The East Coast is lined with mid-size waterfront cities that are ideal for weekend getaways. These cities offer a variety of outdoor activities, historic attractions and accommodations suitable for adults or families. Travelers may choose among a range of climates, from cool New England coastal towns to Southern cities that are warm practically year-round.
Situated in the northeastern corner of the United States and perched along Casco Bay, Portland, Maine, offers a mixture of outdoor adventures and cosmopolitan living. The Portland area provides excellent conditions for kayaking, boating and fishing, as well as 30 hiking trails. Downtown Portland has the cobblestone streets of Old Port, a revitalized region filled with warehouses turned into businesses such as boutique shops and upscale seafood restaurants. The downtown Arts District features live theater and museums, including the Children's Museum of Maine and the Portland Museum of Art. Visitors to Portland may spend the night in one of the region's chain hotels, bed-and-breakfast inns or waterfront campgrounds.
Annapolis, Maryland's capital city, sits on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. The historic city dates to 1649 and even served as the nation's capital in the late 1700s. Today, Annapolis features well-preserved examples of colonial architecture. Visitors can tour the city on foot, by bike, by boat or even on a Segway. The city has more than 10 museums and galleries, including the Maritime Museum, the Chesapeake Children's Museum and the Maryland Federation of Art Gallery. The city's thriving performing arts scene features resident ballet, symphony, theatrical and opera companies. Dubbed America's Sailing Capital, Annapolis has about 25 charter and rental boat companies.
Charleston, South Carolina, sits at the edge of Charleston Harbor, formed by the meeting of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Founded in 1670, the Southern city boasts such historic landmarks as old plantations and Fort Sumter, site of the first Civil War battle. Visitors may also enjoy the region's pristine beaches and 120 parks. The downtown region of Charleston features scores of antique shops, boutique stores and gourmet dining experiences. The city also has a variety of lodging accommodations, including beachfront resorts, bed-and-breakfast inns and historic hotels such as the Relais & Chateaux Planters Inn, which dates to 1844. Visitors can tour the city via Charleston's famed carriage tours.
