8 Cozy Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast
When empires and chain migrations from Europe crossed the Atlantic Ocean, they settled their people on the eastern coasts of North America, in a country that would later become the United States. Today, many of these early settlements have developed and prospered into cozy towns on the Atlantic Coast.
From pony-roaming islands like Chincoteague in Virginia to fabled dwellings like Manteo in North Carolina, these towns continue to embody the free-natured spirits and rustic ambiance of the early colonial lifestyle (minus colonialism). Wherever you go, you will be welcomed and embraced by these cozy towns beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Chincoteague, Virginia
On the island of Chincoteague in the state of Virginia, you will find yourself mesmerized by the cozy town of Chincoteague. Although a good place to savor the sea spray of the Atlantic Ocean, Chincoteague, and its eponymous island is notable for being one of the many bases of the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). Specifically in nearby Wallop Island, NASA sends out supplies via rockets to the International Space Station (ISS).
Furthermore, Chincoteague is a haven and a home for a unique breed of wild ponies in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. You do need permission in order to approach these adorable steeds. For those interested in both oysters and history, then check out the Museum of Chincoteague Island for a better appreciation of the town’s fishing industry. Additionally, the Assateague Lighthouse gives you a grand view of the town, the neighboring Assateague Island, and the Atlantic Ocean. Consider staying awhile in Chincoteague at the Anchor Inn, Marina Bay Hotel & Suites, or The Reef.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a luxurious and fulfilling destination if you are ever traveling in New Jersey. Less than an hour away from Atlantic City, visitors not only get to feel the wonders of the Atlantic Ocean but also the humble sea winds of Delaware Bay from the state of Delaware. There are a handful of attractions for you to relish in the sun and fun of Cape May, especially on splendid beaches such as Sunset Beach and Cove Beach, where you can collect the nation-renowned Cape May diamonds for you to polish, sell, or keep.
Let the wild and bountiful avian species at Cape May Point State Park and Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area sing and soothe you in your travels. And at the aged, Victorian vestibules of the Emlen Physick Estate, let yourself relive the ancient Americana life of the 1870s in this living museum. Make yourself comfortable in Cape May while resting in Cape Harbor Motor Inn, the Grand Hotel of Cape May, or Angel of the Sea.
Ocean Grove, New Jersey
Aside from Cape May, the quaint abode of Ocean Grove is a scenic location where you can experience more of New Jersey’s Atlantic charms. There are several historic buildings from the Victorian era that are sure to keep you awed and vivacious throughout your travels. Among these awesome architectures is The Great Auditorium, a humungous wooden theater that occasionally hosts vibrant performances and Sunday worship services.
You can always embrace the warm and placid waves of the Atlantic from Ocean Grove Beach. If you prefer a smaller body of water than the Atlantic Ocean, stride along Fletcher Lake. Many simple delights await you in Ocean Grove, so do consider spending your vacation in this lovely town by first finding accommodations at the Ocean Park Inn Bed & Breakfast, Ocean Vista, or The Ocean View Inn.
St. Augustine, Florida
Florida has numerous small towns along its Atlantic coastline that will keep you cozy. But most of all, St. Augustine will keep you intrigued and invested in Florida’s past and present. Being the “Nation’s Oldest City” or Ancient City, St. Augustine has remained the oldest European-themed settlement in the United States since Spanish conquistadors founded it in 1565.
Today, visitors can explore the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a gilded fortress guarding the Matanzas River. Witness the attitudes and etiquettes of Spain’s colonial citizens at Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, or appreciate African-American history at the remnants of Fort Mose. More African-American history can be gleaned at the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum and Freedom Trail, where Martin Luther King Junior’s words are memorialized.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Nearby, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, Anastasia State Park, and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre are among many other attractions that will amaze you in St. Augustine. Only about 40 miles from Jacksonville, there are a number of lodgings to relax at, such as The Flagler Inn, Marion Motor Lodge, or OceanView Lodge.
