8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Atlantic Coast
Many small towns across America look like they belong in a storybook. The towns along the Atlantic Coast take the fairy tale theme even further. Imagine exploring old lighthouses while the waves crash in the distance. Picture eating fresh seafood on a historic dock as the sun sets over the calm sea.
If these experiences are what you are after, plan your next trip to one or more of the following pretty small towns that await on the East Coast. You will find beauty, history, and even a touch of magic.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Hampton Beach is a quintessential New England destination. New Hampshire shares the shortest part of the East Coast, but the shoreline at Hampton Beach is nothing short of spectacular.
The town bursts at the seams during the summer with visitors, street performers, and festivals, including the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Many people head to the Seashell Stage to catch concerts, while others enjoy Hampton Beach State Park. In the park, you can swim and have a picnic while looking out over the Atlantic.
The pier is also very popular for slow walks while watching the sunset. If you want to bring the family along, there are sandcastle competitions to enter and clam bakes to enjoy. There is also the Hampton Beach Playground, where families can participate in the Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival.
Camden, Maine
Camden sits right where gorgeous forested mountains and the ocean meet on Penobscot Bay in the MidCoast region of Maine. There is nowhere to look that isn’t wonderfully picturesque, including the harbor with its white sailboats and fishing vessels and the hills that rise behind it.
Penobscot Bay is considered one of the best cruising bays in the world, and it beckons to families who love taking windjammers out on the water. The Marine History walk along the harbor is another popular activity that includes views of boats and historic buildings.
You can hike or drive to the top of Camden Hills State Park. Hiking is an excellent option in good weather, since you can take the 1.1-mile Mount Battie trail that will reward you with exceptional bay views. Remember that the hike is challenging due to the elevation and rocky terrain.
Don’t leave before having a picnic at Camden Harbor Park or exploring the Megunticook River Falls, which drop right into the harbor. It is the perfect way to take in the fairytale-like setting while taking some time to relax.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Those who frequent the island agree that it seems frozen in time. Like something from a children’s story, Cobblestone streets wind past historic 18th and 19th-century homes. Many of these are painted in a muted gray, giving the island a distinctive and charming appearance.
Nantucket is also home to the Whaling Museum, which provides a compelling look into the town’s whaling past. The museum depicts the history of the island over four centuries. The exhibits include a Fresnel lens and a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton.
You can also explore the island’s history by renting a bicycle and riding to the beach, or some of the many hidden coves. You can ride to Brant Point Lighthouse, a renowned Nantucket landmark.
To get up close to the water, you can hire a boat. Afterwards, you can picnic on the beach after buying delicious prepared foods at Bartlett Farms.
Montauk, New York
You may not consider New York a fairytale destination, but some of the small towns in the state will challenge that perception. Montauk, for instance, offers beach views as far as the eye can see. You can plan a perfect day at Gin Beach or Kirk Park Beach, which are quieter.
If you want to get to know this beautiful town better, consider renting a bike and exploring the charming streets, which also offer stunning ocean views. You can also follow the trails in Montauk Point State Park, which lead to Montauk Point Lighthouse. It is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and is postcard-perfect.
The bay side of the town is ideal for cocktails while watching the sunset. Navy Beach offers tables on the sand and a prime sunset spot. If you prefer to catch the rays in the morning, grab a burrito or taco at Montauk’s infamous food truck, Ditch Witch.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a Victorian gem situated at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Here, you will find attractive pastel-colored historic homes and old-school inns. You can take a leisurely walk to view gingerbread-trimmed architecture and charming streets.
The beaches in Cape May are magical, and you will get the best ocean views from the top of the Cape May Lighthouse. There is an admission fee, but the view more than makes up for it. Sunset Beach is the place to be if you want to combine the view with a sunset. You can park your car and enjoy the fiery spectacle.
Cape May is one of North America’s top birding destinations, with thousands of birds during peak migration. In addition to birds, you may also spot migrating bottlenose dolphins.
The town is affectionately known as America’s original seaside resort, which is why around 50,000 visitors descend on it every summer. If you plan to visit during the warmer months, remember that the area will inevitably be busy and crowded.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Known as the ‘Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands’, Beaufort will enchant you with its beautiful antebellum homes and moss-covered oaks. The town is Lowcountry personified and offers a stunning waterfront with views of the marsh and the Beaufort River. It is the second-oldest town in South Carolina, founded by the British in 1711.
You will find expertly landscaped gardens, picnic spots, and walking paths at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Here, you can watch for local wildlife while enjoying the sight of part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Sands Beach is great for swimming and birdwatching.
You can also book a boat tour to kayak or dolphin-watch in the waters surrounding Beaufort. Head back to the park to catch a fairytale-like sunset, before heading to the Old Bull Tavern for drinks and a creative food menu.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island is one of the most picturesque barrier islands on the East Coast. There are more mossy oak trees here that lock branches across winding roads. The island has a timeless atmosphere that will instantly yank you out of the city-state of mind.
St. Simons Island offers miles of sandy beaches, and the centerpiece is the St. Simons Lighthouse, built in 1872. The lighthouse still guides ships into St. Simons Sound, and you can climb the 129 steps to the top for an unmatched view of the sea and surrounding marshes.
Near the island pier is Pier Village Market, a walkable district filled with seafood restaurants and boutique shops. Gnat’s Landing offers both seafood and Southern-style meals. If you want something to go, Hot Dog Alley is famous for their hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches.
Throughout Pier Village, you will find intricate carvings known as tree spirits. St Simons holds a Tree Spirits Treasure Hunt where visitors can search for and find all twenty carvings.
If you visit during spring, you can take a town trolley tour. You can also spend the day at the Neptune Park Fun Zone Pool, which annually opens on Memorial Weekend.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach lies on the northeastern border between Georgia and Florida. Here, you will find everything from Southern charm to historical sites. Not to mention the bluest sea and sandiest beaches.
The town harks back to the days of pirates and bootleggers, giving it a fascinating history. Today, the 13-mile-long barrier island offers over 40 beach access points, including Main Beach Park. The park features large green spaces, picnic areas, a mini-golf course with ocean views, and a skate park.
There is plenty of water for kayaking and paddleboarding, thanks to the multitude of creeks and rivers. You might also spot dolphins and manatees while on the water.
Other activities to consider include visiting the Amelia Island Museum of History, hiking the trails in Fort Clinch State Park, and exploring the 19th-century fortress.
America’s Atlantic Coast goes far beyond a thin line on a map. Its small towns remind us that magic can happen between big cities. You may find yourself in the crash of waves against an imposing lighthouse. Or in the simple beauty of a community that loves its home. No matter where you find yourself on the East Coast, you will find the fairy tale in each town you visit and experience the enchantment firsthand.
