7 Picturesque Towns on the Atlantic Coast for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
From Maine to Florida, the Atlantic Coast boasts stunning coastlines, breathtaking views, rich history, and a variety of charming beach towns. Whether you are seeking a lively summer destination packed with excitement and crowds or a peaceful retreat in a quiet small town, the Atlantic Coast offers something for everyone. From the historic charm of New England to the tropical allure of Southern escapes, there is plenty to discover along the Atlantic Coast.
Cape May, New Jersey
Victorian homes and a pristine beach are two of the images that come to mind when one thinks of Cape May, New Jersey. There is more to Cape May than immediately evident, however. National Geographic named Cape May one of the World's Best Destinations for Bird-Watching, noting that the Cape's narrow peninsula acts as a bird funnel, bringing in many different species of songbirds.
Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the US and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. The historic district is made up of one of the US's largest collections of 19th-century wood-framed seaside structures and Victorian architecture. A narrated Historic District Trolley Tour of Cape May is a good way to see the entire town and learn about its unique history.
With the age of many of the homes in Cape May and the many visitors that have come to the town, it is no surprise that it is also known as one of the most haunted towns on the Atlantic Coast. Various companies in town offer mystery ghost tours of different houses and estates, such as the Physick Estate and Cherry House.
A trip to Cape May would not be complete without seeing its iconic lighthouse, located in Cape May Point State Park. Built in 1859 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the view from the top of the lighthouse of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean can't be beaten.
Lodging options in Cape May include the luxurious Virginia Hotel on Jackson Street and the less expensive Beach Club on Madison Avenue. Restaurants abound throughout the town and include French, Italian, Mexican, seafood, and vegetarian options.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland provides breathtaking views of the Assawoman Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This beach town that blends natural beauty with local culture offers visitors much to do, if they so desire, or a quiet retreat.
Ocean City's isolation as a barrier island was responsible for it being known as a remote fishing village until 1875 when the Atlantic Hotel was built. Once the railroad bridged Sinepuxent Bay, tourists began flocking to the town. The US Life-Saving Service established a station in Ocean City in 1878. Tourists can visit the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum today, an actual station turned into a museum that was built in 1891.
Today, Ocean City is known for its iconic boardwalk, named by National Geographic as one of the top 10 boardwalks in the US. It was constructed in 1910 and today, hosts gift shops, restaurants, hotels, eateries, arcades, salt-water taffy shops, and more.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the rides at Trimper's Rides, the oldest family owned and operated amusement park in the US. Located on Atlantic Avenue at the Inlet, the most famous ride is the Herschell-Spillman Carousel featuring beautiful hand-carved animals, which is over 110 years old.
Accommodations in Ocean City include hotels and motels, as well as rental condominium units and homes. Dining choices are many and include seafood, steak, Eastern Shore fried chicken, sweet shops, and cafes.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
With 60 miles of sandy beach along the Atlantic Coast, Myrtle Beach has long been a destination for those who are looking for an active vacation as well as for those looking to get away from it all. There are more than 90 golf courses to please golfers, amusement parks for children of all ages, and quiet beaches on which to stroll and get lost in your own thoughts.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach features a Penguin Playhouse and discovery center, in which visitors can get up close and touch sea creatures. It also includes the Dangerous Reef shark exhibit, where visitors can see over 10,000 fish swimming in a 750,000-gallon exhibit.
Two parks are in the Myrtle Beach area. Huntington Beach State Park on Murrells Inlet offers trails for biking and hiking, as well as a Nature Center with guided tours. Myrtle Beach State Park has over 250 campsites, six cabins, and seven picnic shelters for gatherings of all kinds.
Lodging options in Myrtle Beach include both luxury and budget-friendly hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and Airbnbs. Dining is available both at the beachfront and on Broadway at the beach, as well as a 350-acre shopping center and entertainment complex in the town.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Situated in the northeast corner of Mt. Desert Island in Maine, Bar Harbor is a picturesque tourist town with a busy main street, historical sites, and access to Acadia National Park. There is truly something for everyone in Bar Harbor.
Bar Harbor's ocean cliffs and rocky beaches have attracted thousands of tourists for over two centuries. It is estimated that Native Americans arrived there 5,000 years ago. Then, the French and English settled the area in the 1800s. Visitors to Bar Harbor today can stroll Main Street and view the historic homes and buildings that survived the October 1947 fire that destroyed 170 homes, 67 summer estates, and five hotels.
