Some places have a certain magic to them, the type that most of us think only exists in cozy Hallmark movies and old television shows. New England, specifically Dartmouth, is one of those places, with its maritime history, small-town charm, and homes that seem as if they’re frozen in time. These seaside towns have long been popular choices for vacations and are seeing a rise in popularity as holidaymakers search for ways to disconnect and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While New England is famous for these coastal towns, you can find them throughout the United States, from the Pacific Northwest to the Carolinas and Florida coast. What makes this type of vacation different from a city break or a resort getaway is that you can expect to do more driving, as public transport tends to be limited. If you want the freedom of having your own vehicle, without a long road trip to your destination, using car shipping services can make your journey easier and help you explore seaside towns like a local.
Discovering Coastal Charms: U.S. Seaside Towns with a New England Feel
If you’re looking for a community-oriented coastal town with a rich history and plenty of outdoor experiences to explore, Dartmouth isn’t the option you’ll find on the East Coast. Many of these alternative destinations give you the New England feel without the larger tourist crowds, making them ideal for a quiet getaway.
Beaufort, North Carolina, is known for its colonial architecture and calm harbours, earning the title of ‘America’s Favourite Town’. If you’ve visited Dartmouth for its maritime history, you’ll love Port Townsend in Washington for the same reasons. Steeped in history and located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Townsend offers miles of beaches to explore with independent art galleries and plenty of local festivals.
Another great alternative to Dartmouth is Rockport, Massachusetts; the perfect option if you’re looking for old-town charm and authentic fishing ports that are still in operation today. If you want to soak up the sun during your coastal getaway, consider Apalachicola along Florida’s Gulf Coast. With its old-school charm, this seaside town offers some of the best seafood cuisine anywhere in the U.S. with plenty of historical buildings to explore.
Most of these seaside towns are at least an hour away from major cities and airports, leading most tourists to choose to bring their own car. If you want to start your seaside getaway relaxed and stress-free, using a car shipping service is a great alternative to a long-distance road trip.
Planning Your Trip: Car Transport to Florida for a Seamless Coastal Getaway
Whether you’re planning a winter getaway to a seaside town or an extended break, sending your vehicle ahead of you is the best way to start your vacation and a practical way to get the most out of your time along the coast. You can avoid navigating busy highways and maximise your vacation time by eliminating the need for a multi-day road trip to your destination.
If you’re on a budget, shipping your car ahead of time can be more affordable than hiring a car at your destination during peak times or if you prefer to drive a specific style of car.
A traveller flying from Texas to Washington could ship their car to their starting destination and spend a week exploring Port Townsend and other nearby coastal towns without adding thousands of miles and extra wear and tear to their car by driving across the country.
Authentic Maritime Culture: Exploring Historic Waterfront Communities
Seaside towns play an important role in preserving maritime history and traditions, making them one of the best ways to immerse yourself in American history. Many of these places, just like Dartmouth, have maritime museums, historic lighthouses, and regular waterfront festivals that allow tourists to learn about the local history.
Gloucester, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest fishing ports in America and offers hands-on maritime exhibits, walking tours, and civic events in the town’s oldest meetinghouse. Having your own vehicle makes it easy to explore hidden gems throughout coastal towns and visit nearby areas along the coast to get the most out of your itinerary.
You can create a vacation schedule that includes multiple seaside towns that offer experiences that match your interests, from visiting historic sites to taking part in outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Adventures: Recreational Activities in America’s Seaside Retreats
It’s easy to get caught up in the history of coastal towns like Dartmouth, but these seaside destinations are also popular for their outdoor recreational activities, making them an ideal choice for family getaways. Most coastal towns in the Carolinas and in Maine offer kayaking, while Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is popular for its coastal nature preserves and hiking routes.
Many seaside towns, including Tybee Island, Georgia, have scenic bike paths and even offer dolphin tours for animal lovers. If you’re planning to fill your itinerary with outdoor adventures, having your own vehicle with you will make it easier to move your equipment around, whether you’re travelling with your own bicycle or renting one from a local company. After a day of exploring, you can take a scenic drive and sample regional specialities.
Local Cuisine and Artisanal Finds: Savoring the Flavors of Coastal Living
Seaside towns are famous for their independent restaurants, serving freshly caught seafood and generations-old dishes made with ‘secret’ family recipes. Every town will serve its regional specialities. New England is famous for its chowder, while the Pacific Northwest serves some of the best smoked salmon anywhere in the world.
These seaside towns are increasingly capitalising on their tourist crowds with local craft and food markets, along with boutique stores, which you’ll typically find near the waterfront. If you want to explore these areas like a local and savour the flavours of coastal living, having your own car is a game-changer, allowing you to see and do everything on your list.
Start planning your coastal adventure by booking your vehicle transport with a reliable car shipping service. Once your car transport is booked, you can start planning your driving route and vacation schedule with the help of local tourist board websites.
