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| Top 9 Weekend Escapes on the Picturesque East Coast |
Tired of the same old routine? You needn't travel far to find adventure. The East Coast offers no shortage of quick getaways to help you recharge. We break down the best weekend trip ideas from historic cities to island paradises.
Revealing the Best Kept Weekend Secret Destinations
Weekends are precious. Rather than spending them holed up at home, take advantage of these brisk East Coast escapes. We focused on destinations accessible within a reasonable drive or direct flight from major cities like New York, Boston, and Washington D.C.
Get whisked away to emerging locales and old favorites throughout New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern coastal regions. From hitting the slopes in Vermont to lounging on Florida’s beaches, we curated a diverse mix of domestic weekend trips to suit any travel party.
Tailoring Your Weekend Escape
Travel Considerations
- Flexibility: Opt for destinations easily reachable by car, train, bus or a short, inexpensive flight
- Timing: Prioritize locations you can comfortably explore over a extended weekend
- Interests: Select trips catering to your preferences whether that’s outdoor adventures, historical sightseeing, indulgent food tours, family bonding opportunities or simply relaxing.
East Coast Weekend Hot Spots
- Northeast: Casinos and amusement parks in New Jersey/New York; Whale watching on Cape Cod; Leaf peeping in Vermont; Coastal Maine seafood shacks
- Southeast: Shopping and nightlife in Miami; Esteemed golf courses and seaside resorts in South Carolina; Cultural immersion in Charleston; Out-island excursions to the Bahamas
- Mid-Atlantic: Beach getaways with boardwalk entertainment in Maryland/Delaware; Reenactments and battlefields in Gettysburg; Exploring Underground Railroad history
Haven’t treated yourself to a weekend holiday lately? Get inspired by these awesome East Coast destinations.
1. Coral Sands and Conviviality Beckon in Bermuda
Known as the jewel of the Atlantic, Bermuda enchants visitors with its vibrant houses, pastel beaches and lively culture. Though an overseas British territory, regular nonstop flights connect New York and Boston in about two and a half hours.
What to See and Do
Partake in island adventures like snorkeling through shipwrecks or descending into glowing Crystal Caves before relaxing on crescent-shaped Elbow Beach’s pearly sands. When you’ve had your fill, enjoy Bermuda’s fine dining and delectable local rum concoctions.
Key Attractions
- Elbow Beach
- Crystal and Fantasy Caves
- Bermuda Railway Trail
- St. George’s Town
Where to Eat and Stay
Tuck into fresh fish sandwiches at Woody’s and upscale seafood at Barracuda Grill. Rest your head at the contemporary Hamilton Princess Hotel or the intimate Rosewood Bermuda.
2. Vegas-Style Action in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Dubbed the East Coast’s gambling epicenter, Atlantic City packs in classic boardwalk fun alongside serious casino entertainment. Visitors flock from New York, Philadelphia and beyond seeking fortune, or simply to unwind beachside.
Top Things to See and Do
Try your luck inside opulent casino resorts like the Borgata and Ocean Casino. Outside, stretch out on Atlantic City’s free public beaches, or wander the vibrant boardwalk with famished seagulls in tow.
Can’t Miss Atlantic City Attractions
- Steel Pier
- The Quarter
- Absecon Lighthouse
- Atlantic City Aquarium
- Tanger Outlets Walk
Where to Wine, Dine and Unwind
From Dock's Oyster House, an 1897 seafood staple, to Iron Room steakhouse, the dining scene dazzles. Likewise, lodging dazzles at casino hotels like Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata, or you could opt for a cozy B&B.
3. Quintessential New England Awaits on Cape Cod
Crisp ocean breezes stir the dune grass as salty waves crash along 40 miles of Cape Cod National Seashore. Quaint fishing villages, iconic striped lighthouses and oysters fresh from the sea beckon visitors.
Don't Miss Cape Cod Activities
- Whale watching
- Hiking and biking trails
- Touring Cape Cod’s 27 public golf courses
- Exploring local art galleries
- Day tripping to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
From Boston, reach the Cape in just over an hour by car or train. NYC travelers can drive or catch the JetBlue Mint direct flight. Once there, hop between villages like Hyannis, Sandwich, Provincetown and Falmouth. Dig into lobster rolls or sample oysters at a seafood shack before enjoying Cape Cod’s natural beauty and relaxed pace.
