Looking for the best weekend getaways on the East Coast? You’ve come to the right place! The East Coast, which stretches from Maine to Florida, has an array of landscapes and weekend destinations for every taste.

From small and charming coastal towns and cities near mountains and national parks, to history havens like St. Augustine. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend away, wanting to explore the area’s history, or looking to do little more than read a book on the beach while you’re away – the East Coast has the perfect weekend destination in store for you.

Here are 12 epic weekend getaways East Coast USA.

Best East Coast Weekend Getaways

Boston Massachusetts

If you want to go on a big city weekend trip to New England, then Boston Massachusetts is a great choice.

The city is known for its charming harborside, top-notch food, and diverse entertainment.

If you’re a foodie, head to North End and treat yourself to a delicious Italian meal or go to Quincy Market and browse the food stalls.

Art enthusiasts should go straight to The MFA & Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and sports fans should catch a Red Sox match at Fenway Park. Theatre lovers can wander over to the Charles Playhouse in the evening for a theatre show and a drink.

Boston has something for everyone!

LEARN MORE: 12 Best New England Vacation Spots

Boston is an ideal East Coast weekend vacation with something for everyone to enjoy

New York City

There’s so much to do in the Big Apple that it’ll be almost impossible to squeeze it all into a weekend away. But you can try!

You can’t miss out on NYC top attractions, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and a trip to Rockefeller Center.

Walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge and soak in the views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the harbor. Once you’ve done that, stroll down the iconic Wall Street. If you’re coming with little ones then a trip to the Museum of Ice Cream might be in order!

You’ll also want to try the best things to eat in NYC, like bagels, pizza, pastrami sandwiches, and cheesecake to name a few. Book a fabulous food tour like this NYC Secret Food Tour and get tips from locals while enjoying the best foods of New York.

The Big Apple is the perfect city for an East Coast weekend trip anytime of year

St Augustine Florida

St Augustine is an enchanting city with stunning architecture and a long history.

It is the oldest European-established settlement in the US to be continuously inhabited. The city was founded in 1565 and the influence of European culture can be seen everywhere.

Come and stroll down narrow cobbled streets in the Old City area and visit Saint George Street. Another must-see is the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, an ancient masonry fort. Explore all the best things to do in St Augustine!

Afterwards, explore St. Augustine Beach (and other beaches near St A) on Anastasia Island and spend the afternoon relaxing, fishing, or beachcombing.

St Augustine is a great combination of historical sites and stunning beaches for a magical weekend on the East Coast

Savannah Georgia

Savannah Georgia is a delightful coastal town with a lot of character and is consistently named on Top Ten lists. Its hospitality is second to none.

The people’s warm demeanor is just one of the many great things about Savannah.

While in Savannah spend some time exploring the historic district, enchanting Forsyth Park, and stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

Stay at a waterfront hotel and enjoy beautiful views and walks along the Savannah Riverwalk.

Savannah Georgia fountain with moss covered oak trees on either side.

Savannah Georgia is an ideal weekend getaway in Southeastern USA

Belfast Maine

If you’re not really a fan of city breaks then this charming coastal town in Maine may be the perfect East Coast getaway for you. Explore all the best things to do in Belfast.

Have an adventurous start to the weekend enjoying all the sports on offer, like kayaking and canoeing, or heading out to sea on a fishing boat.

Take a day trip to walk the one-mile breakwater to Rockland lighthouse.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Acadia National Park the next day and enjoy hiking, then come back and spend your Sunday lazing at cafes in Downtown and going to a farmers market to meet the locals.

Belfast Maine is a gorgeous coastal town with the perfect vibe for a relaxing weekend getaway

Newport Rhode Island

Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful city and top vacation spot known for mansions and gorgeous coastal scenery.

One attraction you can’t miss on your weekend trip is The Breakers Mansion, an Italian Renaissance building with a three-story dining room! Other amazing mansion museums include Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff.

