9 Best Atlantic Coast Towns For A Weekend Trip
The summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean that 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 continue to stand proudly on the shoreline. Even if you only have a weekend free this fall, don’t 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 extremely historic, recognized as the oldest European and African-American-rooted settlement in the country. One of the town’s historic highlights is the Castillo de San Marcos, the US’s oldest masonry fort, 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 pristine 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 a 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 away from 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 that is 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 visiting the Great Point Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, home to plenty of bird species, grey seals, and fish. The refuge 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 and operating since 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 offers 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 anxiously 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 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, providing 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 vineyard’s tasting room. Seeking a romantic night away? The Angel of the Sea is the perfect spot, an adorable Victorian bed and breakfast that is 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, this station has been guarding the Savannah River for more than 270 years. 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 fishing trip with a local charter like Viking Fleet, which offers trips for striped bass, porgy, seabass, and even night squid excursions. Even if you don’t want to catch your own dinner, you can still try some of the area’s seafood at Hooked, a beloved, family-run establishment that serves steamed lobster, oysters, chowder, and other coastal favorites. Relax at the end of the day at Montauk Manor, a large and luxurious resort with 140 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 located near the historic district. The town is also extremely 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 been able to visit yet. Across these nine towns, you will find all sorts of surprises, including wild ponies, Victorian inns, and pristine state parks, allowing you to appreciate the full extent of the coast’s beauty. So take a few days this year to explore some of these adorable destinations and see what all the hype is about for yourself!
