Best 15 East Coast Weekend Getaways for a Short Vacation

Niagara Falls, NY

Where to stay

• The Giacomo: A boutique property housed in a stunning Art Deco building, perfect for a special trip.
• The Red Coach Inn: A historic, cozy option modeled after an English manor that sits right near the rapids.

Beacon, NY

Beacon is located on the Hudson River and is just a 90-minute ride from New York City on the Metro-North Railroad, making it very convenient for NYC residents. It’s a dream destination for art lovers and hikers, and the best part is, you don’t even need a car.

Things to do

Spend your morning at Dia Beacon, a massive contemporary art museum set inside a former Nabisco box-printing factory. The galleries use natural light to show off giant installations and sculptures. Afterward, wander down the mile-long Main Street to stop at gourmet sweet shops, vintage clothing boutiques, and craft breweries. If you want to burn some calories, hike up the Mount Beacon trail for sweeping views of the Hudson Valley.



Where to stay

• The Dutchess Inn & Spa: A boutique spot featuring a rooftop terrace.
• The Roundhouse: A beautifully restored industrial property overlooking a rushing waterfall right in town.

Hudson, NY

Hudson is located upstream along the river, where you’ll find plenty of interesting design shops and eateries. If your ideal Saturday involves hunting for mid-century modern furniture and enjoying farm-to-table meals, this is the place for you.

Things to do

Warren Street is the main artery of the town, lined with dozens of high-end antique shops, art galleries, and home decor studios. Take a slow walk down the avenue, stopping for espresso at independent cafes along the way. In the afternoon, visit Olana State Historic Site, the eccentric, Persian-style hilltop estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church, to check out the historic architecture and carriage roads.



Where to stay

• Wm. Farmer and Sons: Not far from the riverbank, a collection of historic buildings converted into stylish guest rooms with an exceptional on-site restaurant.
• The Wick, Hudson: A modern boutique hotel built inside a former candle factory, offering easy walking access to the train station.

Skaneateles, NY

Located at the edge of Skaneateles Lake, a visit to Skaneateles offers views of the lake’s clear, azure waters. The town looks like something out of a storybook, with a preserved historic downtown that runs directly into the water’s edge.

Things to do

Take a seasonal boat tour or a historic mailboat cruise to see the historic estates lining the shores. Back on land, find a bench at Thayer Park to enjoy the lake views, or walk through the historic village streets to shop for local goods. Wine lovers can drive five minutes down the road to Anyela’s Vineyards to sample cool-climate Finger Lakes white wines on an outdoor deck overlooking the water.



Where to stay

• The Sherwood Inn: Located just a short walk from the lake, this inn was established in 1807 and occasionally hosts live music performances.
• Mirbeau Inn & Spa: A French-country style resort with Monet-inspired lily ponds and a world-class spa, highly rated for couples.

Chincoteague Island, VA

If you need a slower pace of life, Chincoteague Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a perfect fit. It is famous for its proximity to untouched beaches and the famous wild horses that roam nearby.

Things to do

Rent a bicycle and cross the small bridge into the Assateague National Seashore and Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can ride along paved trails through salt marshes and loblolly pine forests to spot the wild Chincoteague ponies grazing. Climb to the top of the historic brick Assateague Lighthouse for a view of the Atlantic coastline. In the evening, head down to the harbor to watch the sunset while eating fresh local oysters.



Where to stay

• The Refuge Inn: A very peaceful place to stay, hide in whispering pines right at the entrance to the wildlife refuge, complete with its own resident ponies.
• Snug Harbor Marina & Resort: Offers waterfront cottages and kayak rentals looking directly across the channel toward the wild horse areas.

Acadia National Park, ME

I don’t need to say much about it. Acadia National Park is arguably one of the most popular national parks on the East Coast. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, this park brings together massive granite mountains and the crashing waves of the North Atlantic.

