When you think of visiting the United States, you’re probably thinking of cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Lincoln Memorial and Mount Rushmore. And while nobody can deny the appeal of visiting these incredibly popular spots, if you want to make your next trip extra special, you should think outside the box and look for destinations that aren’t so popular among tourists.
The Northeast is one of them. While New York is the most popular place to visit in the area, the region is also home to several other spectacular landscapes, some of the most striking in North America. There are also numerous historical landmarks to visit and exciting and fun things to try. It is arguably the best space to see in the US if you enjoy outdoor activities. Here are some of the best spots that must be on your itinerary the next time you visit the Northeast.
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Newark
New Jersey is the most densely populated of all the US states. It is located directly at the center of the Northeast megalopolis, comprising twelve states, including Washington D.C., Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. New York City, Baltimore and Boston are the biggest and most well-known metropolises in the Northeast Corridor.
However, if you want to visit some cities in New Jersey, you should start with Newark, the most populous of the lot. Known as the “Brick City” among locals, there are several attractions you don’t want to miss out on in the area. Check the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for a cultural experience, as the venue regularly hosts dance and classical music performances. If you want to avoid Newark traffic and crowds, you can check into some of the great Sonesta hotels near Whippany, which is only a half an hour away from Newark.
If you’re up for watching a sports event, you must visit the Prudential Center, one of Newark’s most popular tourist attractions. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you can participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival features food vendors and bike races located on Park Avenue and Lake Street. However, if you’re only going to see the cherry blossoms, you should go a little later in the day to avoid the midday rush. You can also see the Krueger-Scott Mansion, which has been fully restored as of 2023. It is the former home of Gottfried Krueger, the founder of the brewing company with the same name, and later of Louise Scott, a beauty business owner and the first female millionaire in Newark.
If you want to extend your trip and travel to nearby destinations, you can do so very easily from the international Newark airport, located at the city’s boundary with Union County. If you travel from to get to the airport in your own car, you must check the JFK parking options before the start of your trip. The airport is the 13th busiest in the world, so you must prepare in advance to ensure you can secure a spot.
Looking for parking at Newark Airport in advance allows you to find the most cost-effective solution to stay within your budget.
Nantucket
Situated in Massachusetts, Nantucket is one of the USA’s most popular summer colonies and tourist destinations. The island is approximately thirty miles from Cape Cod and accessible by boat or ferry if you feel ready for a sailing adventure. Nantucket has over 82 miles of coastline, making it the ideal destination if you love the beach. You can also visit several lighthouses, including the Great Point, located on the northernmost side of the island and Sankaty Head Light, which has been in continuous operation since 1850. The downtown area includes the historic, cobblestone Main Street, as well as museums, small shops and restaurants.
Salem
This historical coastal city has been continuously inhabited since it was established by early European colonists in 1626. The seaside charm makes it one of the most beautiful cities you can visit in America, albeit one that’s on the smaller side, with a population of under 50,000 people. Salem is the site of the infamous witch trials of 1692. Gallows Hill, currently a public park and playing field, was historically the site of many public hangings, and the police cars in the city bear witch logos. The athletic teams of Salem High School are known as the Witches.
You can visit several historic houses, including Pickman and Gedney, built around the mid-1660s, and Hamilton Hall, dating back to 1805. The Witch House, directly connected to the trials, is one of Salem’s most important witch-related tourism attractions. It used to be the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Adirondacks
If you love the steep cliffs and peaks, the Adirondack Mountains, located in northeastern New York, are the ideal destination. There are many summits in the area, some achieving heights of 5,000 feet. There are also over two hundred lakes around the mountains, including Lake Placid and Lake Tear of the Clouds, the source of the Hudson River.
The Adirondack Park, a park of New York’s Forest Preserve, was established in 1892 as watershed protection and as a means for people to enjoy recreational activities in a natural setting. There are several wilderness areas, some spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, such as the High Peaks Area. So, if you’re up for a day of hiking, island camping or kayaking, the Adirondack Park is a must-visit. If you feel up for it, you can even go rock climbing. The scenery is outstandingly beautiful throughout the year, and there are many waterfalls you can visit.
The Northeast hosts some of the most beautiful natural sights in the United States. If you enjoy the great outdoors, want to escape the concrete jungle and fill your lungs with some fresh air, there’s no better region in the whole country for you to visit. The region’s natural beauty will make you want to return the next year as well to uncover even more of its secrets. From the beach to the mountains and old, picturesque cities, there’s scenery in the Northeast for everyone’s tastes.
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