There are lots of mansions to explore and you can take a mansion tour, but if you want to see all the mansions from afar, walk along the Cliff Walk and admire them from the shore side.

For outdoor fun in Newport Rhode Island visit Fort Adams State Park or spend some time at Easton’s Beach.

Newport is also known for hosting numerous festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival.

Read our list of all the Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

Tour the mansions of of Newport Rhode Island

Key West Florida

Key West is a fun beach town that is urban and hip. It has a vibrant nightlife, so if you want to party in a coastal town – come here!

Besides the dancing and lazing on the beach, be sure to go snorkeling at Fort Zachary. Or you can also take a snorkeling tour and go to the Florida Reef which is several miles offshore.

Looking to take some Instagram-worthy pictures to make your friends green with envy? Head to the “greetings from Key West” mural and snap away, then head into the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. Check out more fun things to do in Key West.

Southernmost Point Key West buoy at sunset.

Visit Key West Florida and the Southernmost point in the Continental USA

Charlottesville Virginia

Vineyards, museums, boutique shops, and the Blue Ridge Mountains await in Charlottesville.

Spend the weekend switching between exploring the charming city and getting out into the wilderness. What could be more perfect for a weekend escape?

Don’t miss the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Monticello and Academical Village, that were dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, and make sure you take a trip to one of the 30 local vineyards!

Asheville North Carolina

Asheville is a laid back city; it’s trendy, quirky, and inviting. And it’s one of the best places to visit in NC.

You could spend the whole weekend popping in and out of art galleries and sipping coffee in independent cafes. Or sample the craft beers on offer in Asheville.

Take a break from window shopping and cafe hopping to visit the Pisgah National Forest, hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and visit the Thomas Wolfe House.

You’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in Asheville!

LEARN MORE: 12 Best Day Trips from Asheville

Ashville North Carolina city view with Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop.

Chill out in Ashville North Carolina for the weekend and go explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Portsmouth New Hampshire

Portsmouth is charming and riddled with intriguing and unique historical spots.

You can’t leave without a trip to the Strawbery Banke Museum. The museum is huge and was once the Puddle Dock neighbourhood. Stroll the gardens, explore the old houses, and go back in time with the actors in period costumes.

Wander around the Portsmouth Downtown Historic District that surrounds the museum and get a glance at the five National Historic Landmarks and over 1200 historically significant buildings dotted around.

History enthusiasts will love Portsmouth.

Read our full list of best things to do in Portsmouth NH.

Portsmouth New Hampshire buildings along water.

Picturesque Portsmouth New Hampshire is both beautiful and historical

Rehoboth Beach Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a weekend destination favorite for family vacations. You can spend the morning lazing about on the beach with the kids, building sandcastles and enjoying the sea air. If you’re brave enough, take a dive into the cold Atlantic!

The beach can get busy, but there’s more to do, like walking the long boardwalk along the seafront. Another family friendly activity is a trip to Funland, where rollercoasters and laughter await!

Burlington Vermont

The artsy New England city of Burlington has an array of entertainment options, a quaint and enchanting downtown and great dining (and drinking) options.

Catch a show at the Flynn Theatre or have a giggle at the Vermont Comedy Club on Friday night, then spend the next morning at a farmers market and enjoy the shops on Church Street. Fancy a drink? Have a local cider at Citizen Cider.

For outdoor fun check out the Burlington Bike Path, explore the Waterfront Park, or get out on the water with a Lake Champlain Cruise.

And for something fun and educational you’ll not want to miss ECHO Leahy Center science museum.

LEARN MORE: 10+ Best Places to Visit in Vermont

Take a weekend escape to Burlington Vermont on Lake Champlain

Final Thoughts on East Coast Getaways

And that’s a wrap on 12 of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast. You can choose from big cities to charming coastal towns or sandy beaches and historical sites. With so many choices you’ll want to plan several east coast weekend trips! Where will you go next?