7 underrated Destination In the Mid-Atlantic To Avoid Summer Crowds

America’s Mid-Atlantic region covers territory from the Chesapeake Bay to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, and includes the District of Columbia and states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. During the summertime, popular beach destinations in Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey get packed with visitors seeking sun and fun along the Atlantic coast. If you are seeking a less crowded summer destination, however, the Mid-Atlantic offers many fantastic alternatives. From forest retreats in the mountains to quaint lake towns to historic riverside villages, the region has an uncrowded getaway for you! 

Saint Mary’s City, Maryland

Saint Mary’s City was founded in 1634 as the first English settlement in Maryland, and it continues to be a charming and historic town nearly 400 years later. Set near the southern tip of the state’s Western Shore along Chesapeake Bay, Saint Mary’s City has only about 1,000 year-round residents. A large portion of the town has become a “living history” area, with preserved and reconstructed buildings, historical interpreters, and four museums, similar to (but less busy than) Williamsburg, Virginia. Saint Mary’s College of Maryland occupies a large portion of the remainder of town. Since the college largely empties out during the summer, seasonal tourists find Saint Mary’s City to be an uncrowded and picturesque gem.

Lake Placid, New York

As host of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, Lake Placid has big-time name recognition but avoids big-time summer crowds. Set in the lovely Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lake Placid sits in the middle of the lovely “tri-lakes” region of Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, and the town’s namesake lake. While winter tourists come for the area’s ski slopes and winter sports venues, the manageable number of summer visitors come mainly to experience the particularly clear and calm waters of the tri-lakes. Summertime visitors also get to check out the town’s Olympic Center, which showcases great moments from the games there, most notably the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”

Watkins Glen, New York

Watkins Glen, situated at the southern end of the long and narrow Seneca Lake and one of the great small towns in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, does occasionally get crowded. Auto races held at Watkins Glen International Raceway, most especially the NASCAR race held each year, can bring tens of thousands of spectators to town. Otherwise, though, there is plenty of room to breathe. Watkins Glen State Park, with its breathtaking gorge trail and 19 mesmerizing waterfalls, is at the top of the must-see list. While you can walk into the state park from downtown, a quick drive up the Seneca Lake shoreline leads to some of the Mid-Atlantic region’s best wineries.

Kane, Pennsylvania

The town of Kane is a true getaway, located far from any major metropolitan areas in the sparsely-populated forest lands of north central Pennsylvania. Kane was in fact a bustling lumber town of 7,000 people, double its current population, about one hundred years ago, and its downtown still contains historic structures from that era. Big crowds come to downtown each year in June, during the extremely popular Art in the Wilds festival, but otherwise Kane is a great place to escape the crowds. Surrounded by forests, Kane is a gateway to numerous fantastic hiking trails and other outdoor attractions, including the Allegheny National Forest, Knox and Kane Rail Trail, Longhouse National Scenic Byway, and North Country Trail.

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Set in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish country in Lancaster County, Lititz promotes its nickname as the “Coolest Small town in America.” It has gained this designation by combining the simple, historic charm of its surroundings with twenty-first century touches. Main Street, for example, contains colonial-era buildings with modern galleries, restaurants, and shops. Its most famous historic business is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, which offers tours to demonstrate the art of pretzel making. For the musically inclined, the Lititz Springs Bandshell frequently hosts liver performances. Meanwhile, Lititz Springs Park offers manicured gardens to stroll through. Yet, despite all this coolness, Lititz remains a bit of a hidden gem without overwhelming crowds.

Urbanna, Virginia

You can avoid excessive crowds in Urbanna during summer, but not in November! Each year at that time, Urbanna hosts the Virginia Oyster Festival, which brings up to 75,000 visitors to a town with a population of about 500. Located where the Rappahannock River empties into Chesapeake Bay, Urbanna was established in 1680 as an important tobacco port. Remnants from that profitable trade remain in the many historic homes and buildings located downtown, making Urbanna a popular spot for guided walking tours. The picturesque waterfront, once filled with tobacco boats, now houses pleasure boats. Urbanna also hosts fun community events such as a weekly farmers market and annual arts festival.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry draws visitors due both to its historic significance and lovely location, but this small community located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers rarely feels crowded. The town’s main claim to fame is John Brown’s Raid upon the U.S. Army arsenal in 1859, an event that helped bring on the American Civil War. Visitors get to transport back to that time by visiting Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, which recreates the downtown area circa 1859. After experiencing history in Harpers Ferry, make time to explore the waterways and trails outside of town to soak in the stunning landscape. Take a moment to enjoy a bit of solitude in nature! 

Busy Mid-Atlantic summertime destinations like Virginia Beach, Ocean City, Rehoboth Beach, and Cape May are great places to visit. But, sometimes the crowds can get to be too much, leading you to look for a spot that is a bit more off the beaten path. Fortunately, the Mid-Atlantic region is full of summertime getaways to suit every taste. In fact, you might want to try visiting the hidden gems listed here during the summer months, then go to the bigger tourist destinations during the off-season to experience the best of both worlds!