East Coast Weekend Getaways

Weekend Getaways

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Why is the East Coast a popular vacation destination?
- The East Coast of the United States is rich in culture, history, and tradition, making it a premier vacation destination for just about any traveler.
What are some popular beach destinations on the East Coast?
- Summer vacationers flock to Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, Miami Beach, and every beach in between to enjoy the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.
Which East Coast islands are great for vacations?
- Picture-perfect islands like Martha's Vineyard and Hilton Head are popular with families and couples alike.
What are some unique cultural experiences on the East Coast?
- Visitors can experience the fishing ambiance of New England, the dazzling allure of New York City, and the southern charm of Charlottesville.

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1. Tybee Island

Walk along sandy beaches and enjoy a relaxing, easy weekend escape.

Tybee Island

What is Tybee Island?
- Tybee Island is a little barrier island just 20 minutes outside of historic Savannah, Georgia, featuring 5 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline and pristine beaches ideal for surfing and sunbathing.
What can visitors do at the south-end pier and pavilion?
- The south-end pier and pavilion is a prominent area perfect for picturesque views, angling, and listening to the funky sounds of live bands.
What historical attractions are on Tybee Island?
- Tybee Island is known for its rich history and features attractions such as the nation’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1736, which boasts a spectacular view of the surrounding area from its top.
What other major attractions can visitors explore?
- Fort Pulaski, a prominent Civil War site, and Fort Screven are top historical sites.
- Visitors can also explore the Marine Science Center and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.

2. Myrtle Beach

Go for family fun and see exciting oceanfront attractions and boardwalk sights.

Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach a great weekend getaway?
- Spend your weekend getaway in Myrtle Beach, situated along South Carolina’s Grand Strand. This is a beautiful destination where the picturesque beachfront meets family-friendly attractions.
What activities and attractions does Myrtle Beach offer?
- The city offers a little something for everyone with its incredible golf courses, fascinating museums, pristine campgrounds, oceanfront eateries, and extraordinary fishing.
What are some top amusement attractions?
- Myrtle Beach features a collection of incredible attractions, including over 50 mini-golf courses, several amusement parks, and the iconic 200-foot-tall SkyWheel.
What waterfront excursions are available?
- Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise and The Big M Casino offer waterfront excursions for all ages, from sword-wielding children to adults who love to game.
What additional highlights can visitors explore?
- Additional highlights include Brookgreen Gardens and the Myrtle Beach Safari.

3. Niagara Falls

Visit a world wonder and admire the breathtaking waterfall views.

Niagara Falls

Why should Niagara Falls be on everyone’s bucket list?
- One of the most scenic destinations on the East Coast of North America, the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in the world in terms of volume and can be visited any time of the year.
What attractions can visitors explore at Niagara Falls?
- The Niagara Falls State Park and the town of Niagara Falls offer a plethora of exciting activities, including miles of scenic hiking trails and wonderful water adventures.
What water activities are available at Niagara Falls?
- Visitors have a choice of kayaking excursions, white-water rafting, and scenic cruises to the very edge of the falls.
What additional experiences can visitors enjoy near Niagara Falls?
- Nearby wineries, orchards, and restaurants complete a perfect weekend getaway.

4. Cape May

Explore Victorian streets and savor a romantic coastal getaway.

Cape May

What makes Cape May a unique destination?
- Cape May is a Victorian seaside jewel known for its outstanding seafood restaurants, fine wines, and traditional jazz festivals.
What historic significance does Cape May have?
- This unique city is a National Historic District, featuring almost 600 Victorian buildings that make it one of the most beautiful places in the country.
What historical attractions can visitors explore?
- As the oldest resort in the nation, Cape May showcases an array of historical attractions and activities such as trolley tours through the historic district and spooky ghost tours.
What are some top seafood dining options in Cape May?
- Visitors can enjoy outstanding seafood restaurants like the Lobster House on Fisherman’s Wharf.
What free outdoor attractions are available in Cape May?
- Those who love the outdoors and a good deal will want to check out the free Cape May County Park Zoo and the Cape May Whale Watcher.

5. Hilton Head Island

Bike scenic trails and relax during a peaceful summer trip.

