best mountain towns to visit east coast

50 Best Small Mountain Towns in the U.S.

Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis — all with hardly another person in sight. 

These are the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love.

Mountain cabins are easy to find, but there are also some luxurious properties for a getaway into the hills of the U.S. We list some favorites for you to enjoy, too.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

Taos, New Mexico

Elevation: 6,969 feet

Population: 5,971

A visit to this New Mexico mountain town will have you meeting and mingling with artisans and craftsmen in an array of galleries and shops. The adobe pueblo-style architecture lends a unique backdrop to your vacation photos, and in the winter months, Taos becomes a quiet ski destination with its mountain blanketed in snow.

Visit Taos .

Where to Stay in Taos

Located right in the heart of town is the 45-room Historic Taos Inn , nicknamed the "Living Room of Taos." Each guest room has its own unique style, and live entertainment is provided nightly, with its restaurant and bar serving up New Mexican fare.

Book it: Online

Ketchum, Idaho

Elevation: 5,853 feet

Population: 2,827

Downtown Ketchum runs itself to where the mountains soar and beckons visitors and residents alike to take to the hills. When it's warm, hiking and biking trails are plentiful. When the snow arrives, the mountains become world-class ski slopes in Sun Valley. And everyone comes down from the mountains no matter what the season to enjoy downtown's entertainment, dining and shopping.

Visit Ketchum .

Where to Stay in Ketchum

The Limelight Hotel has become one of Sun Valley's most popular hotels, aiming to bring its guests into the surrounding outdoors with bicycle rentals and adventures. When you're at the hotel, you can stay outdoors and enjoy the views from the outdoor pool, hot tubs and the plaza's giant lounge chairs (and perhaps partake in a drink or two since it's vacay!).

Telluride, Colorado

Elevation: 8,750 feet

Population: 2,484

What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are filled with many quaint mountain towns that welcome summer hikers and winter skiers, but somehow, strolling the streets of this San Juan Mountain spot makes you imagine life in the West more than 100 years ago. Plus, this town is home to great events like the Telluride Jazz Fest, Telluride Mountain Film Fest and Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Visit Telluride .

Where to Stay in Telluride

If you're going to visit a ski town during the winter months, there isn't anything better than a ski-in, ski-out home away from home. Hotel Telluride offers you a basecamp for your adventures while lending the feel of a European chalet. Its location is also near the historic town's shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Ellijay, Georgia

Elevation: 1,280 feet

Population: 1,711

In the North Georgia Mountains, this "Apple Capital of Georgia" is found at the southernmost end of the Appalachian Trail. While its apples draw visitors every fall, especially during the annual festival it hosts in October, this small town of roughly 2,000 people is filled with antique shops and restaurants to enjoy after spending time hiking and biking in the area's natural beauty.

Visit Ellijay .

Where to Stay in Ellijay

Enjoy Southern charm with a stay at the Ellijay River House Bed and Breakfast . This craftsman home built in 1915 is a riverfront, adults-only B&B within walking distance of Downtown Ellijay's shops and dining. And just look at that porch. All you need is some sweet tea and a good book.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Elevation: 1,260 feet

Population: 2,091

Enjoy the Ozark Mountains with more Victorian stylings in Eureka Springs. It, too, has a preserved downtown with shops, galleries and restaurants housed within the town's original structures. However, what makes it unique are the area's natural hot springs.

Visit Eureka Springs .

Where to Stay in Eureka Springs

If you're going to visit a Victorian town, why not stay at a hotel that began in 1886? Crescent Hotel and Spa is a member of Historic Hotels & Spas of America and has served as the leading hotel for the town since its opening. The hotel offers 15 acres of walking trails and gardens and provides events and activities to ensure guests are fully enjoying Eureka Springs.

Big Bear Lake, California

Elevation: 6,752 feet

Population: 5,281

Southern California mostly gets touted for its beaches, but this small town surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest provides another reprieve complete with cool lake waters. In the winter, the town becomes a ski resort with Snow Summit serving as SoCal's four-season getaway.

Visit Big Bear Lake .

Where to Stay in Big Bear Lake

Fully enjoy your stay in the San Bernardino Mountains at the Club at Big Bear Village . Here you'll find two- to four-bedroom cabin-style suites outfitted with living and dining areas with fireplaces, full kitchens and room for the entire family. Nearby, enjoy the lake with water skiing, wakeboarding and boat rentals, or hike and bike in the hills.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Elevation: 1,289 feet

Population: 4,144

Nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains and the national park of the same name, Gatlinburg is your entryway into the 520,000-acre park and its miles of trails. As the most-visited national park in America, Gatlinburg is ready and able to accommodate all who come with entertainment, restaurants, shops and accommodations that don't involve sleeping in a tent.

Visit Gatlinburg .

Where to Stay in Gatlinburg

Do the Smokies right by staying in a rustic cabin such as that found at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek . But this isn't roughing it in the least. This luxurious resort is returning to its Gilded Age beginnings and expanding with one- to three-bedroom suites, a swimming pool and an onsite restaurant.

Book it:  Online

Lake Placid, New York

Elevation: 1,801 feet

Population: 2,509

The town that rests upon the lake of the same name, as well as Mirror Lake, provides a crisp-air getaway in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Stroll along its tourist-friendly sidewalks in the heart of town for shopping and dining, and make your way to the museum that celebrates Lake Placid's history as host of two Winter Olympics. In the winter, its Whiteface Mountain becomes central to the fun.

Visit Lake Placid .

Where to Stay in Lake Placid

Don't visit a mountain lake town without staying on a lake. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa provides a private beach and access to the lake so you can do just that. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Mirror Lake Inn has won awards for its service and accommodations, and you won't be disappointed in this pampering place.

Leavenworth, Washington

Elevation: 1,171 feet

Population: 2,010

Find a bit of Bavaria in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State when you visit Leavenworth. Its alpine stylings make for a fairytale setting, and it's home to a Nutcracker Museum with thousands of nutcrackers. Of course, this bodes well for a winter getaway with nearby skiing, but visit during the fall for Oktoberfests with German beer or in the summer when Washington's vineyard wineries are producing crisp white wines.

Visit Leavenworth .

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Keep the German spirit going with a stay at Leavenworth's Bavarian Lodge . Located within the Bavarian Village, you'll be able to walk out the door to get to the town's shops, restaurants, and hiking and biking trails. Inside are rustic stylings befitting its mountain location.

Bryson City, North Carolina

Elevation: 1,752 feet

Population: 1,450

Another gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains can be found in North Carolina. The residents of Bryson City know they are lucky to have the mountains surrounding them along with the Tuckasegee River for fishing, kayaking and rafting. This Appalachian town offers trails to scenic overlooks, refreshing waterfalls and lakes that make this an outdoor paradise.

Visit Bryson City .

Where to Stay in Bryson City

You can enjoy the heart of town with a stay at the Everett Hotel , a landmark of Bryson City's historic district. Formerly a bank at the turn of the 20th century, the hotel reclaimed it to transform into a lovely boutique property with a rooftop patio for taking in the mountain views.

Park City, Utah

Elevation: 7,000 feet

Population: 7,822

Famous for being a high-end skiing destination, Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics within its Wasatch Range. You may spot celebs strolling its Main Street, a modern luxury shop-filled street that still retains its architecture from the Victorian mining days. Festivals and top chef dining round out a visit to this intimate mountain town.

Visit Park City .

Where to Stay in Park City

Deer Valley Resort is the top of the line for Park City fun, so stay at the Chateaux Deer Valley for four-star accommodations. For 20 years, the stone- and wood cabin-inspired resort has provided suites with one to four bedrooms with fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, separate living and sleeping quarters, and full kitchens. Outside of your suite, the resort makes it easy to enjoy the mountains with hiking and biking trails nearby.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Elevation: 489 feet

Population: 281

Where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet within the Appalachian Mountains you can find the historic town of Harpers Ferry. From the town's 19th-century architecture and its place in history highlighted at the National Historical Park, the town also boasts river rafting and hiking trails in its adventure offerings.

Visit Harpers Ferry .

Where to Stay in Harpers Ferry

While many hotels in Harpers Valley are run-of-the-mill chains, Hillbrook Inn and Spa is a delightful five-building, home-styled bed and breakfast, situated on land that was originally owned by George Washington. Only 19 suites are available in this elegant B&B with a spa, onsite dining and pet-friendly accommodations.

Manchester, Vermont

Elevation: 899 feet

Population: 4,258

Within the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, you'll find Manchester. Easily accessible from Boston or New York, this is your quintessential New England town that is filled with colonial homes, white-picket fences and old-growth trees that turn vibrant colors throughout the fall.

Visit Manchester .

Where to Stay in Manchester

What fun Kimpton hotels can be. Not only are they boutique properties, but they also offer unique perks like complimentary bicycle rentals, pet goldfish for your room, and free happy hour mingling opportunities to meet other hotel guests. At the Taconic Hotel in Manchester , you will also find a lovely front porch to sit and enjoy the surroundings like a true New Englander.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Elevation: 730 feet

Population: 4,659

The Pocono Mountains is home to a town named for the great Native American athlete Jim Thorpe (although he grew up in Oklahoma). Deep within the Lehigh Gorge this Victorian-era mining town serves as a hub to the area's hiking trails that lead to some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls. There are lots of shops and restaurants, not to mention outdoor adventure outfitters that will take you river rafting and exploring the hills.

Visit Jim Thorpe .

Where to Stay in Jim Thorpe

Along with most of the town, the Harry Packer Mansion Inn boasts historic Victorian architecture from its location in the heart of town. If it looks familiar, it is because this home was the model for the haunted mansion at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland! To play up on the fun, the inn hosts Murder Mystery weekends and other events surrounding its supposed hauntings.

Hood River, Oregon

Elevation: 160 feet

Population: 7,167

This small town in Oregon can be found along the state's rafting adventure river, the Columbia, which is why it has one of the lowest elevations on this list. However, its location as a port within the Cascade Range is at the base of Mount Hood, where hiking and mountain biking is plentiful. The mountain town also lies within Oregon's large wine region, and beyond the wineries and vineyards, you'll find craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.

Visit Hood River .

Where to Stay in Hood River

If you're looking for stunning views, look no further than the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa , which overlooks the Columbia River. Situated on 7 acres, the four-star property provides guest rooms so comfortable that, during its original heyday, it welcomed the likes of Shirley Temple and President Calvin Coolidge.

Book it:  Online  

North Conway, New Hampshire

Elevation: 525 feet

Population: 2,349

Deep within the White Mountains and minutes from the Presidential Range, North Conway is the overnight place you'll retreat to when you aren't climbing Mount Washington, skiing Bretton Woods or rafting along the Saco River. This small mountain town features restaurants, art galleries and mountain decor shops.

Visit North Conway .

Where to Stay in North Conway

One of the last of the grand resorts that were once the summer playgrounds of the wealthiest citizens of New York and Boston at the turn of the 20th century, the Omni-owned Mount Washington hotel is an old-school hideaway. A wraparound porch with rocking chairs looks upon the Presidential Range, and multiple restaurants, activities and a spa make the resort a place you may never want to leave.

Whitefish, Montana

Elevation: 3,028 feet

Population: 7,870

Whitefish has everything: mountains, lakes, skiing, shopping and trails. The gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is on the glacier-made Whitefish Lake, which allows for boats, kayaks and swimming with a sand beach. In the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a ski haven. Out of the water and off the peak is the small town to enjoy a drink with newfound friends.

Visit Whitefish .

Where to Stay in Whitefish

Stay at a classic Montana lodge at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake , which is both rustic and elegant at the same time. The lodge offers access to Whitefish Lake and the Viking Creek Wetland Preserve's 28 acres for water-bound activities. It's also just 10 minutes from Whitefish Mountain for skiing (it even provides a free shuttle).

Deadwood, South Dakota

Elevation: 4,531 feet

Population: 1,306

Step right into the old Wild West with a visit to Deadwood. This is a place where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane walked the once-dirt streets in the late 1800s dodging horses and bullets. Today, the town offers throwback saloons, rodeos and horsing events, and casinos. The town is surrounded by the Black Hills for outdoor explorations.

Visit Deadwood .

Where to Stay in Deadwood

The Deadwood Mountain Grand is a hotel, entertainment complex and casino, housed in the Homestake Mine Slime Plant. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows of the transformed factory provide modern and rustic rooms and suites. More than 40 different concerts and shows take place throughout the year at the property, which is home to the area's only casino.

Warm Springs, Virginia

Elevation: 3,773 feet

Population: 2,945

As the town's name implies, Warm Springs is situated above natural hot springs in Bath County. You can soak in the springs in the bathhouses known as the Jefferson Pools, aptly named for Thomas Jefferson who would come here to soak in the rich mineral waters said to improve health. Surrounding the town is the George Washington National Forest of the Allegheny Mountains with a tiny town that may not offer too much to do but serves you well when you visit.

Visit Warm Springs .

Where to Stay in Warm Springs

Since 1766, the Omni Homestead Resort has stood out as the grande dame of the Allegheny Mountains. When visitors came to take to the springs, they stayed at this 2,000-acre historic property. A destination resort, it features multiple restaurants, shops, and entertainment and activities, including kids' clubs and programming.

Cordova, Alaska

Elevation: 82 feet

Population: 2,160

Found at the mouth of the Copper River and overlooking the Prince William Sound, Cordova stands at the lowest elevation of small towns on this list, but its mountain peaks nearby are part of the Chugach Mountains. As with any small town in Alaska, you'll enjoy a number of outdoor activities. However, not all of them feature glaciers to explore. Choose from the land or sea adventures (there's skiing nearby), and pop into Cordova's cultural center and museum.

Visit Cordova.

Where to Stay in Cordova

Alaska's bohemian lifestyle carries into its hotels. Try a stay at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn , which overlooks the Orca Inlet. Rooms feature views of the harbor from balconies, as does the inn's restaurant. The marina filled with boats, the white-capped mountains in the distance, a seal popping up to say hello — this is true Alaska.

Anaconda, Montana

Elevation: 5,276 feet

Population: 9,131

Named for the mountain range in which it sits is Anaconda, which is just 8 miles from the Continental Divide. It's the mountains and Deer Lodge National Forest that entertain its visitors, be it in the warm months or when snow-covered. You can boat and fish in Georgetown Lake, ski and board at Discovery Ski Area, and hike the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, with a charming small town awaiting when you are ready to come back from the outdoors.

Visit Anaconda .

Where to Stay in Anaconda

A destination resort, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort provides a place to relax under Montana's Big Sky with two giant Olympic-sized swimming pools and two mineral-soaking pools, all heated by the area's hot springs for you to enjoy their medicinal qualities.

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Elevation: 499 feet 

Population: 601

Can you guess what Berkeley Springs is best known for? This is a spa town that has welcomed guests since Colonial times to enjoy its hot springs. Nicknamed "America's First Spa," Berkeley Springs is only 90 minutes from Greater Washington, D.C., and provides a host of full-service spas built around the hot springs as well as shops and dining that bring the city-folk to town.

Visit Berkeley Springs .

Where to Stay in Berkeley Springs

There are more than 100 different places to stay in Berkeley Springs, including historic inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts and cabins. Try the Country Inn , which first opened to visitors in 1933 and offers 70 guest rooms and suites.

Sonora, California

Elevation: 2,946 feet

Population: 4,870

A former mining town from California's Gold Rush days, Sonora can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills. As the "Queen of the Southern Mines," its Main Street was once a rough and rowdy place but today is proudly one of California's first Main Street cities due to its restoration and preservation programs.

Visit Sonora .

Where to Stay in Sonora

You can step back into Victorian days with a stay at the Inn on Knowles Hill Bed and Breakfast , which overlooks the town from its hilly perch. The property, once the mansion of a gold mine investor, is surrounded by gardens and will have you feeling as if you are sitting in 1927 Sonora.

Littleton, New Hampshire

Elevation: 820 feet

Population: 5,928

A picturesque town located along the Connecticut River on the edge of the White Mountains, Littleton, New Hampshire, is very near the Vermont border. Downtown is a thriving area filled with local restaurants and shops and features a covered bridge for capturing some Insta shots. Nearby Parker Mountain offers 22 miles of all-season trails.

Visit Littleton .

Where to Stay in Littleton

If you're going to visit a quaint town, you have to stay in a quaint hotel. Thayers Inn dates back to the 1850s when it was Thayer's White Mountain Hotel. The Greek revival stylings on Main Street made it stand out and became a presidential retreat for the likes of Ulysses S. Grant, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for the average tourist — as well as the spirit or two they say haunts the building.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Elevation: 1,096 feet

Population: 5,253

Part of the Greater Greenville area of South Carolina, Travelers Rest was and still is exactly as its name implies. Serving as a rest stop for travelers between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Low Country, this stopping point certainly offers rest and reprieve. From a 22-mile bikeway to nearby rafting and hiking, the town is filled with places to kick back and enjoy some Southern charm.

Visit Travelers Rest .

Where to Stay in Travelers Rest

Take in the amazing views from the 30-acre Hotel Domestique , which operates with just 13 rooms. You'll be enveloped in a European-style property and served high-end, locally sourced meals at the boutique hotel's Restaurant 17.

Jacksonville, Oregon

Elevation: 1,569 feet

Population: 2,904

This small town surrounding Jackson Creek was originally a mining town that started the Oregon Gold Rush. The town itself is a National Historic Landmark (the first in American with such an honor), and visitors can explore the great outdoors in the Rogue Valley. The town is found in Oregon's Wine Country, and you'll have plenty of wineries in which to visit during your stay.

Visit Jacksonville .

