8 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots On The Atlantic Coast
A deckchair, a beach umbrella, and a pair of flip-flops are everything one needs to enjoy the Atlantic Coast. Spanning from North to South, the Atlantic Coast, also known as East Coast, intertwines the natural fjords islands of New England with the tourist frenzy of Miami Beach. From the moderately priced souvenirs of Walker Loden in Madison to the astonishing rocket launch sightings in Chincoteague Island and Cocoa Beach, these spots provide visitors the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront boardwalks, sunbathe or swim in the ocean, and explore green natural parks. These sandy settlements provide expansive shorelines and a chance to savor the true essence of summer in peaceful bliss while sipping a Salty Lemon Jin.
Wareham, Massachusetts
On the way towards Cape Cod, Wareham's safe harbor awaits at Buzzards Bay's innermost reaches. Once known for its slogan "Gateway to Cape Cod," in 2020, it has since adopted a new motto, "It's Better Before the Bridges," with the intent to draw more attention to its appealing land. Wareham's historic Victorian town center is home to lovely shops and restaurants like Cranberry Cottage. Here customers regularly taste a piece of New England in their delicious cranberry and nut pancakes, perfect for an inexpensive but tasteful breakfast.
Furthermore, Onset Beach features protected waters amid beautiful scenery. This popular destination for families also provides a kayak outfitter right at the beach, where you can launch from the sandy shore to start a paddling adventure. Moreover, Cape Cod Canal grants a few trails in its vicinity, where many travelers and locals often ride bikes on. Additionally, the nearby Water Wizz-Southern is the largest water park in New England and one of the most popular attractions for some wild fun.
Pompano Beach, Florida
Pompano Beach stands out as a less-expensive family getaway among the opulent Miami suburbs. This small beach town is home to over 50 parks, like Harbor's Edge Park, where a green lawn meets the sandy Atlantic coast. Moreover, the three miles wide Pompano Beach provides many picnic shelters, a fountain, an outdoor gym, and a playground. Furthermore, venturing into the Ocean unveils a natural reef system as well as shipwrecks, making this destination perfect for snorkeling and fishing. Spending a day swimming in the clear waters is also a recipe for a growling tummy! So, one can refuel at Charleys Cheesesteaks Park Plaza, where, you guessed it, one can taste an old-school cheesesteak that will satisfy your cravings. Additionally, Pompano Beach hosts many events throughout the summer. For example, the Dive-In Movie Night, which is free, allows participants to enjoy a movie projection while in a pool.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Protected by Assateague Island in Chincoteague Bay, Chincoteague Island emerges from the Atlantic Ocean on the westernmost spot of Virginia. One can observe the wild, iconic ponies that make this area famous with a boat tour or a Refuge Trek bus tour. If you choose the bus tour, it will also take you through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a recreational beach, a quiet setting for a relaxing swim. Moreover, the refuge grants many trails that take you on a journey along the Atlantic Flyway, a fantastic spot for bird-watching. Furthermore, you might be lucky to observe a rocket launch that takes off from the nearby Nasa Wallops Flight Facility, which grants a kid-friendly visitor center with no entry fee.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island overlooks the Atlantic Ocean as it welcomes the Savannah River on the South Carolina-Georgia border. The iconic Fort Screven still stands with its Battery Garland, which served as an integral part of America's Coastal Defense system during both World Wars. Constructed in 1897, this fort fired its 12-inch long-range guns only once during World War I. Furthermore, the uncrowded Black River Beach comprises three miles of sandy shores. Additionally, it allows visitors to explore its nature-rich trails, which provide the opportunity to sight dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife while hiking. Besides, the Tybee Island Light Station is home to Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, still functioning since the 18th century, which one can visit along with the adjacent museum.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
On the southern tip of the barrier island east of Seabrook, Hampton Beach allows the Blackwater River to reach the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, fireworks spectacles are held every week, providing a unique atmosphere to this beach town. Moreover, the historic Hampton Beach Casino complex has kid-friendly activities such as an arcade, an indoor mini-golf course, and a giant waterslide. Furthermore, a one-dollar donation allows visitors to enter The Blue Ocean Discovery Center, which features whale artifacts, a touch tank, and many displays filled with educational information about the local ocean life. Additionally, Hampton Beach State Park grants an RV camp, a fishing spot, and a plentiful beach for swimming or leisurely strolling on the sweeping boardwalk for a relaxing experience.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is known for its surf breaks and beaches on the narrow strip of land leading to Cape Canaveral. Considered the East Coast Surf Capital, Cocoa Beach has some breathtaking surfing spots like Cocoa Beach Pier, where several surfing contests occur. Moreover, the nearby Ron Jon Surf shop ranks as the world's largest flagship surf store and is open 24/7. Furthermore, Cape Canaveral is home to the famous Kennedy Space Center as well as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Apollo 11 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in 1969 and was the first human expedition beyond Earth's orbit, eventually landing on the Moon. This "Space Coast" also provides opportunities for deep-sea fishing, inexpensive eco-tour adventures, and sensational rockets spottings.
Madison, Connecticut
Entrenched behind the Long Island Sound canal, the resort town of Madison stems from the Hartford suburbs and ends up touching the Atlantic. Madison's center is closer to the shore. Here visitors get their souvenirs in lovely shops like Walker Loden, which displays an extensive assortment of gift-ready items, from postcards to caps to masterfully woven bags. Moreover, the closeby Hammonasset State Park provides endless walking trails and over a thousand acres of campgrounds right by the sea. Furthermore, you can book a professional guide to help you explore the Connecticut River banks to spot the majestic eagles that roam this area. Most travelers also rent some binoculars, but the base fee is 20 dollars and includes lunch after the excursion. Pre-registration is required to attend.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Amidst the pristine white-sand beaches of Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach's gorgeous green parks stand out overtop the blue background of the Atlantic Ocean. Carolina Beach State Park is known for its peculiar Venus Flytrap Trail, named for the plentitude of carnivorous plants found along the way. Protected by state law, these fascinating and luring plants seem to ask for touch but do not do it!
Furthermore, the sweeping Carolina Beach Boardwalk is considered one of the best in the United States. This waterfront wooden boardwalk stands out for its sheer size, panoramic Ferris wheel, turquoise Ocean backdrop, and many eateries, such as Silver Dollar. A small restaurant that serves giant shrimp cocktails at a modest price, often paired with a classic lemon jin with some salt on the edge of the glass.
Conclusion
The expansive East Coast boasts a multitude of hidden villages, each granting its own beach and delectable local take on seafood cuisine. Whether planning an inexpensive family beach escape in Pompano Beach, a leisure journey along the Black River shores in Tybee Island, a weekend getaway trailing around Cape Cod Canal in Wareham, or just a day at the white-sand beach in Carolina Beach, one can undoubtedly find what floats one's boat. By seeking out these affordable destinations, travelers can create unique memories and find a genuine connection with their surroundings without making a hole in their wallets.
