15 Enchanting Towns on the East Coast Every American Should Visit
Planning a trip to the East Coast this year? If so, you’re in luck.
These picturesque East Coast towns are bursting with charm, making them easy to envision as your new favorite vacation spot.
1: Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is home to over six miles of stunning beaches. Outdoor activities abound there. Whether you enjoy biking, boating, fishing, or simply taking a stroll, there’s an activity for almost everyone. Try to plan your trip between May and August, for those months fall during the Loggerhead turtle nesting season.
2: Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic has fewer than 5,000 residents, making it a quiet getaway for families with children. The town, which was established in 1684, provides various attractions, such as the Seaport Museum, guided boat tours, and a Mystic Knotwork shop, the first and only of its kind in the United States.
3: Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is a small coastal town in Delaware. The town is known for its beautiful calm waters and welcoming ambiance. Travelers can explore Bethany Beach Boardwalk, play a game of tennis at the Sea Colony Tennis Center, or take a short trip to the Delaware Botanic Garden.
4: Cedar Key, Florida
Cedar Key is an island off the northwest coast of Florida. The island is famous for its beautiful waters and is a popular place for photography enthusiasts, fishers, and surfers. The town offers excellent seafood and houses the National Wildlife Refuge and Cedar Key Museum State Park.
5: Crystal River, Florida
Located less than two hours away from Orlando, the coastal town of Crystal River is well known for its springs, including the famous Three Sister Springs. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming with manatees and diving for scallops. Travelers exploring Crystal River can enjoy delicious seafood dining, attend festivals, and take part in guided boat tours.
6: Sleepy Hollow, New York
Famous for its setting of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Sleepy Hollow is a town in Hudson Valley. The town’s rich history dates back to Dutch settlement. Those who visit must see the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
7: Canandaigua, New York
Canandaigua is located in Ontario County, New York. The town’s aesthetic residential neighborhoods, cute downtown area, and the beautiful Canandaigua Lake are sights to see. Canandaigua is a great place for water-loving travelers; swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities there.
8: Summerville, South Carolina
Dubbed “The Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville is famous for its beautiful farmland, low cost of living, and booming employment. Visitors often look forward to seeing the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site or catching a movie at the Cinemark Movies 8 theater.
9: Helen, Georgia
Helen is a tiny town known for its vineyards and annual Oktoberfest festival, where visitors dress up in traditional German attire and enjoy food, polka dancing, and drinks. This mountain town is one of the most affordable locations in Georgia and the US, with an annual cost of living of less than $37,000.
10: Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor sits along Maine’s Frenchman Bay. Its rich history and delicious seafood first attract visitors, keeping them returning year after year. The historic town is home to Acadia National Park and celebrities like Martha Stewart and Fred Savage.
11: Cape Charles, Virginia
Founded in 1884, Cape Charles is located in Northampton County. The town is famous for its architecture, history, and art, attracting young families and people who want to own historic family homes.
12: Staunton, Virginia
Staunton is an independent town in Virginia that’s surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The destination is known for its culture and historical landmarks, such as the American Shakespeare Center. It’s an ideal place for individuals looking to relax and curl up with a book.
13: Franconia, New Hampshire
Franconia features miles of stunning mountains. The town is home to a portion of Franconia Notch State Park and is the birthplace of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the first passenger tramway built in North America. Tourists and residents alike enjoy Franconia’s excellent hiking trails, waterfalls, and ski resorts.
14: Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is rich in history and attractions that draw in tourists. The town is home to beautiful hand-carved carousels and was once known as “The Lady’s Resort to the Ocean.” With a population of under 7,000 people, Ocean City is famous for its beaches and boardwalk.
15: Lenox, Massachusetts
Lenox is a charming small town in the southwestern region of Massachusetts. Visitors and prospective residents can enjoy a range of attractions, such as the Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, the Lenox Library, and Kennedy Park, which spans nearly 15 miles.
Move Where You Vacation
Destinations like New York City and Massachusetts have caught the attention of many young professionals over the years. According to one report, many East Coast states were considered the best places to live.
East or West
If you’re trying to decide which coast to visit or live on, keep in mind that the cost of living is generally higher in the eastern US. While prices vary according to the destination, real estate prices appear relatively more promising for the West Coast, with housing on the East Coast rising for 133 months straight as of February 2023.
Most and Least Visited States
Data company YouGov compiled the states Americans have visited the most and least. How many of the states on their list have you been to?
Most and Least Visited States by Americans
9 Countries Where Tipping Is Rude or Uncommon
Since when did tipping your local coffee shop barista 20% become the norm? If you’re tired of American tipping practices, you just might want to visit (and perhaps move to) one of these countries.
