Escaping busy cities just might be one of East Coaster’s most impressive talents. While weekdays are filled with bustling streets and crowded commutes, the weekends are when locals make their way to slower, more peaceful destinations.
From mountain retreats to seaside getaways, the East Coast is filled with incredible spots for those looking to relax and unwind. Complete with the rugged beauty of Acadia National Park in Maine and the twinkling waters of the Finger Lakes in New York, each destination has the ideal blend of remoteness and beauty, making it the perfect place to recharge. Ahead, learn about the best outdoorsy weekend vacations for East Coast residents, all just short journeys away from major cities.
Acadia National Park, Maine
One of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets, Acadia National Park is not yet filled with tourists, making it a lovely spot to spend a weekend. Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, this park has over 47,000 acres to explore, including rugged shorelines, dense forests, and incredible granite peaks. Visitors can enjoy drives along Park Loop Road, hike through the numerous trails, or soak up stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast. Plus, it has accessibility to nearby towns like Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, and Bangor, which means visitors get the best of both worlds. Stay at The Claremont Hotel or West Street Hotel.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires is a rural region in the mountains of western Massachusetts that’s dotted with cute villages and towns. Known for outdoor activities, fall foliage, and excellent farm-to-table dining scene, these highlands are a dreamy destination for any traveler. Visitors can hike through the trails of Mount Greylock, visit the Berkshire Botanical Garden, or stop by several well-known cultural institutions, including the Tanglewood Music Center and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Stay at Blantyre or Canyon Ranch Lenox.
Finger Lakes, New York
Known for its eleven long, narrow lakes, The Finger Lakes region in New York is the perfect escape. Visitors can take advantage of numerous hiking and biking trails (which are filled with waterfalls), including ones at Watkins Glen State Park. This region is also famous for its wineries, with over 100 vineyards scattered around. Boating, fishing, and kayaking on the lakes are also popular activities, giving people tons of opportunities to connect with nature. Stay at Geneva On The Lake or The Lake House on Canandaigua.
Green Mountains, Vermont
Stretching from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border, this mountain range is home to small towns and outdoor activities. In the warmer months, the renowned Long Trail has jaw-dropping views of the rugged terrain and beautiful forests, while in the winter, the Green Mountains become a haven for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Nearby, Stowe and Woodstock have cute shops, good dining options, and quaint hotels. Stay at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa or The Pitcher Inn.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Stretching along the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park encompasses over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness. It has more than 200 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which is a favorite of many visitors. Plus, it has the scenic Skyline Drive with picture-perfect views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The park’s waterfalls, including the Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls, are the cherry on top. Stay at The Inn at Little Washington or L’Auberge Provençale.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains region, part of the larger Appalachian range, has over 800 miles of hiking trails, including Mount Washington, which is the highest peak in the Northeast. Kancamagus Highway has spectacular views all year round, while the winter here turns into a wonderland with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Nearby towns include North Conwa and Littleton, both of which have historic sites, local shops, and cozy inns. Stay at The Wentworth or Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains are a wonderful place to vacation for a weekend. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking at Lake Wallenpaupack and Bushkill Falls, both of which have pretty waterfalls. During the winter, resorts such as Camelback Mountain and Jack Frost Big Boulder offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, which are always fan favorites. Stay at The Lodge at Woodloch or Skytop Lodge.
Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
Assateague Island, straddling the border of Maryland and Virginia, is a very unique destination known for its untouched beauty and wild horses. As part of the Assateague Island National Seashore, this barrier island features sandy beaches, salt marshes, and tidal waterways. One of its most distinctive attractions is the large population of feral horses that roam freely across the island. What’s more, the park provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and camping, allowing guests to enjoy all that nature has to offer. Stay at Harrison Hall Hotel or The Star Inn.
