and rugged natural beauty into one captivating port of call. Explore the landmark Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over the harbor. Stroll the vibrant waterfront boardwalk, delve into Titanic history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and pay your respects at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Just beyond the city, the hauntingly beautiful fishing village of Peggy's Cove and its iconic lighthouse await along the rugged Atlantic coast.