7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Salty Escapes - Tranquil Beach Towns on the Atlantic
From the vibrant arts community of Provincetown to the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island, these charming destinations provide a range of activities and atmospheres for discerning travelers.
Chincoteague Island in Virginia is home to a unique population of feral horses known as Chincoteague Ponies, which have roamed the island's marshes for centuries and are a major draw for visitors.
The picturesque town of Kennebunkport, Maine, was the summer home of former US President George H.W.
Bush, and his family's compound, Walker's Point, is a popular tourist attraction.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and hosts one of the largest gay pride festivals on the East Coast each summer.
St.
Michaels, Maryland, is home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which features the world's largest collection of historic Chesapeake Bay watercraft, including the iconic skipjack sailing vessels.
Provincetown, Massachusetts, at the tip of Cape Cod, was once a thriving whaling community and is now a hub for the arts, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance venues.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina, known for their pristine beaches and coastal wildlife, are also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the site of the first successful powered flight in
What else is in this post?
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Salty Escapes - Tranquil Beach Towns on the Atlantic
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Historic Havens - Immersing in Colonial Charm
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Countryside Retreats - Exploring Pastoral Landscapes
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Coastal Gems - Discovering Seaside Villages
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Cultural Enclaves - Embracing Local Heritage
- 7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Outdoor Adventures - Embracing Nature's Beauty
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Historic Havens - Immersing in Colonial Charm
From the historic fort in Georgia to the national birthplace monument in Virginia, these destinations showcase the early American narrative through well-preserved sites.
Old Fort Jackson in Savannah, Georgia, was built in 1808 and is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century coastal defense architecture in the United States.
It showcases the strategic importance of the Savannah River during the colonial era and the American Revolution.
The George Washington National Birthplace Monument in Virginia preserves the site where the first US President was born in Visitors can explore the colonial-style manor house and learn about Washington's early life and the agricultural practices of the Virginia Tidewater region.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida contains the impressive Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century coastal fortress built with over 16 million bricks.
This remote island outpost played a crucial role in maritime defense and served as a prison during the Civil War.
Fort Adams Historical Site in Newport, Rhode Island, is the largest coastal fortress built in the United States.
It was constructed between 1824 and 1857 and played a significant role in protecting Narragansett Bay during the 19th century.
The East Coast is home to 27 of the nation's best historical sites, as ranked by experts, showcasing the region's pivotal role in early American history and development.
The charming town of St.
Michaels, Maryland, known as the "Hamptons of the Chesapeake," was a vital shipbuilding and maritime hub during the colonial era and the War of 1812, evident in its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Block Island, Rhode Island, features a remarkable collection of over 300 historic structures, including the iconic Southeast Lighthouse, which was built in 1874 and remains an important navigational aid for mariners along the New England coast.
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Countryside Retreats - Exploring Pastoral Landscapes
The East Coast offers a diverse array of countryside retreats, from the rolling hills and charming towns of the Hudson Valley in New York to the tranquil atmosphere and historic mansions of the Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, the Skylands Region of New Jersey, and the Finger Lakes in upstate New York provide scenic countryside escapes with hiking trails, outdoor recreation, and opportunities to connect with local culture.
The Brandywine Valley in Pennsylvania and Delaware is home to the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, which houses one of the largest collections of American decorative arts in the world, with over 90,000 objects dating back to the 17th century.
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia are known for their unique geology, including the ancient Crabtree Falls, which plunges over 1,200 feet, making it one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
The Finger Lakes Region in upstate New York is a prime stargazing destination due to its low levels of light pollution, allowing visitors to enjoy clear night skies and the chance to spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are home to the Mount Washington Observatory, a research station that has been collecting weather data from the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, for over 80 years.
The Hudson Valley in New York is known for its thriving artisanal food and beverage scene, with over 40 craft cideries, breweries, and distilleries operating in the region, many of which use locally-sourced ingredients.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is home to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is a critical stopover site for migratory birds, with over 250 species observed in the area, including the iconic American bald eagle.
The countryside of Maine is dotted with numerous historic lighthouses, some of which have been converted into unique vacation rentals, allowing visitors to experience the unique nautical heritage of the region firsthand.
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Coastal Gems - Discovering Seaside Villages
The East Coast is home to numerous charming seaside villages that offer a peaceful escape from the summer crowds.
These coastal gems, such as Kennebunkport in Maine and Chincoteague Island in Virginia, feature picturesque waterfronts, historic architecture, and a variety of outdoor activities and local culinary experiences.
Travelers can discover the heart of British coastal life in destinations like Wells-next-the-Sea in the UK, or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and cliffside elegance of Gara Rock in Devon.
The seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea in the UK is home to the largest population of breeding little terns, a rare seabird species, in the country.