Where to Stay on Cape Cod
Choose from the historic Chatham Inn and Wequassett Resort & Golf Club or smaller spots like the antique-filled Honeysuckle Hill Inn.
4. Long Island Combines the Excitement of NYC with Island Charm
A long spit of land framed by the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound, the 120-mile island offers both fabulous Hamptons resorts as well as North Fork vineyards. And it’s all just a quick jaunt from NYC.
Don’t Miss Long Island Attractions
- Coopers Beach
- The North Fork vineyards
- The Suffolk Theater
- Fire Island day trip
From Manhattan by train or Jitney bus, you can reach the Hamptons in 2 hours. For a quicker trip, splurge on a Blade helicopter. Once settled in Southampton or Montauk, spend sunny days at the beach and evenings clinking glasses at TBar.
Cross the island to experience Long Island Wine Country.At vineyards like Corey Creek and Croteaux sip award-winning Chardonnay and Merlot before retiring to Greenport village. Connect your vacation to history with a show at the 1933 Suffolk Theater.
Top Long Island Accommodations
In the Hamptons, stay at Gurney’s Resorts or charming B&Bs like At the Ocean. On the North Fork, try Sound View Greenport or the Jedediah Hawkins Inn.
5. Cosmopolitan, Vibrant Toronto Tempts U.S. Travelers
As Canada's largest city, Toronto dazzles with vibrant nightlife, a multicultural dining scene and unique attractions like the steamy Ontario Place Sun Pavillion. The NYC of the North entices American weekend travelers craving an international experience without leaving the continent.
Toronto is incredibly easy to reach thanks to daily direct short flights from all major East Coast hubs like NYC, DC and Boston. Leave Friday and return Sunday to maximize your weekend.
Don't Miss Toronto Attractions
- CN Tower
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Distillery District
- Toronto Island
- Niagara Falls day trip
Get to know Toronto neighborhoods like Yorkville, Yonge-Dundas Square, Queen West and the Harbourfront. Rent a bike and cruise along the Harbourfront trail, hitting cool spots like Ontario Place as you go. At night experience Toronto’s vibrant food, theater and bar scene.
Where to Stay
Book accommodations conveniently located downtown at spots like The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto or hip Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square.
6. The Essence of Small Town New England in Kennebunkport, Maine
Quintessential Maine encapsulated, Kennebunkport charms with rocky coastlines, surf-pounded beaches, historic lighthouses and lobster shacks. Once a shipbuilding center, today tourism fuels this southern Maine town. Visitors adore the preserved New England aesthetic coupled with culinary delights.
Just under 2 hours north of Boston, Kennebunkport makes for an easy weekend escape any time of year. Drive or take the seasonal Amtrak Downeaster train. The Portland Jetport also provides easy access.
Top Things to See and Do
- Whale watching
- Paddleboarding
- Browsing Dock Square shops
- Seafood dining
Make sure to experience highlights like teetering out on Cape Porpoise Pier, browsing boutiques in quaint Dock Square and watching lobster boats in Cape Porpoise Harbor. Don’t leave without indulging in a traditional Maine lobster dinner as the sun sets over the bay.
Where to Stay in Kennebunkport
Choose from family-friendly inns like Hidden Pond Resort, or smaller adult-centric spots like the beachfront Tides Beach Club. You really can't go wrong with any local hotel, motel or B&B.
7. Outdoor Adventure Shines Bright in Burlington, Vermont
Not ready to fully relinquish summer? Trade hot, humid city air for cool mountain breezes in lively Burlington, Vermont. Resting on the shores of magnificent Lake Champlain and encircled by the Green Mountains, Burlington delights outdoorsy folks.
Thanks to convenient flights into Burlington International Airport from East Coast hubs, you can easily escape here for the weekend. The scenic drives this time of year can’t be beat either.
Top Things to See and Do in Burlington
- Strolling Church Street Marketplace
- Mountain biking
- Boating, kayaking and canoeing
- Ben & Jerry's Factory tour
- Skiing at Stowe Resort
In autumn, take in dashes of fall foliage before temps really drop. Hike wooded trails to sweeping lake vistas, pick apples, visit farmers markets and explore Burlington’s funky bars, cafes and shops.
By winter, hit the slopes at Stowe Resort less than an hour away. Schedule a factory tour at Ben & Jerry’s for insight (and samples!) of how they concoct flavors like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food.
