Hoping to take an epic road trip on the east side of the country this year? We hear you! The east coast is gorgeous and well worth exploring. That’s why we recommend a road trip on Interstate 95.
There are tons of incredible and fun I-95 attractions, meaning you’ll never be bored during your road trip adventure. In fact, the bigger problem will likely be picking and choosing which things to do along I-95 to check out.
Things to Do Along I-95: Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
The first section of I-95 goes through Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. There are lots of great I-95 attractions to check out in these states, so don’t miss the following stops.
Miami, Florida
I-95 starts in America’s southernmost metropole: Miami, Florida. There is plenty to see and do in this area, including the beautiful (and mostly underwater) Biscayne National Park, which does offer RV parking at the visitor center.
We also highly recommend Monkey Jungle, Frost Science Museum, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and a day trip to South Beach.
We love camping at Miami Everglades RV Park when visiting this part of Florida.
Titusville, Florida
A stop in Titusville is a must as well. Why? Because it is home to the Kennedy Space Center. This place offers a huge amount of information about the United States’ space history, served up in fascinating, interactive displays and activities. RV parking is available at the space center.
Other things to do in Titusville include the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and some amazing beaches. RV camping is available at Jetty Park Campground.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the next stop in Florida. This is the oldest city in the US, and the history found here is simply amazing. Make sure to pay a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos for an amazing learning experience.
We also love the Pirate and Treasure Museum, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and Anastasia State Park where you’ll find some beautiful campsites.
Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia
Easily one of the most charming towns in the country, Savannah is an excellent place to stop and do some exploring. We recommend snagging a campsite at Skidaway Island State Park and then heading into town to explore Forsyth Park, admire the old architecture, and enjoy delicious food and treats.
We especially love the ice cream found at Leopold’s Ice Cream as well as the affordable seafood at Shabazz Seafood, and a trip to the nearby Tyree Island is definitely worthwhile for some beach time.
Santee State Park
Santee, SC
Located in the town of Santee, Santee State Park is an excellent place to park the rig, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, and get in some rest and relaxation. This park sits next to Lake Marion, a lake that is well known for its abundant catfish population. Be sure to bring your fishing gear because you’ll definitely want to cast a line!
Things to Do Along I-95: Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and Pennsylvania
Next, you’ll drive through Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania along Interstate 95. Make sure to check out the following things to do along I-95 in these fabulous locales.
Richmond, Virginia
The city of Richmond is absolutely worth a visit. One of our favorite attractions here is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. That said, kids are sure to prefer the wonderful Children’s Museum of Richmond, where there happens to be RV parking available.
Other good things to check out include the State Capitol building and the Poe Museum.
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Fredericksburg, VA
A great spot to stop, stretch your legs, and get in some roadschooling, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park focuses on US Civil War history. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in history through self-guided audio tours, making for a memorable experience.
RV parking is available in some parts of the park but not others. We recommend calling ahead to be sure you’ll be able to park.
Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital city should be on every American traveler’s list, and not just to pay respects. Along with its prestige and presidential mystery, this town also offers a heap of cultural and educational activities for a price you just can’t argue with: absolutely nothing!
That’s right, the entire sprawling Smithsonian Institution complex charges no entry fees, making learning about our history a totally free and accessible vacation activity. On top of that, you can explore the National Mall or even take a tour of the White House.
We do not recommend driving an RV into Washington, D.C. Instead, camp at Greenbelt Park just outside of the city and ride the train in.
Baltimore, Maryland
From the National Aquarium to Fort McHenry—which you may know better as the place where our national anthem was penned—there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and experience in Baltimore.
We also recommend catching a game in Oriole Park, visiting the Baltimore Museum of Art, checking out the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and of course, eating some crab cakes.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Don’t forget to make a stop in Philly! Here you can see the Liberty Bell, take a tour of Independence Hall, and try one of the best steak sandwiches you’ll ever have (just grab one from any roadside stand where locals are lined up).
You’ll also want to see the Eastern State Penitentiary, explore the Franklin Institute, and visit Reading Terminal Market. Just know that the city is not RV-friendly.
Things to Do Along I-95: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine
The next leg of your trip down Interstate 95 takes you through New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine. These states offer tons of amazing I-95 attractions, and below are the places you really must stop at!
The Bamboo Forest
New Brunswick, NJ
You don’t spend much time in New Jersey when traveling I-95, but there is one stop you’ll want to make there: the Bamboo Forest at Rutgers Gardens. This is the ideal place for a peaceful and unique walk, making it the perfect quick stop in the middle of a driving day.
There is plenty of parking at the gardens, but you may want to call ahead about parking an RV there.
New York, New York
I mean, it’s the Big Apple. What more can we say? You’ll get to see all kinds of amazing museums, some amazing architecture, and of course, Broadway shows.
Although NYC is not particularly well known for its camping opportunities, there is actually a comfortable campground with hookups right across the river in Jersey City. There you can camp out in the shadows of the Manhattan skyline for just over $100 a night. Not a bad deal by New York standards!