Conservation efforts have helped protect their nesting sites along the town's sandy beaches.
Gara Rock in Devon, UK, is known for its unique geological formations, including the "Devil's Frying Pan," a natural sea cave carved into the cliffs by centuries of pounding waves.
The Rose in Kent, UK, was once a medieval manor house that has been carefully restored and converted into a high-end hotel, preserving its historic charm while offering modern amenities.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is the only place in the world where you can witness the annual "Pony Swim," a century-old tradition where the famous Chincoteague Ponies are herded across the Assateague Channel.
Provincetown, Massachusetts, is home to the Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot-tall granite tower that commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims' first landing in the New World, predating their arrival in Plymouth by 5 weeks.
St.
Michaels, Maryland, is nicknamed the "Hamptons of the Chesapeake" due to its high concentration of historic mansions and summer homes owned by wealthy Baltimore and Washington, D.C. residents.
Montauk, New York, is known for its world-class surf breaks, attracting skilled wave riders from around the globe to its rugged Atlantic coastline.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is home to the oldest and tallest lighthouse in the state, standing at 154 feet tall and dating back to 1736, making it one of the oldest structures in the region.
Kennebunkport, Maine, was the site of the first transcontinental telephone call in the United States, made in 1915 between the summer home of President Woodrow Wilson and the White House in Washington, D.C.
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Cultural Enclaves - Embracing Local Heritage
These neighborhoods, such as Federal Hill in Providence and the North End in Boston, feature authentic cuisine, art, music, and family-owned businesses that preserve the cultural identity of their residents.
Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island, is home to the National Museum of Italian American History, which houses one of the largest collections of Italian folk art and artifacts outside of Italy.
The North End in Boston, Massachusetts, has over 100 Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops, making it one of the highest concentrations of Italian-owned businesses outside of Italy.
The Colombian neighborhood of Queens, New York, is the largest Colombian enclave outside of Colombia, with over 100,000 Colombian-Americans residing in the area.
Baltimore's Greektown is the site of the annual Greek Independence Day Parade, one of the largest such celebrations outside of Greece.
Richmond's Jackson Ward, known as the "Harlem of the South," was a thriving hub of African-American entrepreneurship and arts during the early 20th century, boasting over 300 black-owned businesses at its peak.
Washington D.C.'s Adams Morgan neighborhood has the highest concentration of international embassies and consulates outside of the diplomatic district, showcasing the city's cultural diversity.
The Italian-American Heritage Museum in New York City's Bronx borough houses a unique collection of vintage Vespa scooters, reflecting the enduring influence of Italian design and engineering.
Savannah's Chinatown, while small, is notable for its diverse array of Asian-owned businesses, including traditional herbal medicine shops and dim sum restaurants.
Miami's Little Havana is home to the Cuban Memorial Boulevard, a stretch of road lined with statues, memorials, and murals honoring Cuban-American history and culture.
Philadelphia's Cambodian neighborhood in South Philadelphia is the largest Cambodian community on the East Coast, with over 20,000 Cambodian-Americans residing in the area.
7 Charming East Coast Getaways to Escape the Summer Crowds - Outdoor Adventures - Embracing Nature's Beauty
From the pristine beaches and barrier islands of North Carolina and Cape Cod to the towering mountains and diverse hiking trails inland, the region provides ample opportunities for exploration, water sports, and wildlife viewing.
The Finger Lakes region in New York is a prime stargazing destination due to its low levels of light pollution, allowing visitors to spot the Milky Way with the naked eye.
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia are home to the ancient Crabtree Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, plunging over 1,200 feet.
The Mount Washington Observatory in the White Mountains of New Hampshire has been collecting weather data from the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern US, for over 80 years.
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on Maryland's Eastern Shore is a critical stopover site for over 250 species of migratory birds, including the iconic American bald eagle.
The seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea in the UK is home to the largest population of breeding little terns, a rare seabird species, in the country.
Gara Rock in Devon, UK, is known for its unique geological formations, including the "Devil's Frying Pan," a natural sea cave carved into the cliffs by centuries of pounding waves.
The annual "Pony Swim" on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is a century-old tradition where the famous Chincoteague Ponies are herded across the Assateague Channel.
The Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is a 252-foot-tall granite tower that commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims' first landing in the New World, predating their arrival in Plymouth by 5 weeks.
The Italian-American Heritage Museum in the Bronx, New York, houses a unique collection of vintage Vespa scooters, reflecting the enduring influence of Italian design and engineering.
The Colombian neighborhood of Queens, New York, is the largest Colombian enclave outside of Colombia, with over 100,000 Colombian-Americans residing in the area.
The Eastern Shore of Maryland is dotted with numerous historic lighthouses, some of which have been converted into unique vacation rentals, allowing visitors to experience the region's nautical heritage firsthand.