15 Must-Visit Spring Break Destinations

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1. St. Augustine, Florida

• Average Spring Temperature: 75°F (24°C)

Florida’s historic city transforms into a perfect family playground in spring, offering exciting attractions without summer’s intense heat. Kids will love the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s thrilling zipline course over hundreds of alligators, while the Pirate & Treasure Museum lets them fire cannons and hunt for real pirate gold. St. Augustine Beach provides calm waters and soft sand perfect for families, with volleyball courts and a splash pad at the pier.

The chocolate factory tour at Whetstone’s keeps kids engaged with generous samples, and the Old Town Trolley makes getting between attractions fun with entertaining conductors. Stay at family-friendly resorts along St. Augustine Beach or Anastasia Island – the Embassy Suites offers free breakfast and evening receptions, while the Guy Harvey Resort features a kids’ pool and beach activities program.

Top Tip: Purchase combination tickets for multiple attractions to save money, and visit the Alligator Farm early in the morning when reptiles are most active.

2. Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

• Average Spring Temperature: 55°F (13°C)

Spring transforms this mountain paradise as melting snow creates spectacular waterfalls and opens up family hiking opportunities. The park’s namesake falls reach peak flow, creating a thunderous display viewable from several easy-access overlooks. Kids love the Balanced Rock Trail (1.2 miles), which feels like a natural treasure hunt, while the park’s adventure center rents mountain bikes sized for all ages.

Spring break programs include wildlife tracking workshops and stream ecology activities where kids can wade in shallow waters to discover aquatic insects. Stay at the park’s lodge with its indoor pool and family-friendly restaurant, or choose the nearby town of Davis (10 minutes away), where the Purple Fiddle offers family suites and is famous for its homemade ice cream and live music, suitable for all ages.

Top Tip: Pack water shoes for stream exploration and bring layers – mountain weather can change quickly in spring.

3. Orlando and Central Florida Adventures

• Average Spring Temperature: 78°F (26°C)

Central Florida’s spring weather creates perfect conditions for combining theme parks with natural wonders. While Disney World and Universal Studios draw crowds, consider starting your trip at less crowded LEGOLAND Florida or fun-sized Fun Spot America.

Break up park days with visits to crystal-clear springs – Blue Spring State Park offers manatee viewing and swimming in 72°F waters, while Wekiwa Springs State Park provides kayaking and hiking just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. Kelly Park’s Rock Springs Run thrills kids with natural lazy river tubing, and the WILD Florida airboat tours get you up close to alligators and native birds without the tourist crowds.

The Orlando Science Center offers four floors of hands-on exhibits for rainy days or theme park breaks. For accommodation, consider staying in Winter Park or Lake Mary for easy access to both parks and springs – many hotels offer shuttle service to major attractions while keeping you close to natural adventures. Spring brings perfect temperatures for mixing high-energy park days with relaxing nature exploration.

Top Tip: Purchase theme park tickets online in advance for best rates, and arrive at springs before 10 AM – they often reach capacity by mid-morning.

4. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 68°F (24°C)

Spring brings ideal conditions to these barrier islands before summer crowds arrive. The Wright Brothers National Memorial captivates kids with flight simulators and kite-making workshops, while Jockey’s Ridge State Park offers sandboarding lessons on the East Coast’s highest living sand dunes. Book a beginner’s surfing lesson – spring’s smaller waves are perfect for learning, and water temperatures are comfortable with a rental wetsuit.

Wild horse tours in Corolla offer better viewing opportunities as horses become more active, and many companies run kids-ride-free promotions during spring break. Stay in oceanfront vacation homes perfect for extended families, or choose affordable hotels in Nags Head and Kill Devil Hills, where spring rates can be 30% lower than summer prices.

Top Tip: Plan evening ghost crab hunts during your stay – kids love searching for these nocturnal creatures with flashlights on the beach.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

• Average Spring Temperature: 45°F (7°C)

Early spring in Acadia offers families a unique opportunity to experience Maine’s coastal beauty without summer crowds. Lower elevation paths like Ocean Path are usually clear and perfect for family hiking, while the park’s carriage roads provide excellent surfaces for family biking, with rentals available, including trail-a-bikes and child seats.

