When it comes to picking a destination for your next East Coast summer vacation, the options can be overwhelming. From Maine to Florida there’s over 2,000 miles of choices, and that’s only the coastline.
No need to fret. This list has 18 of the absolutely best East Coast summer vacation spots. It’s got everything from beach vacations to mountain excursions. Some are focused on history, and others are purely about relaxation, while others have a mix of everything.
No matter what you’re looking for, it’s here. So, let’s get into each one and help you decide on your next summer vacation— East Coast style!
Starting in New England and continuing south, here are some of the most perfect East Coast vacation spots. No matter if you’re traveling alone or doing the family vacation, from beaches to mountains, you’ll find stunning scenery all around.
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
There’s a reason Bar Harbor, Maine is at the top of the list of summer vacation spots. There are so many reasons this is a top-notch destination.
Summer in Maine is just downright pleasant. Between June and August, you’ll see temps in the 70s and 80s, so it’s perfect for outdoor adventures.
Bar Harbor is the best homebase for exploring Acadia National Park next door.
Finally, Bar Harbor is the quintessential New England town that we adore. You’ll have the best time eating fresh lobster, enjoying ice cream, and watching the boats in the bay.
Bar Harbor Maine
2. Burlington, Vermont
Everyone knows how great Vermont is in the winter, but Burlington is great in the summer too.
Located on the banks of Lake Champlain, this fabulous city has so much to do. You’ll love walking Church Street with its great shops and places to eat.
Enjoy water sports like kayaking out on the lake, walking the Burlington Greenway, or getting into some beautiful short hikes at Red Rocks Park.
LEARN MORE: 12 Epic New England Vacation Spots You Will LOVE!
Lake Champlain Burlington Vermont
3. Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is definitely one of the best summer vacation spots on the East Coast.
The warmer months are the best time to explore all of the incredible lighthouses around town. You’ll love seeing Bug Light, Portland Head Light, and Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse.
Step back in time at the Victorian Mansion, one of the best-preserved homes of its time.
One of the best activities in Portland in the summer has to be taking a boat tour.
Read my full list of fun stuff to do in Portland Maine
Portland Maine
4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a New England gem and one of the prettiest East Coast summer vacation spots. This quaint village is full of historical sites and fun things to do.
You’ll love walking around the small streets that are full of unique shops and places to eat.
Plan to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum to get a real insight into the way of life for the early settlers.
At Prescott Park, you’ll get a stellar view of the water and neighboring Maine.
Portsmouth New Hampshire is an ideal summer vacay spot in New England
5. Boston, Massachusetts
Summer is just about the best time to visit Beantown. With tons to do outdoors during the sun-filled days and warm nights, it’s one of the best East Coast summer vacation spots.
Head out on the water for a whale watching expedition, follow the Freedom Trail, or take a ghost tour.
Keep the outdoor goodness going at Fenway Park watching the Red Sox play.
Hit up all of the historical sites on one of the trolley tours through the city.
Boston Massachusetts
6. Newport, Rhode Island
You’ll find lots of fun things to do in Rhode Island, and Newport is the quintessential New England coastal town.
The nautical theme is everywhere, and to be honest, it’s not just for looks. You’ll see tons of boats setting sail or docked in the marina.
The new Sailing Museum is the pride of Newport, and there’s even the Newport Bermuda Race to watch every June.
You’ll have fun at Newport Jazz and Newport Classical Music Festival in the summer.
Make sure to tour the mansions of the Gilded Age; The Breakers is a strong favorite. And I recommend doing the Cliff Walk for wonderful views along the coastline!
LEARN MORE: 12 Best East Coast Weekend Getaways
Newport Rhode Island Cliff Walk
7. New York City
New York City is a major destination any time of year, but there are some splendid things to do during the summer season.
Must-dos are seeing a show on Broadway and window shopping along 5th Ave.
But during the summer, you should definitely also ride the Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island and watch a sunset movie in Bryant Park.
Also take in a performance of Shakespeare in the Park and enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar. Sign up for a food tour in NYC and enjoy the fab food scene.
First-time visiting NYC solo? Check out our list of fun things to do in NYC alone
How about summer vacation in New York City?
8. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Located right on the Atlantic, Rehoboth Beach is one of the best East Coast summer vacation spots for beach lovers.
You’ll find top-notch beaches with soft, sugary sand and great waves.
Rehoboth also has a great boardwalk filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels, and there’s even an amusement park full of fun for kids of any age.
9. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
During the hot summer months, a great option is to head to the mountains for relief.
