The 9 cutest cities on the east coast for a winter getaway

These magic destinations have stellar dishes, a rich story and funny outdoor activities.


The west coast can be known for its almost impeccable time , but the varied climate of the east coast has definitely has its unique advantages - namely smaller states which mean that you can discover a wide range of history and culture even while taking a quick weekend . And winter turns out to be a particularly magical period of the year in this part of the United States

"There is something special on the coast is in winter," says Guragain Pradeep , co-founder of the travel site Magic Nepal . "Perhaps this is the way the snow falls slowly on the trees or the way the lively air suffocates the nose. Picturesque villages with lively cities, there is something for everyone."

That you dreamed of an adventure adventure mountain getaway , seeking to escape the cold and enjoy the sun On a beach, or trying to trigger a romance under the lights of the city, here are the cutest cities on the east coast that travel experts recommend for a winter getaway.

Read this then: The 10 best small cities in the United States for snowbirds escaping winter .

The cutest cities on the east coast for a winter getaway

1. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, Massachusetts Christmas towns in America
Shackleford Photography / Shutterstock

While most travelers flock to this small island off CAD COD during the summer, it is worth considering a trip during the off -peak season. Not only can you dodge the crowd, but hotel rooms are also much cheaper.

Lace your skates and do a few laps at Nantucket skating rink , immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the island Nantucket Baleine Museum , catch a movie or play Dream theater and sip beers and spirits made locally to the famous Cisco Brewers and Triple eight distillery .

While some companies close for the offseason, you will find that many charming bookstores, bakeries and others remain open (and you can find fantastic good deals in many shops during this period because they seek to make Place for a new spring spring).

Those who seek to become active have many path options for hiking and racket. And if you can brave the cold ocean breezes, you could even locate harp and hooded seals while walking along the beach.

As for knowing where to stay, there are many comfortable accommodation, but the elegant Graydon house stands out for several reasons. This charming hotel is a historic house from the 1850s and is ideally located a few steps from the Nantucket Ferry Terminal, the Whale Museum and the Brant Point lighthouse. In addition, Graydon House offers a season well-being Complete with a cleaning of fruits and vegetables, forestry meditation and private yoga sessions.

2. Stowe, Vermont

stowe vermont winter
Don Landwehrle / Shutterstock

With 116 trails, Stowe, the Vermont is widely considered as the Eastern Ski capital.

"This ski is known for its world class stations and its beautiful mountain landscapes, "said Larry Snider , Vice-president of operations to Casago Rental vacation . "In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing, snowboarding, rackets, dog sledge and ice skating."

"After riding on the slopes, take a gondola turn to the summit of Mont Mansfield, dinner at Cliff , and enjoy the beautiful view, "said Fiona Perisone , a travel consultant with Planet rider .

When you can't wait to get out of the cold, remember to see a concert at SPRUCE PEAK show center or offer you a tasting of delicious cheeses and syrups Firm sugar .

Other attractions that deserve to be visited include the The Ben & Jerry factory , the historic inspiring of the Austrian Trapp family lodge , and stores at The village of Spruce Peak . Another bonus is that many stations here have world class spas.

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3. Savannah, Georgia

Famous fountain in Savannah GA
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Are you looking to exchange these sweaters and scarves for shorts and sandals? Then go to the "city of hostess of the south", where, as this nickname suggests, you can expect good elders South Hospitality .

"Savannah has a very soft winter climate, making it one of the perfect places to escape colder winters and explore the city on foot," explains Lindsay Harvey , co-founder of Lasted .

While walking along the cobbled and cobbled streets in the city center, Harvey strongly recommends entering a ice Leopold legendary , shopping at City market And take a photo worthy of Instagram on the emblematic bench of Chippewa Square of the film Forrest Gump .

Perisone suggests checking the beautiful old manors, and for art lovers, she says: "The Telfair museums , the oldest public museum in the Southeast is a must. ""

If you happen to visit during the holidays, Perisone also recommends stopping Coastal Georgia botanical gardens For a magnificent display with 750,000 LED lights.