Thunder Hole creates dramatic wave displays in spring, and whale-watching tours begin as marine mammals return to the Gulf of Maine. Watch for active beavers building dams and returning spring wildlife through ranger-led programs. Stay in Bar Harbor at the family-friendly Bar Harbor Grand Hotel with its indoor pool, or try Hadley’s Point Campground’s heated camping cabins for a unique spring adventure.

Top Tip: Download the Junior Ranger booklet before your visit and book any boat tours at least a month ahead.

6. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

The Shenandoah Valley bursts into life in spring with wildflower-carpeted meadows and waterfalls at peak flow. Drive the scenic Skyline Drive, stopping at easily accessible overlooks to spot emerging wildlife and take short, family-friendly hikes. Luray Caverns maintains a constant, comfortable temperature and amazes kids with its Mirror Pool and “stalacpipe” organ that plays music on ancient formations.

The nearby Luray Zoo—Rescue offers up-close encounters with rescued exotic animals. For indoor backup plans, the Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg provides hands-on science exhibits perfect for rainy days. Stay in Luray at Hotels like the Mimslyn Inn, which has a seasonal outdoor pool, or choose family-friendly cabins at Shenandoah River State Park for direct trail access.

Top Tip: Purchase the Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail Pass online for discounted admission to multiple attractions.

7. Block Island, Rhode Island

• Average Spring Temperature: 52°F (11°C)

This charming island becomes a family adventure paradise in spring before the summer crowds arrive. Rent bikes to explore the island’s 17 miles of trails and beaches – many rental shops offer kid carriers and trail-a-bikes. The 1661 Farm & Garden features friendly llamas, camels, and kangaroos that kids can feed.

Spring brings perfect conditions for family-friendly clay cliff hikes and beach treasure hunting at Mansion Beach. The historic lighthouses offer fascinating climbs with sweeping ocean views. Stay at the family-friendly Spring House Hotel with its huge lawn for kids to play, or rent a vacation home in New Harbor for easy beach access. Most restaurants reopen by mid-April, with some offering early-season discounts.

Top Tip: Book ferry tickets well in advance and bring bikes from the mainland to save on rental fees.

8. Washington DC

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

The National Mall transforms into a pink paradise during cherry blossom season, typically peaking in late March or early April. Kids love paddling boats around the Tidal Basin under canopies of blooms. At the same time, the nearby National Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum offer free admission and special spring break programming.

The National Zoo comes alive in spring as animals become more active, and the seasonal carousel on the National Mall starts operating. Evening monument tours are especially magical when lit up beneath flowering trees. Stay in Crystal City for affordable hotels with easy Metro access, or splurge on Georgetown locations within walking distance of the cherry blossoms. Many hotels offer cherry blossom packages, including Metro passes and bike rentals.

Top Tip: Book accommodations for peak bloom dates months in advance, and use the National Park Service’s bloom tracker to time your visit perfectly.

9. Hershey, Pennsylvania

• Average Spring Temperature: 60°F (16°C)

Hersheypark awakens in spring with shorter ride lines and special seasonal events. Create your own candy bar at Hershey’s Chocolate World, take the chocolate tour ride, and enjoy early-season thrills on roller coasters without summer’s long waits. The admission to ZooAmerica includes getting close to North American wildlife, with special spring break feeding demonstrations and keeper talks.

The Hershey Gardens offers a tropical butterfly atrium perfect for cooler days, while The Hershey Story Museum includes hands-on chocolate lab experiences. Stay at the official Hershey Lodge for free shuttle service, early park access, and an indoor pool complex with water slides and spray features.

Top Tip: Book the Create Your Own Candy Bar experience in advance, and visit the park on Friday for the smallest crowds.

10. White Mountains, New Hampshire

• Average Spring Temperature: 50°F (10°C)

Spring in the White Mountains offers a unique mix of late-season skiing at Bretton Woods and emerging hiking opportunities at lower elevations. The Mount Washington Cog Railway thrills kids with its steep climb up the Northeast’s highest peak, offering spectacular views of snowy summits and green valleys.

