The Atlantic Coast, also known as the East Coast of the United States, is full of great small towns that could attract tourists in 2024. With an abundance of commercial, natural or historical landmarks to consider for your fantastic itinerary, you are sure to encounter delightful scenery and wonderful communities along the way. From Maine to Florida, these friendly towns could be the perfect destinations to consider while traveling the East Coast this year.
Montauk, New York
Montauk, a friendly village in New York State, has a population of 4,422 and is a lovely destination with beaches and landmark museums. Tourists here in 2024 will enjoy the Montauk Point Lighthouse and local history dating back to the 1790s, a major motivation for Long Island East Coast tours. Kirk Park Beach has a nautical vibe and family-friendly people who love to get newbies involved in beach activities. Sailing on Montauk’s catamaran Mont Tiki is a popular spot for tourists who want to take a trip across the water while enjoying a Polynesian tour of the city.
Deep Hollow Ranch is known for its charming equestrian facilities and beautiful coastal trails that lead into the town’s countryside. Inlet Seafood Restaurant offers the best dining experience in Montauk with waterside sunsets and delicious clam chowder. Bird on the Roof serves up indulgent meals and high-class dining with friendly bartenders who are always smiling. This place is also hosting “Trivia Nights” every Thursday this year for travelers who are into culture and live music.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman Bay in Maine, Bar Harbor is home to 2,145 residents. It’s the starting point for visitors who want to experience the heart and natural beauty of Acadia National Park, a rocky landmark with Atlantic Native American heritage and historic roads and trails along the coastline. Shore Path is another coastal thrill for nature explorers who love the historic walking paths and the most beautiful pier homes, as well as friendly residents who are always happy to say hello. Hull’s Cove Visitor Center offers both a welcoming atmosphere and relaxed ranger tours to help visitors learn more about Mount Desert Island.
At the Abe Museum, you can enjoy a friendly tour of Wabanaki history and Native American artifacts related to the frontier days. The museum plans to host some cool events in July and August 2024, including a welcome “Market Basket” performance and Native American community workshops. Similar history tours can be enjoyed at the George B. Dorr Natural History Museum, an underrated landmark with coastal wildlife exhibits and a cozy gift shop run by friendly staff. Village Green is known for its urban green landscape and friendly locals who love ice cream.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, a seaside town on Cape Cod with a population of 3,753, is known for its Mayflower heritage and LGBTQ+ influence. The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum are the perfect place to get an approachable history lesson on the Mayflower Pilgrims and the origins of the New World. The museum has several events planned to welcome visitors from mid-July through late November 2024, including landscape painting sessions and an annual lighting ceremony around Thanksgiving time. Beech Forest is a natural landmark filled with happy campers enjoying steep clearings, friendly conversations at picnic tables, and shady meadows.
Friendly cyclists and fun road bike adventures may be worth including in your itinerary on the Province Lands Bike Trail, where both tourists and residents flock to enjoy the sandy weather and beautiful hills. On Commercial Street, charming locals are always ready to welcome new visitors and introduce them to the finest marina residences and LGBT-friendly shops. Arts Dune Tours loves to take you through town on memorable dune tours of the Cape Cod National Seashore. At Fanizzi’s Restaurant, travelers can join in light-hearted conversation with waterfront enthusiasts while savoring the most flavorful Italian and American cuisine.
Nags Head, North Carolina
Nags Head, a sandy town of 3,129 people on the Outer Banks, is a destination worth visiting for its sand dunes and friendly landmarks. The 426-acre Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the tallest sand dunes and a great hang-gliding area, making it a popular spot for beginner kite flyers to wave at. At Jennette Pier, you’ll find historic perches and friendly fishermen who will teach your family how to reel in a big fish. Bodie Island Lighthouse, with its 1870s architecture and Bodie Island history, is a lovely historic side trip that captures the essence of North Carolina.
At Outlets Nags Head, tourists can check out designer brands and a lively local crowd that loves fashion as much as newcomers and couples-friendly shoppers. Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf is a fun golfing destination for tourists who love the ocean breeze and Pirate Cove. Full Throttle Speedway is another option for 2024 for travelers who want to experience the adrenaline of go-karting and enjoy a friendly photo op next to the crew. The event is expected to be held more frequently from August to December this year. As for food, Fish Heads Bar & Grill has a conversationalist tiki bar owner who enjoys making tourists feel right at home.
