East Coast Weekend Getaways
The East Coast, where I lived for 10 years and still visit family often, is full of diverse destinations, from historic cities and charming small towns to scenic coastlines and mountain retreats, making it perfect for memorable weekend getaways. Having traveled throughout the region, I’ve found that the East Coast offers the ideal mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure, often just a short drive or train ride away.
I’ve enjoyed strolls through cobblestone streets rich with history, peaceful beaches perfect for a quiet escape, and lively cities filled with food, music, and art. From romantic retreats to family-friendly adventures and outdoor exploration, the East Coast has no shortage of incredible weekend destinations. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Tybee Island, Georgia: Salt Air and Side Streets
One of my favorite weekend getaways on the East Coast has to be Tybee Island, Georgia. Just 20 minutes from the vibrant city of Savannah, this little gem feels like stepping into a dream where time slows down and the ocean takes center stage.
I loved how affordable and laid-back everything felt, making it one of the best underrated destinations for a romantic trip or a joyful family escape. The island’s beaches are wide and welcoming, perfect for long walks at sunset or early morning swims when the shoreline is quiet and calm.
What excited me most was discovering the unusual mix of activities here. I kayaked through winding marshes, spotted dolphins on a cool boat tour, and later explored historic Fort Pulaski nearby. It felt like the absolute best balance between relaxation and adventure.
Tybee’s lighthouse was another highlight for me—climbing to the top gave me spectacular views of the Atlantic, and I felt like I had found one of the coolest hidden gems on the Georgia coast. The photos I snapped up there are some of my favorites.
In the evenings, I indulged in fresh seafood at vibrant local spots where every meal felt like a brilliant idea after a sun-filled day. Shrimp straight from the boats and a slice of key lime pie made it unforgettable.
For me, Tybee Island is one of the most amazing weekend escapes—unique, affordable, and filled with the magic of the coast, making it a place I’ll keep returning to whenever I need a spectacular getaway.
2. Charlestown, Rhode Island: Driftwood Trails and Ocean Air
When I think about the best East Coast weekend escapes, Charlestown, Rhode Island always comes to mind as an underrated gem by the sea. Tucked along the southern coast near Narragansett, it’s one of those places where I felt both relaxed and excited the moment I arrived.
We found the beaches here to be absolutely spectacular—soft sand, rolling waves, and a peaceful vibe that made them some of my favorite on the Atlantic. Charlestown Beach felt like a hidden treasure, far less crowded than many others, and that privacy made the experience even more special.
One of the coolest things we did was explore Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Walking along the trails and spotting birds over the salt ponds was such a joyful way to spend the afternoon, and I couldn’t help but feel like it was an unusual but brilliant idea for a coastal adventure.
The town itself surprised me with its unique charm. From little seafood shacks serving the freshest lobster rolls to interesting local shops filled with coastal art, every stop felt like an exciting discovery. Dinner by the water while the sky turned shades of pink was pure magic.
What I loved most was the mix of romance and family-friendly fun. Whether we were biking along the shore, kayaking through quiet coves, or just unwinding with toes in the sand, it felt like the absolute best kind of weekend getaway.
For me, Charlestown is a vibrant yet peaceful Rhode Island escape—affordable, exciting, and the perfect hidden gem for anyone dreaming of an amazing coastal retreat.
3. Roanoke, Virginia: Blue Ridge Haze and Brick-Lined Streets
There’s something about Roanoke, Virginia that instantly made me feel like I’d uncovered a spectacular hidden treasure in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled right off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, this underrated gem gave me the coolest blend of small-city energy and breathtaking natural beauty.
We spent our weekend exploring the vibrant downtown, where local art, unique shops, and awesome farm-to-table restaurants gave the city an exciting and joyful vibe. My favorite stop was the Roanoke City Market—it felt like the absolute best place to soak up the local culture.
What made this getaway unforgettable was the magic of the mountains surrounding us. I hiked to the iconic Mill Mountain Star, and the panoramic views from the top were spectacular—definitely one of my favorite memories to see in my photos later.
For something unusual, we wandered into the Taubman Museum of Art. Its modern architecture was as striking as the collections inside, and it felt like such a cool contrast to the rustic, mountain setting outside. That mix of culture and nature was an awesome surprise.
Evenings in Roanoke had their own charm. Whether we were sipping craft beer at a lively local brewery or enjoying a romantic dinner downtown, every moment felt affordable, fun, and exceptionally memorable.
To me, Roanoke is one of the best underrated weekend getaways in Virginia—a joyful balance of mountain adventures, cultural gems, and vibrant city life all rolled into one amazing experience.
4. Tampa, Florida: Riverwalk Rhythm and Gulf Light
What instantly struck me about Tampa, Florida was how vibrant and exciting it felt the moment we arrived. Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this city is such an underrated gem that blends tropical relaxation with urban energy, making it one of the coolest weekend getaways I’ve experienced.