Visit Chutters in Littleton, home to the world’s longest candy counter, then explore the Ice Castles attraction (typically open through early March) with its slides and tunnels. Clark’s Trading Post reopens in spring with trained bear shows and a steam train ride through the mountains.

Stay in Lincoln for easy access to attractions and indoor pools – the RiverWalk Resort offers indoor and outdoor heated pools and an on-site ice cream shop.

Top Tip: Check trail and attraction conditions daily, as spring weather varies dramatically at different elevations.

11. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 70°F (24°C)

Spring brings perfect beach weather without summer’s intense crowds and humidity. WonderWorks’ indoor adventure park entertains kids with over 100 hands-on exhibits, while Ripley’s Aquarium offers mermaid shows and shark tunnel adventures. Broadway at the Beach features multiple attractions, including Dave & Buster’s and a mirror maze.

The beach temperature is perfect for learning to surf, building sandcastles, or paddleboarding in the calm morning waters. Visit the Family Kingdom Amusement Park for oceanfront rides and South Carolina’s largest Ferris wheel. Stay at oceanfront resorts like Dunes Village with giant indoor water parks or Captain’s Quarters featuring bowling alleys and kids’ water features.

Top Tip: Book a resort north of 29th Avenue for quieter beaches while still being close to attractions.

12. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 65°F (18°C)

Spring brings perfect temperatures for exploring “America’s Favorite Drive” without summer traffic. Kids love Grandfather Mountain’s Mile-High Swinging Bridge and wildlife habitats with bears, otters, and eagles. Stop at Linville Caverns for underground adventures where guides point out cave-dwelling creatures.

The Tweetsie Railroad theme park typically opens weekends in spring with its Wild West shows and train rides. Mining attractions like Emerald Village let kids pan for gems and explore real mines.

Base yourself in Boone or Blowing Rock for easy access to attractions—the Holiday Inn Express Boone offers an indoor pool, while mountainside cabins provide more space for families to spread out.

Top Tip: Download the Blue Ridge Parkway travel planner app to find kid-friendly stops and real-time road closures.

13. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

• Average Spring Temperature: 65°F (24°C)

Spring showcases the Smokies’ famous wildflowers and waterfalls without summer’s crowds and humidity. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers excellent kid-focused ranger programs and an easy nature trail where wildlife sightings are common. Cades Cove’s 11-mile loop opens to cyclists only on Wednesday mornings – rent bikes in nearby Townsend for a car-free adventure.

The Roaring Fork Motor Trail features easily accessible waterfalls and historic buildings that kids can explore. Stay in Gatlinburg for easy park access, plus attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and the Aerial Tramway, or choose Townsend for a quieter base with great tubing opportunities on the Little River.

Top Tip: Don’t forget your parking tag when you visit the Smokies

14. Jekyll Island, Georgia

• Average Spring Temperature: 72°F (21°C)

This family-friendly barrier island offers endless outdoor adventures in perfect spring temperatures. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides hands-on education about sea turtle rehabilitation, while Driftwood Beach creates a natural playground of twisted trees perfect for climbing photos.

Rent bikes to explore 20+ miles of flat, paved trails through maritime forests and past beaches. The Summer Waves Water Park typically opens weekends in spring with shorter lines than peak season. Join guided nature walks to spot nesting shore birds and alligators warming themselves in the sun. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort with its family packages and pools, or choose the Holiday Inn Resort for beachfront rooms and kids’ activities programs.

Top Tip: Book guided sea turtle walks well in advance for unique nighttime wildlife viewing opportunities.

15. Everglades National Park, Florida

• Average Spring Temperature: 80°F (27°C)

Spring brings perfect weather to explore America’s largest subtropical wilderness before summer’s heat and mosquitoes arrive. Take an airboat tour from Everglades City to spot alligators, manatees, and dolphins – many operators offer kids-ride-free promotions in spring.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center’s tram tour provides close-up wildlife viewing with naturalist guides who know how to engage young visitors. Rent bikes to explore the 15-mile paved loop, or take short boardwalk trails at Royal Palm to spot wildlife.