In addition to history, visitors enjoy spending time at Acadia National Park, covering over 49,000 acres. Those who choose to drive can take Park Loop Road for 27 miles along oceanside cliffs and through mountain forests. A 125-mile network of hiking trails and carriage roads are also available throughout the park for hikers and bikers.
Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts are all found within Bar Harbor for those who choose the town for a weekend retreat. History buffs might choose the Balance Rock Inn, a boutique hotel dating to 1903. Bar Harbor also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops to satisfy your hunger during your stay.
Montauk, New York
Positioned at the eastern tip of Long Island, on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, Montauk is also referred to as "The End." Many who visit Montauk say that it really feels like the end of the world, not only because of its remote location but also because of the strong winds, rough surf, and preserved lands of the area. Those looking for a remote retreat on the Atlantic Coast will want to check out Montauk.
Visitors will not want to miss the Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792. It was New York's first lighthouse and is the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in the US today. It is also a National Historic Landmark. Those visiting may tour the lighthouse, its grounds, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum.
Several New York State Parks can be found in Montauk, including the 99-acre Shadmoor State Park. With 2,400 feet of ocean beach, hiking trails, and elevated platforms for birdwatching, there is something for everyone at Shadmoor State Park.
Montauk has its share of accommodation choices, from luxury options such as the oceanfront Gurney's Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, to budget-friendly choices like Daunt's Albatross Motel in the center of town. The town boasts a variety of dining options from high-end restaurants to NYC-based pop-ups to cafes.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Located on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Chatham was once home to the Monomoyicks, a Native American tribe. English settlers began arriving in 1656, and families began settling on the Cape. Although Chatham struggled for its first 100 years, the aftermath of the Revolutionary War brought prosperity to the town, with agriculture, fishing, and maritime enterprises flourishing.
Visitors to Chatham today will appreciate the rich history of the town, which combines small-town quaintness with a beautiful coastline that is off the beaten path. Hosting about 25,000 visitors each summer, Chatham prospers today due to its exposure to the ocean and its isolation, two factors that were once seen as liabilities during the town's beginnings.
The Lighthouse Beach Overlook Area is one of Chatham's most popular tourist sites. Overlooking the Bar, the Chatham Lighthouse is one of just a few lighthouses in the US that still operates 24 hours a day. From the lighthouse, it is just a short walk to the Old Village Historic District, which protects over 300 properties in Chatham and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Those looking for a luxurious weekend retreat might opt to stay in Chatham Bars Inn, sitting along the ocean with its own tennis courts, spa, and swimming pool. The Chatham Seafarer Inn provides comfortable accommodations for families, and sits just a half mile from the Atlantic Coast.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a slower-paced beach town on the Atlantic Coast. It is focused more on preserving wildlife than on the hustle and bustle of traditional beach towns. One of the island's most famous events is the annual Pony Penning, held each summer, in which a pony swim takes place across the Assateague Channel, followed by a pony auction. This event has taken place since 1925.
Its remoteness makes Chincoteague the perfect weekend retreat for those looking to get away from it all. Make sure to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the entrance of which is on Assateague Island, a 37-mile stretch of undeveloped beach.
Other activities popular on Chincoteague include fishing, clamming, kayaking, and nature cruising. If you are lucky, you might even get to see a rocket being launched from the nearby NASA Wallops Visitors Center during your stay.
Chincoteague's accommodations range from hotels such as the Refuge Inn and the Waterside Inn to bed-and-breakfasts and Airbnbs. Dining options include Etta's Channel Side Restaurant, featuring local seafood; Bill's Prime Seafood and Steaks; and The Pearl Waterside Dining and Deck Bar.
Plan Your Next Weekend Retreat Along the Atlantic Coast
Pack your bags, grab your flip-flops, and get ready for a weekend retreat at one of these seven Atlantic Coast getaways. Whether you choose the more isolated, small-town feel of Chatham, Massachusetts; the quieter, historic town of Cape May, New Jersey; or the busier atmosphere of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the beach is waiting for your next weekend visit. These charming, picturesque beach towns are calling to visitors of all ages and are ready to welcome you at any time of the year.
