8 Best Towns in the Mid-Atlantic to Visit in 2024
The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States has a rich cultural history, vast terrains, and warm residents who welcome tourists with open arms. The area consists of seven of the original thirteen colonies during pre-revolutionary British America: New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
This region is filled with small towns, offering amazing sights and attractions minus the urban crowds. Natural activities are abundant, from white water rafting in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay to rock climbing in the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Moreover, each town has a unique past to share, with cultural attractions to tell the story. With so much to see and do, let’s take a look at the best towns in the mid-Atlantic to visit in 2024.
Lewes, Delaware
The locals often refer to Lewes as “the First town in the First State,” a deserving title as it was originally settled by the Dutch in 1631. This makes it the first European settlement in the state, and it was named after the town of Lewes, England, by Williams Penn.
The town’s geographical position along the mouth of Delaware Bay and its rich heritage make it a favorite traveler’s hotspot in Delaware. A famous spot in this area is the Cape Henlopen State Park, which lies east of Lewes. With over 5,000 acres of land space, this park is home to beautiful beaches, several miles of nature trails perfect for hiking, bird sanctuaries, spots for fishing and surf fishing, and even a bathhouse on the Atlantic Ocean.
Back from exploring the park, tourists can head into town to enjoy a range of attractions. As it is a walkable town, it is easy to discover historical landmarks, old but well-preserved buildings, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. For example, the Lewes Historical Society and Zwaanendael Museum are a trip to the past that history enthusiasts love.
While the streets are usually laid-back, the vibe changes during the town’s vibrant events. One major event to look out for in Lewes in 2024 is the 15th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration. Proposed between March 29th and April 14th, it celebrates Dutch heritage through picturesque flora and art exhibitions.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is one of the three Delaware towns often called “The Quiet Resorts.” This municipality is one of the choice areas for vacationers, and the town’s population grows from barely 1000 to over 15,000 in summer.
This rare gem of a town has an activity for everybody. Begin your tour from the Delaware Seashore State Park, north of Bethany Beach. This 2,800-acre park is loved by travelers looking to enjoy some water activities. From windsurfing against the ocean wind to sunbathing in the bathhouses, there is an endless array of possibilities here.
This town is always bursting with things to do all year round; some events to look out for in 2024 include the Poseidon Festival, scheduled to be held in May of this year, the Fire and Ice Festival, held each January, and the photography contest.
After a day well spent, take an evening stroll along the broad and short Joseph Olson boardwalk, accompanied by beach views under the starry night sky. Whether you want to relish a cocktail at Mango’s restaurant or read some books at Bethany Beach Books, it is a great place to end the day.
Ocean City, Maryland
In Worcester County, Maryland, is the iconic Ocean City. Talk about resort towns; this breathtaking place is a perfect example. During summer, the population moves from a little less than 7,000 residents to over 300,000 because of its attractions. If you are not a fan of crowded places, you should plan your vacation before or after summer.
Ocean City is home to the Ocean Bowl Skatepark, the first skatepark on the United States East Coast and the longest-running municipal skate park in the country. With revamped skating rinks and deep bowls, skaters can have fun doing their thing. Meanwhile, outdoorsy people admire the long stretch of Ocean City Beach, where white sand and glistening water create a picturesque scene. Or, enjoy the exotic nightlife of this town by taking long evening walks on the Ocean City Boardwalk that stretches 3 miles long.
Ocean City is beyond being a thrilling town; this town has the human race at heart. They organize humanitarian projects all year round to support different categories of people, from new mothers to people fighting cancer. Be part of the May 2024 Berlin Memorial Day, a celebration held in honor of veterans.
Cape May, New Jersey
The quaint town of Cape May lies on the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula. This beautiful seaside town is every adventurer’s dream come true. It showcases the meeting point of history and relaxation, from its Victorian Gingerbread houses to its white sandy beaches.
The entire city has been registered as a National Historic Landmark due to the abundance of Victorian architecture abound. A short stroll through town is lined with rustic decor, perfect for memorable photos in New Jersey. Or, one can choose to go treasure hunting along the shorelines of the beaches around this town to find the precious Cape May Diamonds washed up from the Delaware River.