Hilton Head Island

What makes Hilton Head a great destination?
- Hilton Head is a picturesque island that boasts 12 miles of beaches, making it an outdoor oasis with various recreational attractions and activities.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Hilton Head?
- Visitors can take advantage of 350 tennis courts, 24 world-class golf courses, bike rides along moss-draped beachside trails, and horseback rides through a scenic forest preserve.
What is the Signature Experiences program?
- The newest highlight of Hilton Head is Signature Experiences, a collection of performances, unique tours, and demonstrations that allow visitors to explore and experience the Lowcountry on a deeper level.
What types of Signature Experiences are available?
- Choices include everything from history and culture to cuisine and mixology to nature and animals.

6. Virginia Beach

Enjoy sunny beaches and explore lively boardwalk attractions.

Virginia Beach

Where is Virginia Beach located?
- Virginia Beach is situated in the southeastern corner of Virginia, an oceanfront city offering visitors Southern hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere.
What types of attractions does Virginia Beach offer?
- The city offers a wealth of diverse attractions, from outdoor excursions to culinary delights and everything in between.
Why is Virginia Beach a great destination for nature lovers?
- This is a naturalist’s dream destination with thousands of acres of parkland to explore, lush wildlife trails, bay waterways, and pristine shorelines.
What unique outdoor experiences can visitors enjoy?
- Visitors can take to the trees at the Adventure Park and walk on water on their incredible Oyster Tours.
What cultural and entertainment attractions are in Virginia Beach?
- Various museums, restaurants, beach breweries, and interesting boutique shops can be found throughout the city.
What are some must-visit areas in Virginia Beach?
- The Town Center, ViBe Creative District, and the Virginia Aquarium are also worth a visit.

7. Chincoteague

Discover wild ponies and walk along quiet nature trails.

Chincoteague

What is Chincoteague known for?
- Chincoteague is a small barrier island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore that is famous for its beautiful wild ponies.
What makes Chincoteague's beach special?
- The island’s beach, wild and undeveloped, is part of a magnificent 14,000-acre Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, an unspoiled oasis that protects the island and keeps it as it was when Native Americans came to collect oysters.
Are there tourist attractions on Chincoteague?
- You will not find any tourist traps on Chincoteague, and the small town itself is charming and relaxed, featuring quaint shops and the Museum of Chincoteague Island.
What activities can visitors enjoy on Chincoteague?
- Tourists spend their time walking the beautiful beaches, swimming, collecting shells, enjoying the antics of wild ponies, biking, or watching the many birds.

8. Greenport, Long Island

Visit charming shops and admire scenic harbor views.

Greenport, Long Island

What is the history of Greenport?
- Established in the 1600s when a group of New Haven colonists crossed Long Island Sound and settled on a deep, protected harbor, Greenport quickly developed as a major whaling port, oystering location, and shipbuilding site.
What is Greenport known for today?
- Today, tourism has taken over from whaling and shipbuilding, making Greenport a popular spot for a weekend visit.
What can visitors do in Greenport?
- Surrounded by Long Island wine country, Greenport is a delight to walk through, full of charming shops, boutiques, art galleries, and wine tasting bars.
What family-friendly attractions are in Greenport?
- Mitchell Park with its famous carousel is a particularly popular destination for families.
What historical sites can visitors explore?
- History buffs will enjoy a visit to the East End Seaport Museum, which is rich in artifacts and historical information about the village’s maritime past.
- The Floyd Memorial Library and the Railroad Museum of Long Island offer more information about Greenport’s history.
What is the best way to experience Greenport?
- The best way to spend the day is to stroll through the village pedestrian area with its quaint streets and picturesque atmosphere.

9. Charlottesville

Explore historic estates and enjoy vibrant local dining and culture.

Charlottesville

What makes Charlottesville a unique destination?
- Charlottesville sits along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers visitors a Southern experience in a scenic setting.
What attractions can visitors explore in Charlottesville?
- This lively city features incredible restaurants, quaint boutique shops, the stately brick-lined Downtown Mall, various galleries, numerous museums, and a diverse collection of events all year round.
What is Charlottesville known for?
- Charlottesville is well known for its more than 30 local orchards and vineyards, as well as two UNESCO World Heritage Sites dedicated to Thomas Jefferson.
What historic sites can visitors explore?
- Visitors can tour Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and the “Academical Village” at the University of Virginia.
What other notable attractions are in Charlottesville?
- Azalea Park, Beaver Creek Lake, the Freedom of Speech Wall, Paramount Theater, and the Morea Gardens are also worth a visit.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Tybee Island
2. Myrtle Beach
3. Niagara Falls
4. Cape May
5. Hilton Head Island
6. Virginia Beach
7. Chincoteague
8. Greenport, Long Island
9. Charlottesville