25 Best East Coast Family Vacations – That All Ages Love!

The East Coast is the ultimate destination spot to experience every adventure you need.

Stretching over 2,000 miles from Maine to Florida, it has everything from bustling cities to exhilarating amusement parks and hiking spots.

However, with many options available, planning where to go and what to do can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, I’m here to ease that worry.

As a seasoned traveler and avid researcher, I’ve explored various East Coast destinations and am thrilled to give you valuable insights.

I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best East Coast Family vacations to help you plan your amazing adventure.

To rank these destinations and accommodations, I’ve considered factors like accessibility, kid-friendly activities, dining options, and safety.

Each has been thoroughly researched to ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

So, if you’re struggling to find the perfect family vacation destination, just keep reading.

Let’s plan your next memorable trip by checking out this in-depth guide below.

Best East Coast Family Vacations Compared

The country’s East Coast is a vacation hotspot filled with family-friendly destinations that you should visit.

With the help of this list, you’ll discover some of the most popular East Coast family vacation destinations.

Here are the top 25 family vacations in East Coast.

1. Sonder at Sixteen Hundred (Editor’s Choice)

1600 Callowhill St
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(617) 300-0956
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Ratings Criteria

• Kid-friendly Activities: 2/5
• Family Accommodations: 4/5 
• Dining Options: 3/5
• Safety and Security: 4/5 
• Value for Money: 3/5
• Location and Accessibility: 5/5

Pros

• Convenient hotel location
• Modern and comfortable rooms

Cons

• On-site laundry needs improvement

Located within Philadelphia’s Museum District, Sonder at Sixteen Hundred offers the perfect blend of cozy living with modern designs.

This place is popularly known for its convenient hotel location, allowing easy access to many of Philly’s tourist spots and restaurants.

We adored our morning family strolls to nearby museums and parks and the delicious brunch at one of the nearby family-friendly diners. 

Its rooms are also well-furnished, complete with a kitchenette and top-notch furniture.

Plus, the hotel offers excellent amenities, including a gym and a rooftop courtyard area with panoramic city views.

Related: Restaurants: Philadelphia

2. Sand Bar Cottage Inn

106 West St
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3759
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Ratings Criteria

• Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
• Family Accommodations: 5/5 
• Dining Options: 3/5
• Safety and Security: 5/5 
• Value for Money: 4/5
• Location and Accessibility: 5/5

Pros

• Beautifully-decorated interiors
• Quiet and relaxing location

Cons

• Some rooms need refurbishing

Situated near Maine’s West Street harbor, Sand Bar Cottage Inn offers a relaxing and quiet lodging experience.

This is the perfect place to escape the city’s noise, unwind, appreciate nature, and enjoy the family’s company.

You’ll get to stay inside cottages that radiate a homey ambiance with comfortable beds and a fireplace.

The fond memories of such simple yet meaningful experiences truly made our trip.

3. Sonder Battery Park

2 Washington St
New York, NY 10004
(617) 300-0956
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Ratings Criteria

• Kid-friendly Activities: 2/5
• Family Accommodations: 4/5  
• Dining Options: 3/5
• Safety and Security: 5/5 
• Value for Money: 3/5
• Location and Accessibility: 5/5

Pros

• Helpful and welcoming staff
• Spacious hotel rooms

Cons

• Customer service needs improvement

Sonder Battery Park is one of New York’s most sought-after hotels known for its modern facilities and excellent service.

This hotel is conveniently located in the heart of New York, allowing impeccable access to the city’s iconic spots.

The highlight of our stay was the excellent service from the helpful, professional staff, who were always ready to meet our needs.

Additionally, take advantage of their top-notch amenities, including a roof deck terrace, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

4.  Wave Resort

110 Ocean Ave N
Long Branch, NJ 07740
732-612-9283
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The Wave Resort is a beachside hotel with plenty of fantastic amenities you shouldn’t miss out on.

This resort has five on-site restaurants and bars, a roof deck event area, and an outdoor pool overlooking the Atlantic.

You can even take your kids to their kid’s club area, where they can play games and have fun.

And, of course, stroll around Long Branch’s nearby beaches and enjoy the soft, white sand and blue sea.

With its beautiful amenities and beachside location, Wave Resort is an excellent alternative to Sand Bar Cottage Inn and Sonder Battery Park.