Things to do

Drive or hike up Cadillac Mountain early in the morning to be among the very first people in the United States to watch the sunrise. Afterward, take a stroll around Jordan Pond and stop at the historic Jordan Pond House to eat their famous baked popovers with jam. Walk along the rocky Ocean Path trail to hear the thunderous sound of the waves hitting Thunder Hole, a small rock inlet that shoots water high into the air.



Where to stay

• Bar Harbor Inn: A classic oceanfront resort in the neighboring town of Bar Harbor, offering excellent harbor views and fine dining.
• Acadia Hotel - Downtown: A comfortable, boutique basecamp located right on the town green, providing easy access to park shuttle buses.

Rockport, MA

Located at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, Rockport is an authentic New England fishing village that evolved into a thriving colony for artists. It offers a classic coastal setting without the intense traffic crowds of Cape Cod.

Things to do

Wander down Bearskin Neck, a narrow peninsula packed with old fishermen's shacks that now house art galleries, jewelry studios, and ice cream parlors. At the end of the pier, look for Motif No. 1, a bright red fishing shack that is widely considered the most painted and photographed building in the country. If the weather is warm, pack a towel and head to Front Beach for a swim, or catch an evening concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, which features a giant glass window behind the stage looking out over the ocean.



Where to stay

• The Emerson Inn: A grand, historic oceanfront hotel where thinkers like Ralph Waldo Emerson once stayed, featuring a spectacular covered porch facing the Atlantic.
• Rockport Inn & Suites: A comfortable, budget-friendly property located just a short walk from downtown, making it ideal for families.

Woodstock, VT

Woodstock represents the quintessential Vermont village. It features a central green surrounded by pristine Federal-style homes, independent bookshops, and a collection of beautiful historic covered bridges.

Things to do

Walk through the Middle Covered Bridge right in the center of town, then stop by the local country stores to buy small-batch maple syrup and Vermont cheddar cheese. Hike up the gentle trail of Mount Tom for an aerial view of the entire village layout. If you want to learn about local history, spend an afternoon at the Billings Farm & Museum, a fully operational 1890s dairy farm that offers interactive history exhibits and draft horse demonstrations.



Where to stay

• The Woodstock Inn & Resort: A luxury resort established by Laurance Rockefeller, featuring elegant wood-burning fireplaces and a private golf course.
• The Shire Woodstock: A scenic, riverfront motel offering clean, comfortable rooms.

Stowe, VT

Stowe is a vibrant mountain town tucked into a valley beneath Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Thanks to its excellent skiing conditions, the area is bustling with visitors in the winter, but it’s also a popular year-round destination for outdoor recreation and artisanal foods.

Things to do

In the warmer months, rent a bike and cruise along the 5.3-mile paved Stowe Recreation Path, which winds past mountain streams and local swimming holes. In the autumn, drive through the dramatic Smugglers' Notch mountain pass to look at the bright fall foliage. If you love food, visit the Alchemist Brewery to grab a pack of their world-renowned Heady Topper IPA.



Where to stay

• Stowe Village Inn: A good value for money, clean and tidy.
• Green Mountain Inn: Located right on Main Street, this historic property features cozy canopy beds and an on-site pub with a crackling fireplace.

Burlington, VT

Burlington is a lakeside city with an excellent culinary and arts scene. If you want to enjoy mountain views while experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere on foot, this is a great choice.

Things to do

Spend your afternoon strolling along Church Street Marketplace, a four-block pedestrian mall packed with street performers, local boutiques, and outdoor dining patios. Walk down to the Burlington Waterfront Park to rent a kayak or sit on a giant swing to watch the sun sink behind the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. The city is also a haven for craft beer fans, so map out a walking tour to visit spots like Foam Brewers and Citizen Cider.



Where to stay

• Hotel Vermont: A modern, independent boutique hotel that uses locally sourced stone and timber, giving it a distinct North Country feel.

• Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown: A highly convenient, central option located just steps from the Church Street shops.