Where to Stay in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is such a small town that your accommodation options are limited to intimate inns and B&Bs. Try a stay at Jacksonville Inn , housed in an original mining-town building with eight rooms. Down the street are four cottages owned by the inn for a bit more privacy.

Book it: Online  

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Elevation: 3,566 feet

Population: 1,307

The views from the Blowing Rock peaks for which this small town is named will blow you away. Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Johns River Gorge, Grandfather Mountain (where Blowing Rock rests) is one of the most beloved hiking areas in the state. The town itself has its own trails, waterfalls and gardens to explore.

Visit here .

Where to Stay in Blowing Rock

You can stay at the 78-acre Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock , just steps from the village town. Here, select from one- to four-bedroom condos, and then enjoy a little recreation, including kayaking, fishing and tennis.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Elevation: 9,600 feet

Population: 5,020

Found at the base of Tenmile Ridge in the Rocky Mountains, this former Gold Rush town has been preserved by the National Historic District that keeps its Main Street buildings fresh in color. When you're not shopping and dining, you'll be in the mountains, especially when Breck gets covered in powder come wintertime.

Visit Breckenridge .

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Breckenridge provides a number of basecamp accommodations, most of which are condominium-style. Choose one to four bedrooms with full kitchens, living rooms and ski-in/ski-out capabilities at Crystal Peak Lodge .

North Bend, Washington

Elevation: 440 feet

Population: 7,163

Outside of Seattle is a town made famous by the '90s television show "Twin Peaks." North Bend's main peak, Mount Si, beckons hikers, and the area's lakes and rivers are great for rafting and fishing. Nearby is Snoqualmie Falls, which cascades 268 feet. Snoqualmie Mountain is also a ski resort during the winter months. But if "Twin Peaks" is your thing, you can also attend the annual fan festival and visit the sites that served as locations for the show.

Visit North Bend .

Where to Stay in North Bend

You can stay at the Salish Lodge , built in 1916 to overlook Snoqualmie Falls. Here, 86 rooms with fireplaces and (most with) views of the falls provide a romantic setting for a Pacific Northwest getaway. You can head into North Bend for dining or enjoy one of the two restaurants on site. Hiking trails can be accessed right from the front door.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Elevation: 1,450

Population: 6,884

Another gold mining town can be found in the North Georgia mountains in Dahlonega, where gold was discovered in 1828 before the big rush to the West. There is still gold in these hills, but the real treasure is the waterfalls surrounding this Appalachian town, including Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascade east of the Mississippi. Within the town are tasting rooms of North Georgia wineries, restaurants, shops and entertainment encircling a town square — all utterly charming.

Visit Dahlonega .

Where to Stay in Dahlonega

Since 1899, the Smith House has provided a family-friendly mountain hotel within steps of Dahlonega's town square. Offering 16 rooms and four villas to guests, the property sits above an old mine shaft, which the owners discovered while doing renovations. Guests can view the shaft and contents on display and then enjoy communal-style dining in the hotel's restaurant.

Bethel, Maine

Elevation: 679 feet

Population: 2,607

Just 5 miles from Sunday River ski resort you will find the village of Bethel. Filled with B&Bs, the village is welcoming whether you're on skis or off, making it ideal for a four-season getaway with the White Mountain National Forest serving as a backdrop. The Androscoggin River is great for kayaking and canoeing, and if you want to catch some serious views, hike in Grafton Notch State Park.

Visit Bethel.

Where to Stay in Bethel

Don't pass up a chance to stay at the iconic Bethel Inn Resort , consistently ranked one of the best resorts in New England. The resort has been serving guests since 1913, and its renovated guest rooms are joined by additional townhomes to provide a home away from home across its 200 acres.

Lake George, New York

Elevation: 360 feet

Population: 3,413

Your jumping-off town to the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George awaits on the lake with the same name. Here, the British-built Fort William Henry stands as a museum showcasing the area's pre-Revolutionary history. There are many restaurants, hotels and things to do along the lake, but leave it all behind and get into the mountains to take in the views of upstate New York. (Oh, and, yes, there is a Six Flags amusement park here as well!)

Visit Lake George .

Where to Stay in Lake George

Since 1883, the Sagamore has served as the grand dame of Lake George, sitting pretty on its own private island in the lake. Guest rooms, lodges and two-bedroom condos are available at this resort, which features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa.

Girdwood, Alaska

Elevation: 150 feet

Population: 2,065

Considered a resort town less than an hour from Anchorage, Girdwood rests in the Chugach Mountain Range and was once called Glacier City. The "only year-round resort" in Alaska features skiing at Alyeska Resort, dog mushing, biking, hiking, river rafting, fishing and scenic flights to take in the view of Turnagain Arm.

Visit Girdwood .

Where to Stay in Girdwood

Alyeska Resort may be the best place to stay when skiing, but its mountainside location also makes it perfect for year-round activities with a tram and gondola giving guests an easy ride to the mountaintop. The resort features a saltwater pool, spa, dining and all the modern conveniences of any resort on this list.

Midway, Utah

Elevation: 5,584 feet

Population: 5,257

Nestled into the Wasatch Mountains south of Salt Lake City is the Heber Valley's Midway. Called Utah's "Swiss Alps," this area was settled by Swiss immigrants who designed homes in alpine style and created world-class Nordic skiing.

Visit Heber Valley .

Where to Stay in Midway

Enjoy Midway's premier hotel, the Homestead . During the summer, you'll find 18-hole golf, horseback riding, swimming pools, fly fishing and chuckwagon dinners. During the winter, ski at Soldier Hollow, and snowmobile in the valley.

Presidio, Texas

Elevation: 2,582 feet

Population: 3,991

Just across the border from Mexico along the Rio Grande is Presidio, which means "fortress" in Spanish. A city since 1683 (but inhabited since 1500 B.C.), Presidio is home to the Chinati Mountains and Big Bend Ranch State Park, where you'll find two of Texas' tallest waterfalls.

Visit Presidio .

Where to Stay in Presidio

There are not a lot of options in this remote West Texas town, but Riata Inn provides comfortable accommodations just minutes from the hiking trails of Big Bend. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, and when you want to cool off, you can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool.

Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Elevation: 4,850 feet

Population: 6,852

The Berkshires has long been a place of respite for Manhattanites longing for the countryside. Great Barrington, part of the greater Pittsfield area, is one of the best towns when it comes to Western Massachusetts escapes, particularly because it doesn't shut down after the summer, and guests keep arriving for its Butternut ski slope. You'll find two quaint villages here as well: Van Deusenville and Housatonic.

Visit Great Barrington .

Where to Stay in Great Barrington

You can't miss The Barrington in its namesake town. Besides the stylish boutiques and art galleries on Main Street, you'll be in the heart of the posh town that features museums, theater and live music venues galore.

Book it:   Online

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Elevation: 509 feet

Population: 5,548

Found in Eastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, Stroudsburg features a vibrant downtown filled with art galleries, music venues, wineries and restaurants. One of the hippest places in the mountains, you'll have plenty to see and do when not exploring the area's heights.

Visit Stroudsburg .

Where to Stay in Stroudsburg

Just because you're in the boonies doesn't mean you'll feel like you are when you stay at the refined Penn Stroud Hotel in the heart of town. As hip as the town it calls home, the Penn Stroud is an Ascend Hotel Collection property. It's a fully remodeled and modern hotel where lodging has always been provided for visitors.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

Population: 2,172

Founded by Swiss immigrants who thought it looked like their alpine homeland, New Glarus is a little Switzerland in the heart of the heartland. You'll find the Swiss culture alive and rampant in this small town with festivals and restaurants that will make you feel as if you've left the country. (See U.S. Destinations That Feel Like Europe for more!)

Visit New Glarus .

Where to Stay in New Glarus

The Chalet Landhaus Inn will add to the Swiss charm of the town with authentic chalet stylings. Even the restaurant is Swiss with schnitzel and fondue options prominently featured.

Wears Valley, Tennessee

Elevation: 1,454 feet

Population: 6,486

Towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge may get all the press but Wears Valley lies between Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, making it the true Tennessee gateway to the national park. More peaceful than its counterparts, Wears Valley is considered the "Jewel of the Smokies." 

Visit Wears Valley .

Where to Stay in Wears Valley

Rent your own cabin in the woods through Great Cabins in the Smokies . You'll find one-bedroom cabins and up to meet accommodations for every group. Plus, there are pet-friendly properties, so you can bring your pooch on your hikes.

Montague Township, New Jersey

Elevation: 3,847 feet

Population: 3,668

With the highest point in New Jersey, Montague Township is the best town in the state for mountain views. Located along the Delaware River, the "Top of New Jersey's" foundations in the 1700s lends for historical sites as well as outdoor recreation in the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area and High Point State Park.

Visit Montague Township .

Where to Stay in Montague Township

The closest you'll come to a hotel in this neck of the woods is actually across the river in Pennsylvania. Hotel Fauchere , located in Milford, is worth the over-the-river drive, as it is a Relais & Chateaux boutique inn. Amidst the woods and mountains, you'll be bathed in luxury. The hotel has a rich history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Elevation: 8,676 feet

Population: 674

With its elevation and location within the Lincoln National Forest, Cloudland keeps cool during the heat of summer, making it an ideal getaway for New Mexico residents. The forest is 480,000 acres in size, so visitors can explore the great outdoors when not sampling a bit of the Old West town.

Visit Cloudcroft .

Where to Stay in Cloudcroft

They say the turn-of-the-century fire that burned the original Lodge Resort has given it "a haunting presence" and that the property is one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S. ! You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time at this grand hilltop property that still offers a taste of its historic offerings. 

Holbrook, Arizona

Elevation: 5,082 feet

Population: 5,053

Deep within Navajo Country, Route 66 passes right through Holbrook. Home to Petrified Forest National Park, this is wide, open space of the Painted Desert as well as where a giant meteor struck ground in 1912.

Visit Holbrook .

Where to Stay in Holbrook

When on the land of the Navajo, consider a stay in a wigwam — at the Wigwam Motel . Each wigwam, with two queens or two double beds, has its own bathroom, heat, air-conditioning and cable TV.

Hill City, South Dakota

Elevation: 4,974 feet

Population: 1,018

Within the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hill City is one of the highest towns on this list. A perfect spot for staying while visiting Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, you'll take in the views of the Cathedral Spires and the 7,242-foot peak of Black Elk.

Visit Hill City .

Where to Stay in Hill City

Stay at the family-owned and operated Mountain View Lodge , which provides rooms for up to six people or cabins with full-size kitchens and kitchenettes. The budget-friendly property provides breakfast in the morning and campfires in the evening near cookout grills, so you can get away from it all without really getting away from it all.

Chester, Vermont

Elevation: 3,154 feet

Population: 823

Tucked into Vermont's Green Mountains, Chester was named one of the best antique towns in New England, and its Stone Village Historic District and Main Street place it on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's mountain location also makes it easy for winter visitors to get to slopes in Stratton, Killington, Okemo and Mount Snow.

Visit Chester .

Where to Stay in Chester

Located in the heart of Chester is the Fullerton Inn , which dates back to 1885. Each room is decorated to match the historic property, with 20 guest rooms all with en suite bathrooms. Dine in the dining room, the inn's tavern or on the front porch overlooking Chester and feel its charm.

Damascus, Virginia

Elevation: 1,952 feet

Population: 789

One of the U.S.'s best trail towns, Damascus is home to seven renowned trails such as the Virginia Creeper Trail and the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The town welcomes seasonal hikers with microbreweries, a downtown of artisans and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in its own backyard.

Visit Damascus .

Where to Stay in Damascus

There are many charming and historic inns in Damascus, but the Damascus Old Mill Inn is one of the largest. Offering 12 rooms in what was formerly a grist mill, the inn overlooks the grist mill waterfall and mill pond. The inn also features its own restaurant with three different decks outdoors providing views of the waterfall.

Walhalla, South Carolina

Elevation: 1,033 feet

Population: 4,367

In the northwest corner of South Carolina, Walhalla calls itself "Main Street to the Mountains." Found within the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nestled beside the Chattooga River, the city knows you're staying here to enjoy nature's spoils. That's why it gives you Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. And, when the state's longest pedestrian trail, Palmetto Trail, completes, it will end in Walhalla.

Visit Walhalla .

Where to Stay in Walhalla

If you're here for the mountains, you might as well get right into them at Bolt Farm Luxury Treehouse & Retreat . The adult-only, eco-friendly Airbnb is literally a luxurious treehouse where you'll stay high above the ground.

Crosby, Minnesota

Population: 2,341

Mountain bikers in the know love Crosby for its 30 miles of trails through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which passes through Crosby. The trails provide breathtaking rides and overlooks, complementing the town's paved trails near Serpent Lake.

Visit Crosby .

Where to Stay in Crosby

Stay in the heart of town in a 120-year-old building restored to offer eight guest rooms in a bicycle-themed hotel. Crosby Lofts provide ride-in and ride-out access to the trails and is beloved by riders.

Irvine, Kentucky

Population: 2,325

This small town offers 350 acres of hiking trails within its Lily Mountain Nature Preserve. The nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and the 150-year-old Fitchburg Furnance, the largest charcoal iron furnace in the world, are popular attractions to this community found just outside of Lexington.

Visit Estill County .

Where to Stay in Irvine

Enjoy the true Appalachian experience with a stay at Snug Hollow Bed & Breakfast . Choose to sleep in the two-story farmhouse, a restored log cabin or one of two pine/cedar cabins while you enjoy the quiet of the Central Kentucky hollow.

Burley, Idaho

Elevation: 4,163 feet

Population: 10,464

You'll find the small town if Burley in southern Idaho, near the Snake River. Because of its skiing, hiking and mountain biking, the median age in this town is just under 30. If you visit, catch the young (and young at heart) racing outdoors during the annual Spudman Triathlon.

Visit Burley .

Where to Stay in Burley

The Best Western Plus Burley Inn and Convention Center is one of the largest hotels in the tiny town. Within steps of the Snake River, the hotel features an outdoor pool and onsite dining.

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Elevation: 843 feet 

Population: 1,947

Home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, you can see how Rockwell was inspired by his hometown in Western Massachusetts. Idyllic in every way, the town allows you to enjoy the Berkshires that surround its quaint center of botanical gardens, art galleries and mansion estates of esteemed residents of the past.

Visit Stockbridge .

Where to Stay in Stockbridge

Since 1773, the Red Lion Inn has been providing lodging to guests of Western Massachusetts. You'll find 125 rooms and suites filled with antiques in this charter member of the Historic Hotels of America.

Best East Coast Mountain Vacation Spots and Resorts for your Next Getaway

Posted on August 28, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on May 25, 2023

The US is filled with incredible vacation spots for outdoor lovers , and there’s no shortage of mountain getaways on the East Coast . If you are looking to spend your trip hiking, biking, skiing , or just enjoying stunning scenery and gorgeous landscapes , these mountain destinations are sure to please you.

Whether you want to relax surrounded by the wilderness , get your adrenaline pumping with fun outdoor activities, or anything in between, you’ll find the best destination for your next East Coast mountain vacation.

From kayaking in summer to skiing in winter to year-round hiking, these destinations have it all. Enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities while being surrounded by incredible vistas.

Keep on reading to discover all the top mountain vacation spots in the Eastern US!

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Helen, Georgia

Helen is one of the cutest mountain towns in Georgia. Surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains , it’s an ideal destination whether you like mountain hiking, biking, winter sports , or just want to relax and take in the stunning landscape.

The town is known for its Bavarian-style architecture and is the perfect place to go for a stroll, shop for local crafts, and enjoy a hearty meal. The area is worth seeing year-round , as you’ll find plenty of activities available no matter when you visit.

In winter, go for a winter hike, visit the town turned into a winter wonderland , or go snow tubing or ice skating at the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center.

In summer, tube down the Chattahoochee River, go zip lining, hike to a waterfall ( Anna Ruby Falls is the most famous in the area), hit a few trails at Unicoi State Park , and visit a couple of vineyards.

For a place to stay, book a room at the Heidi Motel to be near everything or book a vacation rental , many feature stunning views and are surrounded by nature.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a popular mountain destination on the East Coast offering great winter activities, plenty of hiking trails, and stunning scenery, from crisp fall foilage to verdant mountain views. You can visit the mountain resort year-round.

In winter, you’ll find a plethora of activities available. Go on a guided winter hike or snowmobile tour, ski or snowboard down the resort’s many slopes, tube down the mountain, and ice skate for a bit.

Stowe village offers plenty of entertainment options, events, shopping opportunities, and a wide range of restaurants . Make sure to visit the Ben and Jerry Factory and plan a spa day between two outdoor adventures.

In summer, you’ll find endless miles of hiking and biking trails, a canopy and zip line park , and plenty of places to go on a kayak or canoe trip.

Book a stay at the comfortable and well-located Trapp Family Lodge with its Austrian-inspired architecture, mountain views, restaurant, and two pools. The Lodge at Spruce Peak is also a popular mountain resort with ski-to-door access.

You’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals , from condos with mountain views to luxurious chalets with a fire pit and hot tub.

Weston, Vermont

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path small mountain town , then Weston in Vermont should make the list! With less than 1,000 inhabitants, the village is ideal if you are looking for some peace and quiet.

Nestled in the Green Mountains , Weston is surrounded by plenty of national forests, state parks, and mountain resorts to enjoy the great outdoors.

The town is super cute, as a matter of fact, the entire village is on the Historic Register . Don’t miss the Vermont Country Store , the Old Mill Museum , the Farrar-Mansur House , and the Craft Building . Shop for local products such as maple syrup, cheese, and pottery.

For winter sports, head to Okemo Mountain Resort , one of the top family-friendly ski resorts on the East Coast!

