10 Beautiful Beach Weekend Getaways In The Northeast—And Where To Stay

Got summer vacation on the brain? If you’re pressed for time—or lucky enough to have summer Fridays!—this beach inspired roundup of the Norheast's best weekend getaways is for you. Even better, you can book a vacation house at a great price in each of these destinations, right on TripAdvisor.


Whether you pine for New England or live nearby, we’re making it easy to book a weekend trip to the Northeast. Come for the seaside scenery; stay for the lobster rolls, coastal hikes, and whale-watching tours.

Lest we forget, all 15 of these destinations boast a charming range of TripAdvisor rentals—including cozy Cape Cods and historic sea captains’ homes along the East Coast—with amenities like harbor views and kitchens equipped with lobster pots. If your ideal weekend vacation involves kayaking tours, seafood shacks, and concerts by the water, you’ll feel right at home in these little beach towns.

And once you decide on a destination, you can book all your tours, activities, and attractions right on TripAdvisor, too.

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE

Crisp sails, sleek yachts, and iconic lobster boats are common sights in Boothbay, one of the best weekend getaways in the Northeast. From local beaches and lighthouse tours to nature cruises and sailing trips, top attractions highlight the region’s nautical heritage. To kick off summer in true Maine style, plan your weekend getaway during the Windjammer Days Festival (June 25–July 1), an annual event featuring pirates, boat parades, and a fireworks display over the harbor.

See all 70+ rentals in Boothbay Harbor!

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

With so many exciting events in Cape May this summer, deciding when to visit isn’t going to be easy—and that weekend trip might turn into a series of weekend vacations before you know it. Aside from attractions like tastings at Cape May Winery and performances at Cape May Stage, the West Cape May Strawberry Festival (June 3), Boardwalk Craft Show (June 10–11), and Art Show on the Cape May Promenade (July 7–9) are all enticing reasons to book a rental in this seaside city.

See all 1,075+ rentals in Cape May!

EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS

From the gentle waves of State Beach to surf-worthy swells at Long Point, there’s a beach for everyone in Edgartown. This 19th-century seaport—the first colonial settlement on Martha’s Vineyard—is as elegant as you might imagine. With so many historic homes (think restored farmhouses and cottages owned by sea captains), it’s not uncommon to find rentals decorated with antiques. Head into the village to shop or wander through the galleries on North Water Street.

See all 450+ rentals in Edgartown!

WELLFLEET, MASSACHUSETTS

Long considered one of the best weekend getaways in the country, Cape Cod makes a gorgeous summer escape. Wellfleet, located on the Outer Cape, is as famous for its oysters as its community of artists and writers. In addition to celebrated seafood restaurants like Pearl and Wicked Oyster, the town is home to more than 30 art galleries and boutiques featuring handcrafted jewelry and pottery. You’ll enjoy plenty of quiet moments, too, like morning jogs on the beach and cocktails on the patio of your waterfront rental (perhaps with a view of the harbor).

See all 250+ rentals in Wellfleet!

LONG BEACH, NEW YORK

Take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station, and you can go from pounding the pavement to wiggling your toes in the sand within the span of an hour. Aptly nicknamed “The City by the Sea,” Long Beach has a diverse range of restaurants and family-friendly activities, including beach volleyball tournaments and concerts on the shore. Add in the two-mile-long boardwalk, and it’s easy to see why Long Beach makes one of the best weekend getaways on the East Coast.

See all 50+ rentals in Long Beach!

WELLS, MAINE

With a nickname like the “Friendliest Town in Maine,” it’s no surprise that reviewers are quick to highlight local hospitality as something they love about Wells. This scenic little beach town boasts seven miles of oceanfront, a smattering of antique shops on the Maine Antique Trail, and trolley service to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. If you’re looking for a charming base not far from East Coast hotspots like Boston and Providence, Wells is one of the region’s best weekend getaways.

See all TripAdvisor rentals in Wells!

MONTAUK, NEW YORK

Of all the weekend vacation spots on the East Coast, why Montauk? We can give you a few good reasons, starting with the location (less than three hours from the Big Apple). The pristine coastline stretches for miles, undeveloped beaches and nature trails complement the bustling harbor, and the authentic beach-town charm is hard to beat. You’ll find a range of rentals in this coastal enclave, from oceanfront estates to seaside cottages owned by the same family for generations.

See all 100+ rentals in Montauk!

NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

It’s not exactly news that Nantucket is one of the region’s best weekend getaways, but this island isn’t just a playground for the rich and famous. You might know it for its sprawling mansions—affordable when you split the cost with a group!—but it’s also home to charming cottages fit for two. Ditch the car and walk to the Old Historic District, or cycle through quaint neighborhoods with Nantucket Bike Tours. The classic architecture, nautical ambiance, and enchanting ocean views are the recipe for a memorable weekend trip.

See all 670+ rentals in Nantucket!

NARRAGANSETT, RHODE ISLAND

Pack your board and get ready to enjoy some of the best surfing in the Northeast. Whether you’re a surfer or a landlubber, the Rhode Island shore is a scenic spot for weekend trips thanks to four sublime beaches (Narragansett, Scarborough, Roger Wheeler, and Salty Brine). Don’t miss the Port of Galilee, a working fishing village where you can reserve a spot on a fishing charter or pop into a seafood market to purchase the catch of the day.

See all rentals in Narragansett!

RYE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Extra-crowded commute? Stressful month at work? A weekend vacation in this historic seaside town is just what the doctor ordered. Rent a cozy cottage near Jenness Beach and settle in for a few days by the waves. When you’re not soaking up the sun on the peaceful shore, take a whale-watching tour or pack a picnic and hike through Odiorne State Park. The picturesque town dock is a great place to pause for a lobster roll; we’re partial to Rye Harbor Lobster Pound.

See all rentals in Rye!


This post was originally published with 15 destinations on the TripAdvisor blog. Read the whole post here and see what other five made the list!