Are you looking for an urban adventure? Are you craving a night out on the town with your besties, full of laughter, music, dancing, and more? When dreaming up your vibrant vaca where you can sleep until noon and dance until dawn, you likely picture some place like Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
The West Coast is full of legendary party cities, but don’t count the East Coast out entirely. You might be surprised by how many noteworthy party cities lay along the crammed East of the US.
The East Coast has a high concentration of lively cities, but six cities stand out for their fantastic nightlife.
6 East Coast Cities with Noteworthy Nightlife
1 - Miami Beach, FL
This vibrant and diverse beach destination truly comes alive at night! From the deafening dance clubs in South Beach to the posh lounges along Ocean Drive, you are guaranteed to have a good time. Just be warned, you’ll likely need to flex that credit card a bit to keep up at the various restaurants, clubs, and bars, especially if you venture to South Beach.
Things to do:
In South Beach, you’ll find high-end shopping, cutting-edge restaurants, nightclubs, and art deco hotels. There, you can rub elbows with the rich and famous. Just be prepared to spend a little money.
In Haulover Park and Lummus Park, you can have a more relaxing night on the town.
Find one of the many rooftop bars and enjoy delicious food and cocktails.
2 - New York City, NY
As the most populated city in the nation, New York City is known for many things. From incredible food to trendsetting art and fashion, NYC is an iconic travel destination. Vibrant and unique culture permeates every borough. The list of daytime and nighttime activities is constantly evolving.
Things to do:
Explore clubs, pubs, bars, and gambling houses throughout the city, from the high-end luxury ones in Manhattan to the trendy hot spots in Brooklyn or the West End.
Visit the vibrant lights in Time Square.
If art is your thing, check out the famous Met or the cutting-edge collections at the MoMA.
For the best musicals and theater productions, head to Broadway!
3 - Boston, MA
If you love beer, then the historic city of Boston is the place to be. Its many breweries, pubs, and historic taverns make it an ideal destination for any beer lover. However, it’s not the only thing the city has to offer. You’ll find wine bars, comedy clubs, and music halls.
During the day, you can catch a baseball game or explore the historical landmarks throughout the city. Then at night, party with the locals at any hot spots that blend the historical with the contemporary.
Things to do:
Visit Top of the Hub on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower for great food and live jazz music.
Check out any of the incredible breweries like Harpoon, Trillium, or Samuel Adams.
Visit Boston’s Little Italy in the North End to enjoy delicious Italian food and explore historic taverns.
Check out any of the city’s numerous comedy clubs.
Visit the Citizens Bank Opera House and take a show.
If you love art, check out the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It houses an impressive collection of Italian art.
4 - Key West, FL
Are you looking for a party on the beach? Key West is one of the most popular party destinations in the country, especially in the winter. This tiny island draws party lovers with its gorgeous beaches and adventure-packed nightlife. You might find yourself surprised by all the island has to offer.
The best time to visit is definitely between the months of December and April.
Things to do:
Hit up one of the classic Irish pubs or saloon-themed bars.
Go on a pub crawl or cocktail tour.
Join or host your own party cruise!
5 - Philadelphia, PA
If you want to party but pushing your way through crowds is unappealing, Philly might be your perfect destination. It is a beautiful city brimming with culture and history and has incredible nightlife, perfect for a wild night out.
At the heart of Philadelphia is music. There are endless opportunities to take in a live show. Whether it’s at one of their famous music halls or a nightclub, you will be in for a treat. East Passyunk, Kensington, Fishtown, and the Old City are the best neighborhoods for partying.
Things to do:
You can check out one of the many rooftop bars, nightclubs, or dance halls. The Library Bar and Graffiti Bar are famous watering holes known for their ambiance and cocktails.
The city is packed with incredible local eateries that are open until the wee hours of the night.
For a more decadent dining experience, visit one of the many luxurious restaurants where you’ll enjoy a multi-course meal that is out of this world!-
Check out one of the city’s many comedy shows and laugh your socks off!
6 - Atlantic City, NJ
Often considered the East Coast Las Vegas, Atlantic City is a popular destination for bachelor parties and girl’s weekends. It has multiple big casinos and dazzling nightclubs that keep the party going until sunrise.
Things to do:
Check out the Tropicana Atlantic City for a cozy upscale experience at the 10 North Lounge or the ultimate retro party at Boogie Nights.
Head to the AC Jokes Comedy Club or The Atlantic City Comedy Club at The Claridge for comedy. There you’ll find some of the best acts on the East Coast.
Party on the beach at one of the multiple beach bars.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, check out Bar 32 Chocolate, an artisan chocolate shop with handcrafted desserts and cocktails.
Not quite East Coast, but deserving of a mention
Chicago, IL
Chicago is an incredible party destination. It has summer neighborhood festivals, beer gardens, patio bars, art scene, and deep-dish pizza. You’ll also find diverse cuisine, live music, and stunning city views around every corner.
New Orleans, LA
A list of US party cities is incomplete without New Orleans. Music, food, and culture ooze out of every crevice in this notorious city. The city is known for hosting the largest party in the nation, Mardi Gras. During this massive annual carnival, the streets are flooded by party-goers day and night, drinking, dancing, eating, and more.
Nashville, TN
Nashville is a musical hub in the United States, attracting aspiring musicians by the hundreds every year. As a result, this vibrant city has become one of the best party cities in the nation. All you need to do is walk down Broadway Street to find a charming bar or honkie tonk hosting an up-and-coming musical talent.
For your next urban vaca…
Keep in mind that there are countless urban jungles up and down the East Coast. The incredible cities above are bursting with nightlife, whether you want to bar-hop, take in a show, or dance the night away. And even though partying can get expensive, as a 2xcape member, you can save a little money with your comfortable accommodations. That way, you can party a little harder with ease!