Fall is also a prime season to visit Weston to witness New England’s fall foliage at its best . There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby leading to waterfalls and scenic overlook . During summer, you can enjoy water activities at nearby Lowell Lake State Park.

In town, you can book a room at the charming Colonial House Inn . You’ll also find plenty of mountain cabins available for rent in the area.

Bryson City, North Carolina

The gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Bryson City is an ideal base to visit the nearby outdoor attractions. The mountain town features plenty of lodging options, restaurants, events, festivals, and cute shops.

The most popular time to visit is during summer , but you can actually come year-round and find great things to do . Spring is ideal to see the wildflowers in bloom and the waterfalls at full flow with fewer crowds. Falls see cooler climates and beautiful fall foliage . While winter turns the park into a snowy wonderland with frozen waterfalls and many winter trails open.

Apart from hiking and biking in the national park, you can go white water rafting during the warmer month as well as go on a kayak trip or river tubing . If you want to take a break from physical activities, you’ll find several scenic drives within the park as well as a scenic train line.

You can camp in the national park or book one of the lodges there, just plan ahead as they tend to get fully booked pretty quickly. You’ll also find plenty of cottages and cabins for rent near the park. If you’d rather stay at a hotel, check out the Folkestone Inn , a mountain farmhouse from the 1920s turned into a bed and breakfast.

Lake George, New York

Nestled in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York , Lake George is a peaceful mountain getaway that will please any type of traveler. From log cabins in the woods or camping under the stars to cozy inns and lake resorts, you’ll find the perfect fit for you.

With plenty of water activities to be had during summer as well as hiking and biking , and snow sports during winter, Lake George will make a great year-round mountain vacation spot.

You’ll find hundreds of hiking and snowshoe trails in the area, from leisurely strolls to strenuous day-long hikes . At nearby Gore Mountain , you’ll find a couple of fun mountain biking trails .

During winter you’ll be spoiled with a plethora of winter sports and activities, with slopes for all levels and ages.

If you need a break from all those outdoor activities , take a road trip through one of the area’s many scenic drives stopping by old Adirondack towns and stunning lookouts.

You’ll find plenty of chain resorts in town and around the lake, as well as many lake-front properties.

Asheville, North Carolina

For a blend of outdoor and cultural activities , Asheville will make a perfect mountain getaway on the East Coast. Surrounded by North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains , you’ll be spoiled by stunning scenery, lush landscape, and plenty of ways to explore the mountainside.

You can visit Asheville year-round and will always find outdoor activities. If you intend to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway , note that winter often sees road closures because of the weather.

In town, you’ll find plenty of places to visit and entertainment options, don’t miss touring the Biltmore estate and a museum or two.

Nearby, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails , many still open in winter. The Pisgah National Forest is a must-see area for outdoor lovers. During the warmer months, you can go whitewater rafting, paddling, kayaking, or try your hand at canyoneering.

And of course, don’t miss driving part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping along the way to hike and take in the majestic scenery.

In Asheville, you’ll find many chain hotels. The Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown , in the heart of the River Arts District, is a good option. If you don’t want to stay in the city but still be near everything, consider the well-rated North Lodge on Oakland Bed and Breakfast or the Reynolds Mansion.

You can also book a vacation rental , from condos in the downtown area to cottages offering stunning views of the mountains.

Wintergreen Resort, Virginia

A year-round mountain resort, Wintergreen is a popular place to ski during winter, hike all year, and enjoy water activities during summer , making it one of the best mountain resorts on the East Coast.

In winter, you’ll find 26 slopes and trails with terrain for first-timers to advanced skiers and riders and Virginia’s largest tubing hill as well as a good kids’ program. The village provides plenty of entertainment, restaurants, and events when you’re done skiing for the day.

During the warmer month, head to lake Monocan where you can enjoy the beach, rent a paddle board or a kayak, and plan a picnic. You’ll also find 30 miles of hiking trails from an easy stroll to a difficult mountain hike.

The resort is great to visit with kids as they offer plenty of activities and parks catering to kids of all ages.

In the area, you’ll find plenty of vacation homes with fantastic views over the mountains.

Davis, West Virginia

Outdoor lovers looking for a mountain getaway on the East Coast will fall in love with Davis . The best time to visit is during summer when you can really enjoy most of the activities available in the area.

The town of Davis is pretty small but still offers travelers everything they need, with a couple of charming inns, small shops, and tasty restaurants.

Hike to Blackwater Falls , explore some of the trails in the Dolly Sods Wilderness  area , go whitewater rafting on the Cheat River , and mountain bike in Canaan Valley State Park . There’s enough around Davis to keep you busy for a while!

You can still visit during winter, especially if you’re into winter sports. Head to the nearby Canaan Valley Ski Resort or Timberline Mountain  for downhill skiing and to White Grass Ski Touring Center for cross-country skiing. You’ll find a sled park at Blackwater Falls State Park .

There are plenty of vacation rentals in town and in the nearby mountains. There are also a couple of inns and bed and breakfasts in the area.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park should be on any mountain lover’s bucket list . Featuring jaw-dropping scenery, incredible hiking opportunities for hikers of all levels, historic sights, and scenic drives, Acadia has it all.

You can choose to camp at the park or book a lodg e there or you can stay in the nearby quaint town of Bar Harbor , a great base to explore the park. Acadia Inn is a great option with direct access to the park. You’ll also find plenty of vacation rentals in the area, from secluded cabins in the woods to ocean-front cottages .

Don’t miss hiking or driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.

During summer there are plenty of places where you can swim, paddle, or kayak . You can choose from miles and miles of biking and hiking trails, go bird watching, or find the best spot for star gazing.

During winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers can enjoy the 45 miles of carriage roads and unplowed park roads while climbers can challenge themselves by trying to climb a frozen waterfall.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Located in Mount Washington Valley and surrounded by the White Mountains , North Conway is one of the best year-round mountain vacation spots on the East Coast. No matter the season, you’ll find plenty of fun activities and beautiful scenery.

For some road trip adventure , plan to drive the iconic Kancamagus Scenic Highway or the Mt. Washington Auto Road . You can also ride the Conway Scenic Railroad train that will take you through Mount Washington Valley and Crawford Notch.

During summer, spend some time hiking and swimming at Echo Lake State Park , hike the Mt Chocorua Champney Falls Trail , or climb Cathedral Ledge or Whitehorse Ledges. You’ll also find kayaking, rafting, and tubing activities nearby.

If you like riding ATVs or UTVs, explore the extensive OHRV trail system found in the area. Jericho Mountain State Park offers more than eighty miles of trails for riders.

In winter, you’ll find a plethora of outdoor activities and winter sports available around town. Resorts such as Mount Cranmore , Attitash Mountain Resort , and King Pine Ski Area are popular in the area.

Surrounded by the White Mountain, Cranmore Inn is a nice place to stay for families and couples alike. The location is ideal, they have a seasonal pool, and offer free breakfast. You can also book a mountain cabin or chalet for something more private and practical.

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Located in the Berkshires, in western Massachusetts , Stockbridge’s scenery has inspired many artists and you’ll understand why exploring the area. With rolling hills, endless mountain views, and lush vegetation, the region is filled with scenic trails, outdoor activities options, and incredible landscapes.

Visit Monument Mountain , one of the highest points in the Housatonic River Valley, hike to Ice Glen , where you’ll find ice even during summer, and check out October Mountain State Park where you can hike, kayak, mountain bike, ride a snowmobile, or cross-country ski.

In summer, you can go on a kayak trip along the Housatonic River, or swim at Stockbridge Bowl.

Nearby, you can hike at Olivia’s Overlook , where you’ll find trails accessible year-round.

In town, don’t miss the Norman Rockwell Museum , showcasing some of his work and his studio, the Naumkeag Estate , built in 1886, Chesterwood , the home of Lincoln Memorial sculptor Daniel Chester French, and the Berkshire Botanical Garden.

The Red Lion Inn is a popular place to stay, set in a historic house with a decor to match. For a mountain resort with river views, the Black Swan Lee is ideal. Otherwise, book a vacation rental – you’ll find plenty of cute cottages and cabins in and around town.

Salisbury, Connecticut

Nestled in the heart of the Litchfield Hills , the charming town of Salisbury offers year-round outdoor activities making it one of the best mountain getaways on the East Coast .

During summer, you can enjoy water activities at Lake Wononscopomuc or Twin Lakes, while in winter, you’ll find plenty of areas for winter sports.

Nearby, don’t miss Mount Riga State Park , where you’ll find hiking trails, Bear Mountain , the highest peak in Connecticut, and Mount Frissel. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, so you could hike part of it as well.

In town, you’ll find plenty of cute cafes, stores, cozy inns, and restaurants serving hearty meals. Salisbury is an ideal small-town mountain vacation spot for outdoor lovers looking to spend some time surrounded by nature with many hiking, biking, and skiing options nearby.

For a place to stay, the town has a couple of charming bed & breakfasts and plenty of cottages and cabins available for rent in the area.

Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland

The Catoctin Mountains are a must-see in Maryland and will make a perfect mountain vacation spot. You can plan to camp there or stay at one of the cabins within the park . If you want something more comfortable, you can stay in the nearby town of Frederick (check out 10 Clarke ), or book a vacation rental .

In the park, you’ll find 25 miles of hiking trails from easy to strenuous . For the best views , hike to Chimney Rock, Hog Rock, Thurmont Vista, and to the Blue Ridge Summit Overlook . In winter, you can also do cross-country skiing.

Bouldering and climbing  are also possible in several areas across the park.

If you have extra time, you can visit nearby Cunningham Falls State Park and South Mountain State Park.

Greenville, South Carolina

A hub of cultural and outdoor activities , Greenville, South Carolina, is surrounded by gorgeous state parks and mountain scenery. It will make a perfect destination if you are looking for a city break from which you can easily go hiking, biking, kayaking , and so on.

The city is often ranked as one of the top travel destinations in the US and you’ll understand why once you get there.

From downtown, you can hike all or part of the 22-mile  Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail , set on a historic rail bed along the Reedy River. If you like ziplining head to Treetop Quest Greenville where you’ll find plenty of challenges even for adults with 6 different courses.

In Paris Mountain State Park , you’ll find hiking and biking trails , four lakes with a swimming area where you can kayak as well, and a campground.

To the East, Croft State Park offers 12 miles of hiking trails and 2 lakes . To the west, Table Rock State Park has canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats available for rent, swimming areas, plenty of bird-watching opportunities, and an extensive trail system , passing by streams and waterfalls, to the top of Table Rock and Pinnacle mountains.

In town, check out the Greenville County Museum of Art , showcasing art pieces by Southern artists spanning over several centuries, and the Upcountry History Museum to learn more about upstate South Carolina’s history. Don’t miss strolling through the downtown area, window shopping, and sampling some local food.

You’ll find all the basic chain hotels in Greenville. For something a bit nicer, consider booking a vacation rental either in town or outside for something more secluded . There are plenty of options featuring stunning views of the mountains.

Delaware Water Gap, New Jersey / Pennsylvania

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of the top mountain getaways in Eastern USA. It’s filled with forested mountains and grassy beaches and includes the Delaware Water Gap, part of the Pocono mountains, and the Kittatinny Ridge.

It’s great if you are looking to take a road trip , stopping along the way to hike and take in the scenery. With over 100 miles of trails, many waterfalls, beaches, and boating/kayaking areas, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Don’t miss hiking the section of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the area and the Dingmans Creek Trail that will lead you through a hemlock ravine to the impressive Dingmans Falls.

If you are looking for scenic drives , drive one of the US oldest roads, Old Mine Road , from the mid-1600s. You’ll find plenty of historic places to visit along the way, stunning scenery, and a couple of trails.

For places to stay, you’ll find plenty of cabins in the woods some near the river, others offering spectacular views over the mountains. You’ll also find several campgrounds offering different levels of comfort.

Couples looking for a romantic mountain resort can book a stay at the Pocono Palace Resort offering standard and fantasy rooms, some with a fireplace or indoor pool.

Woodstock, Vermont

No matter when you visit Woodstock, VT, you’ll find plenty of things to do, making it one of the top mountain getaways on the East Coast.

In town, don’t miss touring some of the historic buildings like the 19th-century Norman Williams Public Library . Nearby, the Billings Farm & Museum offers tours of an 1890 farmhouse and exhibits re-creating 19th-century farm life. Year-round you’ll find many events and festivals going on in town.

Head to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park where you’ll find trails shaded by sugar maple trees and 400-year-old hemlocks, passing through covered bridges and rambling stone walls. You’ll also find an 1800s Queen Anne–style mansion there. In winter, you can snowshoe and cross-country ski , the trails are part of the larger Woodstock Resort Corporation’s Nordic Center.

In summer, you’ll find plenty of areas to practice water sports (check out Silver Lake State Park ), while you can ski, snowboard, or go on a snowmobile ride in winter at nearby Suicide Six Resort.

You’ll also find year-round trails for hiking and biking (try fat biking in winter for something fun!) many starting from Woodstock.

The Woodstocker B&B is one of the best places to stay in town, especially for couples looking for a romantic mountain getaway.

You’ll find plenty of amazing vacation rentals in and around Woodstock, from restored historic farms to modern condos, to secluded properties, to homes in the heart of downtown.

Bethel, Maine

Surrounded by mountain trails, ski resorts, and state parks , Bethel, Maine, is an ideal vacation spot for outdoors lovers . Take the time to enjoy the fresh air and the scenery, hike to impressive lookouts, kayak on a peaceful river, or ski down some of the area’s many slopes.

For hiking head to Grafton Notch State Park where you’ll find easy and short trails to trails that take a couple of days to finish through gorges and peaks. The Mount Will Walking Trail is an easy hike near town leading to stunning views of the valley and the town.

For something more challenging, hike to the top of Goose Eye Mountain passing by waterfalls, rivers, and pools. Make sure to start early.

For winter sports, head to Sunday River Ski Resort where you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, ski-bike, ice skate, and cross-country ski in some of their 135 trails and glades . Some of the rides are open during summer, so you can take them to the top of the mountains for some incredible panoramic views.

On the Androscoggin River , you can go kayaking or rafting . You’ll also find a couple of beaches on the river’s banks near Bethel.

If you want to stay in town, the Holidae House Bed & Breakfast is one of the best-rated accommodation options. It’s ideal for couples and families alike, with rooms for up to 6 people (4 adults maximum). Breakfast is included and the location is ideal.

You’ll find plenty of vacation rentals in and around town. For something quite unique book a house in the woods with lake and mountain views, like this one with a hot tub, fire pit, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Mount Washington.

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The Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast

Mountains are my favorite landscapes to visit. While I love the ocean and beaches, mountains are truly what hold my heart. If you are an avid hiker or outdoorsy person like myself, in this article you will read about the best mountain ranges on the east coast, USA, to visit.

I genuinely believe that mountains and nature can heal people. Thus, if more people spent more time outside, then I believe, there would be less depression in this world. I love reading about new mountains that I need to plan a visit to, so, hopefully after reading this article, you will have a few more mountain ranges on your list to visit as well.

In this article you will read about the best mountain ranges on the east coast, the best mountain ranges in the us, mountains to visit in USA, famous mountains, Whiteface Mountain, Mount Washington, Mount Katahdin, the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Appalachian Mountains.

This post is all about the best mountain ranges.

Best Mountain Ranges:

Best mountain ranges on the east coast : maine.

Okay, to start off our list, I wanted to start with the most northern state on the east, Maine. Maine is home to the White Mountains, Acadia National Park, Longfellow, and the Mahoosuc mountain ranges. It also ends the EPIC Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin, where many people take their famous “end” pictures.

Within these mountains, some popular trails to hike are Mount Katahdin (end of the Appalachian Trail), Sugarloaf , and West Peak . Also, White Cap Mountain , Saddleback , Coburn , The Traveler’s Loop , Mount Chase , Puzzle Mountain , and Goose Eye Mountain are great. Lastly, Baldpate , Cadillac Mountain , Dorr Mountain , Pemetic , Penobscot , Spaulding , and Mount Abraham are great options as well.

Maine also has 14 4,000 footers, meaning the mountains heights are above 4,000ft. You can hike all these peaks, however, there is no patch for the Maine 14, however, there is a patch if you hike ALL the New England 4,000 footers . This includes Vermont’s 5 4,000 footers , Maine’s 14 4000 footers , and New Hampshire’s 48 4,000 footers . These are the most STUNNING peaks in these areas, so if you can, I HIGHLY recommend hiking any of the 4000 footers.

{Related Post : Best Ski Resorts in Maine }

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : New Hampshire

Without a doubt, one of the best mountain ranges in the US are the White Mountains. I would also say the White Mountains are one of the best mountain ranges in the world. They are spectacular. The trails are nicely maintained (most of them), they’re well marked, and have truly BEAUTIFUL summits. If you like green forests, green top mountains, and rock top summits with long ridge lines, you will absolutely fall in love with the White Mountains. They also have the tallest mountain in the east, Mount Washington .

Some of the best mountains to hike are all the 48s , Mount Washington . Also, the Presidential Range , Pemi Loop , Carter-Moriah Range , Franconia Ridge , Baldface Loop , Mount Chocorua , Mount Willard , Mount Cardigan , and Flume + Liberty Loop .

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : Vermont

The Green Mountains in Vermont are best known for skiing/snowboarding and backcountry skiing/snowboarding. There is some good hiking in the summer, especially the Vermont 4,000 footers (scroll down to see more). However, ski mountains are AWESOME in Vermont. There are so many Vermont ski resorts to go to, some great ones that I recommend are, Jay Peak and Sugarbush. As well as, Mad River Glen, Smuggler’s Notch, Pico, Mount Snow, Okemo, Stratton, Magic, Killington, and Stowe.

