The Mid-Atlantic is a sub-region of the United States situated in the central area of the Eastern Seaboard. The states typically regarded as part of the Mid-Atlantic include:
- Maryland
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- The Nation’s Capital, Washington, DC (considered the heart of the Mid-Atlantic as it is positioned between Virginia and Maryland)
States such as New York to the north, West Virginia to the west, and Virginia to the south are sometimes included in this category; however, they will be excluded from this discussion.
The Mid-Atlantic features diverse geography with coastlines and mountainous areas, housing cities rich in culture, many of which are included in the most notable cities in the eastern USA.
Nevertheless, there are several noteworthy destinations in the Mid-Atlantic that merit attention despite lacking heavy tourist flow. This compilation highlights key locations to explore within the Mid-Atlantic region.
01 of 05: Washington, DC
Washington, DC, consistently appears on numerous lists categorizing the top destinations in the United States primarily due to its status as the nation’s capital. Visitors generally experience the National Mall, an expansive area located between Constitution and Independence Avenues anchored by the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument centrally positioned. The path of the Mall is lined with nearly a dozen Smithsonian Museums, memorials, fountains, gardens, and other attractions—including the White House in close proximity.
Beyond the iconic landmarks, Washington, DC also boasts a vibrant urban environment featuring award-winning dining establishments, historic districts (notable examples include Georgetown and Capitol Hill), among others. Explore the links below for additional information regarding attractions and activities available in Washington, DC.
02 of 05: Baltimore, MD
Located approximately one hour north of Washington, DC, Baltimore presents a distinctly different tourist experience. Unlike DC, known for its national monuments, Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, features church spires, numerous skyscrapers, and a downtown focused around the Inner Harbor and various sports venues.
Established in 1729, Baltimore predates Washington, DC by more than fifty years. A prominent historic site in Baltimore is Fort McHenry, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to compose “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States.
In recent years, discussing Baltimore would be incomplete without referencing the acclaimed HBO series “The Wire,” which provides a fictional yet insightful glimpse into the city’s challenges and the law enforcement efforts to address them.
Baltimore has long attracted those interested in the macabre; the former residence and burial site of author Edgar Allan Poe (currently closed) is located in the city. Nevertheless, there are numerous attractions in “Charm City,” including world-class institutions such as the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Walters Museum, the National Aquarium, an exceptional baseball venue at Camden Yards, and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods with exceptional dining options.
03 of 05: Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia stands as one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, instrumental in the birth of the nation. Numerous visitors come to “Philly” to explore Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were ratified. Additionally, many remain for the variety of attractions the city has to offer.
Among Philadelphia’s notable attractions are three distinguished art museums:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: Renowned from Sylvester Stallone’s iconic staircase run in “Rocky.”
- Rodin Museum: Home to the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris.
- The Barnes: A celebrated collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist artwork.
Philadelphia has also evolved into a gastronomic destination, transcending its reputation for famous cheesesteaks to include diverse dining venues worthy of travel.
04 of 05: Pittsburgh, PA
Known colloquially as the “Steel City,” Pittsburgh derived its wealth in the 20th century from its steel industry, pioneered by Andrew Carnegie. While Carnegie helped establish Pittsburgh as an industrial powerhouse, he also played a significant role in its cultural and educational development.
As the city’s foremost benefactor, Carnegie and his foundation established numerous institutions for art and learning in Pittsburgh, including:
- Carnegie Science Center
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Carnegie-Mellon University
- The Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist and among Pittsburgh’s key attractions. Andy Warhol, originally from Pittsburgh, made the museum part of the Carnegie Museums.
Situated at the convergence of three major rivers — the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio — Pittsburgh is also recognized as the “City of Bridges,” with a remarkable number of 446 bridges connecting 90 neighborhoods.
For entertainment, Pittsburgh boasts professional sports teams across football, hockey, and baseball.
Other notable attractions in Pittsburgh include the National Aviary, a sanctuary housing over 600 bird species; the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh; and the Mattress Factory, a contemporary art institution.
Fallingwater, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is located approximately 90 miles south of Pittsburgh and is open to visitors.
Given the diverse array of offerings, it is little wonder that Pittsburgh has garnered recognition as one of America’s most livable cities.
05 of 05: The Rest of the Mid-Atlantic
For those interested in further exploring the Mid-Atlantic region, additional resources and information about other cities in the area can be found below:
Maryland
- Annapolis
- Ocean City
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
- Jersey Shore
