Summer doesn’t fade—it sizzles to the very end. And if you’re craving one last taste of barefoot luxury before the leaves start turning, the East Coast has a lineup of glamorous escapes that go well beyond the typical beach town. From storied seaside resorts to sleek hideaways tucked into the cliffs, these are the destinations where summer stretches just a little longer—and style is never optional.
Whether you’re planning a spontaneous long weekend or a week of high-end lounging, here are the top East Coast destinations that deliver sun, style, and serious sparkle.
1. Kennebunkport, Maine
Old money charm with lobster rolls on the side
Kennebunkport feels like a secret that East Coast elites have kept to themselves for decades and it wears that exclusivity well. Its shingled cottages, rugged coastlines, and quiet harbors are as elegant as they are unassuming. This isn’t about flash. It’s about old money, good taste, and salty air that never goes out of style.
Spend your afternoon exploring Dock Square filled with curated galleries, artisan shops, and bookstores you’ll want to get lost in. Later, head out on a private charter for a lobster haul or sunset cruise and let the Atlantic breeze erase any trace of urgency.
Where to Stay:
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White Barn Inn – An Auberge resort property that epitomizes Maine luxury. Cozy fireplaces, a world-class spa, and a fine dining experience that makes every dinner feel like an event.
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Cape Arundel Inn & Resort – Oceanfront with panoramic views, this classic New England estate channels Gatsby energy with coastal restraint.
Where to Eat:
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Earth at Hidden Pond – Elevated, woodland dining where local, foraged ingredients become bold, beautiful plates. You’ll dine in a candlelit barn that’s utterly magical.
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The Boathouse – Waterfront views and laid-back luxury. Go for the oysters, stay for the lobster roll and rosé-soaked ambiance.
Don’t Miss: Clamming with locals at low tide – followed by your catch, served with drawn butter and sea views.
2. The Hamptons, New York
The A-list classic that never gets old,
If the Hamptons had a dress code, it would be breezy linen, bare shoulders, and a designer tote with just a hint of sand. August is peak season—everything pulses with energy. Morning yoga at the beach, tastings at boutique vineyards, curated art exhibits, and exclusive invite-only soirées by night.
Each town offers a different flavor: Bridgehampton for elegance, Montauk for a bit of edge, Sag Harbor for understated charm. You don’t just visit you rotate between them like the locals do.
Where to Stay:
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Topping Rose House – Refined yet modern. Think marble bathrooms, curated artwork, and farm-to-table everything.
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The Roundtree, Amagansett – Quiet luxury meets coastal minimalism. Cottages with Belgian linen and bikes included.
Where to Eat:
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Nick & Toni’s – Iconic, always booked, and worth every second of the wait. The zucchini fritti and roasted whole fish (branzino?) are menu mainstays, and you never know who’ll be at the next table.
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Duryea’s Montauk – Mediterranean glamour meets lobster salad and rosé by the bay. Sunsets here? Unmatched.
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The Surf Lodge – This is all about vibe – but the seafood is fresh and the energy is pure Hamptons hedonism.
Don’t Miss: Sunday polo at Bridgehampton Polo Club. Bring your biggest sunglasses and plan to stay longer than you think.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Gilded mansions, cliffside views, and sailing chic
Newport isn’t trying to impress you—it knows it already has. The Gilded Age still lingers here in the architecture, manners, and energy. It’s refined, but never rigid. On one street, you’ll tour Vanderbilt mansions. On the next, you’ll stumble into a jazz brunch with ocean views.
There’s a rhythm to Newport: long walks on the Cliff Walk, late lunches by the water, and cocktails on a lawn as yachts drift by. It’s a place for silk scarves, sailor stripes, and classic good taste.
Where to Stay:
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The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Luxe, historic, and perched dramatically above the sea. The suites are themed after different historical styles, each one transportive.
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Castle Hill Inn – Quintessential Newport elegance with a relaxed coastal tone. The lawn here is legendary. My husband and I spent weekends here often when we were dating. It’s one of our favorite places (and I do miss having Sunday brunch and enjoying Bloody Mary’s on the lawn).
Where to Eat:
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Aurelia at Castle Hill Inn – A fine dining experience with sweeping water views. Tasting menus are refined but not fussy, and every bite comes with sea air (see above – one of our favorite places on a Sunday).
