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The East Coast is home to some of the US’s most phenomenal cities, from world-famous icons to overlooked gems.
What falls by the wayside most is the variety of unique islands you can visit on this side of the country. You don’t have to take a plane across the ocean to the Caribbean to island hop.
No! You can do that right here in the US, just steps away from some of America’s coolest cities.
Obviously, our beloved urban sprawls tend to draw crowds, while sharing Central Park, the U.S. Capitol, or the cheesesteak stands of Philly isn’t always ideal.
Wide open spaces and scenic coastlines sound a lot more fun, right?
Here are 3 lesser-known islands on the east coast to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this fall:
Put down your chips and visit Brigantine!
If there’s one American city that’s synonymous with the textbook definition of “mixed bag,” it’s Atlantic City, right?
Some love it, some hate it, and some are just ‘meh’. Initially marketed as the East Coast’s ‘Las Vegas’, it turns out there is only one ‘Sin City’.
Atlantic City, NJ does its best with big-name resorts, casinos and an action-packed boardwalk, but it’s the neighbor island Brigantine what you should build your journey around.
Less crowds, less crime and no cheap establishments that stink of decades-old cigarette smoke – Brigantine is the antithesis of Atlantic City.
With a view of the beach, you can look to your right and chuckle to yourself, knowing you’re breathing in the fresh salt air and sleeping soundly in your spacious oceanfront vacation rental.
Not only is Brigantine different from its immediate neighbor to the west; it doesn’t fit the Jersey Coast stereotype, because kayaking and surfing invite you over fancy nightclubs.
Fists and hair gel are kept to a minimum as this island is much more family friendly and relaxing than the late night ragers portrayed on MTV.
But if that’s your jam, wild nights in Atlantic City are just around the corner.
Otherwise, you can enjoy a beautiful downtown area and great seafood straight from the source at top restaurants such as Crab Shack fish market and restaurant where Lobster Rolls are ‘twice the size’!
Who needs Martha’s Vineyard when you’ve got it? block island, RI?
No wonder so many foreigners look sideways at Americans; we are liars!
Rhode Island is not an island per se, but does contain islands such as Block island. Capisce?
Despite the fact that there are several islands, the interior where the capital Providence is located deprives it of its ‘island map’.
But who cares when you can visit real islands like the fantastic Block Island, a blip in the vast Atlantic Ocean about 12 miles offshore?
Providence may be a hidden gem that gets lost in the mix of the East Coast’s major cities, but Block Island is the ultimate coastal escape.
Home to beautiful beaches (all free and public), a wealth of tide pools and more than 30 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views, you’ll love being outside even in the crisp fall weather.
Don’t worry; you can cozy up at one of the island’s popular inns, bed and breakfasts, or cottages – all quintessentially New England and gorgeous.
Think Martha’s Vineyard and/or Nantucket without sacrificing brand recognition without sacrificing luxury. Stay in luxurious accommodations and sample local flavor at 5-star restaurants with impeccable wine lists.
Tip: For a list of ferries that serve Block Island, click here.
Chincoteague Island is why Virginia is for lovers
Whoever said ‘Virginia is for lovers’ must have been there Chincoteague Islandof the state only ‘resort island’‘receive tourists with open arms.
Ironically, you won’t find any luxury resorts here, but there will still be boundless nature to explore and plenty of wildlife to observe.
This island is authentic to the core; not even a Starbucks in sight. Although you can still grab a cup of tea in the morning at a local cafe, what you’ll enjoy most is the beautiful, tranquil beaches where the chance of seeing more wild horses than people is certainly greater than zero!
It’s fine horse around here with popular events such as unique ones Pony swimming.
While you’ll have to wait until next year to join in the 100th anniversary celebrations, until then, spend your days relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches, enjoying a plethora of seafood restaurants, and resting your head at night in a historic B&B, such as the Watson boarding house dating from the 19th century.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