Where to Stay in Burlington, VT
In the heart of downtown, Hotel Vermont offers modern lodging and dining with quintessential Vermont charm. Just steps from Church Street Marketplace, it's incredibly convenient.
8. Steeped in History: Captivating Charleston, South Carolina Beckons
Cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture and trademark southern hospitality distinguish Charleston as the East Coast’s most enchanting city. Brimming with historic homes, churches, markets and museums, it immerses visitors in Southern culture.
Less than a three hour direct flight from NYC, Boston and other northern cities, Charleston is quite accessible for a weekend escape South. Amtrak also connects D.C. and NYC travelers in under 13 hours.
Top Things to See and Do in Charleston
- Charleston City Market
- Magnolia Gardens
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Eating Lowcountry cuisine
Meander through the French Quarter and Battery seeing Rainbow Row's candy-colored homes and historic churches. Hop a ferry out to Fort Sumter where the first Confederate shots began the Civil War. At night sample favorites like mouth-watering fried okra, shrimp and grits and pecan pie while listening to lively bluegrass.
Where to Stay in Charleston, SC
Experience southern grandeur at The Spectator Hotel, named among the world’s best new hotels in 2021 by Conde Nast. Its ornate Jazz-era decor and speakeasy-style basement bar add ambiance.
9. Miami Exudes Multicultural Energy and Bustling Nightlife
With its vibrant arts scene, Afro-Cuban cultural influences and world-class dining, the magic city lives up to its name. And we can’t gloss over Miami’s most famous draw--miles of palm-fringed beaches kissing aqua waters.
At under a three hour direct flight from NYC and Boston, Miami offers the ultimate weekend antidote to dreary northern winter days. Take advantage of last-minute flights deals to escape the cold!
Top Things to See and Do in Miami
- Wynwood Walls
- Little Havana
- South Beach Art Deco District
- Pérez Art Museum Miami
- Everglades day trip
Explore the trendy Wynwood Walls showcasing colorful street art, shop Calle Ocho in Cuban-centric Little Havana and ogle eye-catching architecture along South Beach. Have late night drinks on Ocean Drive before retiring to hotels like the Amsterdam Palace South Beach steps from Lummus Park Beach.
Where to Stay in Miami
If budget is no concern, shelters like 1 Hotel South Beach, The Setai Miami Beach and The Betsy Hotel are fantastic. For savings, spots like Shamrock South Beach hostel, Washington Park Hotel or existing apartments rentals stretch your dollar without sacrificing convenience.
Discover Your Perfect East Coast Weekend Escape
The eclectic destinations covered reveal the diversity this seaboard offers for quick weekend getaways. Quaint New England towns, vibrant Canadian and American cities, southern hospitality in the Carolinas and the adventures of tropical Miami and Bermuda scratch the surface.
Where will your next weekend escape take you? The options seem limitless, so start planning today!
Our write-up highlighted lodging ideas, sites and activities to help you best experience these beloved East Coast weekend trip spots. For specialized recommendations, don’t hesitate to comment your unique interests below!
Frequently Asked Questions about Weekend Trips
How Far in Advance Should I Book East Coast Weekend Getaways?
Ideally book 1-2 months out for best rates and availability. For peace of mind, purchase refundable fares in case your plans change. During holidays and summer, book further out.
What’s the Ideal Length for an East Coast Weekend Trip?
Aim for 2-3 nights. It allows you a full day to travel there and back while still enjoying 1-2 days exploring your destination. Some may stretch to 4 nights, arriving Thursday and departing Monday
Are Weekend Getaways Cost Effective?
Generally yes! By staying under a week, you avoid premium weekly rental rates. Short trips also limit food costs and your temptation to splurge on souvenirs and activities. Flights and hotels usually discount rooms too.
Should I Rent a Car for East Coast Weekend Trips?
It depends on the destination, your budget and interests. Urban-centric trips like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington D.C don’t require a rental car. For exploring smaller towns, scenic coastal drives and wineries, having your own wheels maximizes coverage.
How Do I Choose Where to Visit for the Weekend?
Consider your budget, preferred climate and activities. Focus on destinations providing direct airport access from your location. Establish your trip vision - relaxation, adventure, food and wine sampling, historical immersion? Refer to our East Coast highlights by region to hone in on matches.
Safe travels! Embrace spontaneity and go explore America's beautiful East Coast gems.
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