5. Newport, RI

Newport, RI
(401) 845-5300
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The home of the Vanderbilts’ summer cottages, Rhode Island’s Newport is “the” spot to be if touring fancy estates fascinates you and the fam.

Once you’re done with your tour of the estates, take in the lovely views strolling along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walkway that hugs the shoreline.

For even better views, jump into a helicopter and take the Newport Helicopter Tour, surprisingly affordable!

The helicopter tours are priced depending on their length; options range from 12 to 35 minutes.

For a ton of fun restaurants, boat rides, shopping and year-round festivals, check out the thriving downtown area.

Recommended Hotel: Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina

6. Delaware Beaches, DE

99 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(866) 284-7483
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Delaware boasts many gorgeous beaches, with the Delaware Beaches running all the way from Lewes to the border of Maryland.

Along this trail, families are presented with a ton of kid-friendly destinations on the East Coast, ranging from Cape Henlopen State Park to Bethany Beach to Fenwick Island.

Don’t forget to check out Rehoboth Beach for its fun boardwalk and rides — a great spot for kids of all ages (including mom, dad, grandpa and grandma!) — and Dewey Beach for its laid back vibes — a great spot for the tweens and teens.

Recommended Hotel: Avenue Inn & Spa

7. Washington D.C

Washington, DC
(202) 789-7000
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Washington D.C abounds in free monuments and museums, such as the world-famous Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art.

One of the most historically significant spots in the country, you can mix up fun and learning here for the little ones and also refresh your knowledge of the nation’s history simultaneously!

Tourists also flock here to take in the beautiful cherry blossom season — come spring, the city is a riot of pink, peach and white.

The city celebrates these blossoms, with the National Cherry Blossom Festival — a great reason for a D.C family trip in April.

Recommended Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Washington DC

Related: Restaurants in Washington DC

8. Boston, MA

Boston, MA
(617) 635-3911
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Another extremely budget-friendly spot to visit, Boston, like Washington D.C, abounds in both a plethora of free attractions and a rich history.

However, the fact that it’s smaller in scale makes it possible to cover more attractions in less time.

Stroll along the Freedom Trail and catch glimpses of Paul Revere’s House.

You can also take a free-of-cost Harvard campus tour with your teen to draw inspiration from this epicenter of quality learning.

Pro tip—don’t drive around Boston — it can get difficult to navigate.

Opt instead for the “T”, the city’s public transportation system.

Cheap plus easy plus clean equals win-win!

Recommended Hotel: The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Related: Best Restaurants: Boston

9. Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, MA
(508) 362-3225
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Barely an hour away from lovely Massachusetts and an hour and a half away from bustling Boston, Cape Cod has been the quintessential summer vacation spot for many years.

Cape Cod offers tourists the quiet charm of New England-styled coasts, such as Chatham, Provincetown and Hyannis, all dotted with quaint beach cottages; it’s all “relaxed, laid-back vibes only” at Cape Cod.

When you visit, don’t forget to stock up on the extremely popular Cape Cod Potato Chips and have ice cream at the iconic Four Seas, New England’s 3rd oldest ice cream parlor.

Recommended Hotel: The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

10. Annapolis, MD

Annapolis, MD
(410) 263-7997
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Home to the U.S Naval Academy (which you’d know if you’ve ever drooled over James Franco and Tyrese Gibson in “Annapolis”!), this town sits on Chesapeake Bay’s Western Shore.

If you’re a family that loves boating, Annapolis is a must consider vacation spot; the Sailing Capital of the United States boasts lovely sunset cruises and more-than-enough mega yachts anchored in the marinas to please any boating aficionado.

Parts of the Naval Academy are also open for families to tour, making Annapolis one of the more unique places to visit with kids.

Recommended Hotel: Historic Inns of Annapolis

Related: Places to Eat in Annapolis, MD

11. Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, MD
(800) 626-2326
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Maryland’s Ocean City may only be a 10-mile barrier island but you wouldn’t believe how much family-friendly fun can be packed into these 10 miles.

The whole of Ocean City is chock full of things to do from ocean to bay!

Head out for a spot of mini-golf or rip up the tracks at the go-kart courses; once you tire of that, check out the fun boardwalk amusements or simply head to the pristine beaches to soak in the delicious sun.

