11 Serene Atlantic Coast Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Seaside towns on the East Coast inspire their own brand of wanderlust. With roughly 30,000 miles of Atlantic coastline from Florida to Maine, you could devote years of travel to uncovering the many tranquil treasures that dot the Eastern seaboard. From south to north, a weekend retreat at any one of these 11 Atlantic coastal towns guarantees lazy days at the beach, leisurely strolls through town, and a slow-paced schedule. Yet, beach-hopping vacationers find each unique in its own way. Stuart, Florida, charms visitors with its vibrant arts district and live music scene, while Kennebunkport, Maine, invites relaxation with its luxurious spa retreats and iconic lobster shacks. With so many distinctive destinations to explore, you’ll want to dedicate even more of your calendar to visiting the East Coast’s greatest hits, returning to real life feeling completely refreshed.
Stuart, Florida
X marks the spot for a serene weekend in the Sunshine State. Stuart, appropriately found on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a jewel of a coastal town right on the Saint Lucie River. Stuart is brimming with sights to see and things to do, and Main Street shopping in the historic downtown is a great place to begin. Here, you can catch live music at the weekly concert series Rock’n Riverwalk. Dine at the beloved Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar or The Gafford for a great night out, followed by a show at the recently-renovated Lyric Theatre. A short walk from downtown Stuart is the Creek District, officially appointed as the town’s arts and entertainment district. Here, visitors will find streets adorned with sculptures, murals, and live music seven nights a week at Terra Fermata's outdoor venue.
On the other hand, outdoor lovers can spend a day fishing at the Stuart Causeway, well-known for its diverse species, beautiful surroundings, and heavenly sunsets. For an overnight stay, book the Old Coronado Inn, a collection of properties located throughout downtown Stuart that offer a unique combination of lodging options ranging from traditional rooms to cottages and entire homes. Or, choose Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina for ocean views and an authentic tropical feel.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island’s history is full of battles and conquests from Spanish explorers to the Civil War. Today, it is simply a prime destination to kick back and forget the worries of the day, and there’s no better way to do it than a day at the beach. While South End Beach is the most popular, the need for tranquility should lead you to the quieter North Beach or even the lesser-known Savannah Beach—and both have a high probability of dolphin sightings. When it’s time to move, rent a bike from Tybee Island Bike Rentals; the company will deliver right to your doorstep so you can easily drift about Tybee’s many designated paths on two wheels.
A must-see is the Tybee Island Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest in Georgia and one that you can climb up—it’s only 178 steps! Get out to sea with Sundial Charters, a company that offers many types of boat excursions for crabbing, fossil hunting, and exploring the National Wildlife Refuge on Wassaw Island, one of the only barrier islands on the Georgia coast to remain untouched by man. Adorable bed and breakfast lodging options include the Beachview Inn & Spa, and Surf Song Bed & Breakfast are ideal for an extended stay.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Fun fact about Folly Beach: when George Gershwin visited the coastal town in 1934, he was working on the musical Porgy and Bess and penned the iconic lines “Summertime / and the livin’ is easy.” This sentiment could not be more accurate for Folly Beach, a come-as-you-are barrier island and popular surf spot only 11 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. The restaurants here embody Folly’s laid-back attitude. Try Chico Feo, an eclectic must-visit for dinner and drinks with a Caribbean flair. Just a six-minute drive away is Bowen's Island Restaurant. Situated by Folly Creek, this shuck-’em-yourself oyster and seafood shack delivers food and views.
To explore Folly Beach's natural beauty, you could take the Morris Island Lighthouse Trail, a path emblazoned with artistic graffiti from the local community, to see the tower that welcomes boats into Charleston Harbor. Or, go by water with a tour through Flipper Finders, searching for wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and hunting for shark teeth when you come ashore. The family-owned Hotel Folly, right on Center Street, would be an excellent choice for newly renovated, pet-friendly accommodations for your stay in the enchanting Folly Beach.
