The East Coast has spectacular natural beauty, from sparkling beaches to lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls. The region also boasts an abundance of charming small towns and historic city centers – all perfect for an unforgettable weekend getaways on the East Coast. Whether you require a retreat or an action-packed adventure, the East Coast has something for you. From New England to Northern Florida, here are some of the best places to visit on the East Coast.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod could be the ultimate getaway destination on the East Coast. The destination offers pristine nature, breathtaking beaches, and a rich history to uncover. To the southern part of the cape, you are bound to come across Falmouth town, which is widely known for its majestic beaches and resorts. Falmouth is also a performance and arts scene.
Discover the Cape Cod Maritime Museum at the Hyannis port and learn more about its history. It is where you will also explore Cape Cod Central Railroad for panoramic town tours. Ensure you explore Yarmouth, which is home to magnificent attractions such as Whydah Pirate Museum and Edward Gorey House.
Traverse along the eastern shore and marvel at the Cape Cod National Seashore. It is a wildlife area with various recreational opportunities such as snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, hiking, and random nature tours.
Visit Provincetown to discover the numerous unique galleries and shops. It is also a community where you will observe entertainment, from comedy shows to music and dance.
2. Saint Augustine, Florida
Saint Augustine was founded in 1565 and contained many historical sites to uncover. Archaeological digs have brought to the ground impressive insights and artifacts that give more information on Spanish Colonial military buildings and Native Americans. Tour the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum to uncover more of this history.
Among the frequently visited places here is the Castillo de San Marcos, constructed in the 16th century. Another popular site is the Fort Matanzas and the Spanish Military Hospital Museum, where you will learn about ancient medicine and hospitals. Tour the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum to see the oldest irate chest and recovered pirate treasure.
The other sensational attraction that will appeal to every visitor is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. It is an outstanding park where you will see Maximo, the most famous resident croc.
3. New Hampshire’s the White Mountains
These White Mountains are the crowning jewels of New Hampshire. They pay homage to various family attractions and outdoor activities all year round. Take your kids to the alluring theme parks for the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. They may include Clark’s Trading Post, Story Land, and Santa’s Village. You could also visit Whale’s Tail water park and let them enjoy themselves as they cool off. If you are a nature lover of nature and natural wonders, explore the Flume Gorge or the Lost River Gorge in Kinsman Notch.
Enjoy striking views after boarding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or visit the ski resorts found in Mount Washington Valley. These may include Wildcat Mountain, Cranmore Mountain, and the Bretton Woods.
4. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport has always been a remarkable summer destination for many tourists. Many wealthy families consider this a noteworthy destination thanks to its attractions. The buildings here are constructed on cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, offering picturesque views. Explore the Cliff Walk for magnificent views of these mansions.
The walking path extends to Narragansett from Easton’s Beach. Tour the Breakers as these are the most famous estates of these impressive mansions. You could also visit Rosecliff as these are other prominent residences where the Great Gatsby was shot. Newport also pays homage to various museums, such as the National Museum of American Illustration. You will find massive collections of Norman Rockwell originals, and Maxfield Parrish works here. Other museums include the Museum of Newport History and the Tennis Hall of Fame Museum.
5. Ocean City, Maryland
If you are seeking the best weekend getaways on the East Coast, Ocean city should be on your bucket list. You can do many free activities here for fun over the weekend. That may include watching fireworks on Sundays, watching your favorite movies on the beach, and even participating in the Family Beach Olympics.
You could also marvel at the aquarium found in the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Ocean City has an extensive beach that is open for various activities to the public. Explore the wooden boardwalk that extends about three miles on the coast. You will come across multiple shops and waterfront amusements for an unforgettable shopping spree.
6. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the place for a memorable vacation with your family or friends. The city offers many treasures worth visiting. Take in the Savannah Historic Districts, Oglethorpe Square, and Bull Street while strolling on the open streets.
Take advantage of hot spots like Paula Deen’s The Lady & Sons Restaurant, where you can get tasty dishes such as blueberry cobbler, fried chicken, macaroni, and cheese. You can also visit the Telfair Museums while seeing all the other great historical attractions Savannah offers, such as monuments, fountains, and Civil War batteries.
If you love shopping, head to Ellis Square, where you will find various shops on every street corner offering antiques, artwork, clothing, and specialty food items. Tourists can also pick up souvenirs at River Street Sweets or enjoy an unforgettable meal at Maxwell’s or Husk to taste Southern cuisine perfected by some of the finest chefs Savannah offers.
Savannah is also made up of historic buildings, which means some of them are already converted into lush hotels. You can spend time in some of them, such as the Marshall House.
7. Tybee Island
It is among the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. This barrier island off the shoreline of Savannah is filled with things to do and explore. The scenery is gorgeous, while the beaches are pristine.
Choose from Tybee’s many hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts to stay in. You can also rent a condo or beach house by the week or month from Tybee Island Vacation Rentals.