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center offers ranger-led boat tours perfect for families. Stay in nearby Naples for beach access and family-friendly amenities, or choose Everglades City for an authentic small-town experience close to key attractions.

Top Tip: Book early morning tours for best wildlife viewing and bring plenty of water – even spring temperatures can get quite warm.

More Spring Driving Inspiration

• Explore the 10 Best US National Parks to Visit in Spring
• Midwest Destinations That Shine in Spring
• Where to Catch the Most Magical Wildflower Displays in the USA
• Early Spring Break Road Trips You Need to Try
• Canada’s Most Colorful Wildflower Displays
• Tips for driving in often hazardous Spring road conditions
• Don’t forget to pack these Stylish and Comfy Spring Road Trip Outfits

© Family Road Trip 2026

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The state of South Carolina has 21 scenic byways spanning more than 450 miles, established by the South Carolina Scenic Highways Committee. These scenic drives will allow its visitors to see the beauty, scenery, and history that the state of South Carolina is made up of.

As you travel through these scenic byways, you will come across many significant attractions and experiences along the way, including major lakes, national forests, mountainscapes, historical sites, and more.

In today’s road trip guide, we will explore seven of the 21 scenic byways in South Carolina that, in our opinion, are can’t-miss experiences in the state.

Our guide will provide you with everything you need to know about making these scenic drives, from the best routes to take, popular stops and attractions along the way, and any tips and tricks that may help you in your travels.

1. Cowpens National Battlefield Scenic Byway

• Distance: 9 miles
• Time Needed: 1 day

If you’re a history buff, this scenic drive is a can’t-miss one for you. It is just a short stretch of 9 miles that you could embark on on any day. This route starts at the Town of Cowpens and travels for 9 miles until it ultimately connects to the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway.

The biggest significance of this byway is that it will take you to the Cowpens National Battlefield, a part of the National Park Service. This battlefield is the site of the Battle of Cowpens in the year 1781 during the Revolutionary War.

When you visit the site, you can learn all about the history of the battle, how General Daniel Morgan’s victory over the British during the American Revolution, and learn how it has evolved through the years.

If you want to expand your trip, you can continue your travels through the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway.

When to go: This drive is so interesting and is such a cool piece of history, particularly if you are from or interested in the state of South Carolina. You can enjoy this drive and experience at any time during the year.

2. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway

• Distance: 112 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 days

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway was established as a scenic byway in 1998 by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. This byway will have you starting at the Georgia/South Carolina border, and you will travel through the state until you end your travels in Gaffney.

If you’re driving straight through this byway can be driven in a few hours, but we recommend taking at least 1-2 days to explore the area and enjoy the sights and attractions along the way. Some of the most popular stops along the way include Lower Whitewater Falls, the highest set of falls in eastern North America, Devils Fork State Park, and Caesar’s Head State Park.

As you complete your travels, you will end your drive in Gaffney, South Carolina. In Gaffney, there are a number of attractions to enjoy, including the “Yellow Mall,” a premium shopping outlet, The Michael Gaffney Cabin, a replica of the cabin where the founder of the city resided, and the Kings Mountain National Park.

When to go: There is no particular season that the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway is more desirable than the other.  If you are making plans to take this drive, don’t let the time of year or season stop you.

3. Savannah River Scenic Byway

• Distance: 110 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 days

The Savannah River Scenic Byway begins in Clarks Hill, South Carolina, and heads north until you reach Oakway. The byway was officially established in 1998 and has been a route for travelers to enjoy ever since.

At the very start of this scenic drive, you will get the chance to enjoy a number of fun activities and experiences in Clarks Hill. In Clarks Hill is Thurmond Lake, where visitors can enjoy water activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and more.

As you continue to travel you will encounter other notable sites and attractions, including Sumter National Forest, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Calhoun Falls State Park and campgrounds, and the Jim Rampey Recreation Area.

Once you reach Oakway, you can enjoy a variety of fun activities, such as golf courses, marinas, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Oakway is a great spot to enjoy some fun activities for the whole family.

When to go: In order to fully enjoy the experiences available along this scenic drive, we recommend visiting during the warmest months of the year, typically June through August.