Ocean City features many multi-bedroom condos, high-rise hotels, and some single-family homes (beachfront, too) — finding accommodation is relatively easy here.

Recommended Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront

12. Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg, VA
(757) 220-6100
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One of the most historic spots in the United States, walking into Williamsburg is like walking through a time tunnel and landing in the colonial era!

One of the main draws of the area is Colonial Williamsburg, a 300-acre living history museum where you’ll find men and women dressed up in costumes and walking the streets; you can also grab a meal at the same spot George Washington once dined!

Once the tots tire of the history lesson, reward them with the thrilling roller coasters and water slides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Recommended Hotel: Kingsmill Resort

Related: Must Try Restaurants in Williamsburg

13. Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC
(843) 709-1985
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Charming Charleston is known for its famous Southern hospitality and is an excellent idea for weekend getaways with kids on the East Coast.

Parents will love the charm of the city while the teens will love the plethora of Insta-worthy photo ops in the area!

Charleston is home to lovely, luxurious homes that provide great backdrops to get the likes rolling in on social media, as is the Joe Riley Waterfront Park — you can also take a stroll or a cruise around the harbor.

For a unique experience, visit what once used to be a thriving plantation, or have the kids gasping in awe at the variety of marine life in the South Carolina Aquarium.

Recommended Hotel: The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina

Related: Restaurants: Charleston

14. Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC
(828) 258-6101
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A popular mountain retreat, Asheville is home to The Biltmore Estate, the country’s largest private-owned house, at one point.

The estate is nestled amid the Blue Ridge Mountains and is open to the public for tours.

If you’re an adventurous family that thrives in the great outdoors, you’ll love the variety of outdoor fun on offer, from kayaking on Lake Lure to ziplining and hiking.

Downtown Asheville is where all the action is, with street performers aplenty, lovely restaurants serving even better food and kid-friendly breweries, too — the young ones will love downtown!

Recommended Hotel: The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville

15. Savannah, GA

Savannah, GA
(912) 644-6400
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If a balance between being in Mother Nature’s lap and still enjoying the city life appeals to you and your family, Savannah is a must consider.

The City of Squares boasts 24 parks or squares — yes, it gets its name from here!

Savannah has plenty of moss-covered oak trees creating welcoming archways into the city; come Halloween, these oak trees turn into something that’s the polar opposite.

During Halloween, there are also numerous ghost tours operating; the teens will love the thrills and chills from the tours of the haunted plantation houses and graveyards.

Recommended Hotel: Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah

16. Amelia Island, FL

Amelia Island, FL
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Nestled in Florida’s northeastern corner, Amelia Island is known for its pristine white sands and the emerald-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tourists at Amelia Island can enjoy 13 miles of beaches and a ton of outdoor activities.

Amelia Island is a resort-barrier island, which means that families can enjoy kayaking, water sports and boat tours, especially at the historic Fernandina Beach, a seaport town that boasts 200 years of well-preserved history.

Families can also enjoy horseback riding and biking, or simply take maximum advantage of the lovely beaches!

Recommended Hotel: Villas Of Amelia Island

17. The Palm Beaches, FL

Palm Beach, FL
(800) 554-7256
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A collection of beaches in southeastern Florida, all the Palm Beaches are excellent ideas for an East Coast beach fam jam.

Palm Beach County is where Henry Flagler built his famous Palm-Beach-to-Key-West railroad; for a deep look at Florida’s history, visit the Flagler Museum, a Flagler’s mansion turned museum.

Of course, if you’re heading to the Palm Beaches, you’re not just doing so for history — you want the sun, surf and sand!

Indulge in endless days of water sports and sunbathing at the beach; there are plenty of spots to enjoy both at the Palm Beaches.

Recommended Hotel: The Breakers Palm Beach

18. Maine Coast, MA

Boston, MA
(857) 702-9100
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With nearly 3,500 miles of coastline, it comes as little surprise that Maine is the popular beach getaway that it is.

From Kittery up to Bar Harbor, Maine Coast is replete with lovely seaside towns, all with unique offerings of their own.

Kennebunkport houses a plethora of quaint inns and charming cottages; Old Orchard Beach is a historic town that offers plenty of old-school fun, such as rides and a historic pier.

