12 Weekend Getaways on the East Coast You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner

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The East Coast of the US is full of cultural landmarks, exciting cities, and beautiful natural wonders. You can find plenty of fun and adventure in these weekend getaways on the East Coast.

You can experience historical monuments, famous museums, and endless cultural activities on the East Coast. The region is connected to major destinations around the world, making its cities easy to visit for the weekend.

Dust off your dancing shoes and bring your appetite for curiosity because you’re traveling to one of the world’s cultural hotspots. Below are 12 weekend getaways on the East Coast not to miss this year.

Boston, Massachusetts

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Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its connectivity and concentration of sights and experiences make it one of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast.

Visit the historical downtown to see landmarks such as the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and the Old North Church. Then, visit museums such as the Museum of African American History before fueling up on delicious seafood classics at the Boston Public Market.

For incredible shopping and dining experiences, visit Newbury St. Then, end your weekend downtown at one of the city’s iconic bars and live music venues. Keep in mind, to fit in with the locals, all you have to do is make fun of Philidelphia.

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the US. It’s also close to the major transportation hub of Jacksonville, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway for history lovers.

Start your weekend at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This Spanish fort is one of the oldest buildings in the country and offers incredible tours. Afterward, head to the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, two must-visit destinations in St. Augustine.

For the ultimate getaway, take a fishing charter out to sea to try your luck at catching the big one. Then, end your evening with bottomless seafood and drinks downtown. If you’re visiting in December and January, don’t miss the romantic Nights of Lights event on St George St.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a historical and culturally rich destination close to hubs like Atlanta and Jacksonville. In this unique weekend East Coast getaway, you’ll experience Southern culture and plenty of lore.

Head downtown to stroll along Savannah’s cobblestone streets and marvel at its architecture. Don’t miss museums such as the Savannah History Museum before shopping along the historic River Street.

At night, you can lose yourself in Savanah’s nightlife. There are bars, clubs, and award-winning restaurants that will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is where to come for a weekend getaway with world-famous golf courses and beach resorts. You’ll get to relax in the sand or practice your swing on one of the island’s many golf courses.

Nature lovers will find plenty to see and do in reserves such as Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Here, you’ll have miles of paths along protected natural habitats.

Hilton Head is also a destination for foodies. You’ll have anything from fine dining to local crab shacks to choose from. The island also has its share of bars and live music venues to top off your experience.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City and the entire Jersey Shore may have a reputation, but for a weekend getaway, it’s highly underrated. Right when you arrive, hit the boardwalk to try some of the best seafood in the country.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the Steel Pier. This historic pier features iconic rides and plenty of quirky fun.

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When in Atlantic City, try your luck at one of the famous casinos. When you get hungry, visit one of Atlantic City’s famous pizza restaurants such as the old-school Tony’s Baltimore Grill.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is all about relaxation and spending time by the sea. For a weekend getway, it’s hard to find anywhere more relaxing.

You can stay in oceanside resorts and have your pick of massive pools and gold courses. Or, hang out at the beach and relax while enjoying the beautiful ocean views.

Myrtle Beach is all about seafood, so don’t miss dining in one of its popular seafood restaurants. For a relaxing stroll through nature, visit Myrtle Beach State Park and see dolphins and other wildlife from its historical pier.

New York City, New York

New York City is the ultimate East Coast weekend getaway. New York is the largest city in the US and offers endless entertainment and fun. It’s also a cultural hub where you can find almost every culture and language on earth.

If you only have a weekend, you can use the New York Subway to get around. You can visit famous museums such as the American Museum of Natural History. Then, see sights such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park.

The best thing to do in New York with limited time is to sample as much food as you can. Hit up famous places such as Katz’s Delicatessen or sample the beloved hole-in-the-wall establishments of Chinatown and Soho to get the true and beautiful New York foodie experience.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a city full of beautiful coastline and historical places. You’ll also find plenty of hidden gem cafes, charming restaurants, and welcoming people.

Check out Hermitage Museum & Gardens art museum for a relaxing and inspiring way to start your morning. Then, take a drive or walk along Ocean View Beach to take in the seaside vibes.

Head downtown to visit the city’s museums such as the Chrysler Museum of Art, one of the best art museums in the country. After taking in the history and culture of the city, take a stroll down Granby Street to sample the city’s incredible restaurants and catch incredible live music.

Key West, Florida

Key West is a weekend getaway filled with tropical island vibes and historical places. When you arrive, grab a cocktail on the famous Duval St. Then, make your way to the Hemingway Home and Museum, the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway.

Take your time to visit other historical landmarks including the Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West. Then, you can visit the southernmost point in the continental US marker and feel like you’re a world away.

If you love adventure, you can go on a deep sea fishing adventure or try scuba diving to see tons of corals and tropical fish. When the sun goes down, head back to Duval St. to enjoy late night entertainment and cocktails and spend the evening by the pool.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a tropical destination that’s full of wild adventures, beautiful places, and diverse cultures. For many people, it’s the perfect weekend getaway.

Start your Miami adventure off right at Calle Ocho and then grab lunch in Little Havana. Then, check out the colorful buildings and boutique shops of Miami’s Art Deco district before going on a shopping spree in Coconut Grove.

For the ultimate party experience both day and night, head to South Beach. Even though Miami is a major city and tourist destination, you’re never far away from secluded beaches such as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Hidden Beach.

Charleston, South Carolina

Must Visit U.S. Cities Charleston — © Aevan / Adobe Stock

Charleston is a coastal city full of historical places and fun times. It’s also easy to get to from anywhere in the US, making it a wonderful weekend getaway destination.

When you get there, check out the USS Yorktown CV-10, a WWII aircraft carrier turned museum. Then, head to South Carolina Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums on the East Coast.

Take your time exploring the historical architecture of downtown Charleston. Then, you can fill up on fresh seafood and Southern cuisine in the Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood before shopping in the historic French Quarter.

Portland, Maine

Portland makes an epic weekend getaway no matter what season you visit. The city is connected to major cities across the country, making it an easy place to check out for the weekend.

This historical port city is full of lobster shacks and historical monuments. It also has incredible beer. What more could you ask for?

Start your weekend off right by heading downtown to visit the Victoria Mansion. Then make your way to the Portland Museum of Art to see one of the East Coast’s best collections of artwork by American artists.

Don’t miss the town’s classic seafood restaurants such as Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier. Then, check out the Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. In the evening, don’t miss live music at one of the towns bars and craft breweries.