Few places build excitement for summer quite like the East Coast. After months of cold and unpredictable weather, locals don’t ease into the season—they celebrate it. From the seaside towns of Maine to the Carolinas and beyond, boats hit the water, lobster shacks reopen, and weekends revolve around beach days and seafood feasts.
There’s a familiar rhythm to East Coast summers that feels timeless—think: seersucker and sailboats, historic harbors, and small towns filled with charm and local flavor. Whether you crave coastal calm or bustling boardwalks, these top destinations offer everything you need for the perfect East Coast summer getaway.
1. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a Vanderbilt-approved East Coast destination for summer.
Newport, Rhode Island checks all the boxes for a classic East Coast summer escape: It's got beaches, seafood, and history. It's home to waterfront mansions, breezy cliff walks, and boat rides around Narragansett Bay. Get an overview of Newport on a harbor cruise, or tour the Breakers, the estate built for the Vanderbilts, for a glimpse into the town's old-money opulence. This former Gilded Age playground is a great getaway if you're traveling from Boston—plus it draws much less weekend traffic than Cape Cod.
2. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
A short ferry ride leads to Martha’s Vineyard, one of the top summer vacation spots on the East Coast.
A favorite for families and presidents alike, Martha’s Vineyard—a Cape Cod alternative just a ferry ride away—blends small-town charm with coastal beauty. Locals divide the island into the up-island and the down-island: Up refers to the quieter, more rural west side versus down’s livelier east side, home to shops, harbors, and ferry towns.
Book an island tour to see both sides, or customize a private tour to explore the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the red cliffs of Aquinnah, and the rustic beauty of Menemsha, where fishing boats still haul in the day’s catch. Summer crowds can be heavy, especially on weekends, so book in advance.
3. Savannah, Georgia
Take a coastal city getaway to Savannah for your summer adventures.
Savannah’s oak-filled squares, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture tell its story as America’s first planned city—and it’s just as inviting today. Explore the Historic District on foot or by trolley to see 18th- and 19th-century homes in Greek Revival and Gothic styles, or join a guided visit to a former plantation.
Families love the city’s mix of history and fun, from spooky nighttime ghost tours to scenic riverboat cruises. And here’s a local tip: In the Historic District, it’s perfectly legal to stroll with a to-go cocktail in hand—just make sure it’s in a plastic cup.
4. Kennebunkport, Maine
Lobster rolls, boat rides, and salty air—Kennebunkport offers East Coast summertime travel at its best.
Kennebunkport delivers peak New England charm with a heavy dose of Americana: lobster shacks, weathered boats in the harbor, and rainbow-striped umbrellas line the beach. Just a day trip from Boston, this former shipbuilding area draws summer visitors with its coastal beauty and small-town feel. It’s also known as the longtime vacation spot of the Bush family, whose compound at Walker’s Point remains a local landmark.
For your own summer escape in Kennebunkport, spend the day browsing Dock Square, touring the historic district, or cruising the coast—then cap it off with a Maine-style lobster roll (chilled lobster, light mayo, no butter).
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is home to nightlife, boardwalk fun, and some of the best beaches on the East Coast.
Myrtle Beach might be best known for its wide, sandy beaches—perfect for kayaking, surfing, and sunbathing—and its bustling boardwalks, but there’s much more to explore. Though it's also worth exploring the boardwalk games and rides along the Grand Strand, North Myrtle is home to quieter stretches of sand and top-tier golf, while the Waccamaw River offers excellent wildlife spotting.
After dark, explore the city's dense dining scene, which rivals much larger metros before catching a live show at GTS Theatre, or explore other nightlife options ranging from comedy clubs to country music bars.
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
A small-town coastal escape in Bar Harbor offers easy access to Acadia’s best hikes and views.
Bar Harbor is a top summer base for exploring the idyllic Acadia National Park and the Maine coastline. Bike along Acadia’s scenic carriage roads; cruise the water to spot whales, seals, and lighthouses; or hop on a lobster boat to see how the traps come up. Back in town, join a walking tour to discover Bar Harbor’s history, or relax with a harbor view dinner of fresh, local seafood. Whether you're hiking Cadillac Mountain or kayaking Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor pairs outdoor adventure with classic New England charm.
7. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is an East Coast road-trip destination you won’t want to miss.
Hilton Head Island combines Lowcountry charm with outdoor adventure, making it a top East Coast summer destination for families and couples alike. Depending on your speed, Hilton Head has something for everyone: Outdoorsy visitors can spend the day spotting dolphins on a Broad Creek cruise or biking the island’s scenic trails, and golfers tee off at world-class courses.
Otherwise, you can explore historic sites, and stroll through local markets. And be sure to wrap up your day like a local—with hushpuppies and peel-and-eat shrimp at a seaside shack, where flip-flops are always welcome.
8. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Outer Banks boasts sprawling beaches, wild horses, and breezy outdoor adventures.
Locals call it OBX, but visitors know Outer Banks as a must-visit East Coast location in summer for its wide-open beaches and opportunities for low-key adventure. This string of barrier islands is home to large stretches of undeveloped shoreline—making it a perfect spot for kayaking, surfing, or spotting wild horses in Corolla. Adventure seekers can level up with a hang gliding lesson—just a few miles from where the Wright Brothers flew their first aircraft.
9. Key West, Florida
Enjoy sunsets, snorkeling, and island energy in Key West for a tropical twist on the East Coast.
For a Caribbean-style getaway without (technically) leaving the East Coast, head south to Key West. This island city has tropical energy, pastel streets, and plenty to do—you can spend the day snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking through mangroves, or hopping on a sunset sail with drinks and live music.
Key West isn't just beachy vibes, though. For another perspective on the city, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home or Truman’s Little White House, then stick around for the nightly party at Mallory Square. Whether you’re into water sports or wandering historic streets, Key West brings the fun with a laid-back island vibe.
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