East Coast Vacation Spots to Bring You Closer to Nature

Ready to wake up to birdsongs and go to bed staring at the stars? Then it might be time for you to plan a nature vacation! From rolling hills to bubbling brooks, the East Coast is filled with gorgeous, hidden destinations just waiting to be discovered. Ready to see them? Then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve found some of the best East Coast vacation spots to bring you closer to nature.

East Coast Vacation Spot to Embrace the Wild West

You don’t have to go west to get wild. At River Ranch, Florida, you’ll be able to experience a bit of that western flair. Located on the west bank of the Kissimmee River, this quiet hideaway down south is home to an authentic 1,700-acre ranch. Known as Westgate River Ranch, this massive property lets visitors get a taste of life in the Wild West. You’ll get to go horseback riding, meet animals at the petting farm, as well as channel your inner gunslinger through trap and skeet shooting. You can even test your skills with a bow and arrow at the archery range! Meanwhile, younger visitors are sure to enjoy the Cowboy Adventure Park. Here, you’ll find a broad range of kid-friendly activities designed to get your kids on their feet and active.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Wild West without some exploration, and Westgate River Ranch has you covered! Westgate River Ranch offers swamp buggy rides through the green wilderness surrounding the property. You’ll also be able to take airboat rides that offer a look at Florida’s wildlife and a chance to learn more about the history of the area. Be sure to check out the Kissimmee River Queen Cruise too! This hour-long cruise takes you on a Pontoon ride down the Kissimmee River and its channels. What’s more, end your Saturday night by watching a rodeo filled with trick riding, barrel racing, and much, much more! So, if you want to feel like a cowboy, Westgate River Ranch is the East Coast vacation spot for you.

Where to Stay in River Ranch

While you’re in town to visit Westgate River Ranch, consider staying at . . . Westgate River Ranch! Yes, this massive ranch also offers comfortable accommodations to help you unwind after a day of excitement. Not to mention, the property’s nature-filled surroundings lends it a relaxed atmosphere that will help you feel like you’re home, even with its distinct theming. Of course, the wide range of amenities helps too!

Amenities

Accommodations

• Saddle Club Studio Cabin: features a queen bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, and a kitchenette. Accommodates four guests.
• Saddle Club One-Bedroom Grand Cabin: features a king bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, living room, dining area, full kitchen, and a screened-in patio or wrap-around porch. Accommodates four guests.
• Glamping: features a king bed, two twin beds, bathroom, a kitchenette, and a patio with bug netting. Accommodates four guests.
• Luxury Glamping: features a king bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, kitchenette, and two rocking chairs. Accommodates four guests.
• Luxe Teepee: features a king bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, living room, dining area, kitchenette, and a fireplace. Accommodates four guests.
• Luxe Conestoga Wagon: features a king bed, twin bunk bed, sleeper sofa, bathroom, kitchenette, and two rocking chairs. Accommodates six guests.

East Coast Vacation Spot for Exploring the Woods

Maybe your ideal East Coast vacation spot involves a trek into the wilderness. If that’s the case, you’ll love the Great Smoky Mountains. However, this area isn’t just home to a popular national park. It’s also surrounded by ways to appreciate the natural beauty of North Carolina. Of course, you’ll have no shortage of hiking trails to take on, but nature lovers can also enjoy bird watching and leaf-peeping. Did you know that the Smoky Mountains also has a number of historic sites? It’s true; there are actually over 90 historic buildings in the park. In fact, Cades Cove is practically a historic district with a variety of churches, mills, barns, and cabins dating back to the early 1800s.

As we mentioned earlier, the national park isn’t the only thing to see here. Do you like nature drives? Then you’ll love this East Coast vacation spot! Tour the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that runs from North Carolina to Tennessee. Or, try the Tail of the Dragon, a scenic 11-mile road containing 318 turns. Of course, we can’t forget the beauty of the massive Blue Ridge Parkway. All of these drives offer incredible views, especially as the leaves of the colors change in fall. Speaking of views, you’ll also love the view of Fontana Lake from the Fontana Dam and Marina.

