east hampton star

If you are planning a Washington DC or New York holiday this year, why not think about expanding your horizons and seeing more of what the East Coast region of the USA has to offer?

With so many fascinating cities to see and plenty of beautiful countryside to explore on the eastern seaboard, designing your own itinerary for USA multi-centre holidays may just be the best way to get the most out of your breaks.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in North America is New York and it is easy to understand why. Its combination of spectacular architecture, varied cuisine, world-class cultural attractions, shopping, sport and parks makes the Big Apple a great starting point for USA holidays.

Wander around the city and you will come across a series of famous skyscrapers, such as the Flatiron, Chrysler and Empire State buildings. And down at ground level you will find arguably the best selection of fashion shops in the world.

New York is home to a wide variety of galleries and museums, as well as some of the country's largest urban parks. Manhattan's Central Park, Brooklyn's Prospect Park and Flushing Meadows in Queens are all well worth spending an afternoon exploring.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you can choose to see a Broadway musical, take in a Knicks or Rangers game, or head to one of the city's 50 Michelin-starred restaurants for a sumptuous meal. And if you fancy a pre or post-dinner drink, you certainly won't be disappointed with the selection of bars and pubs.

If exploring cities is your idea of the perfect holiday pastime, there is plenty of choice available for twin centre holidays on the USA's East Coast.

Washington DC is a great place to visit if you want to see some of the world's best-known landmarks. The capital is packed with attractions related to the government and history, including the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

And while Ford's Theatre, the scene of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, remains the city's most famous playhouse, Washington is a thriving cultural hub. There are a host of theatre and ballet companies, jazz clubs and intimate live music venues to choose from for a night out.

If you are interested in history, you may also want to think about including Philadelphia on the itinerary for your holiday, so that you can see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

One East Coast destination that hasn't played a key role in the development of the USA is Atlantic City, but what it lacks in history, it more than makes up for in fun. The New Jersey city is home to a number of Las Vegas-style resort casinos, where you can dine in luxury restaurants, take in a show or try to win millions at the tables.

For a little more variety on your multi-centre holiday in the USA, you may prefer to pair a city break with visiting somewhere a little more rural.

New York State has some beautiful countryside, including the Adirondacks - a perfect destination for outdoor pursuits - and the exclusive coastal resorts of the Hamptons.

Alternatively, you could head to Pennsylvania to explore the stunning surroundings of the mountains, forests and lakes in the Poconos. There are plenty of peaceful spots to enjoy in the area, but you will also find some high-quality hotels, so you will be able to round off adventurous days by relaxing in luxury.

Another great option for rural retreats in the East Coast region is Massachusetts. This New England state's best-known tourist destination is Boston - and it is certainly well worth seeing the city's historic attractions - but you will also find plenty of things to do and see in the area's beautiful countryside.

Berkshire County is a particularly scenic area, with small towns and pretty villages dotted in between rolling hills and lakes. It is ideal terrain for hiking and you won't have to walk too far to find some great views. If you want to be a little more adventurous there are facilities for white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking.

Massachusetts is also where you'll find the secluded beaches of Cape Cod and the beautiful island holiday retreat of Martha's Vineyard. It is difficult to imagine places more different from New York, yet they are within easy travelling distance of the Big Apple and would make for a great second half of a twin-centre holiday.