Historical East Coast fall family travel
In the fall, many historical places on the East Coast bring visitors through a sea of picturesque foliage unmatched by any other region. Watching the leaves change from summer green to fall red, orange, and gold brings autumn brightness and warmth to all travelers and residents. The combination of rich history and brilliant natural scenery make this time of year a wonderful opportunity for families to travel to historic sites.
With school starting, combining a scenic weekend trip with historical significance transforms a normal getaway into a learning experience for all ages. With many destinations throughout the area offering a variety of museums, trails, tours, and visitor activities, family fun arrives without a dull moment.
Plan your vacation by sifting through family interests and talking with your kids about their history lessons during their first few months of school. Taking kids on trips to view first hand the places they have learned (or will learn about throughout the school year) about increases their excitement, interest, and openness to learning more about American history.
With a number of locations offering history, scenery, and copious opportunities for family adventure, six spots make up our list of must-sees. Each destination offers the exciting potential for a memorable family vacation filled with historical significance and gorgeous fall foliage.
From Plymouth Plantation to the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock, this Massachusetts town is filled with American history and beautiful landscapes from start to finish. Located on the water, American history starts with Plymouth.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers ample opportunities to discover the roots of America. With the Freedom Trail, Paul Revere House, Tea Party Ship, and more, Boston makes for a wonderfully rich learning experience bringing visitors into the shoes of those living during the Revolutionary War.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg takes your family back in time through the historical buildings and real live people trained in the times and lifestyle of those living during the Revolutionary period. More than 500 eighteenth century homes and buildings have been restored and rebuilt to make this destination a journey to the past where blacksmiths, saddle makers, wigmakers, and silversmiths practice their trades, families ride in horse drawn carriages, and kids participate in historical games.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Independence National Historical Park is the home of the Liberty Bell, the President’s House Site, and where George Washington and John Adams lived and worked. Also in the area, the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson crafted the Declaration of Independence, provides even more history and fun for families.
Washington D.C.
Fall makes for a beautiful time of year to visit the capital. From famous landmarks, to the White House and the National Zoo, D.C. offers an overwhelming number of opportunities for families to enjoy the fall season and learn together.
New York City
With the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the top of our recommendations list, New York City serves up fall travel itineraries sure to thrill both first-time city travelers and frequent visitors alike. Visit the Chrysler Building, drive over the Brooklyn Bridge, and travel to the top of the Empire State Building to catch a glimpse of fall from above.
No matter where you travel with your family this fall, make it a memorable journey filled with fun, adventure, and historical exploration.