4. Ashley River Road Scenic Byway

• Distance: 12 miles
• Time Needed: 1 day

Established in the year 2000, the Ashley River Road Scenic Byway is a short 12-mile stretch along the Ashley River. This road is the oldest known road still in use in the state of South Carolina and is a highly significant piece of history.

Although it is a short stretch, it is not due to a lack of significance. This scenic drive begins near the city of Charleston, and there are a number of significant pieces of history along the route.

As you travel, there are a number of attractions to stop and see along the way, including the Old St. Andrew’s Church, the oldest structure used for worship south of Virginia, Fort Bull, Drayton Hall, a former rice plantation where enslaved workers were working daily, and Middleton Place, another historic plantation dating back to colonial times. The site features a museum dedicated to the original house, working stable yards, and enslaved quarters.

When to go: The drive along Ashley River Road is beautiful, and because it is such a short and sweet drive, it is a great way to enjoy the day at any time during the year.

5. Hilton Head Island Scenic Byway

• Distance: 22 miles
• Time Needed: 1 day

The Hilton Head Island Scenic Byway is a multi-lane highway that travels through Beaufort County and will ultimately lead you to Sea Pines Circle and Hilton Head Island. This is another short drive that will lead you to the paradise that is Hilton Head Island.

The main draw of Hilton Head Island is typically its ending destination, but the view along the drive is worth taking in itself, in our opinion. Along this 22-mile stretch, you will pass through wetlands, and historic villages, including Bluffton, and finally, you will cross the causeway onto Hilton Head Island and trust us when we say you will not want to miss that view as you make the cross-over.

While the drive can be done quickly, we recommend planning for at least a few days once you reach Hilton Head Island. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, water sports, shopping, and incredible dining establishments such as Lulu Kitchen,  The Crazy Crab, and Johnson Creek Tavern.

When to go: The weather in the area is quite enjoyable all year round, but to fully enjoy the beaches and water on the island, we recommend visiting during the summer months.

6. Bohicket Road Scenic Highway

• Distance: 10 miles
• Time Needed: 1 day

The Bohicket Road Scenic Highway is located in lower Charleston County on Johns Island near Bohicket Creek. The byway and island are home to many historical and agricultural sites that are worth seeing during your drive.

One can’t-miss site during this drive includes the viewing of Angel Oak, a grand southern live oak that is over 500 years old and makes for one of the best spots for an epic photo op in the area. Your drive will offer beautiful sights and foliage that make for a peaceful and relaxing drive for any day.

When to go: This short drive is beautiful at any time of the year, but the sights are particularly beautiful during the Fall months when the leaves have changed from green to beautiful, warm fall colors.

7. Edisto Island National Scenic Byway

• Distance: 17 miles
• Time Needed: 1-2 days

The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway was established in 2009 by the South Carolina Department of Transportation and made for a great scenic drive if you are traveling through the state of South Carolina.

The scenic byway is known for being a drive that offers the beauty of nature, including waterways, foliage, and more. The drive begins at the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge and continues on until travelers reach Edisto Beach Pavilion along the Atlantic Ocean.

While the drive itself is quite short, be sure to plan for some time to make stops along the way and enjoy at least one relaxing day on Edisto Island.

Points of interest in the area include the starting point, Dawhoo Bridge, also known as the McKinley Washington Jr Bridge, and the Edisto Island Museum. The museum features exhibits that show the history of the island, including Slavery and Freedom and Native American culture.

When to go: This drive is excellent at any time of the year, but we have found it to be particularly beautiful during the Spring and Summer months.

More Scenic Driving Inspiration

If you’d like to explore the east coast further by road, we also suggest you read next:

• The 12 Best Family Vacation Spots on the East Coast
• Scenic Stops You Need to Make on a New York to Florida Road Trip
• 6 Dreamy Scenic Drives in Georgia
• Sensational Scenic Drives & Byways in the Smoky Mountains

© Family Road Trip

The post 7 Sensational Scenic Drives in South Carolina appeared first on Family Road Trip.

Have you and your family dreamed about taking an East Coast road trip, but it hasn’t been possible until now?  

