Hit the Road: Explore the Best Hidden Gems Along the East Coast for Your Perfect Getaway
By Erin Karasewski
Do you need an escape? What’s stopping you? Start planning now—or better yet don’t—just pack your car and start driving. Picture beach days, souvenir shops, bike rides, boat tours and endless seafood. There is no better way to experience this than on an East Coast road trip.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
There’s only one difficulty. With so many bucket list destinations along the Atlantic Coast, where do you stop? No worries. We’ve curated a list with some of the East Coast’s most charming towns. Perfect for a relaxing summer on the coast or a peaceful fall escape from the business of life.
Cape May, New Jersey
First stop on our tour of the Atlantic Coast is a picturesque town on the tip of New Jersey. Known for stunning homes that look more like antique dollhouses, visitors will appreciate the town’s welcoming atmosphere. Start your day slow by visiting local shops or renting a bike to explore the city. If you’re a nature lover, Cape May Point State Park is the place for you. Bird watch, paint, or take nature walks, and spend hours among the trees. Another Cape May activity you don’t want to miss is rail biking. Turn back the clock as you pedal across historic tracks. To feel the summer breeze, head over to Cape May’s beach and lighthouse. After getting your perfect tan or making a sandcastle worthy of a king, book a wildlife or whale watching tour. It’s time to check it off your bucket list. Next thing you know, you’ll be ready for bed. Tomorrow the road trip continues with a stunning six-hour drive along the Atlantic Coast.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a vacation destination for everyone. For history lovers or architecture fanatics, touring Gilded Age mansions is a must. Marble House, the Breakers, Rosecliff, and Chepstow are some of the best. Nature lovers will obsess over breathtaking cliffwalks and views of the Atlantic Ocean from Easton Beach. If you’re an adventurer, consider renting mopeds and cruising on coastal roads. Shopaholics and souvenir collectors alike will be impressed by the charming boutiques, jewelry shops, and variety of stores for all types. Another interesting stop would be the Tennis Hall of Fame. Take a tour, enjoy interactive exhibits, and play a game on historic courts. If you have some extra time, make sure to book a polo match and take part in the excitement and refined charm of the sport.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a must-visit on any East Coast road trip and just a two-hour drive away from Newport. Known for its summer hydrangeas, Chatham is one of the most charming cities in Cape Cod. Take a stroll along Main Street, Chatham Bars Inn, and the Shore Road to breathe in the fresh air and smell the breathtaking flowers. Another place to experience Chatham to the fullest is at its lighthouse and fish pier. Arrive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see seals play and fisherman bring in their catch of the day. While staying in Chatham, take time to explore more of Cape Cod. Drive along the historic Route 6A, bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, relax on the National Seashore, or learn the history of Nobska Lighthouse. End your days by sampling the delicious restaurants on Main Street and watching the sunset on the Atlantic Coast.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Back in the car, enjoying coastal views, and only 3.5 hours later, you’ll arrive in charming Portsmouth. If you’re a nature lover, use your morning to visit Prescott Gardens before the coming adventures of the day. Prepare to be awed by colorful butterflies attracted by the garden’s strategic and ethereal design. Next, view the impressive Moran tugboats docked along the harbor at Ceres Street and take the perfect photo to post on social media or hang on your wall. But don’t just watch, experience a maritime adventure for yourself. Book your boat of choice—yacht, kayak, sailboat, cruise boat—and whale watch or just take in the ocean breeze. After you disembark, head downtown to visit the stylish boutiques and cozy bookstores. As the day ends, consider heading back to the beach to enjoy the sounds of the waves after a long day.
Kennebunkport, Main
After a short 40-minute drive, you’ll reach the final destination of your road trip along the East Coast. Start your day hiking the scenic trails at Vaughn’s Island Preserve or relaxing at Goose Rocks Beach. Near by you can explore the many lighthouses resting on Kennebunkport’s shores. To explore more of the town and see its historic buildings and churches take the popular trolley tour. Ready to get back out on the water? See the beauty of Main by exploring nearby islands on a kayak. Or if you’re a seafood lover, take a lobster tour and learn more about the crustacean while catching food to enjoy later. When you return to land, visit dock square with its many charming shops. Now is the time to buy those last-minute souvenirs. At the end of the night, have a lobster feast or visit a local restaurant to enjoy the famous seafood of Main.
Don’t wait to plan your East Coast road trip. Ask for time off now. Or just take a long weekend and visit a few of the charming towns on the list. Make this road trip your own, and enjoy the picturesque sites and inviting ocean breeze the Atlantic shore has to offer.
Your next group adventure starts here! Get your free copy of Leisure Group Travel magazine and explore the best destinations, itineraries, and travel ideas.
