9 Effortless East Coast Weekend Getaways, From Island Time to City Vibes
Why a Short Escape Works
From coastal islands to culture packed cities, the East Coast puts countless quick trips within easy reach. Use this guide to pick a destination that fits your style, then keep the schedule light so you return refreshed.
Bermuda
For an instant change of scenery, fly about two and a half hours from New York to Bermuda. Spend sunny hours at Elbow Beach, Horseshoe Bay, and Warwick Long Bay. Add time underground at Crystal and Fantasy Caves, then walk coastal trails in Blue Hole Park. Active travelers can bike a stretch of the 18 mile Bermuda Railway Trail or explore by kayak. Classic eats include fish sandwiches and rum cocktails at White Horse in St. George’s, while Barracuda Grill in Hamilton is a favorite for upscale seafood. Top stays include Hamilton Princess & Beach Club and Rosewood Bermuda.
Toronto
Flights from many East Coast cities take under two hours to reach Toronto on Lake Ontario’s northwest shore. Start with a ride on the Waterfront Trail past Ontario Place and Harbourfront Centre. For car free exploring, head to the Distillery Historic District for galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Sip a lakeside drink at Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe or book a refined French dinner at Auberge du Pommier. Rest downtown at The Ritz Carlton, Toronto or Fairmont Royal York.
Miami
Trade cooler temps for subtropical sunshine. Cross to Miami Beach for Haulover Park Beach with its dunes and picnic spots, or people watch at Lummus Park in the Art Deco Historic District. Refuel at Joe’s Stone Crab or visit Little Havana’s landmark Versailles Restaurant. Choose The W Miami or Hotel Beaux Arts downtown for quick access to neighborhoods, or stay on the sand at The Setai Miami Beach.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Arrive by NJ Transit from Philadelphia in about 90 minutes or by bus from New York City in roughly two and a half hours. Spend the day at Borgata or Hard Rock, then wander the famous boardwalk and the wide city beach. For a tried and true meal, Dock’s Oyster House has been serving since 1897. Value friendly luxury is part of the draw, with Ocean Casino Resort and Borgata offering pools, dining, and nightlife.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
In summer and beyond, Cape Cod delivers lighthouses, seafood shacks, and sandy beaches. From Boston, drive in about 90 minutes or ride the weekend CapeFlyer in just over two and a half hours. From April to October, head out with Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises to spot migrating humpbacks. Stay at the Inn at Cape Cod in Yarmouth or Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Harwich. On the Cape’s elbow, Chatham Inn is a luxe Relais & Châteaux choice. The Cape Cod National Seashore runs for about 40 miles, ending in artsy Provincetown, where the Lobster Pot pairs seafood classics with bay views.
Long Island, New York
Two forks deliver two styles. The South Fork is home to Hamptons beaches and parties, while the North Fork pours Long Island Wine Country. From the city, drive in roughly two hours, or take the Hampton Jitney or Long Island Rail Road in two to three hours. Shorten the trip with a Blade helicopter or charter flight. Sunbathe at Coopers Beach in Southampton, then ferry to the North Fork for tastings at Corey Creek or Croteaux. Catch a show at The Suffolk, a restored 1933 theater. For dinner, T Bar Southampton mixes sushi and steaks. Overnight at The Reform Club in Amagansett or choose Bay Breeze Inn in Jamesport on Peconic Bay.
Kennebunkport, Maine
This southern Maine town sits about two hours from Boston and thirty minutes from Portland International Jetport. Lounge at Goose Rocks Beach or quieter Arundel Beach. Rent kayaks at Kennebunkport Marina or pick up a surf setup at Aquaholics Surf Shop. Boat out to Goat Island Lighthouse, dating to 1833, or visit the Seashore Trolley Museum, the world’s oldest and largest transit vehicle museum. Eat local at Alisson’s Restaurant, a staple since 1973, then chase inventive scoops at Rococo Ice Cream. The Nonantum Resort suits families, while The Tides Beach Club is the only waterfront hotel on Goose Rocks Beach.
Burlington, Vermont
This small city’s international airport makes it easy to reach. Cycle friendly Burlington connects to the Champlain Bikeway that circles the lake. Save time for the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour and plan winter day trips to Smugglers’ Notch or Stowe, both under an hour by car. Book a table at Hen of the Wood, known for local sourcing, or keep it casual at American Flatbread. Stay central at Hotel Vermont.
Charleston, South Carolina
Cobblestones, pastel facades, and waterfront promenades are a two to three hour flight from New York City or Boston. Walk the French Quarter and browse the 19th century City Market, then visit the Old Slave Mart Museum for powerful history. On a sunny day, stroll Waterfront Park on the Cooper River and ferry to Fort Sumter, site of the Civil War’s opening shots. For dinner, Peninsula Grill offers a Champagne bar and an elegant dining room. Rodney Scott’s BBQ is the place for a pulled pork sandwich with collards and cornbread. Check into The Spectator Hotel for vintage glamour and a speakeasy style bar.
How to Make It Happen
Pick one home base, book centrally, and plan one marquee activity per day. Leave space for a long lunch, a sunset walk, and a final stop for a local dessert before you fly or drive home.
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