When things start opening again chances are you won’t want to go places that are packed. You’ll skip the major cities (NYC, PHILLY, DC, BOSTON, ORLANDO) and want to visit places a little less crowded. Places like State Parks, Battlefields, unique museums. There are plenty of places that you can see from Maine to Florida.
There’s so much out there to see and do with little to no crowds. Of course, we don’t know at this point what will and will not be open. Normally everything that is listed here is not crazy busy. If they do have crowds it is usually a pretty big space that people can still practice a little social distancing.
This is a long list covering 15 states. Each with their own unique feel and interesting places to visit. No matter where you decide to start or finish we have some great places for you to visit along the way.
MAINE
Baxter State Park
When traveling south on I-95 you’ll come up to exit 244. From here you will have a nice scenic drive to Baxter State Park. Baxter State Park is about 30 miles off of the interstate. You will go through a couple of small towns where you can get a bite to eat. Use the restroom or fill up the gas tank.
If you are getting close to a half a tank of gas. You better fill up. You never know where or if the next gas station is open.
Bangor
I-95 runs right through the city of Bangor. With a population of under 35,000, you shouldn’t expect to see wall to wall people making it a great place to stop and check out. Besides, it’s probably your best bet to find a good place to sleep and eat.
There are quite a few interesting and unique things to see in Bangor. Take a look at Steven King’s House. Or take a stroll down Main Street to see the huge Paul Bunyan Statue.
Since Bangor is a fairly decent size you can find all kinds of things you would need for your night out in the woods. Maine has some amazing night skies. With little light pollution, you can get some great shots of the Milky Way Galaxy or if you are lucky and brave enough you can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Maine State Museum
If you want to take a chance and be around more people you should check out the Maine State Museum in Augusta. Learn what makes Maine such a great and interesting state. Fear not for those who would rather skip the museum.
There is still something for you to see around the museum. The Museum is located next to the State House which is a beautiful site to see. You will also find a few memorials nearby in memory of Maine’s Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters.
Portland Lighthouse
This is such a beautiful spot to stop and relax. From the soothing sound of the crashing waves to the smell of the salty air. You will WANT to have your camera ready for this place. Any time of day is a great time to visit but try around sunset.
While you’re at it you might as well get some famous Maine Lobster. Along Commercial Street you will find over 10 different eateries to get your lobster fix. For a more upscale place check out Street & Co on Wharf St or head on over to Luke’s on the Pier for a more homely take.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse
Once you get into New Hampshire you’ll be in Portsmouth. There are plenty of things to see and do that are normally not too crowded. At least at the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse if it is busy there is a lot of open space. Just note that the lighthouse is open seasonally from around Memorial Day till Labor Day on Sundays.
Odiorne Point State Park
Odiorne Point State Park is a beautiful seaside park located in New Hampshire. You can find some spectacular sunrises coming up over the Atlantic Ocean here. Also located in the State Park is the Seacoast Science Center.
This is a place your kids will love. If they are fans of the ocean, they will be amazed at everything they learn. Plus they probably won’t even realize they are learning since they would be having so much fun.
MASSACHUSETTS
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
It’s hard to find English Style Mansions in America. But in Ipswich, MA you will find one that is breathtaking. You may not want to visit since your family won’t want to leave.
World’s End
Located across the bay from Boston this open area offers a great view of the Boston Skyline. Since you will probably want to skip Boston since you are trying to avoid massive crowds. This place lets you get a great view.
Not far from here is a great location for some delicious food. Jake’s Seafood Restaurant has some wonderful New England food. From Swordfish sandwiches and lobster rolls. To some of the best clam chowder, you will ever have.
Scituate Lighthouse
Did you think you could visit Massachusetts without swing by at least one lighthouse? It’s not the tallest one you will see. However, the views are amazing.
Massachusetts has many beautiful lighthouse up and down the coast. Scituate Lighthouse is just one of the many. You could make a whole day just driving the coast taking photos of each and everyone.
Battleship Cove
See 5 Landmark US Naval Ships including the USS Massachusetts and two PT boats. You won’t need to have a love of history to visit here. These ships are amazing and a fun time for the whole family.
