I-95 is the main highway that runs along the East Coast of the U.S. Since it is almost parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, you're never too far away from the beach on an I-95 road trip. Some of the major cities you'll pass through include Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Richmond, Savannah, Jacksonville, and Miami. Here's some of the top attractions to see along I-95, from Florida to Maine.
At the Tattoo Museum, you can learn about the art of tattooing and even walk away with a tattoo of your own. The artists here are highly respected.
The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court, Grammercy Mansion, and the Wayside Inn Bed and Breakfast are among the coziest hotels you'll find in Baltimore.
One of the best gardens in all of the U.S. is just off I-95. Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is worth visiting any time of year to see the ever-changing blooms. You might be surprised to learn that the bathrooms generated a buzz of their own, winning an award for being the best public restroom in 2014. Check out the lush, plant-covered curved walls.
You aren't in Delaware for very long while traveling I-95, but you should stop to see a serene bit of the state. Just three short miles north of Wilmington is Brandywine Creek State Park. The beautiful natural landscape includes 19th-century stone walls that add to the ambiance. Don't miss the tulip poplar forest and nature center when you visit.
Next up on the trip is Philadelphia, and if you have time, spend several hours in the city. For an offbeat Philly gem, check out the The Mutter Museum, which features macabre medicinal history.
When in Philadelphia, visit Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell and the building where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Arrive early to get your ticket for a guided tour for free, or purchase tickets online for a small fee. The tickets are timed and you have to go through security, so plan accordingly. In the evening, the tours are self guided—if you know your history already, you can avoid the crowds then.
There are some nice hotels in Philadelphia if you decide to extend your stay. The Morris House Hotel, the Franklin Hotel at Independence Park, and the Warwick Hotel are all phenomenal options.
Like Delaware, I-95 doesn't give you much time in New Jersey, but it's worth making a stop. The Bamboo Forest in New Brunswick is close to the highway and offers a uniquely beautiful backdrop for a short walk.
Standing 13 feet and weighing eight tons, the World's Largest Lightbulb is an interesting roadside attraction. Located near Thomas Edison's former lab in Menlo Park, the lightbulb makes for a cool photo op and even shines at night. Nearby, you can tour a small museum dedicated to Edison and his many inventions.
There are too many incredible sights to see in New York City, especially if you're just passing through. But, if you happen to have a day or two to spare on your I-95 road trip, here are a few of the essential sights: Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art.
As you head north of Manhattan, check out the Cloisters Museum and Gardens. This French monastery makes you feel like you are stepping into Medieval Europe. It's easy to see why New Yorkers come here to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In Connecticut, make a stop at the New Haven Lighthouse. Not only is there a picturesque lighthouse to see here, you'll also find a park and a beach.
If you have time for a short detour, Gillette Castle State Park is just off I-95. It feels like you're walking around the ruins of a Medieval fortress. Built by a rich, eccentric actor, the castle has several unusual features that make it a unique stop.
If you get hungry, pull over at Mystic Seaport and head to Mystic Pizza—this pizza joint inspired the 1980s film by the same name. Mystic Seaport is the nation's foremost maritime museum, which is not surprising since this "museum" is actually a port area with multiple buildings. The 19 acres of grounds include a 19th-century maritime village recreation, a working shipyard, and over 500 historic watercraft. You'll find four National Historic Landmark vessels, including an 1841 whale ship that is the U.S.'s oldest commercial ship.
Once you hit Rhode Island, be sure to spend some time in Newport, a gorgeous coastal city. If you can only do one thing, visit the Breakers—it's like America's version of Downton Abbey. Stroll along the Cliff Walk and check out the numerous Gilded Age mansions in this decadent neighborhood.
Newport is a nice spot to pull over for the night, with good accommodations like Forty 1° North, the Ivy Lodge bed and breakfast, and the Mill Street Inn.
Take a detour from I-95 across the state line into Massachusetts, to visit Fall River's Battleship Cove, which features the world's largest collection of World War II naval warships. You don't have to be a military history buff to marvel at the huge ships.
Once you are back on I-95, you soon find The Big Blue Bug in Providence, another quirky roadside photo op.
Providence has some nice hotels as well. The Christopher Dodge House and the Hilton Providence are great places to stay for the night.
It won't be long before you find yourself in Boston. Grab a bite to eat at the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. You'll find so many delicious food vendors in this historic hall, it will be hard to pick just one. Do you want pizza, clam chowder, or a classic "lobstah" roll? Sample one or all.
The New England Aquarium is considered one of the U.S.'s best aquariums. Arguably, the most popular feature of the New England Aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank, the 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank that simulates a Caribbean coral reef. Constructed of concrete and surrounded by a walkway with 52 windows, the tanks allows visitors the ability to peep at the sea life from virtually every angle.
The Revere Hotel, the Liberty Hotel, and the Bertram Inn are just a few of the fabulous hotel options in Boston.
Before leaving Massachusetts, pull over at the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) in the funky town of Somerville to indulge in some of the worst cultural output the U.S. has ever been unfortunate enough to witness.
The New Hampshire stretch of I-95 is relatively short but offers a couple of cool places to visit. First, check out the Memorial to a Witch in Hampton. It's a simple unmarked stone monument dedicated to Eunice "Goody" Cole, known as "the witch of Hampton," who was accused of witchcraft in 1656. That ruling was eventually overturned—in 1938.
For less morbid fun, there's Water Country in Portsmouth, which is worth a few hours, especially if you're traveling with kids in summer. The park offers slides, whirlpools, water playgrounds, wave pools, and more.
Book a room at the Anchorage Inn and Suites, The Exeter Inn, the Coachman Inn, or one of the other nice hotels in Portsmouth for the night.
I-95 officially ends at the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing. The route continues into Canada, where you can cross the border into New Brunswick. If you want to have an international journey after this epic tour of the East Coast, just keep driving.