Casco Bay is popular for its rocky coastline with lighthouses sprinkled across, lovely restaurants and breweries, and of course, Freeport’s flagship L.L. Bean Store.

Recommended Hotel: The Nonantum Resort

19. White Mountains, NH

Lincoln, NH 03251
(603) 745-8720
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With a ton of outdoor activities on offer, White Mountains is an excellent option to consider for outdoorsy families and those who like activity.

Families vacationing at White Mountains can enjoy rock climbing, hiking and splashing around in Diana’s Baths’ waterfalls.

You can also ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway or drive your car up and earn a sticker — both bucket-list items!

Apart from this, families can also enjoy attractions such as the summer displays and activities at Attitash Mountains, Flume Gorge and the Santa’s Village and Storyland amusement parks.

Recommended Hotel: Village of Loon Mountain, a VRI resort

20. Green Mountains, VT

Montgomery, VT 05471
(800) 837-6668
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An excellent idea for northeast family vacations, Green Vermont has the unique ability to offer you the vacation you want — laidback or active!

You can spend hours lounging on the shores of Lake Champlain or enjoy summer activities at one of Vermont’s well-known mountain resorts.

You can choose to spend days hiking and swimming or choose more relaxed activities such as exploring Vermont’s food scene, tasting the world-famous Vermont cheddar cheese, touring the Ben & Jerry’s factories or enjoying craft beer at the breweries.

Exploring nearby towns such as Manchester and Woodstock are also great ideas.

Recommended Hotel: Lodge at Bromley

21. Niagara Falls, NY

10 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagra Falls, NY 14303
(877) 325-5787
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Gone are the days when Niagara Falls was reserved solely for honeymooners; today, the area is a thriving family vacation hotspot.

Cross the border and say “hi” to our Canadian neighbors, or simply stay on the U.S. side and make the most of the 22 breweries and wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail.

If you are an “outdoors” family, you’ll enjoy the Niagara Gorge, the 11 New York State Parks and the boat ride across the river.

These apart, families can also visit the Aquarium of Niagara, the Old Fort Niagara and the not-to-be-missed Cave of the Winds.

Recommended Hotel: Sheraton Niagara Falls

22. Clearwater Beach, FL

8200 Bryan Diary Road, Suite 200
Largo, FL 33777
(727) 464-7200
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Clearwater Beach is the quintessential beach paradise, with the calm crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the powder-soft sands of the Clearwater Beach.

Add to this the many hotels and resorts and the stage is set for a full-blown family beach getaway!

One of the best parts of Clearwater Beach is how kid and baby-friendly it is, with dolphin cruises, pirate-ship adventures, sunset festivals, outdoor movie nights and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Tampa and St. Petersburg are closeby; make a day trip to visit the Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium.

Recommended Hotel: Sandpearl Resort

23. Virginia Beach, VA

2101 Parks Ave.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 385-4700
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Perhaps the most famous part of Virginia Beach is the iconic 24-foot King Neptune statue that welcomes visitors to the area, but that’s not all Virginia Beach has to offer.

Long shorelines and the lovely waters of the Chesapeake Bay are a great spot for families; young kids can enjoy the calm bay waters while the more adventurous older tykes can enjoy swimming and surfing in the Atlantic’s waves.

Ocean Breeze Water Park is a superb spot for family fun, with a lazy river, 10 slides, a wave pool and an affordable entry ticket.

Virginia Beach is also a great option for nature lovers, with a variety of parks, aquariums and whale/dolphin-watching on offer.

Recommended Hotel: Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Related: Places to Eat: Virginia Beach, VA

24. Lake Lure, NC

2948 Memorial Highway
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9983
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Lake Lure has plenty of adventure to offer, along with lovely mountain views everywhere you look!

Top attractions such as the Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge and Chimney Rock Village are must-visits; the latter also offers a ton of shopping and dining, as well as beautiful strolls along the creek.

If you like hiking, check out the 8 hiking trails at Chimney Rock, especially the hike to the top and Hickory Nut Falls Trail for scenic views.

Pontoon boat rides on Lake Lure or the beach at Lake Lure Inn and Spa are great ways to relax.