Where to Stay Near the Smoky Mountains

If you’re planning to visit one of the best East Coast vacation spots, you should make sure you’ve got a place to stay that can match up in terms of quality. Fortunately, that’s exactly what Huffman Creek Retreat is! This private mountain escape is also just a short drive away from the Smoky Mountain National Park. Plus, it offers unobstructed creekside views and is surrounded by three waterfalls. The property is even pet-friendly! So, you can bring your furry family members along for a trip into nature.

Amenities

Accommodations

• Hemlock Cabin: features a queen bed, twin bed, bathroom, indoor fireplace, fire pit, and kitchen. Accommodates three guests.
• The Barn: features a full bed, two twin beds, two bathrooms, full kitchen, fire pit, living area, and front and back porches. Accommodates four guests.
• The Treehouse: features two queen beds, a twin day bed, two bathrooms, full kitchen, fire pit, living area, and covered porches. Accommodates five guests.
• The Trouthouse: features three queen bedrooms, three bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, movie theater with projector, fire pit, and multi-level porch. Accommodates six guests.
• The Chestnut Lodge: features five queen beds, twin bunk beds, five bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, pool table, fire pit, fireplace, and both a front and back porch. Accommodates nine guests.
• The Homestead: features two king beds, two queen beds, two twin beds, three bathrooms, full kitchen, living room, fire pit, pool table/game room, and both a front and back porch. Accommodates ten guests.
• Creekside Lodge: features a king bed, three queen beds, two twin beds, two full beds, three bathrooms, full kitchen, fire pit, fireplace, and both a front and back porch. Accommodates fourteen guests.

East Coast Vacation Spot for Southern Serenity

While there’s beauty to be found all over the East Coast, some of its best vacation spots for connecting with nature can be found in the South. Among these, few can match the beauty you’ll find on the border of Georgia and Alabama. This area is home to Little River Canyon, one of the lesser known national parks. Founded in 1992, the 15,000-acre preserve protects the nation’s longest mountaintop river: the Little River. While its name is a little ironic, one look at this river tells you everything you need to know about its size. You can go kayaking, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, as well as bird watching here. As a result, it’s safe to say there are outdoor activities for everyone at this hidden gem.

Aside from exploring the park, you can also visit Desoto Falls. This site was named after the explorer Hernando DeSoto. In fact, a piece of armor from his expedition was found here! These breathtaking falls offer a relatively quick, fun hike alongside a peaceful waterfall. For something a little different, cross over to Summerville, Georgia. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden. Named after the eccentric artist who created this garden, Finster’s piece of paradise is packed with 2.5 acres of art. So, whether you love art or just want a change of scenery, this is one attraction you won’t want to miss.

Where to Stay Near Little River Canyon

When you want a southern hideaway near some of the best East Coast vacation spots, look no further than Dunya Camp. Tucked away on a quiet hilltop, Dunya Camp combines comfort with quiet to create one of the best luxury glamping properties a traveler could ask for! Plus, you’ll be near plenty of fun things to do in the area, like DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon.

Amenities

• Nature Trails
• Barrel Sauna
• Gas Grill
• 360-Degree Mountain Views
• Fine Linens

Accommodations

• Sunset Tent: features a king bed, bathroom, kitchenette, fire pit, and a spa deck. Accommodates two guests.
• Sunset Grand Tent: features a king bed, bathroom, kitchenette, fire pit, hot tub, loungers, and a spa deck. Accommodates two guests.

Find the Best Vacation Properties for a Nature Getaway

From the East to the West, Nook is here to help you find the best vacation spots. In fact, we’ve put together an ever-growing list of top-notch properties to help you take unforgettable adventures. So, whether you want to take long weekend vacations or enjoy summer travel, Nook has you covered! Click on the link below to browse top-notch vacation properties today!