Amazing Cities to Visit During Winter on the East Coast

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is an amazing city in Maryland to visit, especially in the summer. From the boardwalk to the beaches, theme parks, hotels and more, visitors to the city are sure to have a great time. 

Even in the winter months, Ocean City is full of things to do both for adults and kids. 

During the winter, you can expect temperatures between 30 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

During Christmas, OCMD puts up a great Christmas lights experience with the Winterfest of Lights, where guests can enjoy thousands of lights and even surprise visits from Santa.

The boardwalk, which is about 3 miles long, is also a great place to stroll, ride a bike, rollerblade, or even use a scooter.

Another highlight near OC Maryland is the Assateague Island National Seashore, where you can see some stunning wild horses roaming around freely. 

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is another East Coast City with a lot of opportunities to explore during winter. The average temperature during winter is 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit and hence, it is quite a cold city. But not to worry, there are many fun indoor things if hanging outside in the cold is not your thing. 

During winter months, be sure to check out the SoWa Holiday Market in South Boston for some great shopping, food vendors, entertainment and more.

Ice skating is another popular activity while in Boston, and the Boston Common is perfect for this. Plus, sledding can be done here.

Charleston, South Carolina

In winter, the average high temperatures in Charleston typically range from the mid-50s to low 60s Fahrenheit. It’s, therefore, a good vacation spot to escape a bit of cold and enjoy the sunlight.

A great event to check out during Christmas time is the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This is a family favorite, with over 4 million decorated Christmas lights in the park. The experience even offers train rides to go round the park lights, rock climbing and sometimes a visit with Santa.

Typically in January, Charleston offers a restaurant week with over 20 restaurants participating and offering menus from fine dining to comfort food.

Although it might be cold, you can still check out Kiawah Island which is a barrier island located off the coast of South Carolina and showcases the beaches, natural beauty and wildlife. 

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Although Atlantic City is usually known for its summertime activities, casinos and nightclubs, winter is still a fun time to visit. 

There is the Island Waterpark at Showboat, which is an indoor waterpark located along the boardwalk. It is a nice place for kids to enjoy the water during the cold months. It comes with about 11 slides, a lazy river, a boardwalk, restaurants, bar, a pool etc. It’s important to note that little kids might not have as much fun due to height restrictions on most of the rides.

During the winter, guests can still stroll around at “The Walk”, which is a popular destination for shopping and bargains on high-end brands.

Although not directly in DC, you can drive a bit to explore some ski resorts in cities close by. Guests can also enjoy the charming streets and boutiques in Georgetown and explore Christmas holiday markets in Maryland and DC to get some last-minute Christmas gifts.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is an island located off the coast of Massachusetts. Most people would typically visit during the summer for its beautiful beaches, but winter is also a great time to visit to avoid crowds.

Guests can explore the cobblestone streets in the downtown area, walk down the beach, take walks with nature, etc. 

A visit to the Whaling Museum is a must, as it gives a deep dive into the rich maritime history that shaped the island of Nantucket and offers an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits. 

St. Michaels, Maryland

St. Michaels is a beautiful place to visit while in Maryland, even in the winter months. 

You can visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which is committed to safeguarding the maritime legacy of the Chesapeake Bay area and provides an array of displays and experiences for visitors to relish. It is a perfect day trip idea for families. 

Oystering on the Chesapeake Bay is a popular tradition, and the winter months are great for eating oysters.

Another good thing to do is check out wineries, and a good one is the St. Michaels Winery, where guests can sample all 11 wines for a small amount.

Guests can check out museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, restaurants and more. Mallory Square is another popular destination with art galleries, sweet shops, coffee shops, and gift shops. 

For those interested in history, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-visit. It is a historic house and museum dedicated to the life and work of the renowned American author Ernest Hemingway. 

Lake Placid, New York

If you are traveling to Lake Placid, New York, with kids, be rest assured that they will have a blast. The city is known for the Adirondacks and thus is a popular destination for winter sports lovers. Visitors can go skiing at Whiteface Mountain while enjoying the cooler temperatures at the top of the mountain. 

The city is also great for cross-country skiing. 

Although Lake Placid is a classic ski resort, there are other things to do besides winter sports. Visitors can visit the High Falls Gorge, which is a 22-acre nature park with four waterfalls and beautiful scenery.

New York, New York

Although the city may not sound like a dreamy winter wonderland, it can shock you with a variety of winter activities. Visitors can go ice skating at places such as the Rockefeller Center and Central Park’s Wollman Rink.

The city also comes alive with tons of Christmas lights; one favorite is the Christmas tree set up at Rockefeller Center.

For guests looking for last-minute Christmas gifts, there are holiday markets such as the Union Square Holiday Market and Bryant Park’s Winter Village. 

Restaurant week also takes place usually in January or February and is a great way to enjoy the city’s diverse culinary scene. 

Savannah, Georgia

The average winter temperature in Savannah, Georgia, typically ranges from the low 40s to the mid-60s degrees Fahrenheit. 

A few fun things to do here include exploring Savannah’s historic district and visiting famous squares like Forsyth Park, Chippewa Square, and Lafayette Square. Enjoy shopping at the historic River Street, which is known for its shops, restaurants, and views of the Savannah River. 

The city does not lag behind when it comes to holiday festivities, there are holiday markets, parades, and tree lights all around.

Deep Creek, Maryland

If you are looking for the perfect winter spot, Deep Creek is the place to be. It is a popular destination for winter activities and outdoor lovers and offers a ton of opportunities for winter sports. 

The popular Wisp Resort is located at Deep Creek and is a major attraction for winter sports lovers. Enjoy sports such as snow tubing, skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing and snowboarding on various slopes.

If the cold weather outside is not your cup of tea, the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake is an option. It offers educational exhibits about the area’s natural history. There are also several easy trails to walk, a playground and fishing dock. 

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