The journey from New York to Florida is filled with fascinating stops along the way, where people of all ages can find something to enjoy. In addition, cities like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Petersburg, Virginia, hold many cultural, natural, and historical wonders. 

Florida also offers a delightful mix of entertainment, national and state parks, and pristine family beaches.  

It’s time to pull out your calendar app or planner, as we’ll walk you through how to plan your road trip from New York to Orlando, complete with the best attractions and stopping points along your route for this epic US road trip route.  

Distance From NYC to Orlando   

The shortest distance from New York City to Orlando, Florida, is 1,077 miles, and you make the drive straight through in about 16 hours. So with stops, it’s possible to drive from New York to Orlando in two days (depending on your children, of course!).  

You’ll spend most of your East Coast road trip on I-95 S if you avoid stopping along the way, but we encourage you to make plenty of stops to make the most of your journey to the southeast.  

Stopping regularly along your route allows you and your fellow travelers to go sightseeing, stretch your legs, and avoid too many rounds of “Are we there yet?” We think it’s a winning scenario for everyone! 

How Long Do I Need Driving From NYC To Orlando, Florida?  

You can easily customize your road trip from NYC to Orlando to fit your schedule and allowable days. Take a few weeks to stop along all of the recommended places, or only stop once or twice along the route and spend the bulk of your time in Florida.  

As we mentioned, driving direct in one hit will take about 16 hours – a tough call for any driver to stay awake this long – so we suggest breaking the journey up with several interesting city stops along the way.

2-3 weeks would be an ideal amount of time, splitting your time between NYC, the middle of the route, and key points in Florida to experience everything on offer. 

Driving Distances Calculator New York To Florida

To help you plot out your route, here are some helpful driving distances between key destinations on the east coast where you could reasonably break up your journey. We’ve also included how long you’ll need to add further destinations in Florida, beyond Orlando:

Best Time Of Year To Drive From NYC To Florida 

The weather in Florida is warm year-round due to its subtropical climate. Summer highs range from 75 to 90 degrees. January is the coldest month, but it still averages 74 degrees!  

Winters in New York are another story, so we recommend driving from New York to Florida in the winter, spring, or early summer. You can escape the frigid NYC temperatures, the bulk of the tourist season, and the worst of the summer heat.  

If you do decide to travel during the summer, aim for June. The summer solstice occurs in the third week of June. This means the days will be longer, and you can fit activities – or lounging around – into each of them!  

We will warn you that Florida’s hurricane season is from June to November and peaks from late August to October. You can still visit during this time, but you will likely experience a more humid climate and extra rain showers.  

Our best recommendation for family road trippers traveling to Florida during hurricane season is to keep well-informed. Hurricanes generally don’t just pop up “out of the blue,” so you should be able to get advance warning of whether or not you’ll need to evacuate your location.  

Best Stops On An NYC To Florida Road Trip 

There are so many breathtaking places to see along your road trip from NYC to Florida. New York City itself is a treasure trove of museums, sightseeing opportunities, and must-try restaurants. In addition, the east coast offers countless beaches, million-dollar views, and numerous other roadside stops.  

Then there’s Florida itself – a paradise for nature lovers and those who are just looking for some rest and relaxation in the sun. Of course, you could easily spend most of your days in Orlando, especially if Disney World is your end destination. But we’ll leave that up to you!  

Our goal is for you to use this guide to recommend the best stops on the east coast from New York City to Orlando so that you and your family can make the most out of this fun and exciting adventure.  

New York City, New York (2-3 nights)  

Before you begin your drive from New York to Florida, we recommend spending a few nights in New York City. You can spend as much or as little time in the Big Apple as you’d like. This, of course, depends on your finances and the number/ages of your travelers.  

If you’re planning on staying a few nights in the city, we have a few family-friendly hotel options to suggest. The Belvedere Hotel is one of the most affordable and is close to Times Square, Broadway, and many restaurants. The New Yorker by Wyndham is another option with friendly staff and bicycle rentals nearby.  

You could easily spend a month exploring NYC, as it’s such a vast and fascinating city! However, we suggest choosing a few more popular sightseeing opportunities for your brief stay instead of cramming too much into each day.  

