Best Vacation Spots On the East Coast For Every Travel Style
Looking for the best vacation spots on the East Coast? The East Coast is a treasure trove of incredible destinations full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From small Vermont towns surrounded by mountains to vibrant cities like New York and Boston, every destination offers something different.
Over the last few years, we have road-tripped through New England and beyond, uncovering hidden gems and revisiting some of our favorite cities we cannot get enough of.
Here are some of the best vacation spots on the East Coast worth adding to your travel wish list.
Best Places To Visit On the East Coast
Some of our favorite travel memories aren’t from far-flung destinations but from road trips right here on the East Coast. These are the destinations that keep us coming back.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Hands down Cape Cod is one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast. Spanning over 400 miles, this popular summertime travel destination has everything you need for a relaxing beach getaway including lighthouses, sparkling beaches, breweries and wineries, cultural attractions, and more.
Having visited Martha’s Vineyard a few years ago, we couldn’t wait to visit Cape Cod and stop at a seafood shack. While our trip was short, we spent a day in Provincetown and grabbed a few drinks at Bad Martha’s Brewery in Falmouth. Check out our Cape Cod Food Guide for more food and drink options.
Press play to watch our Cape Cod getaway recap.
Read Next: Free Things To Do in Martha’s Vineyard
2. Town of Hunter, New York
I visited Hunter Mountain years ago, where I climbed to the top of the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower.
Last Fall, I had a chance to spend a few days exploring the area while celebrating my birthday.
Home to famous ski resorts, the Fall foliage here is breathtaking. If you plan on visiting in September or October, attend “Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain,” an annual event celebrating German heritage, beer, and food.
Hands down, Hunter Mountain is one of the best places to visit in the Fall on the East Coast.
3. Bennington, Vermont
If you’re looking for small towns to visit in Vermont hugging the countryside, I recommend visiting Bennington, Vermont. We discovered Bennington after finding a gorgeous rustic Airbnb cabin in Shaftsbury, approximately 20-minutes away.
Bennington was Vermont’s first established town, so there are plenty of opportunities to step back in time. Visit the Bennington Museum which houses one of the oldest American flags or tour a well-preserved Victorian mansion.
Nearby, I visited my first barn-covered bridge, Arlington Green Covered Bridge, one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges. Growing up in New York City, I was fascinated by these! Bennington is also a great place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, leaf-peeping in the Fall, and lake swimming.
Listen to this episode, we share the things we loved about Vermont and how we planned our trip.
Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify
Noteworthy Attractions in Bennington:
For a sweeping vista view of the local area, visit Bennington Battle Monument, one of Vermont’s most historic sites. Completed in 1891, the Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot-high stone obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Bennington (said to be a turning point of the American Revolutionary War). Unfortunately during our visit the elevator to the observatory was closed but we enjoyed the views from the grounds. This is a great spot to rest and enjoy a picnic.
4. Washington D.C.
As the capital of the United States, there’s no shortage of things to do in Washington, D.C. Washington D.C. has clearly marked bike lanes which make cycling a great way to see the city.
Along the way, you’ll find tons of museums like the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, and more.
Final Thoughts: The East Coast is Waiting to Be Discovered
The East Coast is one of the best regions to explore in the U.S.
Born and raised here, exploring this region has been such a deeply rewarding experience. It’s taught me that you don’t always have to go far to experience something new.
Whether you’re dreaming of Cape Cod beaches, Vermont mountains, or the skyline views of New York City, there’s a destination that fits every travel style.
As we plan future trips, local adventures, both in our backyard and further out will continue to be a big part of our travels.
There’s still so much more to see, and we’re only getting started.
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Thanks for sharing these essential tidbits to experience some of the best vacation avenues on the east coast. Glad to know there are so many options. The Seafood platter from Bayside Betsy’s looks heavenly! A nice cheerful post!
I cannot wait to continue exploring! There’s so much to see!