Explore Charming Beach Towns and Make Unforgettable Summer Memories on this Scenic East Coast Adventure.
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Pack your bags for the ultimate East Coast road trip in the summer of 2025. The United States East Coast has some of the most gorgeous beaches, and each ocean town has charming traditions and culture centered around vacationing, which all family members will enjoy.
Feast on New England’s spectacular lobster up north and enjoy clam bakes as we drive south. Prepare for days filled with Cape Cod Chips and evenings filled with the sweet taste of Mike’s Hard Lemonade.
Adventure with Postcard Getaway from Ogunquit Beach in Maine to Ocean City, Maryland, and experience the sand, shells, and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean.
Maine – Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit, in southern Maine, is a lively beach town with traditional New England architecture and lots of character. In addition to its beautiful sandy getaways, the town has many delicious places to eat, including BeachFire Bar and Grille, The Lobster Shack, and The Maine Catch.
The town also offers many water activities, such as sailing the Ogunquit River, taking a Finestlkind Scenic Cruise, sailing The Gift, or sailing out of Perkins Cove. Ogunquit is the perfect place to start the summer road trip and enjoy fun in the sun.
New Hampshire – North Conway
In New Hampshire, we’re straying away from the coast for a few days and enjoying some time in North Conway. Families love North Conway for relaxing in cabins and scouring the White Mountains. To cool off, North Conway has beautiful Conway Lake nearby, but most enjoy hiking here.
Kids love North Conway because it has Storyland (where fantasy lives) nearby . Storyland has adorable rides and activities for kids of all ages, including the carousel for littles and roller coasters for older friends.
Meet Cinderella at her castle, chat with the Old Lady who Lives in a Shoe, and ride the train back to the park entrance at the end. North Conway truly has something for people of all ages.
Massachusetts – Mayflower Beach, Cape Cod
After some time in New Hampshire, continue driving south to Cape Cod to enjoy some time on Mayflower Beach. Cape Cod has many fun activities to do, depending on the town, but Mayflower Beach in North Dennis has a quieter atmosphere and allows for lots of relaxation time.
After a morning swimming in the waves, explore Dennis by visiting Hart Farm and Nursery Center for lunch, and shopping in LaBelle’s General Store for Cape Cod sweatshirts, local products, and other trinkets. Do not forget to visit Stage Shop Candy for saltwater taffy.
Connecticut – Mystic
People from New England love the movie Mystic Pizza, and many come to this small town to see the sites from their favorite nostalgic beach movies. However, Mystic has much more to do here than stopping at the famous pizza shop for a slice.
Mystic boasts a huge aquarium with all kinds of fish inside. It also has adorable downtown shops, all poised to look as though someone built them decades ago. These stores have everything from an Alice in Wonderland bubble tea place to a quirky magic store with potions and magic wands to another New England-esque general store.
Mystic also has many delicious restaurants, including an oyster bar and an Italian joint with warming, homey food, making it a must-visit place on this bucket list.
New Jersey – Long Beach Island
After Connecticut, let’s drive to another beach town on the Jersey Shore. It has everything from an amusement park to the gorgeous ocean and fun neighboring boardwalk. Many ride bikes along this road and savor ice cream from the bike shop where they rent their ride.
Many people also choose to play minigolf at Settler’s Mill or Flamingo. The area also has several delicious spots for dinner. For a more upscale meal, visit the Beach House Restaurant. Desire something more affordable? Try Speakeasy Pizzeria and enjoy some thin, savory slices.
Maryland – Ocean City
Ocean City is a resort town in Maryland that draws many Americans for its fantastic boardwalk and amusement park. Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a favorite among annual visitors, and people wait in line over and over again for the Splash Mountain water park and pirate ship rides.
People also love Trimper Rides and enjoy setting off on the Ferris wheel, wandering through Pirates Cove, and spinning around with the teacups. Though the park advertises for younger kids, it enchants their parents, too.
Virginia – Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach makes the final stop of the trip! People love going to Virginia Beach to enjoy the sand and boardwalk. It has a magnificent lighthouse off in the distance to admire, whale-watching expeditions, and several museums.
Many will wander into the Military Aviation Museum to learn more about the Air Force’s role in the US Military. Others visit the Aquarium and Marine Science Center to learn how to preserve beaches and local wildlife.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper beach vacation without a fruity drink. Bars like South Beach Grill and Duck Dive Tavern offer live music, fresh beverages, and nights everyone will remember forever.
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