Recommended Hotel: Mountain Lodge & Conference Center

25. Hilton Head,SC

Hilton Head Island, SC
(843) 341-4600
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Filled with lovely oak trees covered in velvety Spanish moss, the beautiful town of Hilton Head offers endless bike trails, plenty of horseback riding, the opportunity to kayak through the waterways and marshes and picnics at the Pinckney Nature Preserve.

It’s not all old school here, though; you can enjoy putting at golf courses and dining at classy restaurants that serve up a variety of cuisines.

From local fare to delicious barbecues to the catch of the day, you’ll find it all served up, set against the backdrop of the famous Southern hospitality and charm.

Recommended Hotel: Omni Oceanfront Resort Hilton Head Island

Vacationer’s Guide 

Comparing Destinations: Which One Is Right For You?

It’s crucial to weigh every option when deciding how to spend a family vacation on the East Coast.

So, make sure to find a suitable vacation spot that fits your interests, as each location offers something special.

For comparison, Sonder at Sixteen Hundred is ideal for those seeking a cozy stay in the center of Philadelphia.

The industrial-designed room is well-kept with modern amenities, but it can be quite costly for families on a budget.

On the other hand, the Sand Bar Cottage Inn is an excellent option if you’re searching for a more relaxed beach vacation.

The cottages are cozy, and the shore is easily accessible, but the area can be pretty crowded during peak season.

Lastly, Sonder Battery Park is perfect for exploring the famous spots in New York City.

The apartments are contemporary, and the location cannot be beaten.

But it may not be the ideal option if you got young kids because of the noise and activity levels.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for an entertaining and relaxing alternative, Wave Resort is a perfect choice.

Situated along the beach in Long Branch, it has many family-friendly activities, including an outdoor pool and a kids’ club.

How I Picked The Destinations 

To ensure I present an accurate review, I follow a thorough process to select the places.

I researched various family-friendly destinations by reading online reviews, travel guides, and recommendations from other travelers.

I spent time exploring the area and spoke with the locals to better understand what the destination has to offer.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these properties based on the following criteria:

• Kid-friendly Activities: I use this to evaluate the availability and variety of family-friendly amenities at every property. Does it feature playgrounds and kids’ clubs? Does it organize events designed specifically for kids? I ask myself these questions whenever I rate this property’s kid-friendly activities. 
• Family Accommodations: This is used to assess the family accommodations of the property. Are the rooms spacious? Does it offer family suites with connecting rooms? Can it accommodate families of different sizes? Is there a crib or baby-proofing in every room? These questions are essential whenever I rate the property’s family accommodations. 
• Dining Options: This evaluates the dining options at the property. Are there kid-friendly options at the property? Is there an on-site restaurant that caters to everyone’s dietary preferences and needs? I use these questions to assess the dining options of every property. 
• Safety and Security: I use this criterion to assess the safety and security of every property. Are the premises secured? Is the staff trained to handle any emergency? I consider these factors when rating the property’s safety and security. 
• Value for Money: This is used to evaluate the value for money of every property. Are the room rates reasonable? Are the services, activities, and amenities suitable for the price? I ask myself these questions to rate the value for money provided by the property. 
• Location and Accessibility: This measures how accessible the property is for families. How far is it from the popular family attractions? Is it easily accessible via public transportation? I use these questions to evaluate the property’s location and accessibility. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are The Best Destinations For A Family Vacation On The East Coast?

The best East Coast places for a family vacation include Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Yellowstone National Park.

What Are Some Fun Activities For Families To Do On The East Coast?

The most popular and fun family activities to do on the East Coast include the Kennedy Space Center, Bronx Zoo, and Yosemite National Park.

Conclusion

After exploring some of the best East Coast family vacations, it’s best to say that they have their own unique charm.

The Sand Bar Cottage Inn was a cozy retreat, and we loved how peaceful and serene the beach was when we got there.

When we stayed at Sonder Battery Park, we were amazed by the contemporary rooms, and it’s pretty close to local attractions in NYC.

Lastly, during our stay at the Wave Resort in Long Branch, my kids loved the outdoor pool and the various dining options.

While these destinations left us with an unforgettable trip, I believe the Sonder at Sixteen Hundred is on a different level.

The hotel is close to historical spots, like the Liberty Bell, and the rooms provide the utmost comfort with its top-notch amenities.

It truly offers a comfortable experience that is sure to make any family vacation worthwhile.