We spent our mornings strolling the Tampa Riverwalk, which quickly became one of my favorite spots. The waterfront views, public art, and lively cafés created such a joyful atmosphere, and it felt like the absolute best way to start the day.
Afternoons were all about exploring unique neighborhoods. Ybor City completely fascinated me with its unusual mix of Cuban history, colorful murals, and vintage charm. Walking those brick streets felt like stepping into a cultural dream that was both fun and meaningful.
The beaches nearby added their own magic. Clearwater and St. Pete offered soft sand and spectacular sunsets that made the coast look like it was painted just for us. I loved capturing those glowing skies in my photos—they remain some of my favorites.
One of the coolest surprises was Tampa’s food scene. From fresh seafood by the bay to awesome rooftop dining downtown, every meal felt like a brilliant idea. My favorite was trying Cuban sandwiches in Ybor—it was a flavorful nod to the city’s heritage.
For me, Tampa is more than just a Florida getaway—it’s a vibrant, affordable, and unforgettable experience filled with culture, romance, and coastal beauty. Truly one of the best hidden gems on the Gulf Coast.
5. Uncasville, Connecticut: Forest Edges and Evening Glow
Uncasville, Connecticut may not be the first place people think of for a weekend escape, and that’s exactly why I loved it—it’s such an underrated gem tucked along the Thames River with a unique mix of excitement and relaxation.
The biggest draw for me was Mohegan Sun, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a dream. This massive resort is more than just a casino—it’s an entire world with awesome restaurants, cool bars, and vibrant entertainment options all under one roof.
One of my favorite moments was catching a concert at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The energy was spectacular, and being able to walk right back to my room afterward made the whole night feel effortless and fun.
We also explored the Shops at Mohegan Sun, and I thought it was such a brilliant idea to have high-end boutiques mixed with quirky local finds. It made for an exciting and unusual shopping experience that I didn’t expect to love so much.
What surprised me most was how family-friendly the area can be. Beyond the nightlife, there were pools, spas, and even kid-friendly activities that made it easy to balance romance with joyful family time.
For me, Uncasville turned out to be one of the coolest weekend getaways in New England—affordable, entertaining, and filled with unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a vibrant family adventure, it’s absolutely one of the best hidden gems in Connecticut.
6. Bowie, Maryland: Lakeside Paths and Local Quiet
Bowie, Maryland completely surprised me as a weekend getaway—it felt like discovering a hidden gem right between Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, which made it both convenient and full of unique charm. I loved how it had the cool mix of small-town comfort with easy access to big-city attractions.
One of my favorite stops was Allen Pond Park . Spending the afternoon by the water, renting a paddle boat, and walking the trails gave me such a joyful and relaxing vibe. It was the perfect spot for a family outing or even a romantic picnic under the trees.
For something unusual and interesting, I visited the Belair Mansion and Belair Stable Museum. Learning about the area’s history, especially its ties to thoroughbred horse racing, was such an exciting discovery—it felt like stepping into Maryland’s past in the most fascinating way.
The town also won me over with its vibrant community feel. Local farmers’ markets, cool neighborhood restaurants, and affordable shopping made Bowie a fun and easy place to explore without ever feeling rushed.
What I really enjoyed was how close everything was. In less than half an hour, I could be exploring Annapolis’ waterfront or heading into D.C. for museums and monuments, but coming back to Bowie at the end of the day felt peaceful and welcoming.
For me, Bowie is one of the most underrated weekend getaways in Maryland—affordable, family-friendly, and filled with interesting history and hidden gems that made the trip truly memorable.
7. Chincoteague, Virginia: Salt Marsh Silence and Wild Ponies
Chincoteague, Virginia instantly felt like one of the most magical hidden gems I’ve ever visited. Tucked along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this small island gave me the perfect blend of coastal charm, affordable fun, and unusual experiences that made it one of my favorite weekend getaways.
What really won me over was the chance to see the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. Watching them roam freely across the marshes was absolutely spectacular—something I’d only dreamed of, and it felt like the coolest, most unique highlight of the trip.
The beaches here were another joy. Assateague National Seashore had wide, uncrowded stretches of sand where I could swim, sunbathe, or simply wander with the sound of waves all around me. It was the absolute best kind of coastal escape, both romantic and family-friendly.
Downtown Chincoteague had its own vibrant yet laid-back vibe. I loved popping into little ice cream shops, quirky art galleries, and seafood shacks where oysters and crab cakes tasted unbelievably fresh. Every meal felt like a brilliant idea after a sun-soaked day by the water.
One of my favorite evenings was taking a sunset cruise. Seeing dolphins play in the glowing waves while the sky lit up in pinks and oranges felt dreamy and unforgettable—I still smile when I look back at those photos.