You will love spending time on the quiet, nine-mile-long beach, ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can also come here to walk on beautiful white sands while enjoying breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Every October, Tybee hosts an annual Sand Sculpting Competition where professional sculptors transform miles of sand into a spectacular masterpiece.
Other prominent attractions in Tybee include the Tybee Island Lighthouse, among the oldest in the country. Ensure you visit Fort Screven, Fort Pulaski, and the lighthouse museum for more insights.
8. Myrtle Beach
The city with the country’s highest number of golf courses has so much more than just stunning fairways. Myrtle Beach is an unspoiled paradise that appeals to every family member.
Summer or winter, there is something for everyone here. Many hotels and motels are located along the beachfront, but you can also find luxury beach homes for rent that are a steal during low-season prices.
Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach, go deep sea fishing, or take a dolphin cruise where you can see dolphins up close. If you love golfing or biking, this city is the place to be, as there are many bike trails and golf courses along the beautiful white sands of Myrtle Beach.
Families love stopping by Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. At the same time, thrill seekers enjoy visiting both Hollywood Wax Museum and WonderWorks, where they can try out fun science experiments or play a game or two at their impressive arcades.
9. Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth beach is among many families’ best weekend getaways on the East Coast. It is not as busy as other popular beach towns like Myrtle Beach or Daytona, but it offers your vacation the same fun and entertainment.
It is a laid-back place to enjoy the beach. Its wide, clean beaches are divided into sections, allowing families to find their spot with minimal distractions from others.
The city hosts different events yearly, and there is plenty of live music to listen to while enjoying everything this coastal city offers.
There are many nearby attractions that families love visiting as well, including The Funland Rehoboth, which has over 30 rides, including a massive wooden roller coaster, and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
10. Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers a beautiful family getaway for vacations with miles and miles of pristine beaches and an incredible oceanfront view.
Riverside Drive has a wide beachfront road stretching to the ocean, making it a popular place for families to take their kids to play games or enjoy peaceful walks.
There are plenty of entertainment options for children and adults, like the Northside Park Amusement Rides and Wet-n-Wild Water Park.
Plus, Virginia Beach hosts several festivals every year that bring fun activities and entertainment to the city’s visitors. Virginia Beach also boasts pristine shorelines, beach breweries, bay waterways, lush wildlife trails, and an impeccable Virginia aquarium.
11. Greenport Village, Long Island
Greenport village is also one of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. The town offers a wide range of activities, including nature trails and museums. The village also holds several festivals annually, including the Long Island Cheese Festival, Taste of Greenport, and the Great East End Bridal Extravaganza. Greenport is a primary shipbuilding site, significant whale-watching spot, and oystering location.
The town is also full of stunning art galleries, shops, boutiques, and bars. History lovers can visit the East End Seaport Museum to garner historical information about the town. They could also explore the Railroad Museum of Long Island and the Floyd Memorial Library.
12. Lambertville, New Jersey
If you want a fun and affordable trip with no huge crowds of people, Lambertville is one of the prominent weekend getaways on the East Coast that you can try out.
Lambertville is located in the scenic countryside of New Jersey in the Delaware River Valley. Visitors can enjoy romantic and scenic excursions along the Delaware Canal Park Trail or Washington Crossing State Park with its beautiful hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy gorgeous views while dining at one of Lambertville’s charming restaurants or exploring unique antique shops throughout town.
Some of the top restaurants include Italian Cucina and the Sidelines Italian Grille. Other top attractions in Lambertville include the Quiet Life Gallery, New Hope Arts Museum, and the James Marshall House Museum.
13. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are one of the best places to visit on the East Coast if you are looking for a weekend getaway that is far enough away to feel like a mini-vacation but still close enough to afford.
The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands found in North Carolina that are home to some of the country’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. The natural beauty of these beaches, coupled with the laid-back island lifestyle, has made the Outer Banks one of America’s top tourist destinations and one of our favorite East Coast weekend getaways.
This weekend trip includes visiting some cool towns on both Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island, including historic villages, lighthouses, and shipwrecks. Some top towns include Ocracoke Village, Rodanthe, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras Village History & Visitor Center -for more history about this area.
Tour Buxton Woods Nature Preserve -an old farm turned into a massive nature preserve connected by two trail loops, Cape Point Trail -a hike along an old military road, and Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore -the oldest surviving lighthouse in North Carolina.
Some fun activities while visiting this area include surfing lessons or renting stand-up paddle boards at Outer Banks Surf School.
14. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg also offers one of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. Visit the Colonial Williamsburg museum to discover the town’s history. Here you will also find a magnificent theme and water park, making it an ideal weekend destination. Some places worth visiting include the Capitol and the Governor’s Palace.
You should also visit the College of William and Mary to watch a film that depicts how it used to be when it was a real college. It will also give you an expert insight into how students were taught during that time. This town offers a historical site filled with recreated Colonial buildings.