Some other great hikes in the Green Mountains Vermont are Pico , Deer Leap Trail , Mount Mansfield , and Camel’s Hump . Also, Mount Abraham , Mount Ellen , Mount Olga , Stratton Mountain , Mount Ascutney , Bald Mountain , Belvidere , Burke , and more you can find here .

{Related Posts : Best Ski Resorts in Vermont & New Hampshire }

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : New York

The Adirondacks, they are without a doubt the gnarliest and most remote mountains along the east coast and within the US (apart from Alaska). I am bias when it comes to the Adirondacks, because I grew up not too far from them. However, I genuinely believe they are some of the most stunning mountains in the US. They are surrounded by dense green forests, rocky ridge lines, and BEAUTIFUL summits, particularly the 46 High Peaks . I promise, if you want STUNNING views and kick ass hikes (like 20 mile long climbs) HIKE the high peaks.

Some great hikes are Whiteface Mountain , Mount Marcy , all the 46ers , Big Slide , Giant’s Nubble , Bear Den . As well as, Giant Mountain and or Rocky Peak , Gothics , Colden , Colvin , Ampersand , Mount Adam’s Fire Tower , Hurricane , Rooster Comb , Noonmark , and SO MANY more that you can find here .

{Related Posts : Best Ski Resorts in New York & 25 of the Best Things to Do in the Adirondacks }

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : Virginia & West Virginia

The best mountain ranges in these states are the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian, Shenandoah National Park, Grayson Highlands, Dolly Sods, Cacapon State Park, and Monongahela National Forest. The Grayson Highlands are breath-taking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can hike by wild horses with gorgeous scenery. In addition, Shenandoah in the Appalachian Mountains is also amazing.

Some great hikes within these mountain ranges in Virginia are Humpback Mountain + Rocks , Dripping Rock South , Apple Orchard Falls . Also, Black Ridge Trail , Virginia Creeper Trail , McAfee Knob , Crabtree Falls Trail , Wilburn Ridge , Three Ridges Loop , Stony Man . In addition, Bearfence Mountain , Hawksbill , Sugarloaf Loop , Old Rag , and Mount Rogers .

Lastly, some great hikes within these mountain ranges in West Virginia are Breathed Mountain , Blackbird Knob . Also, Raven Ridge , Bear Rocks & Lion’s Head Loop , High Falls Trail , Douglas Falls Trail , Table Rock , and North Fork .

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : Tennessee

The best mountain ranges within Tennessee are the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains are so graceful especially if you like green forests, and green mountain tops. The Smoky Mountains run through Tennessee and North Carolina.

Some popular hikes within the Tennessee Smoky mountains are Grotto Falls , Abrams Falls Trail (great for swimming), Laurel Falls . Also, Little River Trail, Newfound Gap & Charlie’s Bunion , Mount Cammerer , Alum Cave to Mount LeConte . Lastly, Cades Cove Loop , Thunderhead Mountain , Rocky Top , Gregory Bald , Mount Sterling , and Chimney Tops Trail .

Some famous mountains to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee are Grassy Ridge Bald and Jane Bald .

{Related Post : The Best Mountain Towns in the US }

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : North Carolina

The mountains to visit in the USA in North Carolina are the Appalachian, Great Smoky, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you like nice rolling mountains with exceptionally peaceful scenery, then any of these mountain ranges are for you.

Some famous mountains to hike in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are Mount Mitchell , Shuckstack Tower , Andrews Bald . Also, Deep Creek Loop Trail , Grandfather Mountain , Waterrock Knob , Reinhart Knob & Richland Balsam Loop , Sugar Mountain , and Stone Mountain .

Some great Appalachian mountains in North Carolina to hike are Max Patch Loop , Lemon Gap to Hot Springs . Also, Deep Gap Trail , Albert Mountain , Silver Bald Mountain , and Lover’s Leap .

Best Mountain Ranges On the East Coast : Georgia

Some famous mountains in Georgia are the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Georgia is actually where the infamous Appalachian Trail starts. It starts at the well-known, Springer Mountain, going all the way up to Mount Katahdin in Maine. It covers more than 2,000 miles and usually takes people anywhere from 3-5 months to complete.

Some great Blue Ridge Mountains to hike in Georgia are Brasstown Bald , Lake Blue Ridge Loop . Green Mountain via Whissenhunt Trail to Toccoa River, Panther Creek Falls , Benton MacKaye Trail , and Blood Mountain ,

Some great Appalachian hikes in Georgia are Springer Mountain to North Carolina Border . Three Forks to Springer Mountain , Long Creek Falls , Hightower Gap , Woody Gap , Preachers Rock , Slaughter Mountain . Also, Lake Winfield Scott Trail , Tesnatee Gap , Indian Grave Cap , and Dicks Creek Gap .

And that wraps up the best mountain ranges on the east coast. I truly love mountains so I hope this post inspires you to go check out some of natures neatest places to be and see. Thank you so much for reading and take care!

In this article you read about the best mountain ranges on the east coast, the best mountain ranges in the us, mountains to visit in USA, famous mountains, Whiteface Mountain, Mount Washington, Mount Katahdin, the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Appalachian Mountains.

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17 Cutest Small Towns On The East Coast USA

December 4, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   5 Comments

Are you looking for the cutest small towns on the east coast? This guide has some of the best east coast towns in the USA.  The challenge we had writing this was which ones to leave out, there are so many.

What we love most about the United States are all the small sometimes undiscovered small towns there are to visit. While a trip to a well-known city like New York or Boston. is well worth a visit. The smaller east coast cities and towns in-between have a lot to offer.  These small towns are perfect when you want something a bit different and a little more off the beaten track.

Some of these places to visit on the east coast offer you great views, some great history, and others are shrouded in mystery. All have a different flavor and feel. We know there will be something for even the most discerning traveler here.

We encourage you while in these towns on the east coast that you support local businesses. Shop local, eat local, go on local tours, and enjoy the history of these towns while being respectful to the residents. 

No matter which of these east coast USA towns you choose to visit we are sure you will have a great time. We can’t wait to hear about it.

So here we go a list of the cutest places to visit on the east coast of America.

Don’t forget to check out our list of the Best Resorts On The East Coast if you are looking for some inspiration!

St Augustine, Florida

St Augustine is definitely one of the towns on the east coast that you need to visit. Not only is it picture postcard perfect but it also has a famous lighthouse with a somewhat torrid past.

This place has history and then some. Established by Spanish conquistadors in 1565 St Augustine and is one of the oldest cities in America sometimes called the Ancient City. The buildings range from the oldest wooden schoolhouse and jail from 1890 to colonial properties with a Spanish influence that is truly unique.

Make sure you visit Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, and the  Lightner Museum that is housed in a gorgeous old grand hotel.

If you want more of a relaxing time then head to the beautiful beach. The white sands stretch for two miles and the water is crystal clear.

And for those, a bit more daring St Augustine lighthouse was featured on both Ghost Adventures and Buzz Feed unsolved. It is said to be one of the most haunted lighthouses in the USA. They do evening ghost tours if you are that way inclined.  

If you are in the Florida area go visit St Augustine it won’t disappoint. It’s one of the best east coach towns to spend some time at.

Stay Here:  Sand Dune Studio . Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Helen, Georgia

Known for its Bavarian-style buildings there really is no other place like Helen. It’s as if someone built a Bavarian village in the middle of Georgie.

Visiting Helen is like going to a European town without leaving the States. And for that reason, Helen is very very popular especially around Christmas time when it goes all out.

The fact it’s nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountain range somehow adds to the Bavarian vibes. There is also a lot to do other than just admiring the local architecture.

Make sure you visit the Alpine railway museum at Charlemagne’s Kingdom and the sweet treat-filled Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen.

And if the town gets too much for you there is nearby fishing., hiking, tubing, you name it. Make sure you visit the Anna Ruby and Rave Cliff Falls.

If you fancy a little escape to the mountain with something a little different added this is one of the towns on the east coast for you.

Stay Here: Cozy Treehouse Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Montpelier, Vermont

Montpelier is one of those east coast cities that seems more like a town than a city. With a population of fewer than 8,000 people, the capital city of Vermont is less than bustling. In fact, it’s the smallest state capital in the States.

Other than the fall foliage the main reason to visit Montpelier is food. The  Ben & Jerry’s factory is here for the ice cream lovers. And let’s not forget maple syrup and the cider mill, yes one could get a real sugar rush in Montpelier.

The other draw here is the nature there is a towering mountain known as the Camel’s Hump, a granite quarry known as the Rock of Ages, and the amazing colours known as fall .

When you imagine fall in New England you probably imagine a place like Montpelier. Lovely colored wooden new England houses surrounded by foliage bursting with color and of course the church spire to add that certain something.

Montpelier really is one of the cutest east coast cities to spend some time at.

Stay Here: Historic Home Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Savannah, Georgia

Rich in history, art, trendy boutiques, and haunted sites, Savannah is known for manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages, and incredible architecture.

This is one of the places to visit on the east coast if you like strolling around cobblestoned squares, veiled in Spanish moss taking in the history and sights.

Settled in 1733 it one of the oldest cities in the country and was one of the first planned grid square cities. The coastal landscape is beautiful and the locals are friendly. In fact, Savannah is known as the Hostess City and consistently named one of the “world’s friendliest cities” by Condé Nast Traveler.  

Savannah is also known for its connections with literature and film namely namely “Forrest Gump” and “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”, and of course “The Walking Dead”.

One of those towns on the east coast you won’t forget easily and we guarantee you will be back for a second visit.

Stay Here: Garden Home Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is a small picturesque town in the upstate New York Finger Lakes region. If you have never been to this area it truly is beautiful. One of the east coast cities that often gets overlooked but is well worth a visit.

On the shores of  Lake Cayuga, the area has waterfalls and gorges galore. Downtown Ithaca is charming with lots to do and is home to many of the city’s colorful festivals.

Itaca is also apparently the home to the ice cream sundae with one of the local churches still celebrates “Sundae Sundays”.

This town has somewhat gone through a change and now has a very artsy bohemian vibe. Itaca is a very progressive place. There is so much to see and do not only in the town but in the surrounding countryside.

Things to visit include Cornell Botanic Gardens which includes an arboretum and multi-tiered Cascadilla Falls. Other waterfalls in the area include Ithaca Falls, near downtown. Southwest, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman state parks.

A town on the east coast that has a lot to offer.

Stay Here: Lakeview Cottage Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Annapolis, Maryland

The capital of Maryland is not only famous for U nited States Naval Academy but also its beautiful 8th-century brick houses and the domed 1700s Maryland State House.

The downtown area is home to many historic inns and scenic streets. The Romanesque-style St. Anne’s Episcopal Church is well worth a visit with its Tiffany glass windows and historic cemetery.

Annapolis has played a vital role in the past, present, and future of the USA and has all the history to prove it.

If you love a bit of history then this is the town you need to visit.

Stay Here: Wright’s Cottage Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Roanoke, Virginia

If you are a fan of American Horror Story Roanoke is possibly the last place you want to visit. Don’t worry this is not that Roanoke and is a lovely place to visit. At the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, this area is outstandingly beautiful.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia Roanoke is also know for The Roanoke Star, or Mill Mountain Star. Sometimes referred to as the Hollywood sign of the East Coast, it is the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star.

Roanoke is home to over 100,000 residents and refers to itself as a hub of innovation. Roanoke is also ranked as IMBA’s top mountain biking destinations in the world and prides itself in its award-winning outdoor amenities.

The city maintains 70 parks that span 14,000+ acres offer 100 miles of award-winning natural surface and paved trail systems for commuting, road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.

 It’s also a city known for art museums, craft breweries, and one of a kind shops

Roanoke is one of the east coast cities that deserves a second look.

Stay Here: Downtown Loft Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, Portsmouth as its name suggests is a port and lies on the Piscataqua River. People settled in this town in the early 1600s, and Portsmouth citizens provided the gunpowder and stores that fueled the American Revolution.

Portsmouth was once the nation’s busiest ports and shipbuilding cities and while it doesn’t have that claim to fame now it still sees port sees five million tons of cargo on import/export ships

While the 1855 North Church presides over Market Square to remind you of its history the modern Paortmouth preserves its authentic routes while being a vibrant city.

It’s an easy city to walk and that is what we advise you do. Make sure you visit Strawbery Banke Museum, John Paul Jones House, USS Albacore, a retired submarine that’s been turned into a museum. Take a harbor cruise or just browse the many galleries, bookstores, antique shops, and craft boutiques. And a wonder through Prescott Park will really brighten up your day.

One of the towns on the east coast with lots to see and do.

Stay Here: Downtown Flat Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

New Haven, Connecticut

Home to the Ivy League Yale University New Haven is a coastal town in Connecticut.

Yale founded in 1701 is the centerpiece of the town which is Connecticut’s second-largest city.  The Campus which is accessible houses the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Yale Center for British Art. The faux-Gothic and Victorian architecture on campus really is a sight to see.

One of the east coast cities known as a thriving home for the arts, architecture, and the human mind, and when you move off the campus you will find an array of cars, shops, restaurants, longer, and a lively atmosphere. 

Stay Here: Square 6ix Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Easton, Maryland

Named as one of the best small towns in America you will find quiet streets lined with Colonial and Victorian buildings and lots of charm. First settled in the 17th century Easton has been a thriving community ever since. 

It’s also an arty quirky place with art by local painters displayed on lampposts and an annual Waterfowl Festival. This town really has a community feeling backed up with numerous award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and fine boutiques.

It’s one of the towns on the east coast to take it slow. Stop and enjoy your surroundings, stroll down the tree-lined streets or sit on one of the shaded benches watching the world go by.

Stay Here: The Crib Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Seaside, Florida

If you love colors, airstreams, and picture-perfect pastels then Seaside is the place for you. Seaside is a resort community in northwest Florida. It has a white picket fence Urbanist design with a long stretch of white beach. What is not to love?

This perfect and clan location was the location for the film “The Truman Show” and yes it is as clean and perfect as you think.

On the emerald coast, Seaside has all the coastal charm you can imagine, even the walkways are architect-designed.

Seaside also is home to festivals and events throughout the year and you will never be without something to do. A visit to Airstream Row is a must with retro food trailers serving everything you can imagine.

Seaside is one of the most unique places to visit on the east coast.

Stay Here: Blue Two Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Block Island, Rhode Island

Twelves miles off the Rhode Island coast lies Block Island. Block Island has stunning views, 17 miles of beautiful beaches , hiking trails, a lively night scene, and a lot of history. 

The island is 3 by 7 miles and shaped like a pork chop. Bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, kayaking, and sailing are all activities that Block Island is known for.

Settled in 1661 you can learn about the local history at the Block Island Historical Society museum, shop, and gallery. Make sure you visit two of the island’s lovingly restored structures, Peleg Champlin House and the Hygeia House. Also the 1800s red-brick Southeast Lighthouse and the 1867 North Lighthouse are worth a visit.

Block Island is also known for its Migratory songbirds and has a National Wildlife Refuge which is well, worth a visit. One of the towns on the east coast that has something to offer everyone.

Stay Here: Mansion Beach Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Newport, Rhode Island

If you are visiting Block Island then why not combine it with a trip to Newport as one of the ferries to the island leaves from here.

A city set on Aquidneck Island in the New England state of Rhode Island. It’s a beautiful seaside city famous for its mansions, shopping, and scenery. One of the oldest resorts in America is home to 3 National Historic Landmark Districts.

Newport is always known as the Sailing Capital of the World and a trip to the harbor to see the yachts is well worth it.

Make sure you visit The Breakers, an 1895 mansion patterned after a Renaissance palace.

It’s a vibrant lively east coast city that really is beautiful. 

Stay Here: Boutique Hotel Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Bar Harbor, Maine 

Close to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is one of those towns on the east coast that deserves a closer look. It is on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. Many see it as a gateway to the mountains of the national park but it has far more to offer.

The authentic and friendly atmosphere makes you feel at home and the slow pace and stunning coastal scenery are a welcome retreat.

Make sure while here that you catch the sunrise from the shore path at Agamond Park, it’s stunning. And take a boat or a whale watching tour, the area around here is beautiful, and the best way to see it is from the sea.

Stay Here: Sunset Studio Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Provincetown, Massachusetts

At the northern tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts this seaside town was the site of the Mayflower’s landing in 1620. The population is just under 3000 growing to over 60,000 in summer so this is one of the popular towns on the east coast.

Provincetown is also on the US National Seashore and is America’s favorite beach town. It’s always being alternative attracting fringe writers and artists in the past and today is known as a great LGBT destination.

There are beautiful vast beaches, a rugged coastline, charming guesthouses, and lots of unique shops and restaurants to explore.  It’s rich creative history seep into every bone of this place.

The small fishing town allure mixes with the more modern making Povinctown well worth a visit any time of year.

Stay Here: Cottage Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Kennebunkport, Maine

Historically a shipbuilding and fishing village Kennebunkport is one of the most popular summer getaway towns on the east coast.

Known for its friendly atmospheres and tranquil beaches this town is a slice of New England heaven. 

The town revolves around the water so the best way to experience its vibe is to take a boat tour and visit Nubble Lighthouse.

Other things to do include a visit to The Seashore Trolley Museum, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and the 1833 Goat Island Lighthouse.

Stay Here: The Nest Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

Lake George, New York

Lake George sits on the shores of Lake George surrounded by the beautiful Adirondack region of mountains. It’s an east coast town that we guarantee you will love.