For me, Chincoteague is one of the best underrated weekend getaways in Virginia—joyful, unique, and filled with coastal magic that makes every visit feel absolutely exceptional.
8. Greenport, Long Island: Harbor Breezes and Village Time
Greenport, Long Island struck me as one of those rare hidden gems that feels both vibrant and relaxing at the same time. Nestled on the North Fork, this little harbor town is only a few hours from New York City, but it felt like I had slipped into a completely different world of seaside charm and joyful discovery.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was strolling through the waterfront village. The cool mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, and awesome seafood restaurants gave the whole place such a unique and welcoming energy. I loved that every corner seemed to offer something new and interesting.
We spent an afternoon at the local vineyards, and it felt like a dream. Sipping wine among the vines, listening to live music, and watching the sun set over the fields was one of the most spectacular and romantic experiences I’ve had on Long Island.
The harbor itself had so much to offer. From kayaking along the shoreline to hopping on a boat tour, the water activities made the weekend exciting and memorable. My photos from the marina, filled with colorful boats and brilliant skies, are still some of my absolute favorites.
Evenings in Greenport had their own kind of magic. We enjoyed fresh oysters at a lively raw bar, followed by a peaceful walk along the pier under twinkling lights—it felt like the best possible ending to the day.
For me, Greenport is one of the most underrated weekend getaways in New York—affordable, romantic, and filled with cool coastal experiences that made it an exceptional escape.
9. Peterborough, New Hampshire: Forest Light and Village Stillness
Peterborough, New Hampshire completely charmed me from the start—it felt like I had stumbled upon one of New England’s most underrated gems. Nestled in the Monadnock Region, just a short drive from Keene and Manchester, this little town offered the perfect mix of history, art, and small-town magic that made it one of my favorite weekend getaways.
We started our trip wandering through the quaint downtown, where unique shops, cozy cafés, and vibrant galleries gave the whole place such a joyful and welcoming feel. I loved how every storefront seemed to tell its own story, and exploring them felt like a brilliant idea on a crisp afternoon.
One of the coolest experiences was visiting the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center. It was unusual and inspiring, filled with global art and artifacts that made Peterborough feel surprisingly worldly for such a small town.
Of course, the natural beauty around Peterborough is spectacular. Hiking near Mount Monadnock gave us breathtaking views, and it felt like stepping into a dream with the endless trails, fresh air, and colorful scenery. Those photos are still some of my absolute favorites.
Evenings were just as memorable. We enjoyed an exceptional dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant, and then took a romantic walk by the Contoocook River as the town lights reflected on the water—it felt magical and unforgettable.
For me, Peterborough is one of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire—affordable, unique, and filled with both cultural treasures and natural wonders that made the weekend feel truly exceptional.
10. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
We drove off the ferry and felt the rhythm change. The island didn’t rush, it welcomed, slowly.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts felt like stepping straight into a coastal dream. Just a short ferry ride from Cape Cod, this island getaway is one of the most spectacular and vibrant places I’ve ever visited, and it quickly became one of my favorite East Coast escapes.
We started our weekend exploring the charming towns, and each had its own magic. Edgartown wowed me with its historic captain’s homes and romantic seaside vibe, while Oak Bluffs felt joyful and colorful with its iconic gingerbread cottages that looked straight out of a fairy tale.
The beaches were absolutely some of the best I’ve seen in New England. South Beach had crashing waves and an exciting energy, while Menemsha offered one of the coolest, most peaceful sunsets I’ve ever experienced—I still smile when I look back at those photos.
One of the most unusual and fun things we did was take a bike ride along the island’s scenic paths. Cruising past lighthouses, farms, and coastal views made me feel like I had discovered the absolute best way to see the Vineyard’s hidden gems up close.
Food was another highlight for me. From fresh lobster rolls on the dock to oysters at a local raw bar, every meal felt like a brilliant idea. Sitting outside with ocean breezes while savoring New England seafood was pure magic.
For me, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most amazing underrated weekend getaways—romantic, unique, and filled with coastal charm that makes every visit feel unforgettable and exceptional.
Conclusion
Looking back on all these East Coast weekend getaways, I realize each destination has its own kind of magic. What I love most is how every trip feels unique and unforgettable, offering the absolute best mix of relaxation, adventure, and discovery.
For me, the joy of these escapes isn’t just about the beaches, mountains, or city streets—it’s about the memories created along the way.
From spectacular sunsets to unusual local gems, each getaway felt like a brilliant idea that added something special to my travel story.
No matter where I went, I always found those little moments of magic that made the weekend feel exceptional.
That’s why I believe East Coast getaways are some of the coolest, most affordable, and most underrated trips you can take. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a joyful family adventure, there’s always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered—just a drive, train, or ferry ride away.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