RHODE ISLAND
Big Blue Bug
Just before exit 18 when heading south on I-95 be sure to look out the passager side. It’s big and blue and in the shape of a bug. It’s hard to miss but will give everyone in the car something to look out for.
The Towers (Narragansett, RI)
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US, but don’t let that fool you. They have some pretty unique things you won’t find anywhere else. The Towers might not be much but they sure are fun to see in person.
Point Judith
Point Judith is an awe-inspiring place to see located along the coast. While you are here stretching your legs be sure to pay a visit and respect to the Fisherman’s Memorial. Of course, there is also a lighthouse to check out as well.
CONNECTICUT
Harkness Memorial State Park
Get some spectacular views of Long Island Sound along with visiting a Mansion built in 1906. This is a great place just to get out and walk around.
Pez Visitor Center
Located just minutes off of Interstate 95 in Orange, CT. The Pez Visitor Center is great for anyone who loves those small little candies. Just looking at all the different Pez Dispensers is a fun experience.
NEW YORK
Little Red Lighthouse
95 goes by pretty quickly in New York. Besides, not many places in and around NYC will have low crowds. However, the Little Red Lighthouse will have lower crowds and offers a pretty amazing view of the George Washington Bridge.
NEW JERSEY
Edison State Park
Check out a park that is dedicated to Thomas Edison. You will find some pretty interesting things in and around the park. Maybe you will even see something that many consider being the world’s largest.
Battleship New Jersey
The Battleship New Jersey is America’s most decorated Battleships. It also sits at a great location on the Delaware river across from the City of Brotherly Love. Not only can you see what makes this battleship so special. You can also get an amazing view of the Center City skyline of Philadelphia. If you don’t mind having a little heavier crowds. Stop by the Camden Aquarium which is right next door.
PENNSYLVANIA
New Hope
New Hope is a small town in Bucks County that is home to many small local businesses. Located along a beautiful stretch of the Delaware River making this the perfect place to shop around and support a local community.
Neshaminy State Park
Located upriver from Philadelphia this state park offers some easy trails to hike. On clear days you can spot the Philadelphia skyline along the banks of the Delaware River.
SS United States
The SS United States is docked in Philadelphia and will give you a Titanic vibe. While you can not enter the ship. Just viewing it from across the street amazing. You can really picture what it would have looked like 70 years ago when it had a fresh coat of paint.
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is made up of over 1,000 acres with both indoor and outdoor areas. You can easily spend half the day here tour the beautifully kept grounds. Try to visit in the warmer months when the many fountains are going. It truly is a sight to see. But don’t worry they are open year round with a wonderful Christmas Light display in November and December.
DELAWARE
Brandywine Zoo
You won’t spend much time traveling through the First State. In less than an hour you will be in Maryland so most people would not bother spending the time to stop. However, if you do stop off in Delaware make sure you check out the Brandywine Zoo. This small zoo (4.7 acres) is home to around 150 animals that can be found across America. You might even feel like you are getting a personalized tour.
MARYLAND
Fort McHenry
“O! say can you see…” See the place and learn about the battle that inspired the National Anthem. It was here at Fort McHenry outside of Baltimore that gave us The Star-Spangled Banner. See if you can imagine what it would have been like.
The Awakening
It’s just one of those odd ball things you have to see to believe.
VIRGINIA
Mt Vernon
Mt Vernon was the home to George Washington the first President of the United States. Explore the grounds and see what life would have looked like back when Washington lived here.
I find it amazing how different life was back than. Could you imagine having to self quarantine here with no TV, WiFi or any other modern amenities? No one wants to stay put now with so much to do. Having just a book and candlelight would drive people crazy.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
This place holds a special place in my heart. After all, I am a United States Marine. Come learn about the amazing history of the world’s greatest fighting force. See and hear all the amazing stories and artifacts from the long history of the Marine Corps.
Also check out my post on the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Just make sure when you are here to find and stand on the yellow foot prints.
Richmond
Richmond, VA is full of some amazing locations that aren’t very crowded. Places like the White House of the Confederacy, Maymont Mansion, Virginia Holocaust Museum and many, many more. To get the blood pumping take a walk along the banks of the James River. It’s a nice way to soak up some southern sun and stretch your legs.
