Today’s travelers are escaping the bright lights of cities like Boston and New York in search of less touristy locations and easier access to the outdoors. With this shift, people are flocking to small town destinations that offer charm and space to relax. Examples include old-fashioned New England fishing villages along the Atlantic, mountain towns in North Carolina along the Appalachian Mountains, and the dozen or so islands of the Florida Keys.
So whether you’re looking for an accessible domestic destination or searching for a new place to live, we’ve rounded up some of the best small towns on the East Coast to make your search a little easier.
Aurora, New York
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It doesn’t get much smaller or more beautiful than Aurora. With a year-round population of less than 700 people, this tiny Cayuga Lake village is just over four hours from New York City and Philadelphia.
If you’re looking to kick back and relax by the lake, try Inns of Aurora, a luxury boutique resort with rooms featuring fireplaces, semi-private balconies and stunning lake views. Here, you can go kayaking, book a private yoga class or sip wine overlooking the water in an Adirondack chair. When you’re ready to explore the local area, head north to the town of Union Springs and book a wine tasting at Hart & Hands Wine Company or stroll through downtown Aurora for snacks and beers at Fargo Bar & Grill.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
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This island off the coast of Massachusetts is only accessible by boat and plane, but it’s a familiar destination for tourists. The island is home to six small towns, each with its own personality and community feel. Spend the day relaxing by the water at South Beach or exploring Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, a sandy breakwater with plenty of hiking trails and the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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There’s something thrilling about standing on the battlefield where a turning point in the Civil War took place, or imagining Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address to war-weary soldiers. It’s the norm in Gettysburg, one of the most historically significant towns in the United States. You can take a popular tour, but don’t leave without trying the cuisine that makes this Pennsylvania town a true foodie paradise: gumbo pizza at Upper Crust, traditional Irish shepherd’s pie at Garry Owen, and colonial onion soup at Dobbin House Tavern, to name just a few.
Stay at the Union Hotel downtown and fuel up before your day with an in-room breakfast basket, then enjoy a stroll before unwinding with a handcrafted cocktail at Mason Dixon Distillery.
Mystic, Connecticut
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This seaside town sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, so you can enjoy coastal living to the fullest. Rent a paddleboard and enjoy views of Mystic from the water, or cruise the river in a classic wooden motorboat. As the sun starts to set, stroll through the riverside park and enjoy seafood at Red 36, a waterfront restaurant with a fantastic outdoor patio.
Kennebunkport, Maine
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This coastal town gets busier in the summer months, but is a great place to visit any time of the year. Spend warm days lounging on the wide sandy beaches of Goose Rocks or Arundel Beach, or check out the restored vintage streetcars at the open-air Seashore Trolley Museum – or even take a ride! Whatever way you spend your day, end it with a lobster roll and a stroll through the town’s charming shops and galleries.
Beaufort, South Carolina
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Nearby Hilton Head Island gets all the attention, but the lesser-known Port Royal Island has its own beauty, especially in the island’s town of Beaufort, with its picturesque historic district. After touring the old-world architecture, have dinner at Saltus River Grill, followed by ice cream at Yo-Yo’s and a stroll through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Hot Springs, North Carolina
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As the name suggests, this little town is famous for the area’s natural hot springs. Stay at Broadwing Farm Cabins and spend your days soaking in the mineral waters and exploring the organic farmland. When you’re tired of the hot springs, put on your hiking boots and walk the Appalachian Trail or stroll through Hot Springs’ tiny downtown and have a beer at Iron Horse Station.
Cape May, New Jersey
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This seaside resort town at the tip of the Cape May Peninsula in southern New Jersey is a small beach destination. Stroll or drive around town and marvel at the old Victorian homes, then stop by Washington Street Mall to stock up on beach essentials. Get your morning exercise going by climbing the 199 steps to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse; we guarantee the panoramic views will be worth the effort.
Meredith, New Hampshire
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Meredith is one of the most irresistibly cute towns on the East Coast, especially in the colorful fall. Of course, the beautiful foliage isn’t the only attraction to this lakeside town. The town sits right on Lake Winnipesaukee at the foot of the White Mountains and is one of five ports from which the historic M/S Mount Washington sails. A perfect day in Meredith would be to kayak to nearby Stone Dam Island and return before boarding the boat for a sunset dinner cruise.
Marathon Florida
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When it comes to coastal living, it’s hard to beat Marathon. Not only is the town spread across 13 islands in the Florida Keys (how dreamy!), it also has direct access to the barrier reef, renowned deep-sea fishing, and waterfront restaurants. As you’d expect from an East Coast beach town, Marathon is also home to many beaches known for their nesting loggerhead turtles.
St. Mary’s, Georgia
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A Georgia riverside town on the Florida border, St. Marys has a lot to offer, yet it’s quiet and uncrowded. It has a preserved historic downtown, a Riverwalk for a quiet evening stroll, a submarine museum and easy access to the white-sand beaches of Cumberland Island. Take a day trip to the island by ferry to see the wild horses and mansion ruins, then return to the mainland in the evening to rest up at a cozy bed and breakfast like the Spencer House Inn.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
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Provincetown (or “P-Town” as many refer to it) is a well-known small-town getaway for New Englanders, especially the LGBTQ+ community. This colorful, artsy town is home to beaches and abundant nature. Be warned: P-Town gets busy in the summer. Off-season and off-season brings vibrant fall foliage, great restaurant opportunities, and the beginning and end of whale watching season.