Some fun activities include enjoying an authentic period drama at Jamestown Settlement or laser tag at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
15. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Old Orchard Beach is a small beach town that has appeared in many movies, including Earl and Me and the Dying Girl. Here you can spend your weekend by the beach in the summer. The town has many festivals, including a lowrider car show, an autumn arts and craft show, fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, a world beat festival in August, and other events all year round. To enjoy amusement parks, you should visit Old Orchard Beach’s famous rides.
Some fun activities to do while visiting this area include parasailing over the blue ocean waters or surfing. While at Old Orchard, make sure you visit these places; Palace Playland, Candy Shores, Pirate’s Cove, Seaside Pavilion, and Beach Lobster & Farmland.
16. Pennsylvania, Dutch County
Dutch Country offers many activities for the adventurous traveler.
Some fun activities include fishing, biking, and hiking in the woods.
Pennsylvania is a stunning place to walk due to the breathtaking scenery. You can find plenty of trails here, including hiking trails at Penn State’s Pine Grove or the trails in Rothrock State Forest or Youghiogheny River Trail. If you are up for fishing on a relaxing summer day, pack your rods and go to Mason and Dixon Line Park streams for fishing.
For those who love amusement parks and roller coasters, Dutch Country might be the place for you to visit. You can enjoy Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland Theme Park, Sandcastle Waterpark, Lakemont Park Amusement Park, Dutch Springs Waterpark Resort & Campground, and more.
17. Windjammer Cruise
Among the best weekend getaways on the East Coast could be embarking on a windjammer cruise.
Enjoying a day on the open seas and looking at the beautiful scenery of the ocean might be a perfect way to unwind and forget everything. One of the top highlights of this itinerary is learning how to tie the ropes and sail the boat. You will assist the crew if you wish to learn how to sail. The ideal windjammer cruises are available in the Camden and Rockland towns.
You will find overnight and weekend packages, so choose what you wish to try. If you are more interested in learning about these boats, explore the Maine Maritime Museum. If you seek daily sail trips, consider the following ports: Key West, Florida, Baltimore, Maryland, and Cape Cod.
18. Mystic, Connecticut
The town has quite a few historical buildings that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places – such as Amasa Adams House and Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. The state is famous for charming towns that offer visitors lots of exciting activities and rich history to learn.
While here, explore the Mystic Seaport museum and discover the ancient shipyard. You can also find the Mystic river as it passes through town. This town is also one of the best places to try whale watching, making it an ideal location for weekend exploration. If you want to engage in deep sea fishing, consider staying at the Holiday Inn Express Mystic-Groton Area.
19. Montauk, NY
Montauk also offers among the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. For historical sites, visit the location of the former Montauk Air Force Station. For beautiful beaches, consider the famous surfing mecca known as Cliffside Beach.
Montauk is also one of the best places for whale watching, and you can also engage in deep-sea fishing. To book a beach house or hotel room while here, consider some of the best waterfront hotels, such as Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montauk-East End.
If you are looking for a quiet and serene place where you can unwind on the weekend, visit Montauk. Some top attractions include the Montauk Point Lighthouse and the Camp Hero State Park.
20. Boston
Boston is famous for its historical sites and attractions. For example, visit the Bunker Hill Monument and its World War II Museum. The Freedom Trail is also located in this city and offers a tour of Boston’s historic sites. Boston boasts more than two dozen museums and historical sites, so you will have no problem finding something to visit. Another popular sightseeing destination is the Old North Church, the oldest church in Boston.
In addition, touring the Boston Public Garden will provide a pleasant stroll through its many gardens at all seasons of the year. You can also enjoy whale watching in Boston. Other top attractions in Boston include the Museum of Science, which contains over 300 hands-on exhibits, and the Bulfinch Triangle Historic District.
21. New York City
New York City is among the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. You could visit the Empire State Building and its observation deck. You will also want to explore the newly renovated South Street Seaport Museum and its historic ships, including America’s Cup yacht America currently docked at the museum. Check out the award-winning New York Hall of Science and visit the Morgan Library & Museum.
New York City pays homage to many other museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History, which displays artifacts from all over the world, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has over 1 million pieces in its collection. The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, which showcases a mix of art objects, is also in New York.
Other impressive fun activities in New York include touring the city’s many parks, such as Central Park and The Cloisters in Manhattan.
Conclusion
For the best weekend getaways on the East Coast, visit these places to experience the natural beauty of the United States and learn more about its history. Most of these destinations will have historical monuments and museums for visitors to explore.
FAQs
What are the unique family vacations on the East Coast?
The top unique family vacations on the East Coast include Tybee Island, Ocean City, Cape May, Cape Cod, Acadia National Park, and Pocono Mountains.
What are the best weekend getaways in the south?
These may include Charleston, Jekyll Island, Asheville, and St. Augustine.
What are the unique places to stay on the East Coast?
The East Coast has various scenic places where visitors can spend quality time. They include Biddeford in Maine, Block Island in Rhode Island, Oaks Bluff in Massachusetts, and Stowe in Vermont.
