The East Coast is home to some of the U.S.’s most phenomenal cities from world-renowned icons to overlooked gems.
What goes by the wayside most are the variety of unique islands to visit this side of the country. You don’t have jet across the ocean to the Caribbean to island-hop.
Nope! You can do that here right in the U.S. of A just a stone’s throw from some of America’s coolest cities.
Obviously, our beloved urban sprawls tend to draw a crowd where it’s not always ideal to share Central Park, the U.S. Capitol, or Philly cheesesteak stands.
Wide open spaces and scenic coastlines sound a lot more enjoyable, don’t they?
Here are 3 lesser-known East Coast islands to escape bustling city crowds this fall:
Put Down Your Chips And Visit Brigantine!
If there’s one U.S. city synonymous with the textbook definition of ‘mixed bag’, it’s gotta be Atlantic City, right?
Some love it, some hate it, and some are just ‘meh’. Initially marketed as the East Coast’s ‘Las Vegas’, it turns out there’s only one ‘Sin City’.
Atlantic City, NJ tries their best with name-brand resorts, casinos, and an action-packed boardwalk, but it’s the neighboring island of Brigantine that you should build your trip around.
Less crowds, less crime, and no cheesy decor reeking of decades-old cigarette smoke – Brigantine is the antithesis of Atlantic City.
Facing the beach, you can look to your right and chuckle to yourself, knowing you’re breathing the fresh salty air and sleeping well in your spacious oceanfront vacation rental.
Not only is Brigantine unlike its immediate neighbor to the west; it doesn’t fit the Jersey Shore stereotype either as kayaking and surfing beckons you over ritzy nightclubs.
Fist-pumping and hair gel are kept to a minimum as this island is much more family-friendly and relaxing than the all-night ragers portrayed on MTV.
But if that’s your jam, wild nights in Atlantic City are just down the road.
Otherwise, enjoy a delightful downtown district and killer seafood straight from the source at top-rated restaurants like Crab Shack Seafood Market & Restaurant where Lobster Rolls are ‘twice the size’!
Who Needs Martha’s Vineyard When You Have Block Island, RI?
No wonder so many foreigners side-eye Americans; we’re liars!
Rhode Island is not an island per se, but it does contain islands like Block Island. Capisce?
Despite being home to multiple islands, the inland sliver where the capital, Providence, is located takes away its ‘island’ card.
But who cares when you can visit actual islands like fabulous Block Island, a blip in the vast Atlantic approximately 12 miles off the coast?
Providence may be a hidden gem lost in the mix of the East Coast’s premier cities, but Block Island is the ultimate coastal escape.
Home to gorgeous beaches (all free and public), a treasure trove of tide pools, and 30+ miles of hiking trails boasting stunning views, you’ll love being outside even in the nippy fall weather.
Don’t worry; you can cozy up in one of the island’s popular inns, Bed and Breakfasts, or cottages – all of which are quintessential New England and picture-perfect.
Think Martha’s Vineyard and/or Nantucket without the name-brand recognition without sacrificing luxury. Stay in upscale accommodations and savor the local flavor at 5-star dining restaurants with impeccable wine lists.
Tip: For a list of ferries servicing Block Island, click here.
Chincoteague Island Is Why Virginia Is For Lovers
Whoever said ‘Virginia is for lovers’ must’ve visited Chincoteague Island, the state’s only ‘resort island‘ welcoming tourists with open arms.
Ironically, you won’t find high-end resorts, yet boundless nature to explore and ample wildlife to observe.
This island is authentic to its core; not even a Starbucks in sight. While you can still grab a morning cuppa from a local cafe, what you’ll enjoy most are beautiful uncrowded beaches where the probability of seeing more wild horses than people is definitely higher than zero!
It’s perfectly okay to horse around here with popular events like the one-of-a-kind Pony Swim.
While you’ll have to wait until next year join in celebrating 100th years, until then, you can spend your days unwinding on pristine white sand beaches, indulging in a plethora of seafood restaurants and resting your head at night at a historic B & B, such as the Watson Guest House dating back to the 1800’s.
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