Known as the “Queen of the American Lakes,” Lake George has welcomed tourists for over two centuries.  Named one of the top 10 places to visit by MONEY’s Best in Travel guide One of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the country Lake George really does wow.

In the summer it becomes a bustling town as people flocked to Million Dollar Beach. In winter it transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating rinks and ice fishing hotspots, and skiing and snowboarding on nearby trails.

The town is touristy but the lake and boat rides are beautiful. For an amazing view drive up The Prospect Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway. You can see for miles and really take in the beauty of the area.

This is one of the towns on the east coast that shows off the best that up-state New York has to offer.

Stay Here: Cabin on Dream Lake Check Rates:  Airbnb.com

As you can see there are so many towns on the east coast to visit. From east coast cities to places that top the best places to live on the east coast. There really is something for everyone. If you visit any please let us know we would love to know how your trip went. Whichever you choose we know you will have an amazing trip.  

You might also be interested in The Ultimate East Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Reader Interactions

January 12, 2021 at 5:54 pm

How about Cape May, New Jersey. The best little seaside resort town on the east coast ‼️

February 8, 2023 at 5:15 pm

OMG! That was the first thing I thought when I saw this list! Should be #1!!

January 22, 2021 at 8:50 am

I’ve been to a few of these towns – like Portsmouth, Princeton and Montpelier. All great cities. I would add Rockport, Mass to the list. It’s a small coastal town with small shops, great seafood and wonderful views of the ocean.

October 29, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Once this crazy Covid settles down my husband and I plan on visiting all these places. We moved from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island with the sole purpose of travelling up and down the east coast and across Canada. This gives us a good list of places to put on our “to see” list. I prefer the small quaint places to the big cities though my husband wants to be anywhere there is a sports team. We can do both on the east coast. Thank you for the outline of each place. I am saving your post for our travels whenever it is really safe to get going again.

November 5, 2021 at 11:43 pm

that is so awesome you live in PEI! Such a great place!!!!!! I hope you can have some fun!!

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The 10 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast

By Alex Erdekian

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The 14 states that make up the East Coast of the U.S. offer up a wide range of climates, geographies and cultures. They include Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida—and all have beautiful, special beach towns worth a visit this summer. You'll find places as different as Cape Cod , the Outer Banks and the Florida Keys. Historic, charming, tropical, wild, the Atlantic seaboard has it all. Without further delay, here are a few of the East Coast’s best beach towns.

Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor, Maine

Much of Maine's Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park —home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island's northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid 19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine's Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia. 

Rockport, MA

Rockport, Massachusetts

The North Shore, a group of towns in Greater Boston, is a culturally important swath of Massachusetts. The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester-by-the-Sea . There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers. Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative “the most-often painted building in America.” It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character. (And it didn’t hurt that the light hit it just so.) A replica was built promptly following the historic Blizzard of 1978, which destroyed the original. Gray Malin photographed it for his recent project on Boston .

Oak Bluffs, MA

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Ferries deliver day trippers to this little Martha’s Vineyard town daily and the colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.

Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island

Like Oak Bluffs, Newport is a beach town known for its houses, though a very different sort. Ten enormous, historic mansions—once the summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Nevada silver heiresses, and other Westerners of unimaginable wealth—remain standing along the famous cliff walk. Today however, they are museums. The most famous two are The Breakers and Rosecliff. The Newport mansions famously earned the ire of writer Joan Didion, who wrote in her essay The Seacoast of Despair, “To stand in the dining room of ‘The Breakers’ is to imagine fleeing it, pleading migraine.” Today, in lieu of the Great Gatsby -esque lawn parties of yore where swans roamed the grounds, Newport attracts visitors of all stripes for events such as the Newport Folk Festival.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

Montauk, NY

Montauk, New York

The final stop on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is appropriately known as the End. Due to strong winds, rough surf, and ample preserved land, it really does feel like the edge of the world, here. (Although some residents of Long Island’s furthest out town argue that if you really think about it, it’s actually the Beginning.) Montauk feels more remote and low key than its luxurious, sceney Hamptons counterparts. Every visit to Montauk should include a stop at the Montauk Point Light House, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796. It is still operating, and the panoramic views from the top are out of this world.

Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey

The site of pink triple-decker Victorian homes and a lively, festive promenade which exists as a beach town ideal in America's collective imagination, Cape May is the sort of dreamy summer destination one associates with trails of melted ice cream dotting the hot pavement and Fourth of July picnics. National Geographic also labeled Cape May as a World's Best Destination for Birding , writing, “the narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show… With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.” Sign us up.

Chincoteague, VA

Chincoteague, Virginia

You won't find bustling boardwalks, sleek hotels, or grids of cars with clunky bike racks trapped in traffic in Chincoteague. This coastal town is all about the wildlife—specifically its wild horses . Visitors flock to the island annually for the Pony Penning that has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department holds the event, and it consists of a pony swim—in which the animals cross the Assateague Channel—and a pony auction. No one really knows how this population of horses came to be, though there are competing theories. Some say they are descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked en route to Peru in the 17th century. Others claim they were left long ago by pirates. Still others say they are runaways from mainland farmers. The quaint beauty of Chincoteague includes trails for hiking, beaches, and a red and white lighthouse. For the best pony views, cross over on a bike to the Maryland side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a beach town on the Outer Banks , a group of barrier islands and spits sandwiched between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park, which comprise the tallest true sand dune system on the East Coast. Hundreds of shipwrecks nearby—caused by the region's shifting sands and heavily trafficked waters—have given the surrounding waters the moniker “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and the nearby USS Huron is a popular scuba dive site.

Pawley's Island, SC

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is so small that its year-round population hovers around 100 people. It was first settled in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest beach towns in the U.S. With that amount of history, there is, of course, a ghost story to go with it: There have been sightings of the Gray Man, a ghost whose appearance is said to warn of hurricanes as he paces up and down the beach, dating to a 19th century storm. Summer options on Pawleys Island that are not at all spooky—besides flopping around on the beach—include golf, fishing, walking sculpture-filled gardens, and feasting on Lowcountry cuisine like She Crab soup.

Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key, Florida

While we love the beach towns listed above, the only part of the East Coast which has a true tropical climate is the lower half of Florida. Naturally, the beaches in this area are very beautiful. We want to laud Siesta Key in particular for its fine sand, which comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made up almost entirely of cool and reflective quartz, its waterfront dining and drinking, and its excellence for water sports like parasailing. The three beaches to visit on Siesta Key are Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

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10 Best Mountain Lakes To Visit On The East Coast This Summer

Sun, water, and mountains - Experience a unique summer vacation in one of the beautiful mountain lakes that the East Coast has to offer.

A journey through mountains and forests is probably not the first thing that comes to most people's minds when thinking about where to go during the summer. But they would be surprised about the endless possibilities that the best US lake vacations have to offer, especially when vacationing around the beautiful lakes of the East Coast .

Visitors will get not only amazing views but also all sorts of activities that everyone can enjoy. Hike through beautiful trails, smell the blossoming fields, and bask in the greatness of the best mountain lakes on the East Coast this summer.

Related: East Coast USA: Complete Travel Guide

10 Iceberg Lake, Montana

As the name might suggest, Iceberg Lake is an outstanding body of water formed by the melting of several glaciers thousands of years ago. In fact, the lake is part of many other bodies of water and forest within the Glacier National Park in Montana (which people can drive to for a road trip) , with Iceberg Lake being the most popular by far thanks to the widely diverse scenery it provides of the surrounding Glacier Peaks and the challenging trails that are mostly fitted for already experienced hikers.

• Where: At the end of Iceberg Lake Trailhead

Due to the low temperatures of the water throughout the year, visitors are discouraged from hopping in for a swim due to the risk of hypothermia.

9 Maroon Lake, Colorado

Complementing colorful Colorado's most breathtaking lakes , Maroon Lake is the cherry on top of the Maroon Bells in the Elk Mountains range. The lake does much more than just serve as a tourist attraction, as it's also an irrigation source under the Logan River water supply scheme. This means that water must remain clean at all times, and swimming in the lake has been made illegal under all circumstances.

• Where: Colorado 81611, USA

8 Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah Line

Ever wanted to go to a smaller version of the Great Canyon that's filled with water? Lake Powell is a huge artificial reservoir sourced from the Colorado River, located in the shared region between Arizona and Utah. Before the dam wall was built in 1956, and it was filled with water, the lake area was known as Glen Canyon, which is famous for its intense landscapes described as a " wonderland of grottoes, spires, cliffs, and grottoes ". The lake is also part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which offers all sorts of exploration activities for visitors to enjoy, like cruising the hills on an ATV and discovering the many animal species that call the lake home.

• Where: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Related: 14 Perfect East Coast Destinations For A Road Trip

7 Sawtooth Lake, Idaho

Surrounded by challenging, lengthy, and rewarding hiking trails that manage to show off the best of both the clear water and the Sawtooth Mountains, Sawtooth Lake is the perfect detour for anyone making a stop at Twin Falls, Idaho, which offers plenty to do .

Although the main focus of the lake is a well-deserved resting spot for hikers, other activities are also available for visitors, such as fishing, camping, rafting, and even relaxing in one of the nearby natural hot springs. With stunning scenery and superb outdoor activities available, this spot is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes on the East Coast for a summer vacation.

• Where: Idaho 83637, USA

6 Lake Blanche, Utah

As a sweet release within the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area, Lake Blanche is a salt lake surrounded by plentiful forests, calm trails, and imposing mountains to frame a perfectly charming valley. Due to most of the hiking trails being well-marked, having little to no steepness, and more than enough walking room, they're perfectly accessible for anyone who would want to traverse around this East Coast mountain lake during summer when the terrain is most predictable.

• Where: Forest Trail 020, Salt Lake City, UT 84121

5 Dream Lake, Colorado

Dream Lake is one of the best mountain lakes East Coast destinations have to offer; it's a chilly and sunny summer vacation destination, honoring its name by being an idyllic high alpine lake among the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado (stunning parts of which are near Denver) . It rewards visitors after a short and easy hike with plentiful trees and beautiful waters that are actually open to swimming at, as long as visitors are okay with temperatures of around 35 °F.

• Where: Rocky Mountain National Park

The Dream Lake trail is a popular one, so be sure to arrive early to avoid crowded paths.

4 Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

With an overall area of almost 87,000 acres, Yellowstone Lake stands as the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. Thanks to its size and the amount of fish that inhabit the waters, visitors are more than welcome to jump in a boat and try their luck at catching the many trouts. The shores also offer great clearings to allow overnight camping, as long as campers follow all the necessary rules and are wary of the animals that roam Yellowstone.

• Where: Yellowstone National Park

An excellent spot to learn more about the apex animals in the park is the Yellowstone Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center .

Related: 10 Best Chicago Tourist Spots You Should See This Summer

3 Lake Tahoe, California

There's one thing that very clearly puts Lake Tahoe above other lakes, and that is the fact that it's one of the most pure bodies of water in the whole world. To put it into perspective, commercially distilled water is 99.998% pure, whereas water in Lake Tahoe is 99.994% pure . This is mainly because 40% of the rain that falls in the basin goes directly into the lake, and the surrounding marshes and meadows do great work at filtering any impurities that may end up making their way into the lake.

Anyone planning to visit the lake will be delighted to know that it's completely allowed for people to take a swim in the deep blue waters, as long as they don't mind getting a bit chilly.

• Where: Between California and Nevada's State line

2 Saint Mary Lake, Montana

Sharing the same region as Iceberg Lake, within the Glacier National Park area, Saint Mary Lake is the second-largest body of water in the park, but that doesn't mean that it's any less magnificent than the largest one. Saint Mary is one of the many beautiful locations in Montana to visit in spring , summer, fall, and winter, where visitors can enjoy a natural setting surrounded by calmness and the sound of birds chirping in the distance. Recreational fishing and boating are allowed in the lake, which just adds another level to the experience by being able to just float the day away among the mountains of the park.

• Where: Glacier National Park

1 Crater Lake, Oregon

Ever wanted to journey to a stunning blue lake that was formed on top of a sleeping volcano? It might be an odd description, but it's what best defines Crater Lake. Formerly known as Mount Mazama , the volcano's biggest eruption roughly 7,700 years ago led to most of the mountain collapsing, making room for rainwater and snow to fill up the hole that was left, creating this beautiful lake. Indeed, there are many amazing facts about Crater Lake , but how it was formed is undeniably the most incredible.

Due to really low temperatures throughout most of the year, summer is the best time to visit the summit into this mountain lake on the East Coast, allowing for hikes and strolls without the hassle of the snow.

• Where: Crater Lake National Park

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10 of the Best Small Towns on the East Coast

From Maine to Florida, these small towns have big appeal.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

These days, small towns in America are having a moment in the spotlight. Travelers are looking beyond the bright lights of cities like Boston and New York and seeking out places with a lower concentration of visitors and easier access to the outdoors. With this shift, folks are experiencing another side of the country — one with plenty of elbow room.

So, whether you're looking for an accessible domestic destination or a new town to call home, we've compiled some of the best small towns on the East Coast to make your search a little easier.

Aurora, New York

Heather Ainsworth/Travel + Leisure

It doesn't get much smaller — or more beautiful — than Aurora. With a year-round population of less than 700 people, this tiny village on Cayuga Lake is just over four hours from New York City and Philadelphia.

If you're here to put up your feet and relax lakeside, head to The Inns of Aurora , a luxury boutique resort with in-room fireplaces, semi-private balconies, and stunning views of the lake. Here, you can kayak, book a private yoga class, or sip a glass of wine in an Adirondack chair overlooking the water. When you're ready to check out the local area, make your way north to the town of Union Springs and book a wine tasting at Heart & Hands Wine Company , or explore downtown Aurora and grab a bite and beer at Fargo Bar & Grill .

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Only accessible by boat and air, this island off the coast of Massachusetts is no stranger to visitors — and once you arrive, you'll see why. The island is home to six small towns and plenty of things to do. Spend the day lounging by the water at South Beach or exploring Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge — a barrier beach with a sandy shoreline, plenty of hiking, and the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

There's something thrilling about standing on the battleground that led to a turning point in the Civil War or imagining Abraham Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address to war-weary soldiers. That's all the norm in Gettysburg, arguably one of the most historically significant towns in the U.S.

But just because you're not a history buff doesn't mean Gettysburg shouldn't be on your travel wish list. Book a stay at the downtown Union Hotel and load up on their in-room breakfast baskets before you start the day. Then, after some exploration, wind down with a craft cocktail at the Mason Dixon Distillery .

Mystic, Connecticut

This seaside town sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, and as you'd expect, fully celebrates and embraces the maritime way of life. You can rent a paddleboard and enjoy views of Mystic from the water or take a cruise up the river in a classic wooden motorboat. When the sun starts to set, walk along the river park, then tuck into a plate of seafood at Red 36 , a waterfront restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio.

Kennebunkport, Maine

This coastal town sees more visitors in the summer months, but it's the sort of place you can visit throughout the year. On a warm day, hit the long sandy shores at Goose Rocks Beach or Arundel Beach, or ride one of the restored vintage streetcars at the Seashore Trolley Museum when the temperatures dip. Either way, top off the day with a lobster roll and stroll through the town's shops and galleries.

Beaufort, South Carolina

South Carolina's Hilton Head Island gets most of the attention, but the lesser-known Port Royal Island is just as beautiful. Namely, the island town of Beaufort has a historic district well worth a visit. After you've had your fill of sightseeing, grab dinner at Saltus River Grill , followed by ice cream at YoYo's and a walk through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Hot Springs, North Carolina

As its name suggests, this small town is all about the area's natural hot springs. Book a stay at Broadwing Farm Cabins and spend your day oscillating between soaking in the mineral water and exploring the organic farmland. When you've had enough water, lace up your hiking boots and hit part of the Appalachian Trail or walk around the town's tiny downtown area and grab a beer at the Iron Horse Station .

Cape May, New Jersey

This seaside resort town at the tip of southern New Jersey's Cape May peninsula is all about the beaches. But before you post up, check out the town's old Victorian houses and wander around the Washington Street Mall for beach day provisions. Before you leave, dedicate a morning to climbing the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse . We promise, the panoramic views are well worth the effort.

Meredith, New Hampshire

Meredith is one of those unbearably cute East Coast towns — especially in the autumn, when the fall colors pop . But this lakefront community has a lot more going for it than beautiful fall foliage. The town is nestled on Lake Winnipesaukee in the foothills of the White Mountains and is home to the M/S Mount Washington . For a perfect Meredith day, kayak to the nearby Stonedam Island and book a sunset dinner cruise on the ship.

Marathon, Florida

When it comes to coastal living, Marathon is hard to top. Not only is the town spread across 13 islands (how dreamy is that?), but it has direct access to a barrier reef, renowned deep-sea fishing, and a string of waterfront restaurants. As you might expect from a marine town, Marathon has plenty of beaches known for welcoming nesting loggerhead turtles.

19 Ultimate Best Lake Towns On The East Coast

The East Coast of the United States is home to countless beautiful destinations, each with its own unique charm and character. However, for those seeking a tranquil escape surrounded by nature and breathtaking views, there is no better place than a charming lake town. From the picturesque mountains of Vermont to the sandy shores of Florida, the East Coast boasts some of the most stunning lake towns in the country. In this article, we will take a closer look at 19 of the ultimate best lake towns on the East Coast that are sure to leave you in awe and longing for a peaceful lakeside getaway, especially during the fall foliage season. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore these hidden gems that offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

The 19 Top Lake Towns on the East Coast

Here are the top lake towns that you should consider for your next East Coast lake vacation or to live in permanently. The lake towns discussed below also have the best lakes on the East Coast:

1. Lake Placid, New York

First on the list is Lake Placid, New York. This charming lake town is famous for its pristine lake,  Lake Placid , which hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Visitors can indulge in outdoor recreation activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, Lake Placid also offers opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Lake Placid is surrounded by the stunning Adirondack Mountains , offering breathtaking views and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you want to explore the lake by boat, hike the nearby trails, or challenge yourself with some rock climbing, Lake Placid is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Placid is widely considered one of the best lake towns to live in on the East Coast due to its high quality of life and the abundance of nature and outdoor activities.

