Much of America’s story began in the Eastern USA. From Independence Hall, the birthplace of America, to Virginia’s centuries-old colonial towns, it’s a region rich in historical and cultural significance. All along the coast, museums and landmarks celebrate this history and the people who left their mark along the way. Get ready to explore some of the Eastern USA’s most fascinating sites.     

250 Years of American History in Eastern Virginia

Founded in 1632, Williamsburg, Virginia, is steeped in cultural and historical significance. No trip to this charming, lively city would be complete without a visit to Colonial Williamsburg – the largest living history museum in the world. Spanning 122 hectares, it features original buildings, historically accurate markets and live reenactors around every corner. Just 20 minutes southwest is Historic Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English colony in North America. Walk in these early settlers’ footsteps at the Jamestown Settlement living history museum, then head east to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown for more immersive storytelling about the USA’s origins.  

Legendary Stories & Art in Massachusetts

From the Atlantic Ocean to the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts is a history- and adventure-lover’s dream. Detour from the bustling shops and cobblestone streets of Boston to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum to relive that pivotal event through interactive exhibits and full-scale replicas of 18th-century tea ships. On your way to the sprawling Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in North Adams, stop by Lincoln’s deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum to stroll through indoor and outdoor exhibits from local artists. And on the Cape Cod peninsula, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum highlights the 35th president’s legacy and connection to the region.

Museums & Music in Mississippi

A windswept coastline, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, diverse culture and rich history – the great state of Mississippi has so much to offer, including world-class museums and landmarks. In Jackson, one side of the Two Mississippi Museums complex is devoted to exploring the Magnolia State’s history, while the other features exhibits related to civil rights struggles and triumphs in the region. Blues and rock music fans won’t want to miss the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland or Tupelo’s Elvis Presley Birthplace museum. Other notable destinations include the Frank Gehry-designed Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and Rowan Oak, home of legendary author William Faulkner. 

A World of Culture in Pennsylvania

The second state to join the Union, Pennsylvania is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. With such a vibrant past, it’s no surprise that it’s also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in the Laurel Highlands and the Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem. For a blend of history and color, wander through 445 hectares of breathtaking green spaces at Longwood Gardens in The Countryside of Philadelphia, or pay homage to pop-art icon Andy Warhol at his namesake Pittsburgh museum. In Lancaster County’s Amish Country, take a horse-and-buggy ride and sample local produce and baked goods at local markets. And in Gettysburg, learn about the U.S. Civil War at Gettysburg National Military Park. 

Lobsters, Lighthouses & Endless Sightseeing in Maine

Maine is known for its lush forests, rocky coastline and prized lobster. From Portland’s working waterfront to Bar Harbor, charming downtowns can be found throughout the Pine Tree State. Over 4,000 islands and 65 lighthouses dot Maine’s coastline. See the Nubble Lighthouse, a quintessential New England landmark, or tour beachfront Fort Popham, a Civil War-era naval defense turned historic site. The whole family will enjoy Maine’s artistic side at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the eight other institutions on the Maine Art Museum Trail. Up for some seafaring? Take a lobster boat tour and pull up some traps with lobster-expert guides, or check out the exhibits of the Maine Maritime Museum.  

Surprising Attractions in Cartersville, Georgia

An hour northwest of Atlanta, the small town of Cartersville, Georgia, is the perfect day trip for art, history and nature enthusiasts. On your way in, visit the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site. It was once home to thousands of Native Americans, and today tells the story of their culture, rituals and way of life through preserved tools, a central plaza and six earthen mounds used for burial services and other ceremonies. Head into Cartersville’s quaint downtown for lunch and, depending on your interests, visit one or more Smithsonian-quality museums: the Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum and the Savoy Automobile Museum.