Summary
- From Miami to Bar Harbor, the East Coast offers a variety of weekend getaways with beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and delicious food options. Best time to visit varies by location.
- Savannah and Annapolis are charming historic cities with walkable streets, iconic attractions, and fantastic food scenes. Don’t miss Forsyth Park or sunset cruises.
- Explore the natural beauty of Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with opportunities for hiking, outdoor adventures, and breathtaking views. Camping is a popular option.
From some of the most beautiful towns in America to incredible natural spots to iconic historical landmarks, the East Coast is amazing at any time of the year and offers unique experiences for all types of vacationers.
There is never a shortage of beautiful places to explore for a weekend getaway. From the only National Park in New England, Acadia National Park to Florida’s charming beach towns, there are multiple options. Whether looking for a romantic getaway, a solo vacation, or a family trip, these are the best weekend getaways on the East Coast to explore.
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Miami, Florida
Miami Downtown, Florida city scene
Miami is among the top weekend getaways on the East Coast and among the most famous vacation spots in Florida. The city is known for being one of the best family beach destinations in the U.S.
It has a bustling food scene, with plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from, a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous clubs that attract party-goers from different parts of the country, and pristine beaches that tourists can enjoy.
Some of the top places to include in a Miami weekend itinerary are; Little Havana, Historic Coconut Grove, Wynwood Walls, and Miami Design District.
- Best time to visit: March to May
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Savannah, Georgia
A view of the downtown Savannah skyline at dusk
Savannah is one of the most charming historic cities in America and is brimming with incredible entertainment options, wonderful cuisine, and breathtaking antebellum architecture.
Planning a weekend getaway is one of the top ways of exploring the city, and vacationers will never fall short of fun things to see and do in the city. It is home to some of the most beautiful town squares in the U.S., including Johnson Square, home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings, such as City Hall.
One will also find ancient homes, gorgeous beaches, and stunning parks to visit. Forsyth Park is one of the most photographed places in Georgia, thanks to its spectacular fountain, and is worth exploring.
- Best time to visit: March through July
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Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina with mountains in the background
North Carolina is home to beautiful towns and cities that offer unique experiences for weekend getaways. Asheville should be on top of a bucket list for this state, and spending three days will allow travelers to have some of the best experiences in the city.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the western side of the state, the city has a lot in store for guests. From incredible culinary scenes to breathtaking mountain views to numerous outdoor adventures, including some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the US, mountain biking, and fishing, there are numerous ways to spend a memorable weekend trip in Asheville.
- Best time to visit: March through May & September to early November
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Annapolis, Maryland
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Maryland
Dubbed America’s sailing capital, Annapolis is known to be a beautiful summer vacation spot and has a lot to offer, including charming historic streets, a fantastic food scene, and amazing museums to explore.
The city is incredibly walkable, and reaching some of its most iconic attractions by foot is easy. It is also one of the best day trips from Washington D.C., thanks to its location less than an hour from the U.S. capital. It makes a perfect getaway for vacationers looking for fun adventures.
One can also head out on the water, and take some of the most breathtaking sunset cruises and paddleboarding.
- Best time to visit: June through August
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Destin, Florida
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One of the most underrated beach towns to visit in Florida, Destin is the destination for an incredible blend of relaxation and adventure. Located along the Emerald Coast, the place is brimming with pristine beaches, which makes it a perfect place for enjoying various water sports.
Spend time in Henderson Beach State Park, which is one of the most popular outdoor spots in Destine. The park is home to a campground, beautiful hiking trails, and a gorgeous beach. A perfect weekend getaway in Destin can’t be complete without trying the city’s delicious seafood.
- Best time to visit: April through June
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Stowe, Vermont
Green grass and a pond in Stowe in Vermont
Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is one of the best weekend getaways not to miss on the East Coast. Whether visiting for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo vacation, Stowe, one of the most beautiful towns to visit in Vermont, is worth visiting and has something for every tourist.
Trekking to the summit of Mount Mansfield and biking the Stowe Recreation Path are some of the things to include on a Stowe bucket list. The town is also home to some of the most scenic drives on the East Coast.
- Best time to visit: September through February
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Provincetown, Massachusetts
View of Provincetown in Cape Cod
Nestled at the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is definitely among the favorites of weekend East Coast getaways. It is home to some of the most beautiful lighthouses in the U.S., impressive beaches, incredible museums, and delicious restaurants.
It boasts a laid-back atmosphere and tourists of all ages and interests will always feel at home. Cape Cod National Seashore, Long Point Lighthouse, and Pilgrim Monument, 252 feet tall with magnificent views, are some of the top tourist attractions to see during a weekend trip to Provincetown.
- Best time to visit: April & May
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Bar Harbor, Maine
A beautiful shot of Acadia National Park Pond in Bar Harbor
One of the most beautiful towns to visit in Maine, Bar Harbor, never disappoints when it comes to offering an unforgettable weekend getaway on the East Coast. The main gateway to the iconic Acadia National Park, this charming town has an incredible food scene, museums, and beautiful art galleries.
On a weekend getaway, vacationers can stroll through the Shore Path, explore the shopping scene, and spend time enjoying outdoor activities, like kayaking, and hiking, and taking a scenic drive to Schoodic Peninsula, where visitors will be treated to breathtaking coastal views.
Of course, tourists should dedicate a day to visiting Acadia National Park.
- Best time to visit: June through August
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Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach, Florida
Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Panama City Beach is a spectacular coastal gem with a lot to offer, including a wonderful seafood scene. The city offers fun activities for all ages, including teens, toddlers, and adults too.
It has everything vacationers would need for a perfect family weekend getaway. Gulf World Marine Park is one of the top places to explore in Panama City Beach. Here, travelers can enjoy playing with dolphins, allowing them to have a memorable hands-on experience with these wonderful creatures.
Pier Park is another bucket-list-worthy spot for a weekend trip in Panama City Beach.
- Best time to visit: May through October
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Autumn views of fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. and comes with incredible outdoor opportunities to enjoy during a weekend trip. This park is known for having some of the most impressive sunrises and sunsets.
Vacationers can hike and discover some of the most stunning waterfalls in the country, incredible valleys, and unique rock formations. One of the best ways to enjoy a memorable weekend getaway in the Great Smokies is camping, and there are numerous campsites to choose from.