Related :  14 Best Mountain Towns to Live in on the East Coast

2. Lake George, New York

Next up is Lake George, New York, often referred to as the “Queen of American Lakes.” This picturesque lake town is surrounded by the stunning Adirondack Mountains and offers a wide range of water activities. Visitors can swim, boat, fish, or simply relax on the sandy beaches. The lake is also home to several charming lakeside towns, where visitors can explore boutique shops, dine at waterfront restaurants, and enjoy live music. With its scenic beauty and abundance of water activities, Lake George is a popular destination for families , couples, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Related : 29 Affordable Family Vacation Spots on the East Coast

3. Meredith, New Hampshire

Nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee , Meredith, New Hampshire, is a charming lake town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake, or simply relax on the sandy beaches. The town is also home to popular attractions like Weirs Beach, where visitors can enjoy water sports, picnics, and live entertainment. In the winter months, ice skating, ice fishing, and other winter activities are popular on the frozen lake. With its stunning lake views, charming downtown area, and abundance of outdoor activities, Meredith is a top choice for a winter lake vacation in New Hampshire.

4. Rangeley, Maine

Located in the western part of Maine, Rangeley is a small town known for its natural beauty and recreational activities. The town is situated near  Moosehead Lake , the largest lake in the state, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports. Rangeley is also surrounded by mountains, offering opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. The town itself has a charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or simply a peaceful retreat, Rangeley is a hidden gem among East Coast lake towns.

5. Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is a charming town that boasts Lake Winnipesaukee , offering a plethora of water activities. From boating to fishing, this freshwater lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Wolfeboro is known for its quaint vibe and friendly locals, making it a perfect escape from city life. Explore the bustling main street or enjoy a leisurely stroll along miles of scenic shoreline. With picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere, Wolfeboro is truly a gem of the East Coast lake towns.

6. Skaneateles, New York

Skaneateles, New York, is a charming small town located on the shores of Skaneateles Lake , one of the  Finger Lakes . Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty, Skaneateles is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. The town is also home to several wineries, offering wine-tasting experiences and vineyard tours. Visitors can explore the quaint downtown area, which is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. With its small-town charm and natural beauty, Skaneateles is a hidden gem among East Coast lake towns.

7. Chautauqua, New York

Chautauqua, New York, is a unique lake town known for its cultural and educational activities. The town is located on  Chautauqua Lake , which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Chautauqua Institution, a world-renowned center for the arts, is a major attraction in the town. Visitors can enjoy live performances, lectures, and workshops on a wide range of topics. The town also has a charming downtown area with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Whether you’re interested in the arts, education, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the lake, Chautauqua offers a one-of-a-kind lake vacation experience.

8. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont, is a vibrant lake town located on the shores of  Lake Champlain . The town is known for its lively arts scene, outdoor activities, and stunning lake views. Visitors can explore the Burlington Bike Path, a scenic trail that runs along the lake and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The town is also home to several parks and beaches, perfect for picnics, swimming, and sunbathing. Burlington is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and water sports. With its vibrant downtown area and beautiful lakefront setting, Burlington is a must-visit lake town in Vermont.

9. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, is a popular lake vacation destination known for its water sports and outdoor activities. The lake offers opportunities for boating, jet-skiing, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also explore the surrounding state parks, which offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping sites. Deep Creek Lake is a great destination for families, with its wide range of recreational activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Deep Creek Lake has something to offer for everyone.

10. Canandaigua, New York

Canandaigua, New York, is a charming lake town located on the shores of  Canandaigua Lake , one of the Finger Lakes. The town is known for its beautiful lake views, wineries, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at the local vineyards, explore the quaint downtown area, or take a boat tour of the lake. Canandaigua Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Finger Lakes region, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. With its scenic beauty and variety of attractions, Canandaigua is a top choice for a lake vacation in New York.

11. Lake Lure, North Carolina

Lake Lure, North Carolina, is a picturesque lake town known for its stunning panoramic views and crystal-clear waters. The town gained fame as the filming location for the movie “Dirty Dancing,” and visitors can still experience the magic of the movie by visiting the lake and the iconic “Dirty Dancing” bridge. Lake Lure offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, as well as scenic hiking trails and golf courses. With its natural beauty and charming small-town atmosphere, Lake Lure is a top choice for a lake vacation in North Carolina.

12. Lake Placid , Florida

Nestled in Florida, Lake Placid is a hidden gem for water enthusiasts. With its inviting waters and scenic charm, this town offers an array of recreational activities. From water skiing to fishing for largemouth bass, there’s something for everyone here. Not to mention the delightful water park for endless fun in the warmer months. Lake Placid, Florida is a true paradise for those seeking a laid-back lakeside escape, making it a prime spot for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy the serene beauty and water activities this town has to offer.

13. Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant lake town located on the shores of Lake Erie . The town offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the highlights of Erie is Presque Isle State Park, a 3,112-acre peninsula that offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and picnic on the park’s sandy beaches or explore the trails and observe the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. Erie is also home to the Erie Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s rich maritime history and the importance of bodies of water like Lake Erie. With its beautiful lake views and abundance of outdoor activities, Erie is a top choice for a lake vacation in Pennsylvania.

14. Greensboro, Georgia

Greensboro, Georgia, is a luxurious lake town located on the shores of  Lake Oconee . The town is known for its world-class golf courses and luxury resorts. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf at one of the championship courses, relax by the lake, or indulge in spa treatments and fine dining at the resorts. Lake Oconee offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, as well as scenic hiking trails and picnic areas. With its upscale amenities and beautiful lake views, Greensboro is a top choice for a luxurious lake vacation in Georgia.

15. Aurora, New York

Aurora, New York, is a charming lake town located on the shores of  Cayuga Lake . The town is known for its historic landmarks, scenic beauty, and proximity to wine trails. Visitors can explore the village’s historic buildings, including the Aurora Inn and the Wells College campus. Cayuga Lake is part of the Finger Lakes region and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The area is also home to several wineries and wine trails, where visitors can sample local wines and enjoy vineyard tours. With its rich history, natural beauty, and wine-country charm, Aurora is a delightful lake vacation spot in New York.

16. Clermont, Florida

Clermont, Florida, is a vibrant lake town located on the shores of  Lake Minneola . The town is known for its outdoor activities, including water sports, triathlon training, and a popular water park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the lake, or relax on the sandy beach. Clermont is also home to the National Training Center, which offers state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The town’s water park, Waterfront Park, is a popular destination for families and offers slides, pools, and splash pads. With its abundance of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions, Clermont is a top choice for a lake vacation in Florida.

17. White Lake, North Carolina

White Lake, North Carolina, is a hidden gem among East Coast lake towns. The town is located on the shores of White Lake, a crystal-clear lake known for its white sandy bottom. The lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and water sports, as well as fishing and picnicking along the shoreline. White Lake is also home to an amusement park, offering rides, games, and family-friendly attractions. With its natural beauty and variety of water activities, White Lake is a perfect destination for a lake vacation in North Carolina.

18. Vergennes, Vermont

Vergennes, Vermont, is a charming lake town located on the shores of Lake Champlain . The town is known for its small city charm, historic buildings, and beautiful lake views. Visitors can explore the downtown area, which is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Lake Champlain offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, as well as scenic hiking trails and picnic areas. Vergennes is also home to several historic sites, including the Vergennes Opera House and the Bixby Memorial Library. With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm, Vergennes is a top choice for a lake vacation in Vermont.

19. Greenville, Maine

Greenville, Maine, is a hidden gem among East Coast lake towns. The town is located on the shores of Moosehead Lake , the largest lake in the eastern US. Moosehead Lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and water sports. Greenville is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, including hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also take scenic flights over the lake and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm, Greenville is a perfect destination for a lake vacation in Maine.

As you explore the top lake towns on the East Coast, immerse yourself in the serene beauty and recreational opportunities each destination offers. Whether it’s the charming Lake Placid in New York or the picturesque Meredith in New Hampshire, there’s a perfect spot for every traveler. From water sports enthusiasts to history buffs, these towns cater to diverse interests. Plan your visit wisely based on the FAQs provided to make the most of your vacation. Don’t forget to share your experiences on social media and inspire others to embark on their own lake town adventures. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit lake towns on the east coast.

The best time to visit lake towns on the East Coast is during the summer months when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming, boating, and other water activities. The fall months offer stunning foliage views and are ideal for activities like hiking and enjoying outdoor festivals. In the winter, some lake towns offer ice fishing and winter sports.

Which Lake Towns are Best for Families?

Lake towns like  Lake George, New York, White Lake, North Carolina, and Clermont, Florida , are popular choices for families. These lake towns offer family-friendly amenities like water parks, public beaches, and a variety of recreational activities for all ages, including boating, swimming, and outdoor adventures.

Are there any Pet-Friendly Lake Towns?

Yes, many lake towns on the East Coast are pet-friendly. Towns like Lake Placid, New York, Lake George, New York, and Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, offer pet-friendly accommodations, walking trails, and outdoor recreational activities. Some state parks in these areas also allow pets on designated trails.

What Activities Are Available in East Coast Lake Towns?

East Coast lake towns offer a wide range of activities, including water sports like swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as hiking trails, mountain biking, and wine tasting at local vineyards. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, wildlife spotting, and exploring charming downtown areas.

How Do I Choose the Right Lake Town for My Vacation?

When choosing the right lake town for your vacation, consider factors like the activities offered, the accommodations available, the scenic beauty of the area, and local attractions. Research the lake towns in advance, read reviews, and decide what type of vacation experience you’re looking for before making a decision.

What Types of Accommodations are Available in Lake Towns?

Lake towns on the East Coast offer a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. Options include luxury resorts, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and camping sites. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly camping experience.

Can I Find Luxury Resorts in East Coast Lake Towns?

Yes, many East Coast lake towns offer luxury resorts with amenities like spa services, fine dining, golf courses, and waterfront views. Lake towns like Greensboro, Georgia, Lake George, New York, and Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, are known for their luxurious resorts and upscale amenities.

What are the Best Lake Towns for Water Sports?

Lake towns like Lake George, New York, Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, and Chautauqua, New York, are popular choices for water sports enthusiasts. These lake towns offer opportunities for jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, among other water activities.

Are There Lake Towns with Historical Significance on the East Coast?

Yes, several East Coast lake towns have historical significance and offer opportunities to explore colonial history, visit museums, and see historic landmarks. Lake towns like Aurora, New York, Meredith, New Hampshire, and Vergennes, Vermont, are known for their rich cultural heritage and historic sites.

How Can I Ensure a Sustainable Visit to East Coast Lake Towns?

To ensure a sustainable visit to East Coast lake towns, practice eco-friendly practices like reducing waste, supporting local businesses, and respecting natural resources. Many lake towns have conservation efforts in place, and visitors can contribute to sustainability by practicing responsible and green travel habits.

What Local Cuisines Should I Try in East Coast Lake Towns?

East Coast lake towns offer a variety of local cuisines to try, including fresh seafood, regional specialties, and farm-to-table dishes. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting at local wineries, where they can sample the region’s finest wines and learn about the winemaking process.

Are There Any Hidden Gems Among East Coast Lake Towns?

Yes, there are hidden gems among East Coast lake towns that offer unique attractions and a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience. Lake towns like Rangeley, Maine, Greenville, Maine, and White Lake, North Carolina, are lesser-known destinations that offer a charming and authentic experience away from the crowds.

What Should I Pack for a Trip to an East Coast Lake Town?

When packing for a trip to an East Coast lake town, consider the season and the activities you plan to engage in. Pack seasonal clothing, outdoor gear like hiking shoes and fishing gear, water shoes for water activities, and sun protection like sunscreen and hats.

What is the cleanest lake on the East Coast?

Well, if you’re looking for the cleanest lake on the East Coast, then you’ll definitely want to check out Lake George in upstate New York. Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George is not only stunningly beautiful with crystal clear waters and surrounded by picturesque mountains, but it’s also one of the cleanest lakes in the region. Thanks to strict environmental regulations and conservation efforts, the water quality in Lake George remains exceptionally high, making it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. So if you’re in need of some freshwater fun without worrying about murky waters or pollution, be sure to add Lake George to your list of must-visit spots on the East Coast.

What is the best lake town in the Northeast?

If you’re looking for the best lake town in the Northeast, look no further than the charming town of Lake Placid in upstate New York. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, this picturesque town is beloved for its stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. Whether you enjoy kayaking on Mirror Lake, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Lake Placid. Plus, with a vibrant downtown full of quaint shops and delicious restaurants, you’ll never run out of things to do. And let’s not forget about the town’s claim to fame as a two-time host of the Winter Olympics – adding an extra layer of history and excitement to this already perfect destination. 

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Ranked: America's Best East Coast Seaside Towns

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 22, 2024

Seaside splendour in the east

Spring has sprung in the 14 states on America's East Coast, known as the Atlantic Seaboard. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia boast tranquil shorelines and charming coastal communities perfect for visiting at this time of year. But which should be top of your wish list and why?

Read on as we rank the best East Coast seaside towns to visit this spring...

28. Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Just 12 miles from the historic city of Charleston, Isle of Palms features a gorgeous beach, marina, top sports facilities on and off the water, and lots of bars and cafes offering classic seaside fare such as ice cream and seafood – be sure to check out Long Island Cafe, a local stalwart that's been dishing out shrimp and grits, crab soup and East Coast oysters for nearly 40 years. Hotels and villa rentals are plentiful here, and if you come in spring, you'll get certain stretches of the seven-mile (11km) beach to yourself.

27. Solomons Island, Maryland

Exploring Solomons Island, located on the southern tip of Calvert County at the mouth of the Patuxent River, is easy if you love the great outdoors. Situated around a natural harbor, the scenic walks and shoreline strolls on offer here will not disappoint. Cruising on the river and bike rides are also popular – you'll be spoiled for choice on which route to take. Absorb the town's maritime past at the Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse; prepare to be wowed at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, where springtime brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'bloomin' marvelous,' and if art and ceramics are your bag, head to Carmen's Gallery.

26. Little Compton, Rhode Island

Originally called Sakonnet by the Indigenous Sakonnet people who inhabited the area in the 17th century, this coastal town in Newport County is packed with history and charm at every turn. A handful of 17th-century buildings still remain, including the museum complex Wilbor House. But come spring, take advantage of being outside again with a walk along one of the state's most scenic spots, Goosewing Beach Preserve. The town's pretty Sakonnet Point Marina (pictured) makes for an ideal wander in the springtime sun. 

25. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Once a winter retreat stomping ground for America's wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, nowadays anyone and everyone can enjoy Jekyll Island's rugged beauty. Marshes teeming with life, maritime forest featuring grand oaks draped in moss and 10 miles of white sands offer visitors a unique mix of experiences. Perhaps the most famous site is Driftwood Beach (pictured), littered with weathered trees that make a perfect backdrop for a photo or two. The pleasant climate makes spring the ideal time to enjoy this barrier island. 

24. Bristol, Rhode Island

Named after the city in southwest England, Rhode Island's version is also known for its maritime history. Among its boat building sites and beautiful beaches, Bristol also showcases manicured gardens in full bloom come spring, hiking trails, ancient stone walls and more at the sprawling 464-acre Colt State Park, a stark contrast to the compact seaport town. The historic Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (pictured) has stood watch over Narragansett Bay since 1855. It retired in 1927 when construction started on Mount Hope Bridge nearby, and is now available to rent on Airbnb.

23. Edenton, North Carolina

As the first colonial capital of North Carolina, there is a definite air of history as you walk around the alluring coastal town of Edenton. The shores of Edenton Bay are dotted with hundreds of 18th-century homes and historical landmarks, including churches and the oldest operating colonial courthouse in North America: the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. These waterfront beauties together with Southern hospitality and mild temperatures make a springtime trip unforgettable. Be sure to take a trolley tour through the town's 300-year history, where sights include the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (pictured).

22. Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City's long stretches of sandy beach, iconic boardwalk and amusement park rides have been attracting families since 1875. Being a typical seaside town, it gets pretty overcrowded in summer, making spring an ideal time to visit. The boardwalk itself showcases incredible ocean views but you'll be distracted by its funfair rides, shops and century-old food stalls, including Dolles Candyland which has been dishing out saltwater taffy, caramel popcorn and homemade fudge since 1910. Visit in May for its annual Springfest, a four-day celebration of fun featuring live music, tasty treats and stalls filled with fine arts and crafts to take home as souvenirs.

21. Onancock, Virginia

Surrounded on three sides by the Onancock Creek, this little town on Virginia's Eastern Shore is a big hit with boaters. And even if you don't have a vessel to dock, a stroll around the harbor in springtime is reason enough to visit. Explore the creek by kayak or paddleboard, or head into the center of town to learn about Onancock's long history at several sites including Hopkins and Bro Store, a landmark building on the waterfront; and Ker Place, a Federal period mansion restored to its original appearance in 1806.

20. Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Known for its quaint Victorian houses dotted on the beach, the small resort town of Ocean Grove enjoys a slow pace of life. The Great Auditorium, built in 90 days by shipbuilders back in 1894, is still going today. Although it attracts regular worshippers, it's also open to the public with plenty of reviews stating the organ music and acoustics are spectacular. A stroll down Main Avenue might be bad news for your bank balance with local art, jewelry and ceramics all vying for your attention, particularly at Main Avenue Galleria. The beautiful beach here reopens for the season on Memorial Day Weekend.