"In addition, there are a lot of an easy day excursions that you can make of Savannah during the winter," added Harvey. "Tybee Island, Fort McAlister State Park and the Historical Green Hole site are just a few popular options."

4. Key West, Florida

Key West Florida
Stockdonkey / Shutterstock

If your ideal winter getaway involves the sun, sand and surfing, then this island city certainly corresponds to the bill. With temperatures in the 1970s low and superior between January and March, it offers the perfect climate for any type of vacation.

According to Steve MORROW , travel blogger and founder of Paddle , which makes Key West a destination so ideal - like the magnificent weather, of course - is that it is just as well suited to couples and romantic families. Activities range from kayaking, standing paddleboarding, fishing and surfing through shopping, catering and sunset with champagne.

Nature lovers might want to take an excursion to observe dolphins or do apnea diving or a scuba diving Key reef in the West Bank , while the bibliophiles will be delighted with a visit to The Hemingway House and Museum For an overview of the life and work of one of the most famous authors in America. And as long as you can manage frightening tales, a ghost tour is a fun way to discover the haunted history of Key West.

After a full day of tourist or beach visits, feasting on seafood specialties such as conch donuts and boosting in one of the many local lobster huts and restaurants by the sea.

Whatever you do, however, do not leave without having a slice of the famous city lime pie, says Morrow. After all, Key West is where this popular dessert is from, because the key limes that offer its signature pie flavor grows abundantly here.

Read this then: The 10 best winter destinations outside radar in the United States

5. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Historic homes in Portsmouth, New Hampshire along the water.
DenistanGneyjr / Istock

With its ample Historical Remers and Museums , Diversified restoration scene and charming cobbled streets, this classic Port City in New England has so much to offer during the winter months. Have we mentioned the views at the water's edge and the tax purchases?

"History Strawbery Banke Museum In the script and award -winning restaurants, Portsmouth is a feast for the senses, "said Amanda Perkins , the travel blogger behind Life has its advantages .

Nestled inside the Banke Museum in Strawbery, which includes dozens of historical buildings on their original foundations, is the POUDLE DOCK POND ICE RINK , where you can rent a pair of skates or warm up by the nearby fireplace.

Perkins strongly recommends visiting the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion , the former house of the first royal governor of New Hampshire, which dates back to the mid -1700s. "You can make a guided tour or you can simply introduce yourself and walk. My favorite part of this manor is the trails that it Surround. You can explore through the woods and the adventure to the water. There are always a lot of hermit crabs to catch shallow tidal waters and you can watch the boats pass. "

Speaking of boats, on the banks of the Piscataqua river, you can find several companies that offer educational visits to the river and / or port. According to Perkins, some can even take you to the Islands of Shoals, which are a group of islands from the start of the coast, some in New Hamshire and some in Maine.

But he is sure to say that one of the real protruding facts here is food. From innovative shareable plates to Moxy in Mediterranean cuisine at It's okay with seafood at Martingale Wharf , there is certainly no shortage of renowned restaurants. Oyster lovers can taste a wide variety of fresh and local bivalves to Row 34 and The Franklin . After a hearty meal, remember to hang an igloo in Approximately Bar on the roof, where you can sip a seasonal cocktail with a panoramic view of the city.

6. Newport, Rhode Island

Lighthouse Newport Rhode Island
Jim Schubert / Shutterstock

Between comfortable pubs, fashionable restaurants, unique stores and historic residences, this coastal city of Rhode Island has so much to offer at any time of the year.

"In addition to major attractions like the emblematic manors that line the seafront, you can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as racket and ice skate," explains Fred Hoffman , founder of The real desert .

Start your day with a picturesque walk along Ocean Drive, where you will spend several of The famous manors (many of which are open for tours), Fort Adams State Park , and Brenton Point state park .