Cape May, New Jersey
A friendly little town on the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula, Cape May is a notable tourist destination with 2,754 residents. The Cape May Lighthouse draws visitors with its 1850s lighthouse architecture and fun tours of historic nature trails around the coastline. It’s also known for hosting a number of family-friendly staircase events, including a “Sherlock Holmes Weekend” adventure planned for November 2024. Historic Cold Spring Village offers more historical knowledge with living history exhibits and a friendly, inspiring tour of southern New Jersey.
Washington Street Mall draws many with its great shopping scene and friendly shopkeepers who love to chat. Tourists looking for a fun night can enjoy musical performances on the Cape May Stage and evenings with special guests from parts of Broadway and Hollywood, as well as cute dinner sessions and backstage meet-and-greets. Cape May Winery & Vineyards and Willow Creek Winery both offer a great outdoor experience for travelers who prefer the comfort and sociable environment of an orchard. Lucky Bones Back Water Grille offers friendly fireside conversation and great seafood dishes.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
A coastal town of 14,623 residents, Narragansett is a lovely destination that combines friendliness with amazing natural landmarks. Point Judith Lighthouse is a strong contender for the comfort of a Rhode Island lighthouse with the best views of the town. The Towers is a quality side trip spot with the luxury of the historic Great Hall and gorgeous orange skies. The venue will also host a number of events throughout 2024, including “Disco Nights” near the ocean and Louisiana “American Cajun” band sessions. At Roger Wheeler State Beach, friendly pedestrians and calm waters are an easy selling point for a casual itinerary.
For a truly tourist-friendly getaway, check out Galilee, a historic fishing village often praised for its quaint community and warm atmosphere. If travelers want to enjoy a walk-in ceramic painting or custom workshop class with the bubbly owner, Create Colour Art Studio is a must-visit. If you love cold treats and ice cream, first-time visitors should stop by Brickley’s Homemade Ice Cream, a cozy spot popular with tourists and locals looking for delicious wedding cakes.
Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach, Florida’s coastal town of 17,611 people, is a tourist destination on the Atlantic Ocean with plenty to see and do. The Vero Beach Museum of Art showcases the best of National Contemporary Art and offers a variety of sculpture gardens for visitors of all ages. There are also “Art Camp” workshops for families with children in mid- to late July, and a humorous glasswork exhibition in late October 2024. McKee Botanical Gardens is a place where you can be at one with nature, with subtropical greenery and more than 800,000 incredible Lego creations.
Wildlife lovers will enjoy Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for observing coastal birds and adorable sea turtles. Jaycee Park offers a fun outing, with beach boardwalks and friendly joggers. Humiston Beach Park attracts laid-back athletes and benches to relax and enjoy the summer vibes. The Tides is a local spot serving up some of the best chicken and Caesar salads in the city.
Lockport, Massachusetts
The Massachusetts town of Rockport has 5,051 local residents and is worth a visit for its seaside landmarks and attractions. Halibut Point State Park is filled with natural beauty, including seaside Cape Ann scenery and marine life on the rocky coastline. Motif No. 1 is an iconic harbor detour with red fishing shacks and artistic heritage, offering a perfect mix of culture and history. Bearskin Neck makes up for its small size with an observation deck full of friendly residents who cherish their colonial upbringing and love to wave to visitors.
If you prefer more historical attractions, Paper House is a must-see; the history and paper architecture of this 1920s summer mansion leaves an indelible impression on outsiders. Shalin Liu Performance Centre is a premier venue hosting the best jazz, pop and folk concerts, and with planned events such as visiting Canadian bands and the “Jazz Workshop Showcase” series scheduled for late August, it’s worth a visit in 2024. Cocktail fans will enjoy the intimacy and exotic waterfront views of Fleur Cuisine Harbourside’s stunning wharf.
These small towns along the Atlantic coast offer plenty of fun and memories for visitors planning their big vacation this year. With plenty of fun places and landmarks to explore and vibrant, friendly communities to meet and interact with, they offer endless beauty and excitement that will leave you with lasting memories. With this list in hand for 2024, no one will feel like an outsider when planning their next itinerary.
