There’s something spectacular about the East Coast in spring, so we’ve compiled a list of Instagram-worthy day trips complete with offbeat artsy towns, eclectic shopping scenes, great eats and breathtaking hikes. So tune up your car, gather your crew, roll down the windows and crank up the tunes. An amazing adventure awaits!
Your spring day trip guide
1 New Hampshire
Diana’s Baths, North Conway: As the weather thaws this April, nature lovers can bask in the glory of this stunning collection of waterfalls nestled in the White Mountain National Forest, when the stream is most intense due to the runoff of winter’s snowmelt. The base of these 75-foot-tall waterfalls is a mild 0.6-mile hike from the head of the trail. You’ll want to return this summer to enjoy a tranquil dip in the swimming holes.
2 Massachusetts
Provincetown: Thousands of visitors soar to Provincetown during the summer months, making spring the perfect time to visit this eccentric artists’ community. Located at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod and loaded with quirky charms, it’s home to endless art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops, pristine beaches and a bustling music scene. This is also the site of the Mayflower’s 1620 landing, so be sure to check out the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.
3 Connecticut
Mystic: Located halfway between New York and Boston, this charming seafaring town has no shortage of year-round events for the entire family. Designed like a 1720-style colonial village, Olde Mistick Village is a unique pet-friendly shopping destination complete with restaurants, a town green, gazebo and duck pond. While you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium and the famous Mystic Pizza.
4 New York
Cornwall: About an hour north of Manhattan and named after its striking similarity to Cornwall, England, this Orange County gem features a cheery Main Street lined with gift shops, boutiques, restaurants and inns. Jones Farm is a foodie’s dream with its country store, in-house bakery and café that offers stunning views of the Schunemunk Mountain. Explore the Storm King Art Center, where 500 pristine acres of woodlands, fields and rolling hills create the backdrop for over 100 large-scale sculptures.
5 New Jersey
Cape May: One of the country’s oldest vacation resorts, this seaside treasure is known for its grand Victorian houses, fine dining, specialty shops and top-rated beach. Be sure to visit the historic Emlen Physick Estate, World War II Lookout Tower and Cape May Lighthouse with its majestic views across the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Enjoy endless events including jazz festivals and ghost tours, as well as kid-friendly attractions.
6 Pennsylvania
New Hope: Transformed into an artists’ colony by an influx of painters in the early 1900s, this historic Delaware River mill town is home to countless galleries and the Bucks County Playhouse. Enjoy eclectic shopping, cultural attractions, top-notch dining and a vibrant nightlife. Stroll, hike, bike or boat along Delaware Canal State Park, where you’ll find impressive scenery, wildlife watching and family-friendly events.
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