Welcome to Northeast USA

Covering nine states, hundreds of years of history, a few major cities and a sprinkling of heavenly nature reserves; the Northeast makes for some pretty incredible days out. From the roaring Niagara Falls to the contemplative Gettysburg fields, to the buzzing streets of major metropolitan hubs or the quaint seaside villages of Maine. There’s so much to see in the land of the free, but don’t worry; we’ve got it sorted.  

Our tours in Northeast USA

6 Days From 3614

Travel from New York to Boston on a small group tour that is perfect for anyone who...

7 Days From 4418

Discover the best of the USA’s East Coast on a 7-day small-group adventure taking in...

7 Days From 1790

Discover the USA’s East Coast on a 7-day small-group camping adventure taking in...

12 Days From 8142

Spend 12 days uncovering the best of the East Coast with a local leader, taking in...

4 Days From 1725

Spend an incredible 4 days hiking the highest mountains in New Hampshire, the...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

5 Days From 3785

Hike around the best bits of Acadia National Park, including the Beehive, Cadillac...

Highlights of Northeast USA tours

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

National treasures and tragedies

Turn your attention to a United States of the past in Pennsylvania. Learn about the most brutal battle of the Civil War in Gettysburg before rewinding a century earlier in Philadelphia. Here you can visit the site where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed or get an up-close look at the Liberty Bell. You'll also get a chance to learn more about the Amish communities of Pennsylvania with a tour and homemade lunch in Lancaster.

Two people standing in Broadway, New York City

A new take on an old city

Each city in the US has its own unique charm and history. On a tour through the Northeast, discover the communities that make up some of the biggest hubs in the world. From the boroughs of New York to the neighbourhoods of Boston, learn about the sports fanatics, the local eateries, cultural communities and the historical sites of these great towns on walking tours from true local guides. While you’re in the big apple, why not stop by Broadway? It’s up to you, New York.

Houses by the water in Maine, USA

Ahoy, Maine ahead

If you thought Maine was mostly lobsters and lighthouses, then you’d be missing out on so much more this northern state has to offer (even though the lobsters and lighthouses really are great). Charming communities are dotted throughout this epic landscape. Look out for marine wildlife and famous lighthouses while venturing through the coast, including the beautiful Bass Harbor Head Light. Then, experience the magic of the first sunrays to touch the US on a morning drive to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.

A traveller looking out over the Appalachian Mountains

A great outdoors

While this end of the country does have its big names – Niagara Falls, Presidential Mountain Range and the Finger Lakes – there’s more to see if you’ve got the time. For camping enthusiasts, secure a spot on the East Coast Camping Adventure, where you'll spend your days among the big sites before settling in for quiet nights under the stars. For those wanting an active adventure, set your sights on scaling the highest mountains in the US on a walking and trekking trip on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire.

Reviews of tours through Northeast USA

FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Northeast USA is found in the top right-hand corner of the continental United States. There are sometimes different states included in this region, but generally, these states make up the Northeast: Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

The northernmost states neighbour the Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick provinces of Canada. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, with many of the Northeast states right on the coast. To the west is the Midwest region, and below is the South. 

It's pretty easy to get to the Northeastern USA as there are several international airports throughout the states. Some of the largest airports include:

  • John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New York.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington, D.C.

Depending on where you'd like to visit, you can also drive in from any other part of the US or even Canada. 

Trainlines and buses also operate in and out of this area which can be great options for those not looking to rent a car.

Getting around the Northeast as a traveller is generally easy as there is a lot of public transport that operates interstate. Buses can get you just about anywhere in the Northeast, however, long-distance and inter-city trains can take you between several of the major hubs, including New York, Philadelphia and Boston.

Other transport options include the use of private cars, which is great for road trips. There's also the option to fly between certain areas depending on the destination.

The best time to visit the Northeast USA is during the middle of the year, between May and August, for the best weather. The shoulder seasons can also be good times to visit for fewer crowds, however, this region gets cold enough for snow in winter, so the weather may not always be the most favourable in the shoulder months of March/April and September/November. 

Read more about the best time to visit Northeast USA

What to pack on a trip to the Northeast USA depends on your trip type and time of travel. Generally, the climate in the Northeast can vary and change quickly. With that in mind, you should pack to ensure you have warmer clothing, especially for the evening, as well as waterproof items in case of wet weather. 

If you are going on a camping or walking/trekking trip, you will likely need to bring some speciality items, including hiking boots, breathable non-cotton hiking t-shirts, a sleeping bag, a towel and suitable layers for rugging up.

If you are travelling in North America over winter, it's recommended that you're prepared for temperatures that can easily fall below 0ºC/32ºF. This means bringing waterproof clothing, especially shoes with good grip for walking across snow or ice, as well as cold weather gear such as gloves, thermals, fleece and headwear, such as beanies. 

Learn more about what to pack for an Intrepid trip

We're committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. 

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.

Find out more or make a donation

Read more about the United States