A brief NYC itinerary you could take a stroll through Central Park, marvel at the wonders of the Natural History Museum, or enjoy a Broadway show. Of course, visiting the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan is a must, and everyone needs a ferry boat ride from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty.  

• Check out our guide to all the best FREE things you can do with the kids in NYC!

Now its time to grab your wheels as we hit the road heading south on the I-95 for our east coast road trip adventure!

NB – if you’re flying in and starting your east coast trip from NYC, don’t grab your rental car until you’re ready to head south! Use public transport, taxis or ride-share apps to get around in NYC

Washington, D.C. (2 nights)  

Distance from NYC to Washington, DC: 4 hours/229 miles 

Your first stop after New York City is Washington, DC, and there are so many exciting places for families to explore. Kids will love the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and Beauvoir Outdoors Playground is an excellent area for young children to burn off some pent-up energy.  

There are many museums to explore as well, such as the International Spy Museum. This museum is filled with special spy equipment, and your kids can learn all about the fascinating spies throughout history. There are also special programs for kids under 10, where they can complete their own secret mission!  

We can’t leave out favorites like the National Museum of American History and the United States Botanic Garden. And, of course, glimpsing the White House and the US Capitol are in amongst the best things to do in D.C.! We recommend making a list with your kids and letting each person choose their favorite – this may help narrow down your options.  

Hotel stays in DC are a little on the expensive side, but we’ve found that the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn are more reasonably priced chain options in good locations.

For restaurants, you must try 2 Amys if you’re craving a slice of authentic Neopolitan pizza. Are your kids up for catching grilled pieces of steak with their mouths? Then Sakura Japanese Steak Seafood House may be just the ticket.  

• With a longer itinerary you could also squeeze in a stop for a night or two in Philadelphia -packed full of history and plenty of free attractions, Independence Hall and seeing the Liberty Bell are a right of must for any American child!

Petersburg, VA (1 night)  

Distance from Washington, DC to Petersburg, VA: 2 hours 15minutes/229 miles 

The shorter drive from Washington, DC, to Petersburg gives you a bit of a breather towards the middle of your New York to Florida drive. This also allows you to spend a bit more time in the area, as there are many fun family activities to experience! 

Petersburg is just an hour’s drive from Colonial Williamsburg, one of the most fascinating historical attractions in the United States. However, deciding where to go in Williamsburg can be overwhelming, so we suggest choosing an interest-based itinerary on their website, such as “family fun” or “first-timers.”  

Check out the Petersburg National Battlefield Park if you’d like to stay closer to Petersburg. This historical site marks where the Siege of Petersburg took place, and the area has many well-maintained trails to explore. If you’re traveling by car, there’s also a 33-mile scenic driving tour in Virginia where you can visit 13 different historical sites.  

History lovers will also love Petersburg’s National Museum of the Civil War, a 25,000 square feet facility known as one of the best Civil War Museums in the United States. Filled with interactive exhibits, it’s a great place where visitors can learn what life was like for a Civil War soldier.  

• If time in your itinerary allows, you could add an overnight stop in North Carolina too. Rayleigh is a great family-friendly city stop, or try Fayetteville, we love the fascinating Airborne and Special Operations Museum, or stroll the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Beach lovers could take the scenic route and add a night or two in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach if you take the coastal road route through the Carolinas

Charleston, SC (3 nights)  

Distance from Petersburg, VA to Charleston, SC: 6 hours/402 miles 

Charleston is up next on our New York to Florida road trip itinerary, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s a beautiful city with a treasure trove of cultural, historical, and natural sites to get out and explore.  

• Extend your road trip through South Carolina with these ideas

Children of all ages will love the South Carolina Aquarium, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with thousands of creatures. You could easily spend a full day enjoying hundreds of species of birds, sharks, turtles, and alligators.

There are also several educational programs, and children can feel different sea animals in the Touch Tank and even feed stingrays! Families with young children should also check out the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, which is essentially a giant interactive playground!  

If you’re searching for outdoor activities, visiting the Angel Oak on John’s Island is a must. This magical-looking tree is over 400 years old and is the largest living organism east of the Mississippi River. It’s truly a sight to behold.

History buffs will love Magnolia Pla