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19. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Despite its nickname, 'the nation's summer capital,' if you come to this charming coastal town in spring, you won't be disappointed. It has a lot to offer including Funland, a cute family-owned amusement park with a variety of rides, family-style games and a bustling arcade situated just off the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. While there are many glorious stretches of sand in the area, secluded Deauville Beach is probably the best for its clean, golden dunes. Nature enthusiasts should head to Gordons Pond for scenic walking and biking trails among the marsh areas, pine forests and freshwater lakes, with birdwatching opportunities aplenty. The 900-acre saltwater lagoon boasts some of the area's most stunning views.

18. Old Saybrook, Connecticut

One of the oldest towns in the state, whose history dates right back to 1635 when it was an independent colony, Old Saybrook is as pretty as it is historic. It's located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, and its coastal charm is evident in the beaches, forests and eclectic neighborhood. Both the main beach and Harvey's Beach reopen on Memorial Day weekend, offering fishing, boating and swimming. But you can soak up the springtime climes with a wander along the many paths and trails, including a stroll to Fort Saybrook Monument Park, which commemorates the first military fort in Connecticut. Don't leave without sampling fresh oysters from Liv's Oyster Bar on Main Street.

17. Greenport, New York

This former shipbuilding and whaling town is now one of the most popular destinations on Long Island's North Fork. Although the whaling ships have long gone, the nautical charm of Greenport is still evident in its vast display of boats bobbing in the harbor, themed shops and seafood-heavy restaurants. Spring marks the start of alfresco dining as temperatures start to rise. Claudio's, a venue that houses four restaurants in premier position on the waterfront, specializes in generous portions of caught-that-day seafood. The Tavern and Grill's lobster crispy rice is an obvious choice among loyal customers.

16. Stonington, Connecticut

It may be a small town but Stonington is loaded with nautical history. The pace here is slower than most coastal communities, and a stroll down the aptly named Water Street, which offers a quaint selection of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants, leads you to a breathtaking sunset perfectly aligned with the route. Harbor cruises start again in spring, while garden tours, parades and farmers' markets happen all year round. DuBois Beach on the southern tip of Water Street has a gentle surf, jetties for crabbing and an anchored dock. Walks here (from Memorial Day weekend onwards) are as tranquil as it gets.

15. Rye, New Hampshire

Having the longest coastline (17 miles) in New Hampshire is reason enough to visit Rye all year round, but come in spring to enjoy the historic town at a slower pace. There are several public beaches here but the favorite among locals is Wallis Sands State Beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing when the weather starts to warm up. The Seacoast Science Center, within Odiorne State Park, connects visitors to the wonders of the water through live exhibits, touch tanks and outdoor experiences, while the 330-acre state park itself offers water sports, hiking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas. Away from the ocean, there's plenty of nature to see in the marshes and wetlands that make up half of Rye's footprint. 

14. Carolina Beach, North Carolina

The golden sands and warm waters of Carolina Beach only add to the allure of what this coastal town offers its visitors. Its vintage boardwalk is packed with carnival rides including a carousel and Ferris wheel, amusements, arcades, ice cream shops and restaurants. The town is a great surfing destination, and each spring (mid-May), the Carolina Beach Longboard Club hosts a surf contest for all abilities. As the temperatures rise, sunset cruises and self-guided kayak tours are popular activities on the water.

13. Cape Charles, Virginia

A quiet yet quaint beach town on the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles combines history with seaside charm. You can access the beach at the end of every block, and it's the only public stretch of sand on the Eastern Shore that doesn't require an entrance fee. Further inland, you can learn about the former agricultural community's past and how it transformed into a bustling railroad town in the historic district and Cape Charles Museum. But when spring has sprung, venture outdoors and take part in water sports, indulge in fresh oysters down by the sea and take a stroll in the wildlife refuge, where you'll spot songbirds, raptors and Monarch butterflies, before they begin their migration at the end of summer.

12. Rockport, Maine

What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Rockport is considered the most picturesque coastal town in Maine and its stunning harbor, usually filled with bobbing yachts and schooners, is one of many reasons why visitors return again and again. Rockport thrives off its reputation as an artists' community, with plenty of galleries to welcome like-minded people. Outside, the pristine beaches and waterfront walks entice visitors, with a stop at Marine Park (pictured) high on most people's agendas. Spring is the perfect time to picnic here, without the crowds, where schooner trips, sunset cruises and, quite often, free jazz concerts are the order of the day. Look out for local resident Andre the (marble) seal, who will pose for a selfie with you.

11. Montauk, New York

Famous for fishing, surfing, hiking, horseback riding trails, six state parks, beach access and water sports aplenty, Montauk, at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the state's famous cities. People flock here all year round, but spring offers the chance to get back out on the water, as temperatures rise and crowds disperse. Nature trails will lead you to Montauk Lighthouse (pictured) and the most eastern point in New York state, in Montauk Point State Park, while a trek up the bluffs to Shadmoor State Park will reward you with stunning views over the Atlantic.

10. Palm Beach, Florida

It may be a playground for the rich and famous but this south Florida town welcomes visitors with palm tree-lined roads and scenery that looks too good to be true. Exquisite mansions and historic landmarks sit side by side, with Gilded Age architecture vying for your attention. In spring especially, the beaches here are spectacular, with the usual hordes of tourists flocking in summer and winter instead. Be sure to experience the grandeur of the Flagler Museum, and no visit to Palm Beach is complete without a stroll down Worth Avenue, an upmarket shopping district featuring luxury boutiques and alfresco dining.

9. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Founded in 1623, this vibrant seaside town sits pretty along the Piscataqua River. And we're not just talking about the colorful houses. In spring, Portsmouth's public gardens, bike trails and parks come alive. The glorious display of tulips at Prescott Park, overlooking the harbor, will feature heavily on your camera roll, while the scent of lilac, the state flower, will fill the air as they continue to bloom until the end of May. Pop inside the Strawbery Banke Museum to learn about the port town's evolution over the last four centuries and take a harbor trail tour to delve deeper into the maritime past. 

8. Cape May, New Jersey

This bustling seaside resort sits at the very tip of its namesake peninsula in southern New Jersey. You'll spot Victorian architecture at every turn as colorful ornate homes, restaurants and shops line Washington Street, the area's main thoroughfare. The shopping mall is one draw to the area (and will be less busy in spring) but visitors come for the idyllic beaches and boardwalks. Summer can be overcrowded, so make the most of the earlier season and relax on the sands, or get your culture on at Cape May's many historic sites, including the 19th-century lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park. Climb the 199 steps to the top and you'll be rewarded with epic views across Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Fenwick Island, Delaware

Not many beach towns can boast about having a state park right next door. But Fenwick Island on the east coast of Delaware has its namesake offering plenty of its own attractions to visitors such as sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding off the shores of Little Assawoman Bay. However, the resort town has a typical easy-going vibe where kids and adults alike are catered for. The Shipwreck Museum and Seaside Country Store (the homemade fudge makes a great gift) are must-visits, while youngsters can go wild on go-karts, crazy golf and the water slides of Thunder Lagoon Waterpark. If relaxing is more your thing, the three-mile sandy stretch is a huge draw and will be much quieter in spring.

6. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Beaches are the selling point of this picturesque coastal island-town, just off Cape Cod. And while beaches are synonymous with summer, a visit here in spring brings a whole new adventure. For a start, you'll have more of the sands to yourself, boutique-style shops are quieter, the unique island climate is fresher, and the parks, trails and scenic spots are easier to navigate with less people. Drop by the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where a self-guided tour helps you learn about the demanding and dangerous trade of 18th-century whaling. A stroll along Sconset Bluff Walk provides incredible ocean views and even lets you into the back yards of residents' beautiful houses.

5. Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Rural seaside charm abounds in this little town, which mostly sits in the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. Known for its famous oysters, Wellfleet has miles of ocean and bay-side beaches, spring-fed ponds, a beautiful harbor with an ever-changing vista of sailboats, yachts and trawlers bobbing off shore, plus shops, restaurants and galleries ready to welcome locals and tourists alike. The population of the two-mile fishing town quadruples in summer, making the allure of a springtime break even more tempting. 

4. St. Simons Island, Georgia

One of the biggest barrier islands in Georgia, St Simons Island is renowned for its water sports from fishing to kayaking. The town is also a hub for creativity where art galleries, antiques shops and live music appeal to visitors, especially come spring when the weather starts to warm up. St Simons' storied past is unveiled in historical landmarks such as the World War II Home Front Museum, the site of a coast guard station during the Second World War; and Fort Frederica National Monument, an archaeological site dating back to 1736. A trolley tour will delve further into the island's 400-year history. The beaches here are stunning, while 20 miles of cycle paths make getting around a breeze. 

3. Ogunquit, Maine

Just an hour away from Boston, this beautiful seaside location is particularly pretty in spring thanks to its fragrant aromas and vibrant blooms that dot the coastal paths and hiking trails across the area. Want some quiet beach time before the crowds turn up? Head to Ogunquit's namesake sands – 3.5 miles long and dubbed the 'loveliest beach in New England' by visitors. Boutique shops, art galleries and top-notch cafes and restaurants make up Ogunquit's walkable downtown, while Perkins Cove (pictured), a small fishing village in the south, offers picture-postcard views at every turn.

2. Clearwater, Florida

Although technically a city, Clearwater in Florida's Tampa Bay area has a small-town feel. Its stunning white-sand beach is repeatedly voted the best in the US, and once you set foot on it, you'll see why. Flanked by beautiful hotels and apartments, incredible restaurants and beachfront bars serving up grouper tacos washed down with white sangria, there is a definite vacation vibe even in spring, when it's quieter. Clearwater's famous Pier 60 is a real highlight. Wander down to bag souvenirs, drinks and snacks before witnessing one of the best sunsets you'll ever see.

1. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Natural beauty is everywhere you turn in Hilton Head, situated on a boot-shaped barrier island of the same name on the eastern coast of South Carolina. There are 12 miles of pristine white-sand beaches, picturesque tidal creeks, wildlife in abundance and a mild climate all year round, resulting in a mix of classic small-town charm and coastal elegance. Families are drawn here thanks to the many child-friendly activities on offer, such as whale watching, an interactive children's museum, parks and playgrounds. Its foodie scene is also a worthy pull; the town boasts more than 250 restaurants dishing up fine dining, home-cooked favorites and plenty of the state's famous shrimp.

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The 21 Wildest East Coast Beaches

Not all stretches of sand are created equal. These are the Atlantic’s best, most adventurous shorelines, from Maine to Florida.

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If you’ve ever lived along the East Coast, there’s a secret that all curious, outdoorsy people soon discover: the wildest, most deserted places are often those abutting the Atlantic. That’s right, the best East Coast beaches can be every bit as remote-feeling as Western landscapes. This is easier to comprehend when you realize that the East Coast has roughly 30,000 miles of coastline. (The entire Pacific Coast, by contrast, has 7,863.)

This revelation came to me early, while exploring New England in my twenties, and re-confirmed it in my 30s and 40s, as I looked to escape New York City on weekends. Since then, I’ve driven as far as Maine and North Carolina’s Outer Banks—roughly eight hours in either direction—from NYC to explore an “undiscovered” beaches and maybe catch a fish or two. I’ve also road tripped all over the south’s Lowcountry looking for an empty stretch of sand, and have spent way too much time on Florida’s Atlantic Coast trying to to catch a redfish or bonefish on a fly rod.

Look, I’m not foolish enough to think anyone can be an “expert” on 30,000 miles worth of barrier islands, salt marshes, and tiny beachside communities. But I’ve explored enough to say with confidence that there are some wild damn places out there, and I’ve been lucky enough to discover a few that are well worth a visit.

Here are just a handful of my favorites. This list also includes a mix of both remote, undeveloped gems and impossible-to-ignore standbys that are great simply because of their, well…beach vibes. It’s a whole thing, and any town that has it, like Cape May, New Jersey, or Folly Beach, South Carolina, is worth a look-see, too. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of these beaches, as long as you’re packing some sunscreen (and maybe a bottle of bug spray for the real remote ones).

Best Beaches in Maine

Sand beach, maine.

Location: Twelve miles south of Bar Harbor Why We Love It: Soft sand surrounded by the coniferous forest of Acadia National Park

This is probably Maine’s most iconic beach —a pocket of white sand framed by rocky shorelines and wind-flagged trees—and one of the most beautiful beaches in U.S. National Parks . For New Englanders, Sand Beach is well-known—for good reason. It’s one of the few sandy beaches in this part of the state (hence the name), and it’s sheltered just enough from the wind that it’s often perfect for sunbathing on a warm day. In the summer months, there’s even a lifeguard on duty. This all means that it’s popular and you can expect crowds in July and August. Even then, only a handful of people venture into the water, because its temperature usually peaks south of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you’re willing to brave the cold Atlantic, swimming here can be good. Despite its popularity, it can even feel secluded on the right day. There’s also hiking and paddling in nearby Acadia. One of the more difficult and popular treks is Beehive Trail , a 1.4-mile loop that ascends 450 feet and offers stunning views of the below.

Know Before You Go: Even though it’s inside Acadia National Park, there is no fee to access the beach. The parking lot, however, occasionally fills up on busy weekend days, so it’s best to arrive early.

Bonus Beach: Roque Bluffs State Park, Maine

Location: In the heart of Down East Maine, eight miles from the small town of Machias Best For: A choose-your-own-adventure swim, either in the cold ocean waters or in a freshwater pond

The bulk of this 274-acre park is a half-mile crescent of sand and pebbles that divides the shallow waters of 60-acre Simpson Pond from Englishman Bay. In the heat of summer, it’s possible to swim in either—or both, a plunge in the brisk saltwater followed by the comparably warm waters of Simpson Pond. While it’s great for a plunge, this is not a lounging beach, to be clear, as the pebbles make laying on a beach towel uncomfortable. But Roque Bluffs does offer a relaxing stroll with dramatic views of rugged islands jutting out of the ocean waters. There’s also a series of short trails in the fields and woodlands inside the park, with an excellent vantage point of Pond Cove and Great Cove. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a dip.

Best Beach in New Hampshire

Seabrook beach, new hampshire.

Location: 15 miles South of Portsmouth, near the border with Massachusetts Why We Love It: A quieter alternative to its more bustling neighbors, with pristine sands

New Hampshire has the shortest coastline in the U.S. at just 18 miles, but it packs some excellent beaches into that stretch. Its most famous is Hampton Beach, a classic New England destination with white sand, long boardwalks, and a circus-like atmosphere, thanks to its string of arcades. Much better is Seabrook Beach, across the inlet from Hampton, with impossibly white sand, consistent waves, and none of the crowds. By comparison, it feels hidden, serene, and impossibly quaint. There’s a reason for this: parking is nearly impossible to find because it’s prohibited without a resident parking permit. But if you make it here, you’ll have a wide expanse of sand to stroll along or set up an umbrella. The surfing is good here, and the dunes make it seem wild, even if you’re only a few minutes to the Hampton Beach circus.

Know Before You Go: To get around the parking, take an Uber or ride a bike from the town of Seabrook, less than 5 miles away. You can also pay for parking at Hampton Beach and walk across Hampton Bridge, then down to Seabrook, a little over a mile walk.

Best Beaches in Massachusetts

Cape cod national seashore, massachusetts.

Location: The Outer Cape, roughly 90 miles from downtown Boston Why We Love It: Unparalleled, wide-open stretches of soft sand and wind-swept dunes

No list like this would be complete without including Cape Cod National Seashore , 40 miles of pristine beaches, freshwater ponds, and high dunes interspersed by lighthouses, cranberry bogs, and hiking trails. The recreational opportunities are practically endless, and whole books have been written about how to make the most of the beaches here. But if you want a down-and-dirty guide for newbies, this is it. Coast Guard Beach, in the town of Eastham, is one of the most popular beaches because it’s great for lounging and swimming on the Atlantic side, and it also offers paddling in nearby Nauset Bay or Salt Pond Bay. If you want to feel like you’re walking off the Eastern Seaboard, head to Marconi Beach, with sweeping Atlantic views. Hiking along the bluffs here will make you feel as if you could see a white whale at any moment.

Know Before You Go: Traffic headed to the Cape is infamous on summer weekends, so if you go during peak times, it’s best to stay overnight or through the weekend. (Or instead, go during the week.) If you do stay overnight, Provincetown, despite its crowds and high price tags, is worth the added cost. This artist colony and LGBTQ+ capital is brimming with verve and quirkiness and the energy it adds to a vacation is a perfect complement to days spent in the salt and sand.

Bonus Beach: Crane Beach, Massachusetts

Location: Five miles from the town of Ipswich, 30 miles north of Boston Best For: Escaping the crowds and enjoying a slice of bucolic New England on your way to the beach

Cape Cod gets nearly all of the beach attention in Massachusetts, but this one, on the North Shore, features four miles of pristine shoreline backed by tall dunes and salt marshes. It can get busy on a summer weekend, but otherwise offers a peaceful opportunity for walking on the sand, hiking five miles worth of trails through the dunes, birdwatching, and paddling in the nearby Ipswich River or Essex Bay. Beach passes are required and can be purchased in advance . If you come, don’t leave before checking out Castle Hill on the Crane Estate , a palace-like summer estate built for industrialist Richard Teller Crane Jr., with impeccably maintained gardens and a rolling grass lawn stretching to the water.

Best Beach in Rhode Island

Sachuest beach, rhode island.

