Looking to escape the daily grind with your special someone? After spending countless weekends exploring the East Coast with my partner, I’ve discovered that some of the most memorable experiences are just a short drive away.
The East Coast offers such a perfect mix of options for couples – from quiet beach towns where you can walk hand-in-hand along the shore, to charming mountain villages where time seems to slow down, to busy cities where you can explore museums and share candlelit dinners. Whether you’re planning a romantic anniversary trip or just need a quick break from routine, there’s something here for every type of couple.
I’ve teamed up with other traveling couples and drawn from my own weekend adventures to put together this list of the best couple-friendly destinations along the Eastern Seaboard. Each spot has been chosen with romance, accessibility, and variety in mind, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying each other’s company.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Looking for a romantic weekend escape? You’ll find couples flocking to The Berkshires in western Massachusetts, where rolling hills and charming towns create a perfect backdrop for a getaway. This region blends outdoor adventures with cultural experiences – think hiking trails and kayaking in summer, skiing in winter, plus year-round attractions like the Norman Rockwell Museum and Tanglewood Music Center, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs under the stars.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
The Berkshires in Massachusetts isn’t just any old mountain range – it’s where art meets nature in the most interesting way possible. This cultural hub in New England has been a favorite escape for famous writers and artists like Norman Rockwell and Herman Melville, who found inspiration among its rolling hills and wrote some of their best works here.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport has been a favorite summer escape for New England’s elite since the late 1800s. Perched along Rhode Island’s southern coast, this charming maritime city pairs historic mansions with scenic coastal views. The famous Cliff Walk traces 3.5 miles along the shoreline, leading past sprawling Gilded Age estates like The Breakers and Marble House. Downtown Newport buzzes with activity around Thames Street, where cozy restaurants serve fresh seafood and boutique shops occupy centuries-old colonial buildings. Many couples spend their days sailing the harbor, touring the mansions, or relaxing on Easton’s Beach. The city truly shines at sunset when warm light bathes the harbor filled with bobbing sailboats, and the salty ocean breeze carries the sound of clinking wine glasses from waterfront restaurants.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor sits like a jewel on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, where I first discovered its charms during a fall getaway in 2019. This charming New England port town serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, with its rugged coastline and granite peaks forming an impressive backdrop to the village below. Local lobster shacks and ice cream parlors line the waterfront, while nearby whale watching tours depart daily from the bustling harbor. The town’s Shore Path, dating back to the 1880s, hugs the coastline for about a mile, offering perfect sunset strolls past historic summer cottages and hidden coves where the Atlantic meets the rocky shore. Throughout the summer and early fall, couples can be found kayaking the calm morning waters or cycling the park’s historic carriage roads, followed by afternoon tea and popovers at the Jordan Pond House.
Cape May, New Jersey
If you’re looking for a dreamy East Coast escape, I always recommend Cape May, New Jersey. Perched at the southern tip of the Jersey Shore, this charming Victorian seaside town boasts rows of gingerbread-trimmed houses, quiet beaches, and some of the best seafood restaurants around. Walking down the historic streets feels like stepping back in time, with over 600 preserved Victorian buildings painting a picture of 19th-century coastal life.
The Hamptons, New York
Looking for that perfect mix of beachside luxury and small-town charm? The Hamptons checks all those boxes. This string of seaside villages on Long Island’s South Fork has long been New York City’s go-to summer escape, where pristine beaches meet quaint main streets lined with boutiques and farm stands. Here you’ll find couples strolling through art galleries in Southampton, picking up fresh produce at roadside markets, or just lounging on the white sand beaches of East Hampton. While it’s known as a playground for the wealthy, you don’t need a mansion to enjoy its natural beauty – pack a picnic, grab a spot on the beach, and watch the sunset paint the sky over the Atlantic. Just keep in mind that summer weekends draw crowds, so consider a spring or fall visit for a more laid-back experience.
Stowe, Vermont
Nestled in northern Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe has been charming couples since the early 1900s. This quintessential New England town sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, where winding roads lead to cozy lodges and classic ski trails. In winter, couples glide down slopes at Stowe Mountain Resort, while summer and fall bring opportunities for hiking through maple forests and paddling on quiet lakes. The historic village, with its white-steepled church and local craft shops, feels like stepping into a postcard. Beyond outdoor adventures, the town is dotted with artisan cheese makers, craft breweries like The Alchemist, and the famous Ben & Jerry’s factory just down the road. Mountain cabins and luxury spa resorts offer intimate retreats where couples can unwind after days spent exploring the wilderness or sampling Vermont’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine.
Mystic, Connecticut
Looking for a charming New England escape? I always recommend Mystic to couples seeking that perfect coastal getaway. This historic maritime town captures everything there is to love about Connecticut – from its famous Mystic Seaport Museum showcasing America’s seafaring past to the Mystic Aquarium where you can meet beluga whales up close. The iconic Mystic Pizza (yes, the one from the movie!) serves up delicious slices, while the downtown area lets you stroll hand-in-hand past local boutiques and waterfront restaurants.
Savannah, Georgia
Ever walked under a canopy of Spanish moss swaying in the warm breeze? That’s just another day in Savannah, Georgia, where horse-drawn carriages still clip-clop down cobblestone streets lined with historic mansions. This charming Southern city feels like stepping into a different era, with its 22 town squares dotted with fountains and live oaks that have watched over the city for centuries. Couples can spend their days exploring Forsyth Park, taking ghost tours through supposedly haunted buildings, or sharing plates of shrimp and grits at cozy restaurants along River Street. The beach is just 20 minutes away at Tybee Island, where you can climb to the top of Georgia’s oldest lighthouse or watch dolphins play in the waves at sunset.
