Hidden Gem Destinations Along the East Coast

The East Coast is long on marquee spring and summer vacation destinations but travelers stand to benefit by venturing off of the beaten path and exploring some of the region's lesser-known towns and cities. Here are some of the hidden gems worth visiting where travelers can beat the crowds in 2021.

The Sunshine State is home to so many awesome beach destinations that it's easy to lose track but Marco Island is one hidden gem you don't want to miss. The only thing these beautiful white-sand beaches lack is the pesky crowds and golfers can choose from a handful of exceptional courses. There's also plenty of adventure to be had at Tigertail Beach, including kayaking, paddleboarding, watching for shorebirds and hunting for sand dollars during low tide.

North Carolina's namesake Carolina Beach is the perfect coastal destination for East Coast travelers looking to beat the crowds at nearby tourist hotspots like Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks. This laidback summer favorite has got everything you need to enjoy the perfect vacation, whether visiting as a couple, group or family, including dog-friendly beaches, a lively boardwalk, off-roading and oceanfront camping at Freeman Park and easy access to stellar seafood restaurants and local breweries.

Atlantic City and Cape May garner a lot of attention from travelers and for good reason. However, Asbury Park is impressive in its own right, checking all of the boxes for an ideal summer escape on the East Coast. Visitors can take their pick from several inviting beaches and stroll the boardwalk for food, shopping, games and one of the country's best live music scenes. Nearby Shark River Park offers nature trails and cozy spots for fishing and picnicking.

Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are no strangers to summer crowds and while Cape Cod itself is quite busy visitors will find plenty of excellent spots to social distance in Chatham. Relax on the soft sand of Lighthouse Beach or reconnect with nature at the Monomoy Island National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors will also want to snap a photo in front of the postcard-worthy Chatham Lighthouse and dine and take in the pretty views from the Chatham Pier Fish Market.

Rhode Island packs a whole lot into America's smallest state and Bristol is just one example. The waterfront town is home to one of the state's most distinguished boating communities, features more than a dozen different parks and offers miles of scenic trails (don't miss the 14.5-mile East Bay Bike Path for a scenic walk, run or ride). Visitors can also tour historic monuments and fascinating art museums or dive into sensational seafood at places like the beloved Lobster Pot.

Just north of the Florida-Georgia border is where you'll find St. Mary's and Cumberland Island, a hidden gem along the Atlantic Coast boasting tons of history, culture and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Downtown St. Mary's oozes with small-town charm and the Historic District sits along the scenic riverfront. After touring the town, visitors can board the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore to explore unspoiled beaches, watch an array of wildlife in its natural habitat and even see the famous Dungeness Ruins.

No one would blame you for falling in love with the South Carolina coast but the city of Greenville rewards travelers who venture inland toward the Smokies. Visitors who are passionate about art will be tempted to put down roots as the downtown area and 32-acre Falls Park on the Reedy are nothing short of inspiring. The city is also home to a handful of captivating museums and family-friendly attractions, including the Children's Museum of the Upstate, Frankie's Fun Park and Discovery Island, among others.

Located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Fredericksburg is a can't-miss Mid-Atlantic city for history buffs. Like the more well-known Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, this destination boasts tons of colonial and Civil War history, including multiple battlefields on display at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Visitors can also explore George Washington's Ferry Farm, where the nation's first president spent much of his childhood, and the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library.

Woodstock is quintessential Vermont but is sometimes overshadowed by destinations like Burlington and Stowe. This charming New England town boasts unique experiences for every season but its history and scenery stand out above all. Visitors can tour enchanting covered bridges, take in jaw-dropping views from Mount Tom and explore the interactive Billings Farm and Museum.

As one of the smallest states in the country, Delaware is often overlooked, but East Coast travelers would be remiss to skip Lewes this summer. Located just a few miles from tourist favorite Rehoboth Beach, this understated city offers something for every type of visitor, whether your passion is nature (check out Cape Henlopen State Park), shopping (visit the boutique shops on Second Street) or craft beer and spirits (stop by Big Oyster Brewing, Crooked Hammock Brewery or Beach Time Distilling). There's also a family-friendly beach and tons of history to be explored, including the Lightship Overfalls LV-118.

Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, St. Michaels is the perfect destination for those who want to be close to the water but still right in the heart of the action. In addition to being surrounded by water, St. Michaels' undeniable charm is enhanced by its rich history, which visitors can take in as they make their way down Talbot Street, sampling seafood dishes alongside local craft beer, wine and spirits at spots like 208 Talbot, Foxy's Harbor Grille and Awful Arthur's Seafood Company. The destination is also home to one-of-a-kind shops and a plethora of quaint inns and B&Bs.