20 East Coast Destinations Perfect for Summer Vacation

Whether you're searching for a relaxing beach vacation, a vibrant stay in the city, a historical journey back in time or a serene escape to the mountains, the East Coast has it all. You can bet that a memorable summer vacation awaits in these 20 destinations.

You don't have to have a passion for nature to appreciate Bar Harbor but those who prefer to spend their time outdoors need not look anywhere else for the perfect summer getaway as this charming coastal town on Maine's Mount Desert Island provides easy access to the scenic mountains, ponds and beaches of Acadia National Park.

Don't let politics scare you away from the nation's capital this summer. DC has a ton to offer visitors of all ages and interests. You and your family can spend an entire day just touring the museums and landmarks of the National Mall alone. But don't be afraid to venture out and explore some of the city's fun neighborhoods, including Georgetown, Navy Yard and Adams Morgan.

Cape Cod is one of the first places that likely comes to mind when you think summer vacation on the East Coast and for good reason. This famed peninsula oozes New England charm from Plymouth to Provincetown. You'll discover quaint villages, inviting beaches, postcard-worthy lighthouses and enjoy easy access to the nearby resort islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

A bunch of highly anticipated new hotel, restaurant and shop openings, marquee events and bucket-list attractions make New York City a no-brainer for East Coast vacationers this summer. Getting here is incredibly easy as well, regardless of whether you're driving or flying into one of the region's three major airports.

Scenic hiking trails and lively theme parks like Story Land, Whale's Tale Waterpark and Santa's Village await summer visitors to New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and families traveling with young children.

The Maryland capital has everything you could possibly want in a summer getaway, including historic charm, scenic waterfront and excellent restaurants and nightlife. Annapolis' rich maritime history is on display at every turn and visitors can learn all about it at the Annapolis Maritime Museum downtown.

South Carolina Lowcountry is home to historic cities along with some mesmerizing nature. If you've got a few days, consider renting a car and making the drive between Charleston and Savannah, Georgia, stopping frequently to explore fascinating places like Kiawah Island, Edisto Beach and Hilton Head Island along the way.

Florida's Space Coast is a phenomenal East Coast summer vacation option for a variety of reasons, including it's close proximity to Orlando and central Florida's extraordinary theme parks. Dozens of miles of coastline make surfing, fishing and lounging on the beach a breeze. Plus, you can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and watch the cruise ships go by at nearby Port Canaveral.

Not to be confused with New Hampshire's White Mountains, the Green Mountains in Vermont are a worthwhile summer destination for active travelers looking to test their stamina while strolling along rivers and uncovering peaceful waterfalls. Covered bridges and other charming landmarks in places like Bennington add to the region's appeal.

Relaxing beaches are the primary reason most people vacation in the Outer Banks but there's much more to do than sit back under the sun. Explore aviation history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills or check out the historic lighthouse and embark on a boating adventure in Cape Hatteras. In between, you'll discover a handful of charming beach towns, each boasting their own unique personality.

Renowned for its opulent mansions, scenic cliff walks and rich sailing history, Newport is as photogenic as summer getaways come. You'll want to shop and sample delicious seafood in Bowen's Wharf, check out the famous Breakers mansion along with the rest of the Bellevue Avenue Historic District and stop into the International Tennis Hall of Fame before your time is up.

Beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and a never-ending list of outdoor activities ranging from fishing to snorkeling are among the many highlights along Florida's Emerald Coast. Hike the nature trails at Henderson Beach State Park or shop, dine and boat from the lively Destin Harbor Boardwalk. There's something for every mood.

History buffs can't afford to miss out on Boston this summer. As one of America's oldest cities and a key player in the American Revolution, there's a lot to learn and experience here, beginning with the Freedom Trail. But that's not all as visitors can enjoy the scenic waterfront, tour a variety of museums, visit iconic sports sites like Fenway Park and enjoy awesome breweries such as Harpoon and Samuel Adams.

If you're looking for an under-the-radar East Coast vacation destination, Charlotte is your place. While Asheville is buzzing and the Outer Banks are a summer icon, Charlotte invites travelers to visit like a local as they explore a burgeoning city chock-full of one-of-a-kind attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Carowinds amusement park and the nearby U.S. National Whitewater Center on the Catawba River.

The Jersey Shore is vast but it's hard to go wrong here with so many tourist-friendly summer resort destinations to choose from, including Cape May, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights and Asbury Park. Beaches, boardwalks and amusements scream summer and the Jersey Shore is a mecca of all three.

Upstate New York is another underrated summer destination featuring some of the country's best camping as well as a plethora of charming towns and villages. Places like Lake Placid and Lake George jump off the map but Letchworth State Park is another worthwhile stop, especially for those making the pilgrimage west to Niagara Falls.

This coastal city features the beach, boardwalk, resorts and attractions you would expect from a premier East Coast summer destination. However, visitors will be tempted to venture out and check out a more secluded beach experience in nearby Sandbridge as well as all there is to see and do in Williamsburg, which is a little over an hour drive away.

Spacious parks, rewarding museums and mouthwatering food trucks are plentiful in Atlanta as are unique experiences. For example, you can see a whale shark at the massive Georgia Aquarium and even take a tour of the city with a focus on all of the films that have been shot there with Atlanta Movie Tours.

Similar to Boston, Philadelphia rewards East Coast travelers with a wealth of history and waterfront fun along the Delaware River. There are plenty of bucket-list stops to make, from Love Park to the famous Rocky Steps as well as pleasant surprises that await, whether it's one of the city's awesome rooftop bars and restaurants or a historic alley or neighborhood.

Lewes is an excellent starting point for a summer trip to Delaware's beaches as you'll have access to nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and be just a short drive from beloved beach towns like Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick Island. Visitors to Lewes can even hop on the ferry to Cape May to begin their trek up the Jersey Shore.