Charleston, South Carolina
Many couples head to Charleston for its well-preserved historic district and cobblestone streets, but this South Carolina gem offers much more than just pretty architecture. The city combines Southern charm with coastal living, where you can spend mornings exploring antebellum mansions and afternoons relaxing on nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island. Charleston’s food scene has become a major draw for food-loving couples, with countless restaurants serving up fresh seafood and traditional Lowcountry cuisine. While the spring’s famous Charleston Wine + Food Festival brings in crowds from across the country, you’ll find plenty of romantic activities – from horse-drawn carriage rides to sunset harbor cruises – throughout the year.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Create memories along the miles of sandy beaches that make up North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This string of barrier islands offers couples plenty of ways to spend quality time together, from climbing the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to watching wild horses roam freely in Corolla. Take a romantic walk on the beach at sunset, try your hand at kiteboarding, or explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial where flight first took off. For a special evening, book a table at one of the local seafood restaurants overlooking the water, where you can feast on fresh catches while watching boats drift by in the harbor.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Just a quick ferry ride from Cape Cod lies Martha’s Vineyard, an island that feels worlds away from mainland Massachusetts. Unlike other coastal destinations, this island maintains its old-world New England charm with weathered shingle cottages and historic lighthouses dotting the landscape. You’ll find pristine beaches where locals and visitors alike gather for sunset picnics, and winding roads that lead to small fishing villages where life moves at a slower pace. The island’s unique character comes from its six distinct towns, each offering something different – from Edgartown’s white-trimmed sea captains’ homes to the colorful gingerbread cottages of Oak Bluffs. Because of its isolation from the mainland, the Vineyard has preserved its agricultural roots, and you’ll discover family farms, fresh seafood markets, and local artisan shops around every corner.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that five historic lighthouses dot the coastline of Martha’s Vineyard, with the oldest – Edgartown Harbor Light – dating back to 1828? The island also served as the primary filming location for Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster “Jaws,” and locals still love pointing out spots where famous scenes were shot, including the beach where the opening sequence took place.
Annapolis, Maryland
Looking for a romantic coastal escape? I always recommend Annapolis to couples seeking that perfect mix of history and maritime charm. As Maryland’s capital city, this waterfront gem combines Colonial-era architecture with a laid-back nautical vibe. Stroll hand-in-hand through the brick-lined streets of the Historic District, browse quirky boutiques, or watch sailboats glide across the Chesapeake Bay. Home to the U.S. Naval Academy, you can take guided tours of the grounds or simply admire the uniformed midshipmen marching to and from classes.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island feels like a perfect slice of New England charm just 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast. This pear-shaped island spans only 7 square miles, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character – from its weathered lighthouses to its miles of free public beaches. The island moves at its own relaxed pace, with most visitors exploring by bicycle or moped along quiet roads that wind past old stone walls and scenic overlooks. Walking trails cut through wildlife preserves and lead to dramatic bluffs, while the two main town centers offer just enough shops and seafood spots to keep things interesting without feeling touristy. It’s especially magical in the off-season when the summer crowds thin out and you can have stretches of beach entirely to yourself.
Niagara Falls, New York
Located just under 7 hours from New York City, Niagara Falls is where natural wonder meets small-town charm. Like many tourist destinations, it has its share of attractions, restaurants, and hotels. But unlike other spots, it offers something truly unique – the raw power of 750,000 gallons of water cascading down every second. Walking along the Cave of the Winds boardwalk, you’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the constant rumble of the falls, making you realize why this place has drawn visitors for centuries. Because of its position on the Canadian border, you’ll find influences from both countries here, from American-style diners to Canadian maple treats, creating a distinctive cultural blend that makes Niagara Falls more than just its famous waterfalls.
Asheville, North Carolina
Explore the artsy mountain town of Asheville, where craft beer and creative culture come together in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. You can spend your days browsing through the River Arts District, home to over 200 working artists in converted industrial buildings along the French Broad River. Make time to tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private residence, where you can wander through 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds. For dinner, head downtown to one of the many farm-to-table restaurants, then cap off your evening at one of the city’s 30+ craft breweries – earning Asheville its nickname as “Beer City USA.”
Portland, Maine
Along Maine’s rugged Atlantic coast sits Portland, a small city with an outsized food scene. Like many coastal New England towns, Portland has its share of lighthouses, cobblestone streets, and salty fishing docks. But unlike the others, it feels more laid-back and unpretentious despite its culinary fame. Just wander through the Old Port district, where fishing boats still bring in the day’s catch right next to craft breweries and oyster bars, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of Portland’s deep maritime heritage mixed with a new wave of creative chefs and artists, you’ll find both traditional lobster shacks and innovative farm-to-table restaurants sharing the same historic brick buildings.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Poconos has been a go-to romantic escape for East Coast couples since the 1960s, and for good reason. This mountainous region spans 2,400 square miles of eastern Pennsylvania, where cozy lodges nestle between pine forests and pristine lakes. These days, you’ll find everything from heart-shaped hot tubs in retro resorts to modern spa retreats offering couples massages. The area is particularly nice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hit the hiking trails together in summer or ski down snow-covered slopes in winter. But what makes the Poconos really special is how it manages to feel both charmingly old-school and refreshingly current at the same time.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Looking for a beach escape with your special someone? Virginia Beach delivers that perfect mix of seaside charm and urban amenities. The famous 3-mile boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean gives you plenty of space to stroll hand-in-hand, grab an ice cream cone, or watch street performers as the sun sets. When you’re not lounging on the sand, you can explore First Landing State Park, where English colonists first stepped onto American soil in 1607, or hop aboard a whale-watching cruise to spot humpbacks breaching offshore.