East Coast Map

Designed to support educational and reference use, the East Coast Map highlights key geographic boundaries and regional locations, ideal for academic learning, planning, and reference applications. For offline access, download this East Coast Map using the Download Now option provided below.

East Coast Map

About East Coast Map

Explore the above US East Coast map, which shows 14 US states that are part of the East Coast, marked in green. These states are Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia, which together make up the eastern coast of the United States. This East Coast map of the United States also shows state capitals, the national capital, Washington, DC, major cities, the national border, and state boundaries.


List of East Coast States in the United States

StateCapitalLargest CityPopulation (2023) Area (mi²)RegionTime ZoneNotable Facts
MaineAugustaPortland1,350,00035,385NortheastEasternKnown for lighthouses, seafood, and rugged coast.
New HampshireConcordManchester1,420,0009,349NortheastEasternFamous for early presidential primaries.
MassachusettsBostonBoston7,050,00010,554NortheastEasternBirthplace of the American Revolution.
Rhode IslandProvidenceProvidence1,100,0001,545NortheastEasternSmallest U.S. state by area.
ConnecticutHartfordBridgeport3,610,0005,543NortheastEasternHistoric financial and maritime hub.
New YorkAlbanyNew York City19,840,00054,555NortheastEasternHome to the most populous U.S. city.
New JerseyTrentonNewark9,290,0008,723Mid-AtlanticEasternOne of the most densely populated states.
DelawareDoverWilmington1,030,0002,489Mid-AtlanticEasternFirst state to ratify the Constitution.
MarylandAnnapolisBaltimore6,200,00012,406Mid-AtlanticEasternBorders Washington, D.C.
VirginiaRichmondVirginia Beach8,680,00042,775SoutheastEasternHistoric roots from the early colonies.
North CarolinaRaleighCharlotte10,870,00053,819SoutheastEasternRapid economic and industrial growth.
South CarolinaColumbiaCharleston5,400,00032,020SoutheastEasternKnown for beaches and colonial history.
GeorgiaAtlantaAtlanta11,000,00059,425SoutheastEasternMajor hub for culture and logistics.
FloridaTallahasseeJacksonville22,610,00065,758SoutheastEasternTop destination for tourism and retirees.

US East Coast

The US East Coast includes the 14 coastal states bordering the Atlantic Ocean from Maine in the North down to Florida in the South. These states are: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. Washington, DC is also sometimes included. The US East Coast, particularly the 13 historic original states, is home to the birthplace of the country’s history dating back to colonial times. The East Coast is often considered the US economic hub as the majority of its business and industry is concentrated here. Many of the US’ largest cities are on the East Coast which is home to some of the country’s most diverse cultures as well as the oldest cities and states. The East Coast is home to over 2,000 miles of shoreline and many classic East Coast cities and towns.

Geographic Features and Climate

The US East Coast is home to many different natural features. The rough and rocky shores of New England blend into the white sandy beaches of the Southeast. From the cold winters, short growing season, and wilderness forests of states like Maine and Massachusetts in the north, to the city life of states like New York and New Jersey in the Mid-Atlantic, to the subtropical weather and beautiful beaches of states like Florida and South Carolina in the Southeast, every region has something unique to offer. With cold winters in the north, mild temperatures in the mid-section and hot humid days down south, the East Coast hosts a diverse range of seasonal weather patterns. Each year the southeastern states prepare for the possibility of a hurricane landing. Because of these varied seasonal activities and events, the East Coast puts a large emphasis on improving coastal resilience.

Major Cities and Economic Importance

The US East Coast has the most populous cities with New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and Washington, DC as the top places. The US East Coast is home to the US finance and government industries, with New York City affectionately known as the financial capital of the world, and Washington, DC as the capital of the US and home to the federal government. In addition, the US East Coast is home to three of the largest ports in the country with the New York Port, the Savannah Port and the Miami Port. This collection of industries plays a significant role in the overall health of the US economy. The East Coast is home to much more than colonial history and world-renowned tourist attractions; it is the technological capital of the United States and the hub of the nation’s tourism, healthcare, and higher education industries.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The East Coast is where American history was first established and many famous historical and nostalgic sites are located. The roots of America were laid out in the cities of Boston, Philadelphia and the first permanent English settlement in Virginia, Jamestown (1607). Many of these old sites attract large crowds of visitors every year. Along with these historic sites, the East Coast is full of thriving cities such as New York and Miami, which are known for their art, entertainment, shopping, fashion and nightlife. The diverse cultures of the many different ethnic groups living in the East Coast have had great influences on art, food, music and traditions.

Transportation and Connectivity

The US East Coast has a well developed and very accessible system of transportation. Many of the main highways in the US run through the US East Coast including the well known Interstate 95. This makes it very easy to travel through the US East Coast in either direction. A well developed rail system serves the US East Coast as well, most notably Amtrak’s high speed Northeast Corridor that runs through some of the most populated cities in the US including Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Many of the busiest airports in the US are located along the US East Coast, including some of the biggest and most convenient for international travel such as John F. Kennedy International Airport and Logan International Airport in Boston. The US East Coast also has many of the busiest and deepest ports in the US, including Miami International Airport and ports in Boston, New York and Baltimore, serving both passenger and freight services.

Tourism and Natural Attractions

Tourism is a large industry in the Eastern States with millions of tourists visiting each year to vacation or to participate in outdoor recreation activities on the many lakes, mountains, rivers and coastal regions. Four of the eastern states are beach destinations: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Each has its own unique style and charm from the barrier islands of the Outer Banks of North Carolina to cape Cod in Massachusetts. The Appalachian Mountains run through North Carolina providing many scenic hiking trails for mountaineering and skiing. Maine’s rugged shore and the beautiful trails provide many recreational opportunities at Acadia National Park. Historical sites and landmarks are also found in the eastern states including the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Pennsylvania and the White House in Washington, D.C. In addition to these natural and historical attractions, many of the eastern states also have urban centers and major cities, providing entertainment and other activities for both locals and tourists alike. There is something for everyone on the East Coast: hiker, nature lover, historical sites enthusiast or city goer.