Duck, North Carolina
The town of Duck, simply named for the popularity of duck hunting in this area, is part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This barrier island community takes pride in the many precious landscapes found here. For that reason, you will love Duck’s Town Park, 11 acres of open green spaces, with trails running through the maritime forest and willow swamp. The park, the site of the Duck Jazz Fest each fall, will also give you access to the Duck Boardwalk, a soundfront path that provides you a firsthand view of Currituck Sound and the chance to meander through Duck’s many shops and eateries.
For your getaway in Duck, stay at the Colington Creek Inn—every room features views of the water and a sun porch. If you want to splurge, try The Sanderling, a resort sporting a fresh redesign, beach access, and the new restaurant Theodosia (“Hamilton” fans will approve), led by award-winning chef and cookbook author Vivian Howard.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Only seven miles long, Chincoteague’s diverse natural scenery and expansive list of activities defies its small size. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is the best place to experience both. With 14,000 acres to explore, it is a peaceful setting for hiking, birdwatching (over 275 species call the island home!), and kayaking. Summertime in Chincoteague includes a variety of community gatherings like the Seafood Festival, the Chincoteague Carnival, and the Blueberry Festival.
A visit to Chincoteague would not be complete without seeing the Chincoteague ponies, a herd of approximately 150 adult wild horses that live on the nearby Assateague Island. One of the best ways to see these beauties, made famous by the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry, is with a boat ride with Saltwater Pony Tours. Or, you can book a stay at the Refuge Inn, where the owners keep a few horses onsite for guests to enjoy.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach has long been a beach destination for Delaware neighbors to flock to during the summer months, but now that the rest of the country has caught on, visitors from all over the country count on a trip to Rehoboth Beach to unwind. The mile-long retro boardwalk can fill your day with cotton-candied fun: amusement park rides at Funland, funky beach shops, and classic carnival snacks. Or, get away from the rollicking crowds and find one of Rehoboth Beach’s many hidden walking paths where you might find yourself suddenly in a salt marsh or face-to-face with the native herons.
Thankfully, you won’t go hungry in Rehoboth Beach. Go big with a lobster-topped burger at Dogfish Head Chesapeake & Maine, or take advantage of the raw bar at Henlopen City Oyster House. Also, beer connoisseurs will be happy to learn that Rehoboth Beach boasts a top ten Best Small Town Beer Scene by “USA Today,” which is the perfect excuse to sip at Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats or Thompson Island Brewing Company. In Rehoboth Beach, the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel is a well-reviewed choice for staying near the water.
Newport, Rhode Island
One look at the picturesque Newport, Rhode Island, and you’ll think you’re on a movie set. And for good reason—this city’s resume includes a long list of feature films shot amidst its rocky coastlines and manicured gardens, including the swoony original version of The Great Gatsby. There are several ways to discover Newport’s many gifts. From April to October, book a sightseeing tour with Rail Explorers to take a railroad track spin around the breathtaking Narragansett Bay on a pedal-powered vehicle. Or, go on foot with a soothing stroll along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile sleepy footpath with sweeping ocean views before you and Gilded Age mansions behind.
Of interest to foodies, this City by the Sea squeezes in an infinite number of culinary delights, including the White Horse Tavern, the oldest tavern building in the United States, and the excellent 22 Bowen's Wine Bar and Grille on Bowen's Wharf, a shopping and dining destination on the harbor. The finishing touch for your weekend getaway will be the perfect accommodations—The Cliffside Inn or Gilded are great options.
Montauk, New York
New York’s hamlet of Montauk, located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, is lovingly known by locals as "The End." But a trip to this coastal town is just the beginning of your well-deserved beach escape. The End is where you’ll find the Montauk Point Lighthouse, open for tours, but the surrounding grounds are great for an afternoon walk. If you look closely, you might see seals nearby, frolicking in their natural environment. Another neat place is Deep Hollow Ranch, the birthplace of the American cowboy, where you can take a beautiful horseback ride on the shores of Block Island Sound.