Finish your trip with brunch in magnificent Castle Hill Inn , then head to Thames Street to buy local illustrations, Fudge and other craft goods. After having traveled the only AUDRAIN AUTO MUSEUM or the International tennis renown temple , Take a fresh seafood dinner in one of the many sensational restaurants along the America's Cup Avenue. Then finish the night with a hot chocolate sprinkled at Chanler Hotel .

If you can timer your visit correctly, it is worth booking a stay during the Newport Winter Festival , which includes joy fires, a bowling of snow, sleigh, a cook in Chile and much more.

Read this then: The 10 best weekends you have to do this winter .

7. St. Michaels, Maryland

Very purple sunset at the St. Michaels harbor in Maryland
Istock / Mark Digne

"Located in the bay of Chesapeake, St. Michaels, offers a picturesque and small town feeling with a variety of unique stores and restaurants", explains Matt James , a travel blogger to visit. "In winter, visitors can taste ice skating on the city pond, carriage rides and comfortable restaurants by the fire."

One of the best ways to explore St. Michael's is on two wheels. So, throw a hat and gloves, rent a bicycle and get into town to discover the Maritime Museum of the Chesapeake Bay , where you will learn everything about the history of the region. Then browse the colorful shops for jewelry, interior decoration and clothes, before sampling rum to Distilling from Lyon or wine at Cave of St. Michaels . When hunger strikes, take advantage of conventional comforting food at Purser pub or Restaurant and Limoncello wine bar . AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

St. Michael's is just 90 minutes by car from Baltimore and Washington D.C. and easily accessible via Amtrak from New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

8. Harbor bar, Maine

Bar Harbor Maine
G Allen Penton / Shutterstock

Although this seaside resort is a lively hotspot for tourists in summer, experts say that it is always worth exploring during the coldest months. "In winter, it is particularly beautiful, with its snowy streets and its views of the Atlantic Ocean," explains Guragain.

In fact, you might have Acadia National Park All for yourself. Here you can participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as racket, cross -country skiing and ice fishing. If you feel particularly adventurous, you can also make a guided ice visit, camping in the Blackwoods campsite or making a picturesque aerial tour for a breathtaking view of the headlights and snowy trees from above.

When it's just too freezing outside, visit the Abbot Museum To marvel at the more than 50,000 archaeological, historical and contemporary objects, attend a concert at Theater criterion or visit 180 acres history Woodlawn Museum, Gardens & Park . And of course, no visit to Bar Harbor would be complete without a bowl of piping boost in a local tavern.

9. Cape May, New Jersey

Victorian Architecture - Cape May - New Jersey
Istock / S. Greg Panosian

This seaside town has a multitude of comfortable Bed and breakfast And superb shopping. And although the ocean breezes can feel particularly biting during the coldest months, they are nothing but one of the hot and generous Toddies of local establishments cannot compensate.

"With its breathtaking view of the ocean and its picturesque victorian cottages, it is easy to understand why Cape May has become a first -year destination for newlyweds and couples in general in search of an escape from the bustle of everyday life, "explains Hoffman.

There is hardly a better way to discover Cape May in winter than with a theme visit to the cart, which will make you pass dozens of houses, successions and historic churches. Another fun seasonal event is the Crafts and collectibles Shows, where you can buy high quality goods from talented local craftsmen.

Nature lovers should check the Conservancy at South Cape May Meadows , where you can locate the pinson, swans, egrets, geese and more around the lake. Are you looking for a really unique experience? Take advantage of a disco themed skate at the Hall Convention roller skate , then take a relaxed but eclectic lunch inside a funky retro inspiration trailer at Zero output filling station .

When you have to warm up, stop by one of the many independent cafes for an inventive caffeinée concoction, then head to visit the Harriet Tubman Museum . Follow your visits with indulgent treatment in one of the many luxurious spas in the region, then end the day watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean at the end of Beach Avenue before sampling the incredible breweries, the establishments wine and city distilleries.


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