Can You Visit East Coast Summer Destinations In Winter?

There are some East Coast holiday destinations that, almost subconsciously, seem to be associated with summer; locations such as Atlantic City, Cape Cod, and the likes of Newport, Rhode Island. There’s absolutely nothing official that says these places are only to be visited in the summer, but they just seem to be more seasonally-appropriate destinations, rather than places you would usually consider visiting in the winter months.

Why are some places associated with summer?

We provided a few examples of seemingly “summer destinations” above, and there’s one thing they have in common: they’re all by the seaside. It’s a connection we all automatically make: if you’re visiting Newport, then, of course, you’re going to go to the beach; and no visit to Atlantic City could possibly be complete without walking the famous boardwalk.

It seems that the seaside scene is the “role” that these destinations fulfil when it comes to planning a holiday. That’s the “point” of these places; the reasons that people visit. And given that visiting the beach in winter can be a fairly unpleasant experience, we all just assume that certain destinations are off-limits in the winter months.

However…

While it’s understandable that most of us connect beach destinations with visiting in the summer, presuming that this type of destination is only worth a visit during the warmer months of the year is almost a little… reductive. Cities and resorts such as these don’t close; at this size, they exist year-round, and many of the wonders they offer are also available 365 days a year. After all, Atlantic City hasn’t risen to prominence just because of its boardwalk; there are casinos such as the Borgata, fascinating historical sites like Absecon Lighthouse, and plenty of other attractions that draw people to the city. The same is true of Cape Cod, Newport, and other East Coast “summer” destinations: they’re far more than a few miles of sand, a few rides, and the chance to swim in the ocean.

As a result, it could be argued that while it’s quite natural to connect “seaside” to “summer only” – to do so can be to miss out – especially given that many of these types of destinations actually have plenty to offer year-round.

What are the benefits of visiting “summer” destinations in winter?

By far the most significant benefit of visiting this kind of destination in winter is the fact that… well, not many people are doing so. Seaside resorts tend to be completely full of people during the warmer months of the year, as both locals and tourists converge on the same spaces in order to make the most of the warmth, attractions, and general “beachside” feel. For some people, the volume of people is all part of the experience, but there’s no doubt that it causes issues: it’s harder to find reservations at restaurants, tickets for shows are harder to come by, and even just walking around exploring on foot can feel a little overwhelming.

In winter, there’s no such issue. As we’ve discussed, very few people tend to think of beach destinations in winter, so they simply don’t visit (often instead opting for destinations that have the opposite issue, in that they only seem “winter appropriate”, such as Aspen). As a result, beach destinations suddenly take on an entirely new character: quieter, more relaxed, easier to navigate, and with greater availability in terms of attractions, events, and entertainment options. This same benefit even extends beyond the destination itself; flights, for example, tend to have higher availability, and if you travel by road then there will be less traffic to impede your process. Fewer people simply tend to result in a simpler, easier travel experience all around.

The second benefit of visiting out of season is directly related to the above: fewer people often means lower rates. Businesses located in seaside locations know that the bulk of their income will be generated during the summer months, and that’s when demand will be at its highest too – so prices of everything tend to rise to accommodate this. In winter, the opposite is true: prices are lower, making even destinations such as Cape Cod that little bit more affordable and budget-friendly.

Next, let’s think about the weather. The heat is, obviously, an integral part of many East Coast destinations’ offering – but that heat can often be overwhelming, especially if you would like to be able to explore the surrounding area and go on day trips. In winter, the weather is far cooler, and you can wander around on foot and visit everything you want to see without feeling like you need to continually fan yourself and drain six bottles of water in an hour.

Finally, many people who travel out of season describe the experience as more “authentic”. They are able to get a greater sense of the actual place, rather than the standard beach experience. Obviously, your mileage may vary on this one, but if you’ve ever looked at a classic “summer” destination and wondered what it is like to actually live in areas like Atlantic City or Cape Cod, then visiting during the winter months gives the best chance of answering that question.

Is there a risk that attractions and events will close down over winter?

Many attractions in this type of destination understand that the number of guests will be lower (or almost non-existent) during the off-season, so many close at the end of fall and remain that way through to spring.

However, this is far from universal, and most common in smaller resorts: from Atlantic City to Newport, plenty of attractions do stay open year-round, so it’s simply a matter of checking to see if the ones you want to see most are available.

In conclusion

If you’re currently in the process of planning a getaway for this upcoming winter, then it’s well worth checking out the options available at one of the many East Coast destinations. While you won’t necessarily be able to catch the rays and swim in the sea, there’s still plenty of fun to be had, and even – as covered above – numerous benefits to visiting during the off-season.

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