DanckTravel

Planning a trip to the East Coast and unsure of when to go?

Stretching from the sunny beaches of Florida to the lighthouses of Maine, each East Coast destination offers something unique. As a result of the various landscapes and offerings, the ideal time to visit each one different. Below are our recommendations for each season.

Where to Go in the Fall

The fall is a great time of year to visit the Northeast, specifically due to the beautiful fall foliage, as well as spooky towns including Salem and Sleepy Hollow. Highlights for the fall include:

1. Acadaia National Park, Maine

If you are looking for a place to see the changing color of the leaves, look no further. Acadia was the first national park east of the Mississippi River and boasts beautiful landscapes. It has numerous hiking trails and is located right along the water. 

2. Watkins Glen, New York 

Watkins Glen is home to the Gorge Trail, which features 19 waterfalls and beautiful fall foliage. Plus, there are many local vineyards to explore. Our personal favorite is Miles Wine Cellars, which is a mansion haunted by two ghost lovers.

Pro Tip: Gorge Trail does close in late fall, so be sure to check their website to be sure you can explore the waterfalls.

Watkins Glenn Gorge Trail

Miles Wine Cellars

3. Sleepy Hollow, New York 

Sleepy Hollow is home to the headless horseman, and the town fully embraces Halloween. They have a number of festivities related to the holiday, and you can explore several sites related to the famous story.

4. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is well known for its spooky vibes, so this is a perfect destination around Halloween time. Be sure to visit the Hocus Pocus House (you can only see this from the outside), the various witch shops, and the House of Seven Gables.

Pro Tip: It does get very crowded in Salem around Halloween time. Taking the Commuter Rail from Boston is a good way to get into the town without needing to find a parking space.

KDancks after the annual Devil’s Chase with her friends in front of the Hocus Pocus house

Where to Go in the Spring

Spring is a great time of year to visit more Southern States, such as Florida, due to the heat later in the year. Additionally, several regions such as Washington D.C. and New York City have beautiful cherry blossoms blooming.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Filled with nearby hiking trails, cool restaurants, and shops, Asheville is a prime location to explore. Check out Biltmore or the live music scene. 

2. St. Augustine, Florida 

St. Augustine is the oldest city in America. It retains a lot of its historic charm, with pedestrian-only areas, great restaurants, and cute boutiques. Since Florida gets really hot in the summer, we recommend going in the spring or in the winter (They have a lot of Christmas lights up to celebrate the season).

3. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is very well known for its cherry blossom season, where the trees are in full bloom. Peak bloom will vary based on the weather conditions, but will typically occur between the end of March and early April. 

Where to Go in the Summer

There are several stretches of beautiful beaches throughout the East Coast, as well as great cities to enjoy in the summertime.

1. Assateague National Park

Known for its wild horses and beautiful beaches, Assategue National Park is a beautiful place to visit. Be sure to check out the short hiking trails to catch some beautiful views.

Pro Tip: If you book in advance, you can go camping in the area.

Horses in Assategue National Park

2. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington is popular in the winter due to the nearby skiing. However, we love the summertime here since it provides the perfect opportunity to soak up views along Lake Champlain. Be sure to check out the restaurants and shops at Church Street Marketplace and explore the local hiking trails.

Pro Tip: Be sure to checkout other nearby Vermont sites and attractions, including the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and local hiking trails.

3. Boothbay, Maine

Boothbay, Maine, is a really cool town with cool restaurants and shops. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the water and boats.

View from our Airbnb in Boothbay, Maine

4. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a vibrant city and offers a wide range of fun summertime activities, including the following:

• Free Friday Night Flicks: Located outside by the Charles, you can watch movies for free under the stars.
• Lawn on D: This is an outdoor bar located in the Seaport District. Famous for their glow-in-the-dark swings, this is a fun place to relax and play yard games.
• Outdoor Patios and Rooftops: Be sure to check out rooftop bars such as Envoy or the outdoor patio at Lolita’s to soak in the sun.

5. Cape Cod (and the Islands), Massachusetts 

Cape Cod and the islands are popular tourist destinations that span a wide area. Below are some highlights:

• Provincetown: This is located at the end of Cape Cod and has ships for whale watching.
• Hyannis: This has a cute downtown as well as beaches to visit.
• Martha’s Vineyard: Perhaps best known for Jaws, this is a popular place to visit in the summertime with nice beaches and cute small towns to check out.

Cape Cod and the islands will be the busiest in the summertime, but for good reason. The weather is warm and the beaches are beautiful. There are also plenty of festivals and fun activities down the Cape this time of year. If you visit Cape Cod in Late August, we recommend checking out the Falmouth Road Race, which spans the coastline. Alternatively, you can check out the Yarmouth Sand Scultpure Trail or grab a cone at the Cape Cod Creamery if visiting over the summer months.

Mayflower Beach in Cape Cod

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is well known for its beautiful mansions, which can be explored any season. However, summertime is the perfect time to do the cliff walk, which allows you to enjoy the coast while seeing these beautiful homes. Be sure to also explore the nearby beaches and cute downtown.

Long Island, New York

If you are looking to check out some beautiful vineyards or party in the Hamptons, Long Island is the perfect destination for you. They have great beaches and are well known for their fourth of July celebrations, making them also one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Where to Go in the Winter

Wintertime is the perfect time to partake in fun Christmas-related activities or to visit the mountains. Below are some popular places to visit:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has two large Christmas markets, with one being associated with the famous Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany. You can partake in a lot of typical traditions, including drinking Glühwein. The famous German Christmas shop, Käthe Wohlfahrt, also has a booth here.

The famous German Christmas store

Enjoying some Gluehwein in Philadelphia

New York City, New York

New York City is famous for its Christmas festivities, making it a perfect wintertime destination. Be sure to check out the various Christmas markets, including those in Union Square and Bryant Park. There is also the Rockefeller Tree Lighting and several places to ice skate throughout the city.

New York City Views

North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway has a cute downtown, several breweries and is located near several ski resorts, including Attitash Bear Peak. As a result, it’s a very popular place to visit in the wintertime.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a popular place to go skiing or snowboarding, making it a fun wintertime destination.

Final Thoughts

Since the East Coast spans a wide distance, there are places to go throughout the year. Whether you are into skiing, want to check out the changing leaves, or visit the beach, there is something here for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Best Time to Visit the New England States? 

Fall is a popular time to visit due to the changing of the leaves throughout the region. However, wintertime, summer, and spring all have great things to offer.

What is the Best Time of Year for an East Coast Road Trip?

We’d recommend May or June for a full East Coast trip, since states such as Florida can get really hot late in the summer. Plus: States in the Northeast have fun activities in the late spring and early summer that you can take advantage of.