Best Summer Vacation Spots East Coast USA
Posted by LF Vacations | Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Best Summer Vacation Spots East Coast USA

If you've decided on the Atlantic Coast for your next summer vacation, you might be overwhelmed with the sheer amount of options available to you. Should you go for some watersports at Bethany Beach, enjoy historical and foodie tours at Cape May, or check out the amusements in Ocean City, Maryland? The decision becomes even more difficult when you've got multiple people with different tastes to account for. As East Coast aficionados, we've been asking ourselves the same questions when it comes time to pack up the car and hit the road each summer. We've been up and down the Eastern Seaboard, taking note of our favorites places, attractions and beaches. We hope our list of the 14 best East Coast summer vacation spots will help you and yours find the perfect vacation destination!

14 Best East Coast Summer Vacation Spots

Bethany Beach, Delaware

With its natural beauty and laidback lifestyle, this charming seaside town offers a peaceful getaway spot for family and friends. Stroll on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk and take in the views of the Atlantic or take your shot at mini golf at Captain Jack's Pirate Golf. Golfers will love the Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, just 3 miles West of Bethany Beach. Bethany Beach offers an abundance of beautiful views of nature. Wind down and end your day with a nice dinner at a favorite of both locals and visitors, Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar.

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Dewey Beach, Delaware

Just over a mile long and less than three blocks wide, Dewey Beach is Delaware’s youngest town known for its lively atmosphere. A dynamic music scene makes Dewey Beach the place to be with a large amount of music festivals such as Dewey Beach Popfest, Dewey Beach Music Conference, Jazz Festival, and so much more. Visitors can also enjoy an abundance of watersports like skimming, parasailing, fishing, water-skiing, and wakeboarding. We suggest starting your day off with some Dewey Beach Yoga, and if you make your vacation rental reservation with Long and Foster you can get access to free beach yoga classes with our Xplorie activity pass!

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Fenwick Island, Delaware

Experience a slower lifestyle when you visit Fenwick Island, a barrier island located along the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware and Maryland. Escape the summer crowds and stop by Fenwick Island State Park, a popular spot for shorebird watching and beachcombing. Visit Fenwick Island Lighthouse and view the historical Delaware Coast landmark that opened in 1859. Fenwick Island is also in close proximity to Ocean City so you can enjoy a night on the town with friends.

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Lewes, Delaware

Located where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet is the town of Lewes. Its close proximity to the Cape Henlopen State Park makes Lewes a summer hot spot with East Coast vacationers. With over 5,200 acres and miles of the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching and more. Rich in history dating back to the 1630s, you can walk through the Historic district and find some of the Delaware coast's best shops and restaurants.

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Rehoboth, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is known as “The Nation’s Summer Capital”, and for good reason! The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is lined with plenty of shops and restaurants to keep visitors entertained. One of the main attractions on the boardwalk is the Funland amusement park where kids can enjoy rides, games, and an arcade. Adults can choose to indulge in the tax-free shopping, dine on a meal in this culinary rich town or enjoy the nightlife. There are plenty of things to do in this beach town for your East Coast vacation.

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Annapolis, Maryland

The Sailing Capital of the World, Annapolis, Maryland, is easily one of the best summer vacation spots on the East Coast. A city rich in history, culture, food, and fun makes it a prime spot for people all over the country to come and getaway. Spend the day on the water trying out Stand Up Paddleboards with Capital SUP. Annapolis is also known as the home of the U.S. Naval Academy and the United States Sailboat Show. Come see Annapolis yourself and stroll the charming streets, dine on some of the best crabs you’ll ever have, and relax!

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Ocean City, Maryland

With 10 miles of beaches, Ocean City, MD is a popular beach vacation destination on the East Coast year-round. Spend your days at the beach swimming, surfing, tanning or enjoying the area's attractions in Ocean City and surrounding areas like the Ocean City Boardwalk. Take a tour of the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum or visit the popular Trimper’s Rides and Amusements with your family and kids! We especially love the Jolly Roger Amusement Park Splash Mountain, and if you make your vacation rental reservation with Long and Foster you can get one free adult admission to Splash Mountain Water Park per unit, per day.

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Avalon/Stone Harbor, New Jersey

The Seven Mile Beach is shared by the towns of Avalon and Stone Harbor, and has been a popular East Coast summer vacation destination for years. These two towns are known for white sand beaches and the abundance of water activities such as swimming, surfing, boating and kayaking. For those who prefer to shop, Avalon’s downtown shopping district has a range of stores from high-end designer boutiques to retail stores. Lay out on the beach or get busy shopping in these beautiful towns.

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Cape May, New Jersey

The pristine beaches of Cape May make it a desirable choice for an East Coast vacation. Cape May offers a cozy hometown feeling, where you can bike to the beach, grocery stores, and restaurants. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or take the family and visit the Cape May County Zoo. For foodies, the Cape May Restaurant Week is an eight-day event that takes place in June, dine on delicious cuisine and take in the seaside lifestyle in Cape May.

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Longport/Margate/Ventnor/Atlantic City, New Jersey

Longport Borough is a quaint community that is minutes away from the bustling nightlife of Atlantic City and Boardwalk in Ocean City. Visit the historical landmark, Lucy the Elephant, a six-story elephant shaped architecture which is the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in America. You can also take the pups to the Longport Dog Beach and let your furry family members enjoy a day out in the sun and water.

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Ocean City, New Jersey

Ocean City, NJ is known as a family oriented beach resort town and the Travel Channel named it the number one family beach community in the USA. Ocean City’s eight miles of beach makes it a welcoming sight for visitors. The Ocean City Boardwalk is also filled with many family amusements such as the OC Waterpark and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. Plan a trip and visit one of the best beaches in New Jersey.

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Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Sea Isle City’s small-town charm is one that captivates visitors who come to vacation at this East Coast hotspot every year. You’ll find stunning beaches, family-friendly entertainment, restaurants and shops here, providing something to do for everyone in the family. Walk along the Sea Isle City oceanfront Promenade or explore nature at Townsends Inlet Waterfront Park where you can sit on the beach with family, fish for dinner, and more! You’ll feel right at home in Sea Isle City!

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Wildwood, New Jersey

The Wildwood is known for its spacious and clean beaches that stretch for five miles and are free! The Wildwood Boardwalk offers a unique and fun experience, with over 100 rides and attractions and plenty of retail shops and restaurants. Throughout the year, Wildwood hosts over a hundred festivals from music to seafood festivals, craft shows and more!

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Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Located in south western Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is the ideal spot for your East Coast summer vacation. Find seclusion at this beautiful lake, known as “The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” with 500 miles of shoreline and 20,000 acres of water. Whether you're seeking relaxation or days full of adventure, Smith Mountain Lake has it all. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the calm waters or visit art galleries and shop antiques. There is plenty to do here in this town.

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Plan Your East Coast Summer Vacation

We offer vacation rentals in over 14 different locations on the East Coast, with all the amenities you're looking for. Browse all of our East Coast vacation rentals today, or contact us for assistance in finding the perfect spot for your next getaway.

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