The mid-Atlantic region includes the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

A compelling mix of attractions and adventure awaits in this area, from fascinating historical landmarks and museums to battlefields, world-renowned green spaces, mouthwatering blue crabs, and bluegrass jams. 

While it would take a lifetime to see and do all that the mid-Atlantic states offer if you have to pick just three sites to see, make it these. 

Central Park, New York City, New York

If you’re traveling to New York on business, to tour the Albany houses for sale, for a vacation, or you’ll be anywhere within a reasonable distance of New York City, you can’t miss it.

While just about everyone has the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building on their must-visit lists, and they should, there is another site that’s worth traveling here for – Central Park.

It’s been featured on countless TV shows and films, from “Ghostbusters” to “Friends,” and it’s also a great spot for people-watching, including celebrity spotting. Many stars live in the area and spend time in the park – In early 2020, The Travel gathered photos of just a few of them, which included Kelly Ripa, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lawrence, and Harry Styles, among others. 

Central Park also offers many attractions in addition to picturesque spots to spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic or bathe in the sun.

At the Loeb Boathouse, you can rent a rowboat and paddle around or enjoy dining at the lakeside restaurant, a setting that looks as if it was made for a couple in a movie.

Or you might rent a bike to check out Belvedere Castle, stop at Strawberry Fields to see the Imagine Mosaic, a tribute to former New York resident John Lennon. The Central Park Zoo is fun to visit too with everything from penguins and snow monkeys to sea lions and panda bears.

Jamestown, Virginia

Jamestown is home to Historic Jamestown, the site of North America’s first permanent settlement, founded in 1607.

Here you can trace the footsteps of John Smith and Pochahontas, explore the fascinating living history museum that recreates life in the colony, witness ongoing archaeological excavations of the fort, view thousands of artifacts, and visit the Glasshouse to learn about glass-blowing from glassblowers who demonstrate the settlement’s first industry.

While you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss Colonial Williamsburg, where history also comes alive through costumed characters who act out the details of early life in America.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg is the site of the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War and the deadliest battle in American history, with some 50,000 Confederate and Union soldiers dying here in July 1863. It is just as important as many of the best historical sites in Boston.

It was also where President Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address speech, eulogizing the fallen troops.

Today, visitors can tour the battlefield and explore the museum that provides a comprehensive overview.

Those who have any interest in the paranormal might want to take a ghost tour as this is said to be one of the country’s most haunted places, especially the battlefield, with reports of the sounds of battle heard and frequent sightings of ghost soldiers.