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Most Jaw-Dropping Sights in the Eastern U.S.

America is home to many awe-inspiring sights, and if you plan to explore the Eastern U.S., you’ll have a wealth of options to consider. To make it easier to create your itinerary, here’s a look at we consider to be the most jaw-dropping of all.

Niagara Falls, New York

One of the most famous and the most stunning waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls straddles the U.S. and Canada border, with American Falls on the American side. Over 750,000 gallons of water every second thunders down the 167-foot falls. No matter how many waterfalls you’ve seen, nothing will prepare you for this amazing sight, but you’ll find more to do than just look. A sightseeing boat excursion provides a close encounter for a more immersive experience, requiring a poncho, unless you want to get soaked, that is.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

While it may not officially be a “castle,” Biltmore Estate is often referred to as such as the largest privately-owned home in the country. The former mansion of George Washington Vanderbilt is so vast that it even includes its own winery. One of the highlights is the breathtaking gardens, which become even more stunning in the springtime with colorful flowers bursting into bloom. The “house” is so large, with 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces and a massive library, it takes at least two hours to explore, though you’ll need the whole day if you want to experience all of the estate’s delights, including a winery tour.

Don’t have enough time? If you happen to live in Charlotte, it’s just a two-hour drive away, so you may want to return a few times to soak up all it offers. If you don’t, maybe it’s time to start searching through homes for sale in Charlotte, NC? After all, it was named the fastest growing city in the U.S. in 2017. The houses for sale in Charlotte, NC are attractively priced for big city and country living in a vibrant, bustling community.

Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Maine

If you like lighthouses, Portland Head Light should be at the top of your list to visit, often named one of the most picturesque in the world. It’s also one of the country’s oldest landmarks, built more than 200 years ago, lit with whale-oil lamps for the first time in 1791. It sits on spectacularly landscaped grounds in Fort Williams Park, with the 92-foot-tall conical tower frequently used as a symbol of the state’s impressive beauty. While it has been altered over the years, much of the original structure remains the same.

Chincoteague, Virginia

This small barrier island that lies on Virginia’s shores is best-known for its wild ponies. Its wild, undeveloped beach is part of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a magnificent oasis protecting the island. It aims to keep it as close to what it was when the Native Americans came to harvest oysters, and so far, it’s managed to keep it that way. Visitors can enjoy strolling the unspoiled sands, watching the ponies, collecting shells, or simply lounging on the beach and marveling at the striking natural scenery.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Situated 70 miles west of Key West in the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of a cluster of islands, complete with a dazzling white sand beach as well as beautiful coral reefs and clear, shallow waters filled with tropical fish for snorkeling. While it looks and feels like it should be in the Caribbean, there’s no need to catch a flight, you can hope on the Yankee Freedom II to visit right from Key West.