NORTH CAROLINA
Bentonville Battlefield
The Civil War battle at Bentonville took place in March of 1865. It was the largest battle to take place in North Carolina. The only surviving building from that time is now set up to look like a Civil War hospital. North Carolina is a wide open state with plenty of open areas to explore. This one is definitely worth the stop.
Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation
Ever wanted to know what it would be like to be in the Army Air Borne or Special Forces? Do you think you would have want it takes? Find out at this crazy museum in Fayetteville, NC. Loaded with tons of exhibits going back to World War II. Would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
SOUTH CAROLINA
UFO Welcome Center
Not a place you would expect to find anywhere on the east coast. The UFO Welcome Center in Bowman, SC is an interesting place to drive by just so you can say you seen it. However, I probably would skip going in. It is well past it’s glory days but since worth the drive by. Besides, you can get a bite to eat or fill up the car with gas once your done.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Do you even need words to describe how cool this place is?
Beaufort
Beaufort is a small town located on Port Royal Island. Here you will find many beautiful homes. Many were built in the 1800s. Many will also remember the Woods Memorial Bridge from the movie Forrest Gump. If you travel a little past Beaufort you will find an amazing State Park.
It too had scenes from Forrest Gump. At Hunting Island State Park the parts of the Vietnam scenes were filmed there. You can also find a cool Black and White Lighthouse (we haven’t listed one since NY). Plus the beach has a post apocalyptic feel to it. Fitting for our current situation. It is also one of the best places in the south to search for sand dollars. We have a post all about Hunting Island and South Carolina’s Low Country.
GEORGIA
Forsyth Park Savannah
Right when you get into the Peach State you will come across the city of Savannah. Spending the day here is a great idea. It has a lot of that southern charm you see and read about. It really is a beautiful city so make sure you have your Camera ready.
Check out places like Forsyth Park, Old Fort Jackson, Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, or take the short drive over to Tybee Island. It is such an amazing area to check out any time of year. While you could consider Savannah a “major” city. The crowds are fairly light and a very friendly.
Peanuts
When you think of Georgia I bet you think of peaches. Well why not think of the other “P” word. Peanuts of course. All along I-95 you will see signs for Georgia Peanuts. Stop off at one of the many local shops and give them a try. If you like peanuts you won’t be disappointed.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island is only accessible by boat making this a unique experience. There is so much to see and do on the island you might have to come back for a second day. Since you can only get here by boat or ferry. You will be doing a lot of walking.
Trust us when we say it is worth it. You can rent a bike or bring your own. Just note they only have a limited number available. The Dungeness ruins are close to the ferry and are an easy walk.
FLORIDA
Space Coast
If you are lucky enough to be traveling along I-95 during a launch you will definitely want to stop and watch one. It is like nothing on earth. Even if you don’t get to see a launch the drive is pretty amazing as well.
Now a visit to Kennedy Space Center is a must do for any space fan. While it will probably be somewhat crowded. It won’t be anything like nearby Universal Studios or Walt Disney World.
Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum
See some of the treasure found by the famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher. His museum in Sebastian, FL is one of a kind. See some of the items found in the largest underwater treasure find in history.
Butterfly World
If you have a little girl, she will go crazy at this place. Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, FL is home to over 20,000 butterflies on display. No where else will you find that many butterflies all in one place.
Coral Castle
The story of Coral Castle is a strange one. One man Edward Leedskalnin built this over 25 plus years with NO HELP or heavy machinery. Some say he used magic to move the heavy stones. Others say he moved them all with a crane at night.
Truth is no one knows. Maybe you can figure out the secret. Maybe you will discover how it was done and can help change the world.
Florida Keys
While I-95 official ends in Miami. I wanted to continue following Rt 1 down to the Florida Keys. After all, it’s only fair since we started this journey at the Canadian boarder. Now this trip from Miami to the southern most point is around three and a half hours.
More than likely it will take you a whole day since there are so many wonderful places to pull over and check out. Places to swim with dolphins, take Kayak tours, or just to grab a bite to eat. Just take your time and enjoy the ride. The southern most point won’t be going anywhere.
Now this would be one heck of an epic trip. Fifteen states and forty locations. It would take you over 2 weeks to stop and see them all. Chances are you would still miss some. Have you ever been to any of the ones listed? Do you have any that you think we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
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Kozmo Photos 
Great post 😁
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Thank you
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