East Coast of the United States, Atlantic coastal region from Maine to Florida, US
The East Coast of the United States is an Atlantic coastal region from Maine to Florida that stretches across 14 states with more than 2000 miles of shoreline. Terrain changes from rocky cliffs and cool pine forests in the north to flat sand dunes and subtropical marshes in the south, with long sandy beaches in between.
Europeans established their first permanent North American settlements along this coast during the 1600s, starting with Jamestown and Plymouth. These early colonies grew into the 13 founding states that later declared independence and formed the new nation.
Residents spend much of their time near the water, whether sailing in New England, walking beaches in the Carolinas, or fishing in Florida. This connection to the ocean shapes family traditions, from summer clam bakes to weekend trips to the shore passed down through generations.
Interstate 95 connects major cities from Miami through New York to Boston and provides access to most coastal areas (tolls apply on many sections). Climate varies greatly with cold winters in the north and hot humid summers in the south, so plan travel timing according to the region.
Millions of monarch butterflies migrate along this coastline each year on their journey from Canada to Mexico, sometimes in groups large enough to turn trees orange. You can best see them during fall when they pause at beaches and coastal forests on favorable wind days.
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