Vero Beach, Florida
Between the city of Miami and the town of St. Augustine, visitors will find themselves enamored by the vivacious Vero Beach. One can lounge in Florida's Treasure Coast and all its watery delights at the Indian River Lagoon, while South Beach Park is a suitable place for beachside volleyball and other aquatic sports. On the mainland, the Historic Dodgertown was the former spring training ground for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, whereas the McLarty Treasure Museum stands at the site of a Spanish shipwreck from 1715.
The Vero Beach Museum of Art captures the aesthetic and cultural attitudes of both Vero Beach and its neighbors, Sebastian and Fellsmere. Watch local performances at the Riverside Theater, Florida’s largest professional non-profit theater. The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to many of Florida’s pelicans and other avian species. Should you wish to stay a while, you will find all you need at The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel, The Historic Driftwood Resort, or Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.
Manteo, North Carolina
In North Carolina, specifically in Roanoke Island, find a perfect example of an old English settlement in the town of Manteo. You can find these well-preserved homesteads along the Outer Banks and the Roanoke Island Festival Park. In addition, recreational reenactments of old colonial life can be observed at the Island Farm or the exhibits at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. Within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is the Elizabethan Gardens. Not only do the Gardens house North Carolina’s bucolic flora, but is also near the mysterious Lost Colony that vanished in 1587.
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Shallowbag Bay gives you an unparalleled view of the Atlantic Ocean, whereas the Manteo Weather Tower offers an untainted appreciation of the daily or nightly sky. (Interestingly enough, this tower was where Alpheus W. Drinkwater, a local weatherman, announced national the Wright Brothers’ successes in aviation.) Find more of North Carolina’s allures and attractions in Manteo, and spend your evenings at the Hotel Manteo, Scarborough Inn, or the Tranquil House Inn.
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Much like North Carolina, Massachusetts is a state renowned for being one of the first colonized areas in America. Newburyport is one of the few towns in Massachusetts that preserves the old settlement setting. The Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm, for instance, showcases the New England agricultural attitudes of the 1690s. The historic Plum Island Lighthouse and Newburyport Harbor Light—both found at the mouth of Merrimack River that leads out into the Atlantic Ocean—are remnants of a bygone time that continue to shepherd ships to safer shores.
For entertainment, explore the barrier island of Plum Island for beachside activities. Or wait until September 29 to October 9 for the Topsfield Fair, America’s oldest country fair since 1818. One might also be interested in the Yankee Homecoming event, a celebration of all things American, which begins from July 27 to August 4. Remember to purchase a room at the Compass Rose Inn, Clark Currier Inn, or Garrison Inn Boutique Hotel.
Ipswich, Massachusetts
Approximately 20 minutes from Newburyport and not far from Boston, one can get cozy and comfortable in the town of Ipswich. Originally called Agawam in the year 1633, the town was a major lace producer which were used to defy the British Empire. One can uncover more of Ipswich’s involvement in the Revolutionary War by perusing the Rebellion Tablet, which commemorates Reverand John Wise’s public reprimand against British taxation in 1687.
Besides a deep connection to freedom and history, travelers can find their own sort of freedom at the Willowdale State Forest, the Great Marshes, and the Sandy Point State Reservation. There, enjoy the simple splendors of Massachusetts’ forests and landscapes. The Atlantic Ocean blesses Crane Beach with endlessly lapping waves. And if you want to submerge yourself in Ipswich’s past, venture into the hallowed halls of the Great House atop Castle Hill, a 17th-century domicile within the elegant Crane Estate.
Massachusetts, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, and other American states on the Atlantic Coast are filled with cozy towns and comfortable destinations for any visitor from the Old World or residing in the New World. Exercise your liberties in Massachusetts towns that fought for liberty, such as Ipswich and Newburyport. Soak in new experiences and raw delights in St. Augustine and Vero Beach, Florida. Enjoy the lackadaisical simplicity of Cape May and Ocean Grove in New Jersey. But most of all, give yourself a relaxing vacation in the cozy towns to visit in the Atlantic Coast.
