9 Best Atlantic Coast Towns For A Weekend Trip
The summer may be over, but that does not mean the fun has to come to an end. All across the Atlantic Coast, small beachy communities continue to welcome tourists, home to year-round boardwalks, dolphin tour agencies, cozy wineries, 17th-century Spanish forts, and historic lighthouses that still stand proudly on the shoreline. Even if you only have a weekend free this fall, do not sleep on the chance to visit one of these beautiful Atlantic Coast towns.
St. Augustine, Florida
Not only is St. Augustine a beautiful beach town, but it is also deeply historic, recognized as the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the country. One of its historic highlights is the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the US, dating back more than three centuries.
Travelers looking for a traditional beach experience, meanwhile, can explore Anastasia State Park, which features over 1,600 acres of beaches, sand dunes, marshes, and maritime hammocks. You can also spend the night in a historic setting at the Cedar House Inn, a bed and breakfast housed in an 1893 Victorian home.
Chincoteague, Virginia
There are hundreds of beach towns across the Atlantic Coast to visit, but few are home to wild ponies like Chincoteague. This Virginia town is just minutes from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a preserve with 15 miles of hiking trails, beaches, and, of course, the famous Chincoteague ponies. Travelers who prefer a guided pony-watching experience can also book a kayaking or boating tour with a local agency like Assateague Adventures Pony Boat Tours and Kayak Tours.
There are plenty of hotels and inns to stay in while in town, such as Island Resort, a locally owned and operated hotel that has been receiving guests since 1982.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is a lovely New England-style village and island largely known for its rich maritime history. The Whaling Museum is a fascinating place to spend an afternoon, featuring thousands of artifacts, artworks, and even a 46-foot-long sperm whale skeleton. Anglers and wildlife watchers will enjoy the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, home to plenty of bird species, grey seals, and fish. It is also home to the famed Great Point Lighthouse, so make sure to bring your camera. The Nantucket Hotel and Resort is one of the town's most popular lodges, open year-round in a building dating to 1891.
Camden, Maine
If you have been trying to decide between a mountain and a coastal getaway, look no further than Camden, which offers both. Camden Hills State Park delivers the perfect mix of mountains and sea, with Mount Battie providing panoramic views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands. For a bit of entertainment, check out the event calendar at the Camden Opera House, which frequently hosts live bands, quartets, and other performances. The town's inns await guests as well, such as the Hartstone Inn, a New England-style property with luxurious amenities, private baths, and a wonderful breakfast each morning.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Nicknamed "America's Favorite Island," there is always something to do on Hilton Head. There are several beautiful beaches to check out while in town, such as Islanders Beach, which has a boardwalk over the dunes and beach matting for wheelchair accessibility. For a relaxing hike, consider spending the afternoon at the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, which covers 605 acres, offering wetland boardwalks, fishing docks, bridges, and bridle paths. Travelers looking for a particularly lively weekend will enjoy staying at Beach House Hilton Head Island, with live music at its iconic Tiki Hut and rooms with ocean views.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May has been a resort town since the mid-18th century, making it one of the country's oldest seaside resorts. Today, the fun continues in the small town, which features two and a half miles of beaches along Beach Avenue, including popular spots like Broadway and The Cove. After a day on the beach, head over to Cape May Winery and Vineyard, where you can enjoy a wine flight or a glass in the tasting room. Seeking a romantic night away? The Angel of the Sea is the perfect spot, a Victorian bed and breakfast just half a block from the beach.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just a half-hour drive from Savannah, Tybee Island offers city dwellers a quick and convenient weekend escape. Visitors hoping to get out on the water and see some marine life can reserve a tour with Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure, which offers both daytime and sunset dolphin tours. To experience a piece of the island's history, make sure to visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse as well. Though rebuilt several times over the centuries, the light station has marked the mouth of the Savannah River since 1736, making it one of the oldest in the country. Travelers can support the island's local businesses by staying at a place like the Tybee Island Inn Bed and Breakfast, a cornerstone of the tourism community since 1995.
Montauk, New York
Montauk lies on the easternmost tip of Long Island and is particularly well known for its spectacular fishing opportunities. Travelers looking to try their luck can book a trip with a local charter like Viking Fleet, which offers excursions for striped bass, porgy, sea bass, and even night squid. Even if you do not want to catch your own dinner, you can still sample the area's seafood at Hooked, a beloved, family-run establishment serving steamed lobster, oysters, chowder, and other coastal favorites. Relax at the end of the day at Montauk Manor, a large resort with condos, a private health club, a swimming pool, and more.
Beaufort, North Carolina
With fewer than 5,000 residents, Beaufort is a quiet coastal community that is excellent for a restful weekend. Those hoping to explore the area's scenic waterways can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Beaufort Paddle, a family-owned business near the historic district. The town is also deeply historic, with the Beaufort Historic Site preserving its past through an extensive collection of 19th-century buildings. Beaufort Harbor Suites will provide you with the comfortable stay you need to enjoy the weekend, offering amenities like plush queen-size beds, flat-screen TVs, and work areas in every room.
A Coast Full Of Surprises
Regardless of how well you think you know the Atlantic Coast, there are almost certainly some towns you have not visited yet. Across these nine towns, you will find all sorts of surprises, including wild ponies, Victorian inns, and protected state parks, letting you appreciate the full extent of the coast's beauty. So take a few days this year to explore some of these destinations and see what all the hype is about for yourself.
