8 Whimsical Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast
The eastern shore of the United States boasts charming and distinctive small towns that hold a special allure due to their island or archipelago settings. The Atlantic Coast is home to a range of places that are picture-perfect for lovers of whimsy, art, and the quirkier things in life. From the local art landmarks and coastal parks of Rockport, Massachusetts, to the storied historical architecture of Newport, Rhode Island, these eight whimsical towns along the Atlantic Coast offer something for everyone.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort, North Carolina, is an attractive small town that’s anything but ordinary. This hamlet is home to pirate legends and ghost stories, giving it a fun, slightly eerie charm. There is even a local landmark called “Blackbeard’s House” or “Hammock House,” which is said to be haunted by the dreaded pirate Blackbeard’s ghost. Adding to the spooky charm of Beaufort is the “Old Burying Ground,” which is a cemetery dating back to the 1700s with many antebellum graves.
Despite its eerie side, Beaufort also possesses a natural allure. The nearby Rachel Carson Reserve is a beautiful area where visitors can witness wild horses grazing freely and explore local marshlands. For those who fancy a taste of local commerce, The Beaufort Olive Oil Company is an adorable shop that is certain not to disappoint. They sell a unique and varied selection of oils and vinegar, such as an 18-year-aged balsamic vinegar and Persian lime olive oil.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport, Massachusetts is renowned across The Bay State as a haven of the arts. Indeed, there is a red fishing shack termed “Motif No. 1” that has grown to become an artistic icon drawing quirky and creative types from across the US. Further showcasing this locale’s dedication to artistic pursuits is the Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M), which is housed in a historic 18th-century building and celebrates the town’s deep artistic heritage. Another local art landmark is the “Paper House” which is entirely made of varnished newspaper, replete with furniture made from the same materials, showcasing the local community’s creative ingenuity.
You’ll find more than art in Rockport, however. For example, Halibut Point State Park is a delightful coastal park. Here, you can find stunning views of the Atlantic and the remnants of a historic granite quarry. On clear days at the park, one can admire breathtaking views reaching all the way to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals along the New Hampshire coast.
St. Michaels, Maryland
Situated along the western shores of the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels, Maryland, offers visitors a fun mixture of maritime culture and rejuvenating eccentricity. There is a local legend of a “Miracle on the Bay,” when the townsfolk supposedly fooled the British Navy into missing the town with their cannons. They accomplished this by hoisting lanterns high into trees and ship masts while extinguishing the lights within the town to make the British aim incorrectly.
As mentioned, the town is located on Chesapeake Bay, a major local attraction. You can spend the day boating or simply admiring stunning views of the bay. There is even a Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which preserves the town’s whimsical nautical history with exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach, Florida, is an island town with a unique nickname stemming from the fact it’s changed hands between empires so many times. It is known as the “Isle of Eight Flags” because of its unusual mix of cultural influences from its various rulers, including the Timucuan Native Americans, French, Spanish, Mexican, and American Confederacy. The remains of Fort Clinch, an old U.S. seacoast defense installation, are located within Fort Clinch State Park and offer a serene and laid-back spot for nature lovers, with sandy beaches and hiking trails.
If you’re thirsty after all of your adventuring, find your way over to The Palace Saloon, Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar. It has a delightful Wild West charm and offers some well-loved drinks, such as their “world famous” Pirate’s Punch and the rum-based Painkiller. Or, if you’re interested in a different type of history, you can wander the grounds of the Amelia Island Museum of History, located in a former jail and only a brisk 7-minute walk from The Palace Saloon!
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is a very colorful place known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and community. It hosts offbeat festivals and is also home to an eccentric art scene, making it one of the free-spirited towns along the Atlantic Coast. The LGBTQ+ community in Provincetown has long been recognized for its leadership in promoting diversity and joy within the town's cultural landscape. This place is a sanctuary for individuals who enjoy innovative forms of artistic expression. Throughout the seasons, the warmhearted allure of this town is evident in various ways, such as art exhibitions, melodies of music, and vibrant processions!
The nearby Cape Cod National Seashore is home to stunning dunes and miles of coastline, which are perfect for a relaxing summer day at the beach. With miles of idyllic trails for hiking or leisurely biking alongside the scenic shorelines, it is a peaceful retreat complemented by the tranquil beauty of the Atlantic that stands in contrast to the lively cultural scene found in Provincetown.
Newport, Rhode Island
Hello, Victorian architecture and Gilded Age mansions! Newport boasts a collection of estates dating back to America’s historical titans of industry. One of the mansions is known as “The Breaker’s Mansion” and represents the most ornate and imposing architecture of that American era. It provides visitors with a glimpse into the opulent past. For more interesting architecture, a visit to the undeniably odd International Tennis Hall of Fame is sure to delight sports buffs. Located in an old Victorian casino, it offers a nod to Newport’s elite history.
Nature lovers can venture out to experience the Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile scenic trail hugs Newport's beautiful coastline, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and providing a peek into the grand history of the city's luxurious Gilded Age mansions, all while immersing themselves in its natural beauty. Who wouldn’t want to see those buildings from another angle?
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a quaint coastal town, home to attractions like the Mystic Seaport, which brings maritime history to life through interactive experiences. The Seaport even hosts the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaling ship in the world. The much-publicized Mystic River flows through the town, providing picturesque views and opportunities for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Looking for a morsel to munch on? Head on down to Mystic Pizza made famous by a 1988 film of the same name. Travelers can savor a slice of Hollywood by enjoying the pizza that continues to attract fans worldwide to this day. Some particularly intriguing pies are the Greek-inspired “The Grecian Delight” and the straightforwardly named “Seafood Delight.”
Bar Harbor, Maine
Perched on Mount Desert Island's heights with a coastal feel that blends breathtaking natural scenery with a fascinating history and a unique cultural draw, Bar Harbor, Maine, is an endearing, unique, and whimsical hamlet. Bar Harbor stands out with its mix of New England and artsy bohemian vibes, making it a hub for creatives. Further, the Abbe Museum shows short historical films and hosts exhibits on Maine’s Native American history, providing insight into intriguing arts and crafts from, for instance, the Wabanaki and Passamaquoddy peoples. And just in case you didn’t get enough Victorian architecture in Newport, Bar Harbor has you covered. The Bar Harbor Historical Society Museum, located in yet another Victorian mansion, highlights the town’s vibrant and colorful past along with its transformation into a coastal resort.
Explore the Atlantic Coast's Unique and Bohemian Towns
The Atlantic Coast is filled with unique and bohemian towns, each offering visitors a chance for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the famous Seaport and pizza of Mystic, Connecticut, or exploring the haunted history of Beaufort, North Carolina, the Eastern Seaboard provides travelers with an unexpected range of options. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit a house constructed entirely from newspapers or experience well-preserved mansions from the Gilded Age. You could sample a dish, like a "mystic" pizza, or delve into the legends surrounding Blackbeard’s ghostly presence. And don't ever miss the chance to visit a house constructed entirely from newspapers!
