You already know the East Coast has history, coastline, and charm in spades. But if you've been booking the same tired beach hotel year after year, you're leaving some seriously life-changing experiences on the table.

You've heard it before: just pack a bag, hit the road, and drive the East Coast. Simple enough in theory. But when you start adding up gas, hotels, food, tolls, and all those little detours, the number can creep up fast. Or not. That's the thing about this trip. It can be done on a shoestring or splurged on like a vacation you've been saving for years. Both versions are worth it. The East Coast of the United States runs through some of the most varied terrain in the country.