Discover the Best East Coast Travel Destinations
Think you have explored the United States? The East Coast still has plenty of places that can surprise even experienced travelers.
From historic streets and coastal communities to peaceful beaches and mountain landscapes, the East Coast offers an impressive variety of travel experiences. You can explore American history in Charleston, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Rehoboth Beach, slow down on Anna Maria Island or escape into the Green Mountains of Vermont.
The original version of this article was published in 2013. This updated guide keeps the spirit of discovering lesser-known or underappreciated destinations while bringing the information up to date.
Here are four East Coast travel destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
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Charleston, South Carolina
If history, architecture, food and beaches appeal to you, Charleston, South Carolina, is an excellent place to begin.
Charleston is well known for its historic character. Visitors can explore historic homes, museums, churches, gardens and other landmarks while walking through the city’s distinctive neighborhoods. The Charleston area tourism authority also highlights historic sites, museums, cultural attractions, tours and beaches as major parts of the destination.
Explore Charleston’s History
Charleston provides plenty of opportunities to learn about American history. Historic buildings and preserved neighborhoods give visitors a chance to experience the city’s past while enjoying its modern restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.
For travelers interested in military history, Fort Sumter is another important regional attraction. The Charleston tourism authority identifies Fort Sumter as a major historic site associated with the beginning of the American Civil War.
Visit Folly Beach
Charleston is also convenient for a beach getaway.
Folly Beach is located close to downtown Charleston and offers a more relaxed coastal atmosphere. It is known for surfing, fishing, beach activities and its distinctive local character. The official Charleston tourism website describes Folly Beach as a laid-back coastal community with restaurants, accommodations and recreational activities.
That combination makes Charleston particularly appealing for travelers who want to combine history and a beach vacation in one trip.
Things to Do in Charleston
- Explore historic neighborhoods
- Visit museums and historic sites
- Tour historic homes and gardens
- Visit Fort Sumter
- Enjoy Charleston’s food scene
- Spend time at Folly Beach
- Explore local shops and markets
- Take walking or cultural tours
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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
For travelers looking for a classic American beach-town experience, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is worth considering.
Located along Delaware’s Atlantic coast, Rehoboth Beach combines sandy beaches, an iconic boardwalk, restaurants, shopping and family entertainment.
The official Delaware tourism website describes Rehoboth Beach as a destination with ocean views, a popular boardwalk, dining, shopping and family attractions.
Enjoy the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk is one of the destination’s best-known attractions. Visitors can walk beside the beach, stop for food, visit shops and enjoy entertainment.
Families can also visit Funland, while nearby attractions provide additional opportunities for recreation.
Rehoboth Beach is not only a summer destination. Delaware’s tourism office highlights activities across different seasons, including beach walks, shopping, dining and seasonal events.
Explore Beyond the Beach
The area offers more than sand and surf. Visitors can explore nearby state parks, trails, restaurants, boutiques and other coastal communities.
Delaware’s beach region also provides opportunities for outdoor activities, tax-free shopping and dining.
Things to Do in Rehoboth Beach
- Walk along the famous boardwalk
- Relax on the beach
- Visit Funland
- Explore Rehoboth Avenue
- Enjoy local restaurants and cafés
- Shop at local stores and outlets
- Visit nearby Delaware state parks
- Explore the surrounding coastal towns
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a weekend escape or a longer coastal road trip, Rehoboth Beach offers plenty of ways to fill your itinerary.
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Anna Maria Island, Florida
If your idea of a perfect vacation involves warm Gulf waters, white-sand beaches and a slower pace, Anna Maria Island, Florida, deserves a place on your list.
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It includes three communities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Current tourism information describes the island as approximately seven miles long, with beaches, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities.
Relax on the Gulf Coast
Anna Maria Island is particularly attractive to travelers who want a quieter beach vacation.
The local Chamber of Commerce highlights its beaches, outdoor activities, restaurants, specialty shops and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, walking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding and other outdoor experiences.
The island also retains much of the character associated with traditional Florida beach communities, with low-rise accommodations and locally owned businesses.
