An east coast vacation is one of the most exciting activities for a person to consider due to the variety in locations on the eastern seaboard. However, this variety of locations makes choosing a single place extremely difficult. The best way to go about selecting a vacation destination is to narrow down what type of vacation you are looking for so that you can find an adequate destination.
Leisure vs. Activity Vacations: What’s the Difference?
Generally, there are two types of vacations a family can consider when picking where they want to go for a trip: relaxing or activity-based vacations. The classic leisurely vacation involves nothing more than sitting on a beach in a chair and catching some rays from the sun. However, the classic activity vacation looks closer to heading out into the backcountry of a state for a multi-night camping and hiking trip.
In regard to planning an east coast vacation, the diversity of the cities on that side of the country mean that a family can have both a leisurely and activity-based vacation. However, due to the gorgeous beaches that populate the east coast, it is far more common to have a relaxed trip.
Most Popular East Coast States for Beaches
As mentioned, the east coast is famous for their fantastic beach cities and beaches. There are a few east coast states in particular, though, that standout for this very reason. The most notable states for beaches on the east coast include:
- Florida
- South Carolina
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
Any of the above states will offer gorgeous beaches for travelers to enjoy relaxing on, but there are a number of prominent beaches in particular that are worth visiting.
5 Prominent East Coast Beaches to Consider Visiting
When tossing around different locations in your mind for a beach location, there are a few standout beaches to consider that offer the most to travelers:
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
A lesser known beach, Myrtle Beach is a fantastic tourist hub on the east coast to consider traveling to. When considering what to do in Myrtle Beach there are a number of options to consider. Most notably, these activities include a dolphin cruise, murder mystery dining show, Motor City Musical, and a general sightseeing tour.
2. Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the east coast not only for the beautiful sands and warm weather, but due to the nightlife in Miami city which surrounds the beaches. There is a rich culture in Miami that results in delicious food being served everywhere and an all-around laidback atmosphere that makes organizing a trip to Miami great for people of all ages.
3. Tybee Island South Beach, Georgia
With a pier that attracts people from all around the country, this gorgeous beach is an absolute must-visit. Additionally, those interested in marine life can enjoy the marine science center to learn a fact or two about the animals in the area. Additionally, the gorgeous light station and museum is a good stopping point for all travelers.
4. Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
Canaveral National Seashore primarily became famous due to the fact that there are a number of rocket launches occurring from this point throughout the year, which makes it a popular area for space lovers. Additionally, the beach itself is absolutely gorgeous which means anybody can enjoy a day in the sun while also seeing history being made as rockets take off.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Finally, Cape Cod is perhaps the most famous beach out of all of the above and for good reason. With famous whale watching cruises, gorgeous museums and gardens, and a renowned pilgrim monument commemorating where the pilgrims landed in the general area.
Tips for Building Your Beach Vacation Budget
As you go about starting to plan your next vacation to the east coast, it’s important to recognize the cost that will be associated with your trip. Nowadays, the average solo vacation price for a week is as high as $1,900, which goes to show the importance of budgeting. Use the following tips to start dedicating and saving money for your vacation:
- Book any activities in advance: Oftentimes, organizations that put on activities for vacation destinations will offer discounts if you book your entertainment well in advance. Booking tickets at the door for most activities will result in a higher price, so get together with your family and discuss what everyone would like to do.
- Book hotel stays using credit card reward points: For those who use credit cards for everyday purchases, you have likely built up a stockpile of credit card reward points. These can be used for food costs, travel costs, activity costs, and much more.
- Cook your own food rather than eating out for every meal: If you are staying in a vacation rental or have access to a kitchen, considering cooking all of your meals instead of eating out can be a great idea.
- Create a vacation savings account: To save money in advance of a vacation, creating an account dedicated to saving money for your trip can allow you to stockpile funds. After depositing money into your investments and general savings account, you can deposit extras into this dedicated account.
- Utilize public transportation in the area: Finally, rideshare platforms such as Lyft or Uber are extremely helpful, but costly as well. Rather than using these, consider using public transportation if it is built up well.
Budget for your dream beach vacation
To build your own dream beach vacation, you need to determine if you want to have an active or relaxed vacation. From there, you can narrow down the best location for your family to travel to for the vacation. However, amidst rising prices for travel in the United States, it’s important to start learning how to build a travel budget with the above tips. By using all of this advice, you will be able to get a fun and fulfilling trip on the calendar.
