Many people find themselves saving up vacation days to enjoy the summer months with friends and family. With the kids being off from school and the days just too beautiful to spend in an office, last minute trips are booked to the Caribbean, Florida, California, and many other popular summer destinations. However, if you are looking for not only a getaway, but beautiful scenery, warm weather, and kind people, travelling down the east coast of Canada and the States is a great way to spend your much anticipated summer vacation. Here are some spots along the east coast that will satisfy all of your senses:
St. John’s, Newfoundland
St. John’s is the largest city in Newfoundland and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, and is truly unlike any other North American city. Cradled in a harbor carved from 500 million year old rock and surrounded by hills running down to the ocean, the city is where old meets new and where city meets nature. The quaint side streets in the center of town are filled with colourful buildings and colourful local characters. The city has become a rare, old city full of spirit, experience and charisma. It is no doubt somewhere every Canadian should see at least once in their lives.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is made up of fifteen quaint towns and is a paradise for sun-worshippers, writers, naturalists, artists, and wealthy cottagers. With 300 miles of shoreline, there is something for everyone in this coastal heaven. There is an endless array of quaint shops, wooded bicycle paths, events & festivals, as well as land and sea activities.
Annapolis, Maryland
Located on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, Annapolis is a beautiful town where boaters, sailors, and yachters alike enjoy docking in its harbor. In the 17th Century, not only was Annapolis the Capital of the United States, but the City dock was a bustling seaport with vessels sailing in to trade from all over the world. Today, Annapolis is known as America’s Sailing Capital and people come to admire the many beautiful crafts at the City Dock. Architecturally, Annapolis boasts some of the finest 17th and 18th Century buildings in the country.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
White sand, weathered cottages, and low-tech diversions like crabbing and corhole (bean bag toss) have made Pawleys a favorite beach destination since the 1800s. The laid-back, low country vibe provides a great escape from the heat and mosquitoes of mid-summer. A beautiful aspect of the island is that there is no commercial development, so you will have to rent a beach house and enjoy the four miles of walkable and bikeable beachfront.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Midway between Savannah and Jacksonville, is this remarkable family vacation spot. Explore miles of barrier island beaches and dunes lines edging unbothered woodlands. Discover an enchanting riverfront National Historic Landmark District, and challenge mile of emerald fairways. You can even see wild horses roaming the beaches enjoying the summer sun as much as you are!