Location: In Middletown, next door to Newport Why We Love It: A city-person’s beach that has a good hike within walking distance

Locals call this mile-long stretch of sand on the southeastern shore of Aquidneck Island Second Beach , but it is anything but secondary. Not only does it have great swimming and sunbathing, the western flank of Sachuest, called Surfer’s End, is known for its consistent swells. If you get bored sunbathing on the beach, you can also easily walk to the eastern end, which is the beginning of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge , with three miles of trails. Birdwatchers are common here because of the diversity of species, including the second largest wintering population of harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast. It also has great fishing from shore, including an active night fishing permit system for striped bass.

Know Before You Go: This is a full-service beach, with concession stands, bathrooms, grills, etc., so don’t expect pristine wildlands—or to be by yourself. Rent a surfboard from the rental area and, after your session, check out Gilded Age mansions in Newport.

Best Beaches in New York

Ditch plains park beach, new york.

Location: Two miles east of Montauk Village, on the far eastern end of Long Island Why We Love It: It’s home to one of the best surf breafks on the East Coast.

For many New Yorkers trekking out to the Hamptons, this two-mile beach is as much a part of summer weekends as Hampton Water rosé. That’s, in part, because Ditch Plains is such a great place to set up for a day in the sun, thanks to its swim-friendly waters  (depending on conditions) and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day (roughly). There’s also a food truck next to the beach, called Ditch Wich , that serves up some of the area’s best poke bowls and wraps. But the reason this beach is on this list is because of the surf break just offshore, which offers good waves in just about any swell direction. The lineup is notorious for getting crowded, but there are definitely days in the fall when, midweek, you can find yourself sharing swells with only one or two other surfers—or even snagging them all for yourself.

Know Before You Go: Parking in the lot next to the beach requires an East Hampton permit (available to residents only). In the summer, take an Uber/Lyft or, better yet, rent a cruiser bike in Montauk and ride here.

Bonus Beach: Napeague Beach, New York

Location: Between Amagansett and Montauk, on the east end of Long Island Best For: Getting a taste of what Long Island beaches felt like before the crowds invaded

Tucked off Highway 27 between the prim and proper Hamptons and the bustling beaches of Montauk lies one of the area’s great secrets: a two-mile stretch of sand that even locals overlook. Technically, it’s part of 1,364-acre Napeague State Park , but the beach here feels private, in part because it’s sandwiched between two neighborhoods who guard their sand with zeal. Napeague Beach is, however, open to the public, and it’s popular with 4x4ers that have beach driving permits . You can easily walk to the sand, however, by parking at a small, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot on the south side of Highway 27. This is where 4x4s access the beach, and you’ll have to walk from here through the dunes. Doing so only makes the empty beach feel that much more rewarding once you get a full view of the wind-swept dunes, with the occasional surfcaster chucking rigs far out into the ocean. Thanks to its remoteness, this beach is also popular with the endangered piping plover, so it’s often closed during summer nesting season. When it’s open, however—especially in fall—it can feel downright abandoned.

Best Beaches in New Jersey

Island beach state park, new jersey.

Location: Barnegat Peninsula, south of the town of Seaside Heights Why We Love It: White sand beaches in a wild landscape that feels frozen in time

Many New Jerseyans have never even been to this park, with 10 miles of sand dunes, maritime forests, and freshwater wetlands. That’s because this place is as far from the manicured sand, boardwalks, and hotdog stands as it gets. Island Beach State Park is proof that remote-feeling beaches can exist anywhere, even in New Jersey. In addition to being home to the state’s largest osprey colony, it’s frequented by peregrine falcons, waterfowl, shorebirds, and migrating songbirds. Fishermen flock here, too, whether they’re targeting the surf on the Atlantic side or casting in Barnegat Bay. There’s a designated swimming beach (called Ocean Swimming Beach), surfing, an area for kitesurfing, and even eight miles of trails. Sunbathing is really the only thing you shouldn’t do here, because you’ll be missing out on so much else.

Know Before You Go: One of the best recreational opportunities may be paddling from Island Beach into the Sedge Island Wildlife Management Area, one of New Jersey’s most productive wildlife habitats, with four different water trails to paddle through it.

Bonus Beach: Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Location: Cape May, on the far southern coast of the state Best For: Relaxing on manicured sand next to one of the most charming towns in all of New Jersey

This is the beach that many New Jerseyans will point to as their state’s best—and for good reason. The town of Cape May is lovely as hell, and downtown is adjacent to the main beach, with sugary sand that is raked cleaned nearly every day during summer, making it feel, well, pristine. It’s also welcoming, full of sunbathers and swimmers chilling out on the weekend, which is all part of the charm. This is a social beach, with the occasional fireworks show or movie on the beach night . If you want to sneak away from some of the crowds during the day, walk to the West, towards Cove Beach, which usually has more room to lay out an oversized beach towel (and great sunset views). There’s also plenty of activities nearby, including a few beach breaks good for groms, skimboarding, fishing, and paddling in the harbor.

Best Beach in Delaware

Delaware seashore state park beach, delaware.

Location: Seven miles south of Rehoboth Beach Why We Love It: Six miles of ocean-front sand and 20 miles of bay shoreline full of possibilities

This popular state park offers easy access to the junction of Indian River Bay, Rehoboth Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. As such, it is overflowing with activities: swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, hiking, paddling, crabbing, and camping, among others. There are two ocean swimming areas, patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season, and there’s a decent surf break at the Indian River Inlet , which can be great with some southerly wind protection (but is also challenging, thanks to its shallow water). If you want to stretch your legs, there’s a one-mile hiking trail through the adjacent Burton Island Nature Preserve , with raised boardwalks over the marshlands.

Know Before You Go: There’s a $5 daily entrance fee ($10 for nonresidents), but those fees help make this an extremely well-managed park, with great resources to help you plan practically any adventure, whether it’s birding, surfcasting, paddling, or something else.

Best Beach in Maryland

Assateague island national seashore, maryland & virginia.

Location: Maryland’s Eastern Shore, roughly 10 miles from Ocean City Why We Love It: 37 miles of remote dunes with herds of wild horses

There is no other place on the East Coast that demonstrates just how wild a coastline can be like this national seashore, which stretches across the Maryland and Virginia border. Assateague is one of the largest barrier islands on the eastern seaboard with uninterrupted coastal habitats, and it has become famous for its wild horses, which have been here for hundreds of years. If you want to see them, you’re probably better off  heading to the Maryland side or by booking a tour with a third-party organizer. There are two entrances, one in the north and one in the south, and there is no vehicle access between the two (other than by going back to the mainland). If you want to really explore the beaches—and you have a four-wheel drive rig—you can apply for and purchase an over-sand vehicle (OVS) permit , which allows you to access nearly the entire length of the beach . You can fish mile after mile of remote surf or just find an open stretch of sand to sit down and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Know Before You Go: Nearly every year, it seems, Assateague breaks its previous record for visitation, with 2.3 million people coming here in 2022 . So yes, expect to share the sand. The northern end of Assateague Island tends to be less busy than the southern end, but the surest way to get away from the crowds is with an OSV permit or by walking a few miles down the beach.

Best Beach in Virginia

False cape state park, virginia.

Location: Roughly 19 miles south of Virginia Beach Why We Love It: It remains one of the last undeveloped shorelines in this part of the Atlantic coast.

This is not the place to come if you’re hoping to lay out a towel and soak in some rays (there are no dedicated swimming areas, either), but it is one of Virginia’s most dramatic, and least visited, parks. Situated between Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the North Carolina border, False Cape State Park offers excellent stretches of open sand that are accessible only by hiking, biking, or boating to them. The reward is stunning coastal views, good surfcasting, and on the bay side, a maze of water trails to paddle. There are a series of hiking trails to choose from, too, which total 15.3 miles. These include Barbour Hill, a 1.42-mile self-guided trek through the dunes to the ocean. If you’re committed, there’s even a primitive camping program, which requires a hike into your site of anywhere from five to nine miles. But you’re almost guaranteed to be all alone.

Know Before You Go: The park operates a tram ($8 per person) that offers a four-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park, which is a good way to see the wildlife here without committing to a longer hike or adventure.

Best Beaches in North Carolina

Cape hatteras national seashore, north carolina.

Location: On the Outer Banks, along highway NC-12 Why We Love It: Iconic lighthouses, unparalleled surf, and vast natural habitats

It’s hard to think of a better beach for a list like this. In reality, though, this is an entire ecosystem, with 70 miles and 30,000 acres of grass-covered dunes, wide sand beaches, marshes, and woodlands that are home to some 400-plus bird species, among other critters. Sure, there will be crowds and traffic in summer, but it’s hard to find a more alluring coastline with so many activities. Surfing is excellent here, with regular swells at a range of spots, including Canadian Hole and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, both near the town of Buxton. It’s also very well established as a kite-surfing hotspot, with consistent winds blowing through Pamlico Sound (launch from Kite Point ). Fishing is great, too—both on the ocean and sound sides—and paddlers can explore the flat waters on the sound side as well, launching from the Oregon Inlet Kayak Launch. There are even three different hiking trails, including a nine-mile trek through the dunes and maritime forests on Hatteras Island. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine a better seashore for basically anything you want to do outside.

Know Before You Go : Cape Hatteras National Seashore is free to enter, but there are fees for just about everything else—off-road vehicle use, camping, and climbing the 200 steps to the top of Bodie Island Lighthouse, for example ( $10 per person ). Also, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a highlight for many people, is closed for at least the next year or two as it undergoes repairs.

Bonus Beach: Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Location: In the southern Outer Banks , across the channel from Hatteras Island Best For: Getting away from it all

Technically, this 13-mile-long barrier island is part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, as most of it is managed by the park service, but it feels a world apart, thanks to its frozen-in-time quirkiness and just how raw the landscape feels. Ocracoke is also a testament to how going the extra mile is totally worth it. The island is only accessible by ferry , which makes the beaches here much, much less crowded. It can often feel as  if you’re alone, especially in early fall. For surfing, the beach near Ocracoke Inlet offers consistent waves, and fishermen can surfcast along the Atlantic shores or set up on the sound-side shoreline, like at South Point. Hammock Hills Nature Trail offers a good walk for hikers. There’s even a herd of ponies managed by the park service that are descendants of wild horses that have lived on the island since the 17th or 18th century, give or take a 100 years.

Best Beaches in South Carolina

Folly beach, south carolina.

Location: Twelve miles from downtown Charleston, on Folly Island Why We Love It: An eclectic mix of Southern charm and seaside cool that’s hard to find anywhere else

Folly Beach is no secret—tourists have been coming here for generations—but this 12-square-mile barrier island is the epitome of what a great seaside community should be. “Beaching” is just a way of life here, which makes the whole thing irresistible, even if you’re just walking down the fishing pier. Of course, there’s a reason people flock here: six miles of white sand, palm trees, and warm Atlantic waters ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and, of course, surfing. Folly’s most famous break is the Washout, known for kicking up some of the best waves on the East Coast. There’s also plenty of other outdoor activities, from kayaking and SUPing through the marshes on the Folly River side of the island to riding a cruiser bike around town. Folly Beach can be a bit of a scene at night, but that also makes it great for snagging some beach town energy and good eats, from fresh seafood to beachside tacos. There’s perhaps no better place to escape reality for a weekend (or two).

Know Before You Go: While surfing at Folly Beach is better in the winter, the summer months are the prime time for live music, festivals, outdoor movies, and crowds, making it the best time to experience its full intensity. Parking can be a challenge, so if you’re only coming for a weekend day, it’s best to rideshare.

Bonus Beach: Hunting Island State Park Beach, South Carolina

Location: 15 miles east of the town Beaufort, and roughly 90 miles south of Charleston Best For: A beach trip that’s as much about outdoor adventures as lying on the sand

Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina’s most popular park—5,000 acres of pristine Lowcountry that’s full of salt marshes, palmetto and live oak forests, and a four-mile-long stretch of white sand. Even with the crowds on a summer weekend, however, this barrier island feels pristine, as it’s almost totally undeveloped. And if you come on a weekday (or, better yet, in the fall,), it’ll feel downright remote. There are a number of great hiking trails in the park, including the 1.9-mile Diamondback Rattlesnake Trail and the easy-peasy Marsh Boardwalk , which might be the best spot along the coast for taking in the sunset. There’s a 950-foot fishing pier, and paddling in the marshes surrounding the island. As for the beach, it doesn’t disappoint either, and if you walk to the southern end you can see Little Hunting Island Boneyard Beach, where skeletal remains of dead trees dot the sand.

Best Beaches in Georgia

Sapelo island, georgia.

Location: Roughly 75 miles south of Savannah, near the tiny town of Darien Why We Love It: Untouched natural beauty and a rich history on the South’s most overlooked coastline

Sapelo Island, the fourth largest barrier island in Georgia, is one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets. There are miles and miles of pristine beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes across this 12-mile-long island, which has hardly changed since the 1980s—or even the 1880s. While the landscape here is unforgettable, the island is mostly known for its unique history, being home to the Hog Hammock community, one of the South’s few remaining Gullah Geechee settlements , descendants of enslaved West Africans brought to work on plantations along the Atlantic coast. Today, there are roughly 70 people who live in Hog Hammock. Each of the island’s two most famous buildings, the R.J. Reynolds Mansion and the Sapelo Island Lighthouse, have over 200 years of history on the island, too. In short, if you want a place that’s perfect for disconnecting from the modern world, this is it. You can ride a bike down the empty streets, kayak to Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge (of Blackbeard pirate fame) for bird-watching, or simply stroll along the untouched shores—all of which can be mind-blowingly deserted. Nanny Goat Beach, for example, is completely wide-open sand with hardly a soul on it. It’s hard to believe a place like this even exists today.

Know Before You Go: This is not the place to come if you’re looking for a quick getaway. The only way to arrive at Sapelo is via a 30-minute ferry ride, provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources ( $5 per person ). Planning ahead is essential, as you’ll likely need to stay the night and there are very few places to crash. AirbnB may be your best bet or reserve a spot at Cabretta Campground . Locals still protect this island and its heritage as if it’s their own—because it is. A little respect goes a long way to making your visit feel rewarding.

Bonus Beach: Cumberland Island, Georgia

Location: On the far southern coast of Georgia, just across the water from Fernandina Beach, Florida Best For: Camping in one of the South’s most serene, untouched landscapes

Cumberland is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, and it’s easy to add another superlative to this list: wildest. This national seashore stretches over 17 miles of empty beaches, framed by majestic live oaks and palmettos, and is home to a population of feral horses, which you can often see passing by on the unpaved roads. The island’s isolation is its appeal, but there is plenty to do, too. There are wide sandy shores to walk on, ruins from Dungeness Mansion to explore, and an extensive network of trails to amble around on. Access to Cumberland Island is controlled via the National Park Service, and the easiest  way to get here is via a 45-minute ferry ride (and you’ll need an advanced permit if you plan to camp here). There are no stores and very limited facilities, so you also need to be self-sufficient. But the experience of camping under the stars with the sounds of the ocean and the sight of wild horses is simply unmatched.

Best Beaches in Florida

Cocoa beach, florida.

Location: A little over an hour East of Orlando, just a short drive from Kennedy Space Center Why We Love It: A surfer’s paradise with a laid-back atmosphere on Florida’s “Space Coast”

Cocoa Beach, with its endless stretches of soft, sandy beaches, and consistent waves no matter the season, is one of the East Coast’s most iconic beach destinations. No other city on the eastern seaboard is so well-known for its surfing and surf culture (it’s the hometown of Kelly Slater, after all). It lives up to the hype. There are waves for beginners and seasoned surfers alike, with the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier providing the perfect backdrop for those looking to simply enjoy the view of the lineups. The area is also steeped in space history, being just 20 miles to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. You can even watch a rocket launch from the beach if you time it right (check out the rocket launch calendar at the space center’s website). If you’re looking for slower-paced activities, there’s decent fishing from the pier and the Banana River is great for paddling. Windsurfing is common here, too, so there’s plenty going on, even without rocket ships to the moon.

Know Before You Go: It may seem like cheesy activity, but the nearby Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is totally worth the trip. The same can be said of the Ron Jon Surf Shop , which bills itself as the largest surf shop in the world, at 52,000 square feet.

Bonus Beach: Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida

Location: Florida’s central east coast, roughly 17 miles north of Vero Beach Best For: Surfing and fishing excursions

Sebastian Inlet State Park is well-known for its surf breaks and its fishing spots, which are both excellent on account of the park being situated where the Indian River flows into the Atlantic. The park’s First Peak and Monster Hole offer some of the best surf breaks on the East Coast and its waters are teeming with snook, redfish, and Spanish mackerel, making it a premier fishing destination. The Indian River Lagoon has calm waters that are good for paddling and there’s even a decent trail in the park to walk on, called Hammock Trail. There are, of course, long stretches of unspoiled sand great for sunbathing and shell collecting (this is a Best Beaches list, after all.) It’s a bit of an ordeal to drive to it, because the causeways accessing the barrier island are miles apart, but that also makes it less crowded. The best part, though, is that it’s far away from the hoopla of the Miami metroplex in the south and Daytona Beach in the north, meaning this beach is totally worth the extra effort to get to it.

Ryan Krogh lived on the East Coast for 12 years, split between Boston and New York City, and spent nearly every weekend finding the area’s best nooks and crannies for adventures. Among the many great ones was a day at Napeague Beach , reeling in striped bass on a fly rod. He now lives in Austin, Texas, where he spends much of his time exploring the Hill Country and the Texas coast while dreaming of getting on another fall striped bass blitz off the shores of Long Island.

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