As a DC-area native who’s been traveling up and down the coast all my life, I’ve experienced all the big hitters.
I’ve spent hours in line waiting to grab a beer in Asheville and get ice cream in Nags Head. I’ve pushed my way through Times Square and crowded Miami bars.
I still appreciate the allure of these ultra-popular cities and towns, but I’m over the chaos and crowds that come with them.
Luckily, I’ve found plenty of lesser-known-yet-equally-worthwhile spots dotting the East Coast that I think offer similar vibes as big-name places but with far fewer tourists.
Ditch the DC crowds for a Virginia town brimming with historic charm.
Washington, DC, is one of my favorite cities on the planet. However, with its many historic sites, museums, and events, it can be packed with visitors no matter what time of year you visit.
For a more peaceful destination with less traffic that also has a rich heritage and spectacular food, head an hour away to Middleburg in Virginia’s wine country.
You’ll find quiet, tree-lined streets lined with charming shops, galleries, and classy restaurants. At the circa-1728 Red Fox Inn & Tavern, you can eat and sleep where former presidents like John F. Kennedy once were.
I love strolling past historic buildings and visiting spots steeped in American Civil War history, like Mt. Defiance Historic Park.
When it’s time for a bite, I suggest visiting King Street Oyster Bar for fresh seafood and The Bistro at Goodstone Inn for farm-to-table dining.
Swap Asheville’s breweries and outdoor adventures for the ones you’ll find a few hours north.
Asheville has gained well-deserved recognition over the last decade for its breweries, artsy vibes, and stunning scenery. It’s absolutely worth visiting.
However, if you want the same Blue Ridge charm with more breathing room, I’d recommend heading to Roanoke, Virginia.
This gem has a thriving arts district, an emerging craft-beer scene, and its own showstopping mountain landscapes. You can peruse the exhibits at the Taubman Museum of Art, shop for funky antiques in Grandin Village, and grab brews at Big Lick Brewing.
Whether you’re driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or hiking McAfee Knob, you’ll find panoramic views similar to the ones people love in Asheville.
Instead of Nags Head, plan your Outer Banks getaway on a lesser-known island.
I’ve spent vacations on the Outer Banks for as long as I can remember, and I never grow tired of the pristine coastline and laid-back villages
Although I love the region’s popular and family-friendly Nags Head, it can get especially crowded in the summer. If you’re looking for a nearby spot that’s more secluded, Ocracoke is not to be missed.
Ocracoke is primarily accessible by ferry, so it pairs the same coastal beauty with an off-the-grid vibe. Its beaches feel unspoiled and its seafood joints are rarely overcrowded.
It’s great for beach bums, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
I’ve biked coastal wooded paths, seen remnants of wrecked pirate ships, and learned about Blackbeard’s ties to the island at the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. I’ve also eaten my weight in raw oysters at Ocracoke Oyster Co., but that’s another story.
Trade the beaches of Miami for a range of options in South Walton, Florida.
I’ve spent plenty of time in glitzy Miami. If you love its white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, but can’t stand the gridlocked traffic, consider trying a trip to South Walton.
Tucked along the legendary Highway 30A, South Walton is home to several beach communities that each bring their own flair to the table.
In Seaside, you’ll find pastel-colored cottages (made famous by “The Truman Show”), along with outdoor concerts, epic sunsets, and beachfront movie nights.
Alys Beach has white-washed Mediterranean buildings and trendy bars. Grayton Beach pairs its “Old Florida” aesthetic with upscale shops and art galleries.
It may not be Miami — nothing can be — but South Walton has many of the elements that attract tourists there with a more relaxed pace.
Skip Manhattan madness for art and farm-to-table dining in Hudson.
New York City is world-famous for its art, culture, and food (it has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other US city).
However, if you’re ready to escape the crowds and traffic that come with all that, try Hudson. It has NYC coolness but with more fresh air and fewer people.
You get stellar farm-to-table restaurants (like feast & floret and Lil’ Deb’s Oasis), Brooklyn-esque art galleries, and high-end boutiques with one-of-a-kind designs. If you want to see a live performance, choose between options at the Hudson Opera House and Basilica Hudson.
If you love lounging in Central Park, spend some time at Promenade Hill Park or Greenport Conservation Area for views of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson River.
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