
September is the perfect month for an East Coast road trip for families. As summer fades and fall begins, the East Coast transforms into a picturesque wonderland of vibrant foliage, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. From Maine’s rugged coastlines to the historic streets of Charleston, there’s no shortage of scenic routes and family-friendly destinations to explore.
Planning a family road trip in September allows you to experience scenic routes for families without the heat and hustle of summer vacation. It’s also a prime time for fall family travel, with many destinations offering seasonal activities like apple picking, harvest festivals, and hiking under crisp autumn skies.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best September road trips for families along the East Coast, complete with tips for making the most of your journey. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing coastal drive or an adventurous outdoor excursion, these road trip ideas will inspire your next family getaway.
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1. The Classic New England Coastal Drive: Maine to Massachusetts
Starting Point: Acadia National Park, Maine
One of the most popular family road trips in the USA begins in Acadia National Park, located on Maine’s rugged coastline. This park is perfect for families with its easy-to-navigate trails and breathtaking ocean views. The Park Loop Road is a scenic drive that offers multiple stops for hiking, biking, and tide-pooling. In September, the park begins its seasonal shift, with fall colors emerging, making it a magical time to visit.
For more about Acadia National Park, check out this guide on underrated national parks.
Coastal Stops: Portland and Portsmouth
As you drive south, stop by Portland, Maine, where families can explore the Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the US, and enjoy a lobster roll at a seaside café. Continue your drive along Route 1 to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a charming colonial town where kids will love visiting the Strawbery Banke Museum, an interactive history museum.
Boston, Massachusetts: A Historical Highlight
Finish your New England coastal drive in Boston, a city rich in history and culture. Take the Freedom Trail, a family-friendly walking tour through historical sites like the Paul Revere House and Boston Common. September brings cooler temperatures, making it the ideal time to explore the city on foot.
For more scenic drives through fall foliage, visit our top fall scenic drives guide.

2. The Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina
Shenandoah National Park: The Starting Point for Adventure
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic East Coast family travel ideas, especially in September when the fall family travel season brings vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold to the mountains. Begin your journey in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, where families can hike kid-friendly trails like the Limberlost Trail or enjoy breathtaking views from Skyline Drive.
For a list of family-friendly hikes in September, explore our recommendations for the Best September Hikes in the USA here.
Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway
As you travel south along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll pass through charming small towns like Lexington, Virginia, where families can visit historic sites like Stonewall Jackson’s House. The parkway itself offers countless overlooks, picnic spots, and visitor centers that make great stopping points for families. Be sure to stop at the Peaks of Otter for a family-friendly hike around Abbott Lake.
Asheville, North Carolina: Nature and Culture
End your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip in Asheville, North Carolina, a vibrant city known for its artistic culture and access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Families can explore the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in the US, or take a day trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where fall foliage and wildlife await.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Great Smoky Mountains or discovering more fall adventures, you can also explore our guides to underrated national parks here.
3. The Florida Coast Road Trip: Miami to St. Augustine

Miami: A Colorful Start to the Journey
While Miami might be known for its bustling beaches, it’s also a great starting point for a family-friendly East Coast road trip. Visit Miami Beach or explore the interactive exhibits at the Miami Children’s Museum. September in Florida brings fewer tourists and slightly cooler temperatures, making it a great time for a relaxed family vacation.
Heading North: Cape Canaveral and Daytona Beach
As you head north from Miami, a stop at Cape Canaveral offers a chance for the kids to learn about space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center. Further up the coast, Daytona Beach offers fun for families with its boardwalk, amusement park rides, and kid-friendly restaurants.
St. Augustine: The Nation’s Oldest City
End your Florida coastal road trip in St. Augustine, known as the oldest city in the US. Families can explore Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, where kids can learn about the city’s pirate history. The town’s historic streets, cool September weather, and Spanish architecture make it an ideal family destination.
4. The Historic Coastal Trail: Washington, D.C. to Charleston, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.: A Capital Start
Begin your September road trip in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.. September is an ideal time to visit the city’s outdoor monuments and memorials without the heat and crowds of summer. The National Mall, with its wide-open spaces, is perfect for families, and the Smithsonian Museums offer free entry to some of the world’s most famous exhibits.
Richmond, Virginia: A Dose of History
As you head south, Richmond, Virginia, provides the perfect stop for families interested in early American history. Visit the Virginia State Capitol or the interactive Children’s Museum of Richmond. Richmond also offers scenic river walks and parks, ideal for a quick picnic stop.
Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Charm and Family Fun
End your East Coast family travel in Charleston, a city known for its historic charm and family-friendly activities. Take a stroll through Waterfront Park, visit the South Carolina Aquarium, or book a family-friendly walking tour of the city’s famous historic homes. September in Charleston brings cooler temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets.
5. The Mid-Atlantic Road Trip: Philadelphia to New York City
Philadelphia: History Comes Alive
Philadelphia is a must-visit destination on any East Coast road trip for families. Begin by exploring the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where kids can learn about the history of America’s founding. The Please Touch Museum is another must-see for young children, offering interactive exhibits designed for hands-on learning.
New Jersey Shore: Beaches and Boardwalks
From Philadelphia, head to the New Jersey Shore, where September brings fewer crowds but warm enough temperatures for a family beach day. Towns like Cape May offer beautiful Victorian architecture, while Ocean City boasts a family-friendly boardwalk with rides, games, and treats for kids.
New York City: Endless Possibilities
End your road trip in New York City, where the opportunities for family fun are endless. September is a great time to visit iconic attractions like Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Statue of Liberty. For families looking for something different, a visit to the Bronx Zoo or a ferry ride to Governors Island can make for a memorable end to the journey.
Conclusion
An East Coast road trip for families in September offers the perfect blend of fall beauty, history, and fun. Whether you’re driving through the scenic mountains of Virginia or exploring the historic streets of Boston, the East Coast has something for every family. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s an ideal time for families to hit the road and experience the best of what the East Coast has to offer.
To plan more fall family travel adventures, check out our guides to scenic drives here and underrated national parks here.