Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbour, where majestic tall ships reveal this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ anthem. No visit to Baltimore is complete without exploring the historic Inner Harbour. Step aboard a collection of impressive ships – a Pearl Harbour-era cutter, a 1930s lightship, a sail-powered warship dating back to 1797. Then stroll around brick walkways flanked by chic boutiques, restaurants serving mid-Atlantic seafood and photo-worthy views of the water. Relive the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry, where in 1814, by dawn’s early light, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, the United States’ national anthem. Enter this star-shaped citadel to follow a period-costumed guide around the grounds, watch an educational film and see a replica of the 15-starred American flag.

Charleston is a timeless treasure of America’s Old South— and every aspect of life in the Lowcountry is captivating. Whether you’re a history buff, beach bum or foodie, there’s plenty of adventure and southern hospitality to go round. Hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a sightseeing ride past pastel-hued mansions on Rainbow Row. Roam Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War rang out. Cruise to Charleston and stand under the 1,500-year-old Angel Oak. Or sink your toes into soft sands along the Carolina coast. Aptly nicknamed “The Holy City” for its abundance of churches, Charleston evokes a genuine American spirit through its colonial relics, laid-back coastal culture and deep-rooted traditions.

As the home of Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Its beaches offer a mix of family-friendly shores and secluded swathes of sand. And with Orlando’s theme park sprawl only an hour away, you can easily mingle with your favourite characters. Beyond the parks lie equally amusing gems packed with Old Florida character. Kayak past manatees in the Banana River Lagoon and zip line above alligators at Brevard Zoo. Discover notable art museums and Park Avenue’s ritzy charm. Orlando cruises give you access to trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

For such a tiny isle, Bimini packs a huge adventure punch. Alice Town buzzes with a low-key vibe, while sugary sands lead to scuba diving and snorkelling in bright-blue waters filled with shipwrecks. This is a small-island paradise for sun-seekers and anglers. Here you can check out Bimini Museum exhibits, hike the Bimini Nature Trail, or soak up fresh-from-the-sea Bahamian seafood.

Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetising flavours, white-sand beaches and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven – and you can explore its colourful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Nassau and swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins or spot colourful coral on a glass-bottomed boat. And just across the bridge is beautiful Paradise Island, home to world-famous luxury hotels and resorts. Spend the day at the famous Atlantis and splash your way through its expansive water park, grab a piña colada at the Marina Village and spot the hammerhead sharks in Predator Lagoon.