That’s why Shenandoah National Park is one of the best East Coast vacation spots in the summer. Temperatures in the park average in the 70s, which is nice. It’s also on my list of the ten best East Coast national parks.
You’ll love hiking Shenandoah— there are so many options and places to head.
Several will take you to beautiful waterfalls like Dark Hollow Falls, while hiking Old Rag is also popular but also challenging. Just make sure to get your day-use ticket for Old Rag!
Skyline Drive Shenandoah National Park Virginia
10. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks is definitely a favorite among East Coast vacation spots; it’s one of the best places in North Carolina.
It makes total sense when you consider the beautiful beaches that line this barrier island.
The wide expansive beaches have the softest sugary sand and great waves, fun for anyone looking for fun on the shore.
Off the beach, schedule time to visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, learn about the first flight at the Wright Brothers’ Memorial, and check out any of the five lighthouses of the Outer Banks.
Outer Banks North Carolina
11. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)
Take the ultimate summer road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
One of the best East Coast summer vacations, it runs 468 miles from Waynesboro VA to Cherokee NC.
No matter where you get on or how far you go, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views of the American landscape.
Throughout the drive there are tons of pull-offs where you can go for a hike, learn about history, or just plain enjoy the view.
Blue Ridge Parkway panoramic view
12. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is just the right East Coast vacation spot if you’re looking for the perfect balance between city and nature.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the best home base for exploring the great outdoors.
It’s also a great stop-off for anyone on the Appalachian Trail or driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
On the city side of things, Asheville is teeming with great places to eat, drink, and be merry. Don’t miss the Biltmore Estate, a major Asheville attraction.
LEARN MORE: 12 Epic Day Trips from Asheville
Ashville North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains
13. Cloudland Canyon, Georgia
Cloudland Canyon is a great summer getaway in the beautiful Georgia mountains.
Located in the northwest section of the state on the edge of Lookout Mountain, this beautiful state park has everything from hiking, biking, fishing, and even disc golf.
A favorite activity is to hike along the canyon rim and down to the waterfalls.
Cloudland Canyon is a perfect place to camp—RV or tent—the choice is yours!
14. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is definitely a fun place to visit, especially in the summer.
You’ll enjoy spending the warm summer days at any of the beaches in Charleston.
Favs are Folly Beach and Sullivan Island. Get out on the water on a dolphin boat tour or paddle your own SUP or kayak.
In the morning check out the farmers market at Marion Square. No visit to Charleston is complete without touring the historic district.
Charleston South Carolina
15. Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island is one of the most perfect East Coast summer vacation spots for anyone who loves the beach and outdoors.
You can spend the day at the beach on the sugary white sand of this barrier island. Or get out on the water in a kayak or boat tour.
Make sure to check out Fort Screven and the Tybee Island Lighthouse.
South Beach is where you’ll find fun, food, and action.
Tybee Island Lighthouse on a perfect summer day
16. St Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, has been a major destination for centuries and still is. I loved exploring the narrow cobblestone streets with tons of places to eat and shop.
The city’s history is seen throughout its Spanish colonial architecture and historical sites like Castillo de San Marcos.
Beyond being a cool city, St. Augustine has some of the best beaches around, including some with coquina stone, which looks like a bunch of tiny bits of shells cemented together with sand; it’s very cool! The fort in St Augustine, Castillo de San Marcos, is made from coquina stone.
Learn more about one of Florida’s most interesting inhabitants—the Gopher Tortoise!
Beach time St Augustine!
17. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a favorite year-round. Known as the capital of theme parks, you’ll love visiting any of the Disney and Universal parks.
But hey, if you’re not into amusement parks, there’s tons of other fun stuff to do in Orlando!
In the heat of the summer, you also have great water-fun options with beaches close to Orlando.
Keeping with the theme parks, there’s Universal’s Volcano Bay and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Better yet, head to one of the many natural springs near Orlando—just one of many cool day trips from Orlando!
Orlando Florida – more than just amusement parks!
18. Key West, Florida
Key West is seriously one of the better East Coast vacation spots.
The truth is, you can enjoy the tropical island life there year-round. But during the summer months, lower prices and fewer crowds are a real incentive to go.
You’ll love being in the crystal blue water, sipping cocktails, and watching the sunset over the water.
Don’t miss Hemingway’s house or late-night music at the bars on Duval Street—get the full list of cool stuff to do in Key West.
Chillax in Key West Florida
Final Thoughts
As you can see, from New England to the Florida Keys, the East Coast of the US has a place that’s just right for everyone. To help you plan, this list has a variety of options for vacation spots to suit your mood and interests. Now you just need to decide which one you’ll go to next.
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