If you are a bird lover, you will surely enjoy bird-watching, especially during the migratory period. An excellent place to start is the Cape May Bird Observatory, where you can get a comprehensive guide on famous birding spots and activities to do while bird-watching. Apart from watching the migrating birds, Cape May is a popular destination for an all year round marine mammal watching. Spot some of your favorite sea mammals like Dolphins and Whales.
For those visiting Cape May in 2024, the return of Cape May Restaurant Week in June is a prime attraction. During this event, visitors and locals can enjoy three courses at a fixed price across the best restaurants in town.
Saratoga Springs, New York
As the name suggests, Saratoga Springs is home to various mineral springs. Enjoy a calm, relaxing afternoon in any of the functioning bathhouses in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Known for their healing powers, these springs relieve any stress in the body of guests. You can also go hiking along the several miles of hiking trails or fishing at Geyser Creek.
Back in town, the streets are full of culture, especially racing history, which explains the local motto, “Health, History, and Horses.” It has stayed true to its motto as it is home to Saratoga Race Course, the fourth oldest thoroughbred horse racing track in the United States. One can also learn about the riveting sport at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which is a short walk away. If not horse racing, catch the performance of local artists at the Spa Little Theater.
Speaking of artists, Saratoga boasts some of the best cultural events in the state. Every year, people gather to celebrate jazz during the Jazz Festival, heritage during the Saratoga Native American Festival, and folk dance for the Flurry Festival. Full of food, dance, and music, these events are perfect for tourists who want to witness the town at its peak.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is famous for being the site of the bloodiest battle during the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg. It played a significant role in the nation's history. If you are curious about what went down during this three-day battle, check out the Gettysburg National Military Park. The park is home to the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his speech in November 1863, the same year of the battle. Still in the park is the Gettysburg Museum and Visitors Center, where you can find over 4,000 artifacts from the battle.
Outside the park, visitors can walk on the path Abraham Lincoln took during his short visit to this town. Along the route lies the 1858 Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, a homage to the past with rustic railway tracks. Explore the hidden food areas of Gettysburg on a well-guided food voyage, or discover wineries that serve wines that will leave your tongue tingling. You can also watch the live reenactment of the battle at the 161st Battle reenactment in July.
Williamsburg, Virginia
This historic town sits on a ridge in the Virginia Peninsula between the James and York Rivers. It once served as the capital city of the Colony of Virginia, standing as the political center of the state leading up to the American Revolutionary War. To this end, the town is rich with history and is home to sites like the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, the College of William and Mary. With over 300 years of history, most visitors love the stories it has to share. Similarly, the Governor’s Palace is a famous landmark, showcasing 18th-century furnishings for a regal allure.
For a more immersive experience, tourists can envision life between the 17th and 19th centuries on a guided trip around Colonial Williamsburg, an interpretive museum. On this tour, reenactors act out or tell significant stories about this era. Places in this area you should look out for include the Capitol Building and the Bruton Parish Church.
Apart from history, Williamsburg is bustling with life, and there are many ways to have a blast. Adults visit the Williamsburg Winery, the largest winery in Virginia, while kids love to go on rides at any of the two themed parks in the town, one of which is Busch Gardens. That said, everyone can enjoy the annual 4th July celebration, a festive time to honor Williamsburg's massive role in America's independence.
Fayetteville, West Virginia
Fayetteville was voted “One of the Coolest Small Towns in America” in 2006. Initially named Vandalia after Abraham Vandall, it was later renamed Fayetteville after the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette.
From fine dining to exhilarating outdoor experiences, prepare for an adventure in this picturesque town. Adjacent to this town is the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a national preserve created to maintain the New River Gorge. This park is famous for being one of the best spots for whitewater rafting.
Still within the park is the New River Gorge Bridge, the fifth-longest single-span arch bridge in the world. This bridge crosses over the New River Gorge. The areas around this bridge are perfect for rappelling, rock climbing, and base jumping. Back in town, visitors in 2024 will have the chance to enjoy the town’s annual Heritage Festival celebration together with the 4th of July celebration. From great food to interesting heritage, it is fun for everyone.
From lands around the Appalachian mountains to the coastal lands along the Atlantic, the Mid-Atlantic is filled with big metro cities and small charming towns. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, hospitality, and grand fun that can only be found in these small towns. All these options abound, and tourists can embark on this life-changing adventure to the Mid-Atlantic. From the children-friendly themed parks to the exhilarating rock climbing areas, there is an activity for everyone.
