Mid-Atlantic Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Mid-Atlantic with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States is a diverse area that boasts numerous cultural and natural attractions. It includes several states such as Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each state has its own unique history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Mid-Atlantic

Here are some of the top places to visit in Mid-Atlantic:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.
  • The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
  • The Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area in Williamsburg, Virginia
  • The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • The Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Natural Attractions of Mid-Atlantic: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
  • The Niagara Falls in New York
  • The Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia
  • The Cape May Point State Park in New Jersey
  • The Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland
  • The Hudson River in New York

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging hiking and biking routes. Here are a few of them:

  • The Appalachian Trail
  • The C&O Canal Towpath
  • The Billy Goat Trail
  • The Mount Tammany Trail
  • The Valley Forge National Historical Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Mid-Atlantic: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Mid-Atlantic:

  • Visit the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.
  • Explore the historic district of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Tour the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Attend a Broadway show in New York
  • Visit the great Niagara Falls in New York
  • Marvel at the natural beauty of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

Week-Long Itinerary for Mid-Atlantic

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Mid-Atlantic:

Day Activity
1 Explore the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, D.C.
2 Tour the Historic District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3 Visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
4 Attend a Broadway show in New York
5 Marvel at the natural beauty of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
6 Go hiking on the Appalachian Trail
7 Visit the great Niagara Falls in New York

Food and Drink Scene of Mid-Atlantic

Must-Try Dishes

Here are some of the must-try dishes in Mid-Atlantic:

  • Crab Cakes in Maryland
  • Philly Cheesesteak in Pennsylvania
  • Bagels in New York
  • West Virginia Hot Dogs
  • Chesapeake Bay Oysters in Virginia

Local Beverages

Some of the popular local beverages in Mid-Atlantic are:

  • Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Delaware
  • Yuengling Brewery in Pennsylvania
  • Brooklyn Brewery in New York
  • Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Virginia
  • Flying Dog Brewery in Maryland

Where to Stay in Mid-Atlantic: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options available in Mid-Atlantic, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some options to consider:

  • The Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C.
  • The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • The Plaza Hotel in New York
  • The Greenbrier in West Virginia
  • The Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia

What to Buy in Mid-Atlantic: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from Mid-Atlantic:

  • Philadelphia Soft Pretzels
  • New York Bagels
  • Virginia Peanuts
  • Maryland Blue Crab
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Signs

Local Culture and Customs of Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic has a diverse culture, influenced by native inhabitants, European colonizers, and African slaves. Some of the customs and traditions that are part of the Mid-Atlantic culture are:

  • Celebrating Independence Day on July 4th
  • Eating Thanksgiving dinner on the fourth Thursday of November
  • Celebrating Halloween with costumes and decorations
  • Visiting historic sites and museums to learn about the history of the area
  • Enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing

Best Time to Visit Mid-Atlantic

The best time to visit Mid-Atlantic is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, each state has its own peak season for tourism, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mid-Atlantic

Do:

  • Tip at least 15% when dining out
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities
  • Take public transportation to avoid traffic in urban areas
  • Respect the history and culture of the area
  • Try local foods and beverages

Don’t:

  • Jaywalk in urban areas
  • Touch historical artifacts in museums and historic sites
  • Use offensive language or gestures
  • Smoke in public areas where it’s prohibited
  • Leave trash or litter in public areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic is generally considered a safe place to visit, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially in urban areas. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your valuables in a safe place.

Health in Mid-Atlantic

The healthcare system in Mid-Atlantic is highly developed, and there are many hospitals and medical facilities available. It’s always important to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and carry any necessary medications.

Getting to Mid-Atlantic: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mid-Atlantic

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Bus Stations Near Mid-Atlantic

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Peter Pan Bus Lines
  • Megabus

Other Options

  • Amtrak
  • Car rentals

How to Get Around in Mid-Atlantic

Public transportation is widely available in Mid-Atlantic and is a convenient way to get around, especially in urban areas. Taxi services and ride-hailing apps are also prevalent.

Where to Go Next from Mid-Atlantic: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can consider after visiting Mid-Atlantic:

  • New England
  • The Appalachian Mountains
  • The Outer Banks in North Carolina
  • The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
  • The Canadian Maritime Provinces

Conclusion

Mid-Atlantic is a diverse and exciting destination with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, there is plenty to see and do. Make sure to plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your time in the area.

Gleaming skyscrapers towering over majestic waterways are a common feature of Mid-Atlantic cities. Pictured: Philadelphia, August 2007 Gleaming skyscrapers towering over majestic waterways are a common feature of Mid-Atlantic cities. Pictured: Philadelphia, August 2007 Wild ponies on Assateague Island Wild ponies on Assateague Island The infield at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, April 2009 The infield at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the AAA Minor League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, April 2009


    Chesapeake Bay
    Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
    Delaware
    Delmarva Peninsula
    Maryland
    Metro New York
    New Jersey
    New York (state)
    Palisades
    Pennsylvania
    Washington, D.C.