Portsmouth, NH

As a port city with a long maritime history, Portsmouth sits near the mouth of the Piscataqua River. It features a beautifully preserved downtown filled with brick sidewalks, independent shops, and a deep maritime history dating back to the 1600s.

Things to do

Start your day at Market Square, the focal point of the city, to check out the local coffee shops and independent bookstores. Walk into the Strawbery Banke Museum, a ten-acre outdoor history park where you can wander past preserved historic homes and interact with costumed roleplayers showing what life was like across four centuries. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll through Prescott Park to see the formal flower gardens and watch the drawbridges open for passing boats.



Where to stay

• Ale House Inn: A hip boutique property located inside a historic brick brewery building, offering free cruiser bikes to check out the town.

• The Hotel Portsmouth: A grand Victorian mansion converted into a stylish hotel, located a short walk from the main square.

Traverse City, MI

Traverse City is a premier lakeside resort town with expansive freshwater beaches and dunes; in the fall, the entire city is bathed in shades of gold and orange.

Things to do

Drive out along the Old Mission Peninsula to tour local wineries and take in panoramic views of the bright blue bay water. Spend an afternoon visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can climb massive mountains of sand that drop off directly into the freshwater ocean. In the evening, walk through the historic Front Street downtown district to grab a slice of cherry pie, a local specialty.



Where to stay

• Delamar Traverse City: A sophisticated, waterfront resort featuring a heated outdoor pool and dockside dining options.

• Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: A massive, full-service property with championship golf courses and a comprehensive indoor wellness center.

Greenville, SC

Greenville is a place where natural scenery blends seamlessly with an urban atmosphere, featuring waterfalls, parks, and trails right in the heart of downtown—making it the perfect spot for strolls and weekend getaways.

Things to do

Walk down Main Street, which is shaded by a thick canopy of oak trees and lined with local restaurants. The crown jewel of the city is Falls Park on the Reedy. Walk across the Liberty Bridge, a spectacular curved pedestrian suspension bridge, to look at the natural waterfalls tumbling through the center of town. If you want some outdoor exercise, rent a bicycle and ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway built on a historic rail line.



Where to stay

• Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville: A luxury boutique lodge built out of natural stone and timber, sitting directly on the edge of the falls.

• Soby's Loft or a Downtown Hyatt: Offers excellent comfort and modern amenities right in the center of the action.

Anna Maria Island, FL

Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile-long stretch of land, exudes an authentic Florida vibe. It is known for its strict building codes. With no high-rise hotels or fast-food chains, it is a hidden gem for a weekend beach getaway.

Things to do

Spend your days lounging on the powdery white sand of Coquina Beach or Bean Point, where the turquoise Gulf water stays warm and calm. Rent a golf cart, the preferred method of local transportation, to cruise around the island. Walk out onto the historic Anna Maria City Pier to look for wild dolphins swimming in the bay, or watch local fishermen pull in their daily catch.



Where to stay

• Tortuga Inn Beach Resort: A classic, family-friendly resort option that sits just steps from the white sand beaches.

• Anna Maria Beach Resort: A luxury resort featuring an outdoor pool and located just steps from the beach.

Newport, RI

Newport is a historic coastal city that served as the summer playground for America's wealthiest industrial tycoons during the Gilded Age. It blends maritime sailing heritage with jaw-dropping architectural history.

Things to do

Take a walk along the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile public path that hugs the rocky coastline. On one side, you have the crashing ocean waves; on the other, you look directly into the manicured backyards of historic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House. Afterward, head down to Bowen’s Wharf in the historic harbor district to see the multi-million dollar sailing yachts and enjoy a bowl of hot clam chowder.



Where to stay

• The Chanler at Cliff Walk: A luxury hotel housed inside a historic 19th-century mansion, perfect for a high-end, romantic retreat.

• The Wayfinder Hotel: A trendy, design-forward boutique hotel that offers a relaxed atmosphere at a much friendlier price point.

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