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, CT
If you only make one stop in Connecticut, make it the Mystic Seaport Museum. This incredible museum brings history to life using costumed reenactors and plenty of interactive opportunities. Here you can wander through an old seaport town, chat with the locals, and even try things like hoisting a sail.
In addition to the living history section, this museum also boasts all kinds of exhibits on maritime history, as well as a super cool children’s room.
You might be able to find parking for an RV in downtown Mystic, but you’ll want to arrive early and be prepared to pay a pretty penny. Otherwise, you’ll need to park the rig outside of town.
Providence, RI
The capital city of Rhode Island, Providence is another city that is well worth checking out. Here you will want to visit Roger Williams Park. The zoo there is adorable and the carousel is lots of fun for little ones.
We also really enjoyed the Roger Williams National Memorial, Poco Loco Tacos (try the avocado fritters!), and Dear Hearts Ice Cream.
As is the case with most big cities, this place is not RV-friendly, so it’s best to find an RV park nearby.
Boston, Massachusetts
Heading up to Boston? Solid plan. Here you can wander along the freedom trail, visit the Museum of Science, dine on succulent seafood, or kick back in Boston Common. No matter what you do, you’ll quickly come to see why this city has remained such a popular place to live, work, and visit.
If you have extra time, make a quick trip to Minute Man National Historical Park for an awesome history lesson.
Portland, Maine
Setting itself apart from the sealine with its iconic lighthouse, Portland, Maine is the perfect place to visit if you want to merge your outdoorsy interests with bustling city life. Fun spots here include tons of cute shops, breweries, and a food scene that’s quickly blowing up the industry.
Want to get some exercise? You can walk off all those delicious oysters and brews by wandering along a breathtaking seashore or doing some urban hiking on Congress Street.
Acadia National Park
After all that city livin’, you’re probably aching for some natural scenery. Good thing you’re just in time to hit one of the most stunning national parks in the country: Acadia National Park!
This park’s granite peaks and wind-blown seashores offer endless Instagram-worthy vistas. Come at the right time of year and you might even find some wild blueberries to pick. No matter when you visit though, you’ll have your breath taken away by the sheer beauty of this northern coast gem.
The best part? You can camp right in the national park!
Weird Attractions Along I-95
You’re probably already aware that there are tons of strange highway attractions across the country, and I-95 plays host to its fair share of these. Make sure to add these weird attractions along I-95 to your itinerary!
Coral Castle
Homestead, FL
Made entirely of coral rock, the Coral Castle is one of the best weird attractions along I-95. It was built by Edward Leedskalnin who began construction in 1923 and refused to let anyone see him work. The castle was originally located in Florida City, but was moved in 1936 where the man continued to work on the structure until his death in 1951.
How Edward built the castle has baffled scientists for years, and it has been touted as an “engineering marvel.” The castle also has a bizarre history and it is just as fascinating to learn about the building itself as it is the character who created it.
Note that Coral Castle does not accommodate RV parking, but there are plenty of RV parks nearby.
South of the Border
Hamer, South Carolina
Chances are, we don’t even need to include this one in the list, because you’ll start seeing signs advertising its presence hundreds of miles away. But for all that marketing mojo, South of the Border is perhaps most remarkable for how deserted it is these days—the all-but-empty remnants of a once-happening resort + theme park + themed pit stop.
It’s still well worth pulling off the highway to snap a selfie with its iconic sign, or to grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone from the on-site vendors. There’s even an RV park there in case you want to stay the night in this strange place.
Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum
Littleton, NC
Do you enjoy learning about mythological creatures, paranormal activity, and other strange and creepy things? If so, the Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum is for you. This place is small, making it a perfect pit stop you won’t really need more than an hour to see the entirety of.
In the museum you will find haunted dolls, articles on cryptid sightings, plaster casts of Bigfoot prints, and other such things. The owner of the museum is wonderfully welcoming and often gives guided tours, telling everything he knows about cryptozoology and the paranormal.
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
Wilson, NC
A super fun spot to stop and stretch your legs, the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is not your usual park. Instead, it’s a gorgeous, moving art display that you can walk through. Fun, colorful whirligigs are found around every corner, and when the wind blows they are all set into motion, making the whole place come alive.
This two-acre park is free to stroll and is open every day from 5:00 AM until midnight. Basically, you have no excuse to skip it! Just make sure you drop off the RV first, because the park only offers street parking, meaning finding a spot can be tricky.
Museum of Bad Art
Somerville, MA
Last on our list of weird attractions along I-95 is the Museum of Bad Art. Just as the name suggests, this is literally a museum dedicated to displaying bad art, and boy does it make for a hilarious field trip.
Each piece includes a brief description, including where it was sourced. Some were found in the trash, others were bought at thrift stores, and still other works were found in basements or attics.
The museum is located in Dorchester Brewing Co and is free to visit. Guests can park on the street outside of the brewery, but if that parking is full—or if you plan on bringing the RV—there is plenty of free parking at the nearby South Bay Center.
As you can see, I-95 has a lot to offer, making it the perfect highway for an east coast road trip. Go ahead and rent the perfect RV now so you can hit the road and see all of these I-95 attractions as soon as possible!
