Destination overview

The United States largest city (New York City) sprawls across the middle of the Northeast and its capital (Washington DC) edges the bottom. In this part of the country you will find some of the most fascinating and exciting cities in the world, so it’s no wonder that people from all over the globe flock to these areas to enjoy all they have to offer. From the big city experience to beautiful countryside, you will find that the Northeast USA will become one of your favourites.

The oldest region of the United States, the Northeast varies from the largest city (New York City) to the smallest state (Rhode Island). This area is rich with history and culture and there are eleven states in the Northeast. Of those states, six are known together as the New England states - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The other five states are known as the Middle Atlantic States - Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The nation's capital, Washington DC, is also a part of the Northeast.

From harvest festivals to pumpkin picking, drinking hot apple cider and eating fresh cinnamon donuts and homemade pie, there are so many reasons why the Northeast comes alive during the autumn foliage season and there are no other places on the eastern seaboard where the leaves are more vibrant and the autumn air as crisp. But, the region is just as enticing in winter with the snowfalls, spring with glorious days and cool nights and summer when you can head to the beaches.

The region has a landscape that varies from the rocky coast of New England to the fertile farmland of the Ohio River Valley behind the Allegheny Front in Pennsylvania. The Isles of Shoals near the Maine/New Hampshire border begins the rocky Atlantic coastline of the Northeast. Jagged cliffs rise up to a hundred feet above the ocean on Maine's northern coast, while south of West Quoddy Head Peninsula in Maine, the eastern-most point in the United States, the coastline subsides to sandy beaches which extend through the rest of the Northeast's Atlantic coastline.

Between Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Cape May in New Jersey are a series of large islands including Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, Long Island, Manhattan and Staten Island. Four major river mouths pierce the coastline to empty into the Atlantic - the Delaware, the Hudson, the Connecticut, and the Kennebec.

The Mohawk River flows eastward from its source near Utica, New York between the Catskills and the Adirondacks before merging with the Hudson north of Albany. Two of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, also border the region.

The Connecticut River flows south, running along the border of New Hampshire and Vermont between the Green Mountains and White Mountains, before flowing through Springfield, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut, on its way to empty into Long Island Sound. In the White Mountains of New Hampshire is Mt Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeast and the windiest location in the United States. To the west of the Green Mountains on the New York/Vermont border, and extending into Canada, is the glacier-formed Lake Champlain, where Vermont's largest city, Burlington, is located.

To the North and West of the Susquehanna are the Finger Lakes of New York and the Northeast's borders with the Great Lakes of Lake Ontario in New York and Lake Erie in both Pennsylvania and New York. On an isthmus between the two Great Lakes on the New York/Ontario border near Buffalo is Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.

New England has a rich colonial history and you will see historic homes and battlefields, landmarks of famous events, enjoy outdoor adventures and be spellbound by modern America.

In New York, the city that never sleeps, you certainly won’t ever be looking for something to do. Whether it’s enjoying a carriage ride through Central Park, shopping til you drop on Fifth Avenue and all the upscale areas, as well as the great bargains you’ll find downtown, visiting the famous museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art, or visiting the many historic landmarks the city has to offer, you just won’t have enough time to do it all. But, make sure you visit The Cloisters, walk over Brooklyn Bridge, check out Greenwich Village and the hip areas of Soho and Nolita and take in a Broadway show. A few days in New York City feels like a couple of weeks. You pack so much into your time.

For a change of place, within commuting distance to NYC, in Connecticut you’ll find beautiful countryside with serene rivers and the picturesque Long Island South coastline. New Haven is home to Yale University which in itself is a sightseeing gem. With an abundance of culture, museums, a lively theatre scene and the many pleasures of the water nearby, this is a good place to spend time.

Mystic in the east of the state contains colonial history and the Museum of America and the Sea, the nation's leading maritime museum. You can board grand old tall ships, see a recreated coastal village, working shipyard and interesting exhibits.

Vermont, Maine and Delaware are all charming states with abundant outdoor activities, interesting wildlife and plenty of history and culture.

Washington DC is a must visit for a view of the White House, the Capitol Building, the Pentagon and other historic monuments. Plus, it has some of the finest museums in the US. The National Air and Space Museum is a must, as is the Smithsonian, with 19 museums alone to visit. And for some fun, don’t miss the International Spy Museum.

Boston, Massachusetts is an absolute joy. Its modern facade is somewhat intimidated by superb 19th century historic buildings and a fascinating past. Spend a day on The Freedom Trail reliving the American Revolution including the famous Boston Tea Party.

In New Jersey you'll find Liberty State Park overlooking The Statue of Liberty, and home to the historic Railroad of New Jersey and of course the Big Apple is just minutes away. New York State is more than just New York City but this extraordinary metropolis is the centre of attention.

Pennsylvania is a state of great history, a great amount of state parks and a robust music and arts scene. Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in the US, is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed.

Rhode Island belies its small size with many exciting holiday possibilities involving beaches, sports, history and nature. Providence, the capital, is truly delightful with its great range of historical attractions, beautifully preserved old homes, arts and music. Around the city and on the coastline there are many small charming villages with interesting personalities and generous hospitality. Newport is most famous as the home of the America's Cup yacht race and one look at the magnificent harbour, combined with an affluent heritage tells you why.

Wherever you go in the Northeast you'll find so much to see and do. You'll be surrounded by natural and man-made wonders and a delightful balance between beautiful countryside, sweeping beaches and big cities. And history will come alive before your eyes, in so many places that you will be mesmerised. So don't delay and put this fabulous region onto your holiday list. But you’ll have to come back to explore your favourite places more extensively, because this area requires many more visits than just one.