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Clarke Cooke House – Classic Newport glam. Order oysters, Champagne, and the iconic Snowball in Hell. Oh the stories I could tell about spending my 20s at The Candy Store bar here.
Don’t Miss: A private sail at sunset—there’s no better way to toast summer’s grand finale.
4. Palm Beach, Florida
Yes, it’s East Coast—and no, summer doesn’t end here
Palm Beach is proof that summer is a state of mind. In late August, the crowds thin out, but the glamour never wanes. The palm-lined streets still sparkle, the fashion still stuns, and the rosé still flows on Worth Avenue.
Here, summer doesn’t drift away, it shimmers, and I should know, it’s one of those places that a local like me enjoys year-round. It’s long lunches at bistros, luxury shopping sprees, and poolside lounging that feels lifted from a Slim Aarons photo shoot.
Where to Stay:
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The Breakers – Iconic, palatial, and unapologetically grand. A true monument to old-school luxury.
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White Elephant Palm Beach – Boutique charm with artistic flair and sleek, curated interiors.
Where to Eat:
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HMF – This opulent cocktail lounge inside The Breakers is the ultimate pre-dinner ritual. duck bao buns, wagyu sliders, and martinis chilled to perfection.
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Le Bilboquet – White tablecloths, and coastal French vibes. Expect beautiful people, beautiful plates, and perfect lighting.
Don’t Miss: Gallery hopping followed by aperitifs on a hidden terrace. Palm Beach knows how to slow time down and make it sparkle.
5. Cape May, New Jersey
Victorian beauty meets coastal glam
Cape May is like walking into a watercolor painting where the hues are softer, the pace is slower, and the details matter. It’s Jersey, but not as you know it—more boardwalk refinement than boardwalk fries.
Pastel-hued Victorians line every street, and there’s an air of coastal nostalgia that feels incredibly chic. You don’t come here to party—you come to exhale in style.
Where to Stay:
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Congress Hall – The oldest seaside resort in America, but totally fresh. Breezy suites, Adirondack chairs, and heritage hospitality.
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The Virginia Hotel – A romantic hideaway with veranda cocktails and vintage charm.
Where to Eat:
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The Ebbitt Room – Farm-to-table elegance with a quiet buzz. Local produce from Beach Plum Farm stars in dishes like crispy cauliflower and rack of lamb with summer stone fruit, chermoula salsa, and whipped feta.
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The Washington Inn – Iconic since the ‘40s. Expect flickering candlelight, impeccable service, and standout seafood dishes with a nod to tradition.
Don’t Miss: A wine flight at Willow Creek Winery just before dusk—Cape May does romance like it invented it.
6. Charleston, South Carolina (Bonus Pick!)
Technically South, but East Coast elegance through and through
Charleston is equal parts sophistication and soul. It’s where the past is preserved in cobblestone and cast iron, but the present is all about elevated dining, rooftop cocktails, and boutique indulgence.
Late summer here is thick with jasmine and possibility. It’s art walks, sailboat charters, and soft jazz echoing through gas-lit alleys. Every corner is camera-ready.
Where to Stay:
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Hotel Bennett – Grand and gleaming, perched above Marion Square. The rooftop pool is a must.
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Zero George Street – The most charming boutique hotel in the city, complete with 1800s architecture and a killer on-site tasting menu.
Where to Eat:
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FIG – A seasonal menu rooted in Southern heritage and technique. Butterbeans, Carolina gold rice, and seafood straight from the docks. Sophisticated but never pretentious.
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The Ordinary – Set in a historic bank, this oyster bar brings raw elegance and unforgettable flavors. Splurge and get a Seafood Tower, you won’t regret it.
Don’t Miss: Rooftop cocktails at The Dewberry as the sun sets over the Holy City skyline.
Pack Smart, Play Luxe
End-of-summer travel is all about nailing the look without overpacking. Think effortless staples: crisp linen, gold accessories, barely-there sandals, and a single designer tote that does it all. And don’t forget SPF, oversized sunnies, and a killer playlist.
Final Toast
Summer may be winding down, but your getaway game doesn’t have to. These East Coast escapes offer one last sip of sun-drenched glamour—without sacrificing style, service, or that undeniable Champagne Living energy.
Wherever you choose to land, make it luxe. Make it last. And above all, make it yours.
