Newport, Rhode Island checks all the boxes for a classic summer escape: It's got beaches, seafood, and history. It's home to waterfront mansions, breezy cliff walks, and boat rides around Narragansett Bay. Get an overview of Newport on a harbor cruise, or tour the Breakers, the estate built for the Vanderbilts, for a glimpse into the town's old-money opulence. This former Gilded Age playground is a great getaway if you're traveling from Boston—plus it draws less weekend traffic than Cape Cod.

A favorite for families and presidents alike, Martha’s Vineyard blends small-town charm with coastal beauty. Locals divide the island into the up-island and the down-island: Up refers to the quieter, more rural west side versus down’s livelier east side, home to shops, harbors, and ferry towns. Book an island tour to see both sides, including the gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs, the red cliffs of Aquinnah, and the rustic beauty of Menemsha, where fishing boats still haul in the day’s catch.

Kennebunkport delivers peak New England charm with a heavy dose of Americana with its lobster shacks, weathered boats, and rainbow-striped umbrellas line the beach. This former shipbuilding area draws summer visitors with its coastal beauty and small-town feel. For your own summer escape in Kennebunkport, spend the day browsing Dock Square, touring the historic district, or cruising the coast—then cap it off with a Maine-style lobster roll (chilled lobster, light mayo, no butter).

Myrtle Beach may be best known for its wide, sandy beaches and its bustling boardwalks, but there’s much more to explore. Though it's worth making time for the boardwalk games and rides along the Grand Strand, North Myrtle is home to quieter stretches of sand and top-tier golf, while the Waccamaw River offers excellent wildlife spotting. After dark, explore the city's dense dining scene before catching a live show at one of Myrtle Beach's comedy clubs or country music bars.

Bar Harbor is a top summer base for exploring the idyllic Acadia National Park and the Maine coastline. Bike along Acadia’s scenic carriage roads; cruise the water to spot whales, seals, and lighthouses; or hop on a lobster boat to see how the traps come up. Back in town, join a walking tour to discover Bar Harbor’s history, or sit down for a dinner of local seafood with a harbor view. Bar Harbor pairs outdoor adventure with classic New England charm.

Hilton Head Island combines Lowcountry charm with outdoor adventure, making it a top East Coast summer destination for families and couples alike. Hilton Head has something for everyone: You can spend the day spotting dolphins on a Broad Creek cruise or biking the island’s scenic trails, tee off at world-class courses, explore historic sites, and stroll through local markets. And be sure to wrap up your day like a local—with hushpuppies and peel-and-eat shrimp at a seaside shack.

Locals call it OBX, but visitors know Outer Banks as a must-visit East Coast location in summer for its wide-open beaches and opportunities for low-key adventure. This string of barrier islands is home to large stretches of undeveloped shoreline—making it a perfect spot for kayaking, surfing, or spotting wild horses in Corolla. Adventure seekers can level up with a hang gliding lesson—just a few miles from where the Wright Brothers flew their first aircraft.

For a Caribbean-style getaway without (technically) leaving the East Coast, head south to Key West. This island city has tropical energy, pastel streets, and plenty to do—you can spend the day snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking through mangroves, or hopping on a sailboat with drinks and live music. Key West isn't just beachy vibes, though. For another perspective on the city, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home or Truman’s Little White House, then stick around for the nightly party at Mallory Square.