The History of America in a Three-City Trip

Sometimes, when the idea of taking a trip comes to mind, we immediately think of tropical locations or foreign countries. The history, beauty, and culture of America should never be overlooked, though -- especially on the East Coast, which is where it all began. In the span of a weekend, you could visit Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; and New York City, getting the chance to absorb some of the country's most historical settings, enjoy bustling cities, try great food, and see amazing sights.

Washington, D.C.

Of course, those who visit D.C. immediately think they need to see The White House, Capitol Hill, and the Vietnam Veteran Memorial. And, of course, it's true -- these are all extremely significant American landmarks worth visiting. That being said, D.C. has a lot to offer by way of museums, such as the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of Natural History, to name a few. For shopping, you could visit the National Mall, then take a trip over to Ford's Theatre, too. Of course, there's also the United States Botanic Garden for nature lovers, as well as great nightlife if that's your bag.

Philadelphia

If you're lucky enough to be taking a bus tour of the East Coast, Philadelphia is less than three hours from Washington, D.C. and also has plenty to offer its tourists. As a city that likes to keep it historical, Philadelphia is known for still using its original cobblestone streets and offering travel by way of horse and buggy, which makes it a city with lots of character. You might want to swing by the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall, but you definitely can't miss out on the city's infamous cheesesteaks. Geno's, Pat's, and Jim's are all beloved places to acquire one of these greasy-delicious sandwiches. Visit Rittenhouse Square for a relaxing picnic or Fairmount Park for some hiking and a gorgeous view of the skyline.

NYC

Again, NYC is in close proximity to D.C. and Philly, so it could easily be combined into one trip. What isn't there to see in the Big Apple? From taking a cruise to the Statue of Liberty, to making it to the top of the Empire State Building, there are so many bucket-list things the city has to offer that you won't want to leave. Times Square is infamous for its amazing stores and bright lights, which look astounding come nighttime. Tourists are always amazed at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and its life-like sculptures. Most importantly, though: the city is jam-packed with amazing restaurants on every corner. You'll feel like you're living the big city life on your short trip.

Any of these locations alone are worth a visit, but if you can manage to cram them all into one bus trip, you'll get the chance to become one with our nation's history. It's no tropical vacation, that's for sure, but when it comes to the big cities of the East Coast, you can guarantee you'll never be bored.

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