Whether you are traveling with your family, or just want a quick getaway, there are plenty of easy East Coast weekend getaways to choose from. Some of the most popular destinations include Martha’s Vineyard, New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Berkshires.
New River Gorge National Park
Located in West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park is a beautiful riverside location for a weekend getaway. This National Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails. There are also many backcountry camping options.
In addition to its beautiful scenery and rich history, the area offers a wide variety of recreational activities. From fishing to hiking, whitewater rafting to kayaking, you’ll find that this is a destination you won’t want to miss.
The best time to visit the New River Gorge National Park is in the summer. The area is often crowded with hikers and bikers, so plan accordingly. The park is also home to over 40 rare plant species, including some that are only found in New River Gorge.
Aside from the river, you’ll find many opportunities to experience the area’s history. The park features remnants of former mining and coal mining operations. You’ll also see remnants of old towns. The park also hosts an annual event, Bridge Day, which includes base jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge.
You can also participate in the Junior Ranger Program. There are also several hiking trails, including the Endless Wall Trail. The trail is a 2.2-mile loop that offers incredible views of the New River Gorge.
Stowe, Vermont
Located in the Northeastern United States, Stowe is a picturesque town tucked away in Vermont’s Green Mountains. It is an ideal East Coast weekend getaway for couples. The town is a quaint village full of charming shops, a lively downtown and great restaurants.
There are several ways to enjoy Stowe, but if you are looking to get out of the city and into the mountains, skiing is a top choice. If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you can choose from Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. In addition to skiing, Stowe offers many other winter activities including ice fishing, ice skating and fat biking.
The town is small enough that you can walk to most of the main attractions. In addition, Stowe offers free shuttle service during the winter months. During the summer, you can catch live music at many of the local restaurants. You can also find a number of great hiking trails.
The Alchemist brewery is a popular attraction among craft beer fans. The brewery features a number of great beers including Focal Banger IPA, Rapture and Porter. They also offer seasonal creations and a beer garden in the summer.
The Great Vermont Corn Maze is the biggest in the state. You can explore it any time of day, but it’s best seen during the golden hour.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Whether you are looking for fun activities or beautiful beaches, Provincetown, Massachusetts is a great weekend getaway. It’s a small town that offers everything from art galleries to whale watching, and even a chance to sail through the harbor. The weather is pretty nice in the summer, but it’s a good idea to avoid the traffic and peak weekends.
One of the most notable attractions in Provincetown is the Cape Cod National Seashore. The park provides access to nature trails, exhibits, and magnificent ocean beaches.
In addition to the beach, Provincetown has the Provincetown Science Center, which is home to a museum of science and technology and an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the shoreline. The museum features 3-D models, exhibits, and videos.
Another notable attraction is the Provincetown Light Station. This iconic structure is located on the east end of Provincetown. The lighthouse is accessible by dune buggy, and is one of the most iconic sights in the area.
The best view in Provincetown is from the ocean. The lighthouse is also the site of one of the most famous sand dune tours in the region.
The city is home to some of the oldest active art colonies in the United States. The town’s Art Association and Museum boasts 700 contemporary member artists, as well as multiple exhibitions and workshops.
New York City
Those who live in the big apple are likely to be curious about the many weekend getaways that can be found near the city. There is no shortage of activities, attractions, and sights that will get your blood pumping. For instance, if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Fire Island has an amusement park that is worth a visit, not to mention the CM Performing Arts Center which is a swell spot to catch a live show. There are many options, from cottage rentals to yacht charters.
One of the more interesting weekend getaways is in upstate New York. The Hamptons boast a string of sandy beaches, a variety of high-end restaurants and boutique hotels, and a bevy of museums. You’ll even find a well-preserved colonial town. This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick jaunt from the Big Apple.
It’s not quite as hip as it was in the day, but the area has a number of notable landmarks to keep you busy. In particular, the fabled Museum of the Motif is worth a visit. There are plenty of fun activities to get your teeth into, like art shows and exhibits, and an art-filled rotunda.
Hudson Valley
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, you can find all kinds of upstate destinations within a few hours of New York City. The Hudson Valley is a popular destination for those who like the outdoors. You can plan a trip that combines nature, shopping, and history.
Hudson, New York started out as a whaling port in the 1700s and has since transformed into a thriving arts and culture hub. The area is home to a number of historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including a Greek-columned courthouse and a 19th-century church.
Hudson, NY also hosts the Culinary Institute of America. There’s also the Dia: Beacon, a world-class contemporary art museum that opened in 2003.
While there’s not much to do in Beacon itself, there’s something to be said for a town that has remade itself into an art and food destination. You can also check out the Perkins Memorial Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Hudson Valley from April to late November.
Harriman State Park is the second largest in New York, with 47,000 acres to explore. It’s also home to waterfalls, hammock-friendly trees, and more than 200 miles of hiking trails.
New England getaways in the Berkshires
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a romantic retreat, the Berkshires is the perfect place for you. Located in Western Massachusetts, this beautiful region offers a wide variety of experiences, from museums to hiking to relaxing spas. With an abundance of shopping, dining and nightlife, you’re sure to find a weekend getaway in the Berkshires that’s perfect for you.
For a romantic getaway, you may choose to stay at a boutique hotel. One of the most popular places to stay in the Berkshires is the Red Lion Inn. This turn-of-the-century Firehouse features live music and an historic main dining room.
If you want to take advantage of the fall foliage, you should visit the Berkshires in late September through mid-October. This region offers the best hiking trails in the country. You can also enjoy the vibrant colors by driving a scenic route through the countryside.
If you want to get out and explore, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. If you’re looking for something more active, you can enjoy zip lining, hiking, biking, skiing, or even skiing or snowmobiling in the winter. You can also take part in a yoga retreat, spa day, or even a wellness spa.
Martha’s Vineyard
Located on the east coast of the United States, Martha’s Vineyard is a wonderful place for a summer vacation. It’s known for its beautiful cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. In addition to these, the island is a popular destination for weddings and end-of-summer sales. It’s also home to several nature preserves and farms.
A trip to Martha’s Vineyard is best enjoyed over a couple of days. In fact, it’s best to plan for at least two days so that you can experience everything this island has to offer. The weather is usually sunny in the high 70s Fahrenheit during July and August, but it does have damp and foggy moments.
The island is divided into six towns: Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, Falmouth, Edgartown, West Tisbury, and Chappaquiddick. These towns have unique maritime charm and affluent residents.
The best way to get to Martha’s Vineyard is by ferry. You can also rent a bike once you arrive. Biking can be a great way to explore the island’s six towns.
The Hy-Line ferry runs daily service between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The round-trip ticket is $60. It takes about 45 minutes.
For another quick way to get to Martha’s Vineyard, you can take the bus from Boston. It stops at SeaStreak Ferry in New Bedford, MA.