6 East Coast Winter Vacations to Add to Your Bucket List

On the east coast, winter vacations run the gamut from warm and beachy to cold and snowy, depending on where you end up. So, whether your family is looking to go full winter wonderland with snowboarding or skiing, or would prefer a lush escape to a warmer climate, there’s a destination for everyone—you just have to know where to look.

To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide to some of the best winter family vacation ideas, east coast style. From Maine to Florida, here are six east coast spots to consider when you’re planning your next family trip.

The Top East Coast Winter Destinations

There’s a destination for every kind of traveler on the east coast. Get inspired and pick one of these top spots to visit the next time that you need to get away.

1. Key West, Florida

Travel down the coast of Florida and you’ll make your way to the Keys, a string of tropical islands with plenty of serene spots just waiting to be explored. Head down all the way to the southern tip and you’ll find Key West, a resort city with turquoise-water beaches and tons of family-friendly activities. Snorkel, scuba, and eat your fill of fresh Florida seafood, and don’t forget to schedule a day trip to nearby Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible by ferry.

2. Savannah, Georgia

Care for a bit of southern charm? Make your way to Savannah, an east coast escape brimming with culture and history. This picture-perfect locale is instantly recognizable by its abundance of Spanish moss (which you can see in spades at Forsyth Park), as well as its distinctly southern architecture. Foodies in particular will delight in this city, which features everything from fresh shucked oysters to some of the coast’s most mouth watering fried chicken.

3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

There’s a lot to love about South Carolina’s low country, but we’re particularly fond of Hilton Head Island and its beaches, golf courses, and wildlife refuges. Biking, hiking, kayaking, and fishing are all must-do Hilton Head activities, and there’s always plenty to see along the way. Make time for some Atlantic dolphin spotting while you’re there, then take a climb up to the top of the Harbour Town Lighthouse—one of the town’s most celebrated landmarks.

4. Montauk, New York

Montauk is nestled in the Hamptons, on the far end of New York’s Long Island peninsula. It’s known for breathtaking beaches and state parks, plus a cute and quaint village where you can indulge in fudge, ice cream, and cocktails at the end of a long day. If you’re up for adventure, head outside of town and book a parasailing trip or cycle boat tour.

5. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is home to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, as well as some of the very best skiing on the entire east coast (you don’t get a name like “Ski Capital of the East” for nothing). This mountain town is absolutely worth a visit, and even non-slope lovers will find winter recreation activities to enjoy, including ethical dog sledding and evening ice skating under the stars.

6. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, is the place to go if you’ve got Maine lobster on your mind this winter. It’s also where you’ll find Acadia National Park, and, within it, Cadillac Mountain—the tallest mountain on all of the east coast. This is an especially great destination for animal lovers, since moose, elk, bears, and whales can all be found in Bar Harbor’s exceptional wilderness.