Montauk’s downtown boasts a number of boutiques and specialty food stores; even if you’re without a kitchen, it’s fun to window shop the drool-worthy delectables at the Montauk Seafood Company and the Balsam Farms Montauk Market. When the gourmet gazing leaves you hungry for dinner, check out the cozy boho restaurant Montauk Project featuring artisan pizzas and live music, or right on Main Street is the locally-loved 668 The Gig Shack, known for its delicious global surf cuisine. For your overnight stay, the Montauk Manor is a majestic collection of spacious apartments that also provides guests with a full list of hotel services.
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Nicknamed “America's Oldest Seaport” for its fishing village roots, there’s no quicker way to become acquainted with Gloucester’s rich history than through its Harbor Walk, a self-guided tour with 42 informative markers along the way that reveals the important artists, historical figures, and mariners who were essential to writing this seaside town’s story. The Harbor Walk will inspire you to visit Rocky Neck Artist’s Colony, one of the longest, continuously operating artist colonies in the U.S. and a centuries-old place of inspiration for well-known artists Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer.
For a healthy dose of ocean air, charter a boat through Cape Ann Whale Watch to see the variety of whale species that migrate to Stellwagen Bank, a marine preserve off the coast of Gloucester named by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the top five whale watching destinations in the world. Finish your day at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester, a darling boutique hotel with a beach cottage feel, thanks to its airy waterfront rooms.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
With only 18 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline, New Hampshire’s Seacoast region is your best bet for a coastal getaway in the Granite State. Portsmouth, with its walkable downtown and busy port, is a can’t miss destination. Stay in the center of it all at The Sailmaker’s House, an independently operated inn decked out in chic maritime decor, or check in to the Hotel Thaxter, an upscale retreat with botanical interiors inspired by Celia Thaxter, a Portsmouth native and American poet.
You can’t beat Portsmouth’s food and shopping scenes. Dine at the cozy waterfront bistro Black Trumpet, share a tablescape of tapas at Cava, or try reimagined gastropub fare at The Wilder. (Three words for you: duck fat popcorn.) History buffs will have no problem finding an enlightening museum to peruse in this seaside city; the American Independence Museum showcases early drafts of the Constitution, while underwater adventurers can tour a modern submarine exhibit inside Albacore Park.
Kennebunkport, Maine
It’s true that Kennebunkport’s unhurried ease is a remedy for all that ails you. In fact, a weekend getaway to this breezy coastal city is the equivalent of taking a deep, meditative breath. There’s no better place to rest your head than the time-honored White Barn Inn & Spa, where pampering yourself is the only thing on the to-do list. The hotel’s notable onsite White Barn Inn Restaurant juxtaposes refined New England cuisine with its rustic interiors. Kennebunkport has a variety of beaches at your fingertips. Gooch’s Beach is a prime locale for morning walks, surfing when the waters grow rough, or fishing off the jetty. Or, grab lunch from the iconic Mabel’s Lobster Claw and walk to the nearby Colony Beach for a picnic.
Kennebunkport is also worth visiting in the winter months, especially for its Christmas Prelude, a magical welcoming of the holidays and festive enough for HGTV to name Kennebunkport the #2 Christmas town in America. After Santa arrives by lobster boat and the tree is lit, stick around for the special offerings from Dock Square’s spirited local businesses. No matter the season, Kennebunkport fits the bill for a relaxing vacation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are searching for an ocean excursion, a slow ramble through a charming downtown, or simply a day at the beach with a good book, any one of these 11 Atlantic coastal towns would be excellent for a quick weekend retreat. While each has its own distinct energy and local flair, they share a sense of calm, a gift of relaxation they would be happy to offer you. Up and down the East Coast, these little seaside locales await your arrival—just make sure you pack your flip-flops.