Explore the Three Island Communities
Each part of Anna Maria Island offers something slightly different.
Anna Maria is located at the northern end and has a historic, small-town atmosphere.
Holmes Beach sits in the center of the island and provides access to beaches, accommodations, restaurants and services.
Bradenton Beach is located at the southern end and is known for its beach access, restaurants and Bridge Street area.
Visitors can travel around the island using the free trolley service, while cycling and walking are also popular ways to explore.
Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
- Relax on Gulf beaches
- Watch the sunset
- Explore local restaurants
- Visit shops and boutiques
- Ride the island trolley
- Rent a bicycle
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding
- Explore nearby nature areas
- Visit historic sites and museums
- Enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere
For travelers searching for a relaxing East Coast beach vacation, Anna Maria Island offers a very different experience from larger Florida resort destinations.
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The Green Mountains, Vermont
For travelers who prefer mountains, forests and outdoor adventures to beaches, the Green Mountains of Vermont offer a completely different East Coast experience.
Vermont is known for its scenic mountain landscapes, hiking trails, villages, covered bridges and seasonal scenery. The state’s tourism authority highlights hundreds of miles of hiking trails and five mountain summits exceeding 4,000 feet.
Explore Vermont’s Mountains
The Green Mountains are ideal for hiking, scenic drives, cycling, skiing and sightseeing.
One of the region’s major attractions is the Long Trail, which stretches 272 miles from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. Vermont Tourism describes it as the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.
Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet, is another major attraction. Visitors can experience mountain scenery through hiking, skiing, the auto toll road and other activities around the Stowe area.
Take a Scenic Drive
You do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the Green Mountains.
Vermont has numerous scenic routes and 10 federally designated scenic byways. These roads connect mountain landscapes with historic towns, farms, forests, waterfalls and other attractions.
Route 100, the Green Mountain Byway and several mountain passes provide opportunities to enjoy Vermont’s scenery by car.
Travelers should check road conditions before driving mountain routes because some roads can close seasonally or become difficult during winter conditions. Vermont Tourism specifically notes seasonal closures and changing road conditions on some scenic mountain routes.
Enjoy Vermont’s Fall Foliage
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Vermont.
The state’s 2026 foliage reports show that fall colors begin at different times across Vermont, with northern areas often changing earlier than southern areas. Travelers planning a foliage trip should check current reports rather than relying on a fixed calendar date.
Things to Do in the Green Mountains
- Hike the Long Trail
- Explore Mount Mansfield
- Take scenic drives
- Visit Stowe and surrounding communities
- Explore covered bridges
- Go cycling or mountain biking
- Enjoy fall foliage
- Ski and enjoy winter recreation
- Visit state parks
- Explore Vermont’s small towns and local food scene
Why These East Coast Destinations Are Worth Exploring
The biggest attraction of these destinations is their variety.
Charleston combines history, culture and beaches. Rehoboth Beach offers coastal entertainment, family activities and a classic boardwalk experience. Anna Maria Island provides relaxation, Gulf beaches and Old Florida character. The Green Mountains offer hiking, scenic drives, mountain views and four-season recreation.
Together, they demonstrate how diverse East Coast travel can be.
You can explore historic cities, relax beside the ocean, enjoy a traditional beach town or escape into the mountains without leaving the eastern United States.
Plan Your East Coast Trip
When planning an East Coast vacation, consider the type of experience you want first.
For history and culture, Charleston is a natural choice. For a traditional beach-town holiday, Rehoboth Beach offers plenty of attractions. If relaxation is your priority, Anna Maria Island provides a slower Gulf Coast experience. For outdoor adventure, hiking and mountain scenery, Vermont’s Green Mountains are an excellent option.
Travel conditions and attraction schedules can change throughout the year, so check official tourism websites before you travel. This is particularly important for seasonal mountain roads, beach conditions, public transportation and special events.
The East Coast has far more to offer than its most famous cities. Sometimes the most memorable trip comes from choosing a destination that offers a different pace, landscape or experience.
So, if you consider yourself an enthusiastic traveler, add these four destinations to your East Coast travel list and start exploring beyond the usual stops.
