From the lighthouse-dotted seaside of Maine to the vibrant streets of Key West, the offerings of the East Coast are as diverse as the coastline is long — and summer is the best time to explore. Whether you’re planning a kid-friendly vacation, a romantic escape or a group getaway, here are five of the best East Coast destinations for a summer trip. You’ll find:

Gatlinburg, Tennesse

As the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Put on your hiking boots and explore any of the park’s 150 trails (Alum Cave and Abrams Falls are favorites) or climb the observation tower at Clingmans Dome, the park’s highest point. Cyclists should visit on a Wednesday between early May and September, when Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop road, is shut down exclusively for those riding bikes.

Outside of the national park, the town of Gatlinburg is a gem with cozy Appalachian architecture, a mini, German-style village and the downtown Parkway lined with shops, restaurants, wineries and moonshine distilleries. In the summer months, the Parkway comes alive after sundown thanks to the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, a nightly entertainment series showcasing the traditional music and legends that have existed in the region for centuries.

For an extra dose of fun and adrenaline, the Parkway is also home to Anakeesta, a mountaintop adventure park with a treetop skywalk and mountain coaster, as well as Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, home to the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America.

Portland, Maine

Portland fits the bill for any traveler who wants a bit of everything in their summer getaway: outdoorsy fun, great food, history and intriguing art.

Start by acquainting yourself with the city’s Old Port. With cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and dozens of boutiques, this riverfront part of town is oozing with New England charm. Positioned at the heart of Old Port and only four blocks from downtown, Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront is ideally located and shows off Portland’s chic, modern side. From the hotel it’s an easy, less-than-10-minute walk to the Portland Museum of Art, which houses a small but mighty collection of works by world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Claude Monet, among others.

Venturing outside of the city’s central area, a stop at Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, is a must. While you’re there, enjoy nearby Fort Williams Park — its 90 acres (36 hectares) include hiking paths along the coast, picnic areas and a beach.

If you’d like another quintessential Maine experience, and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, then hop on a tour with Lucky Catch Cruises. You’ll get a hands-on look at lobstering and might even catch your own crustacean. Continue the seafood experience at Canopy’s Luna Rooftop Bar where the menu selections include fresh-from-the-ocean Maine oysters and local mussels served with a house-specialty green curry and crispy shallots.

Key West, Florida

Key West is an undeniably quirky destination with a vibe all its own, blending influences from the Bahamas and Cuba with a splash of old Florida. Roosters roam the roads, an entire museum is dedicated to shipwrecks and the best photo op in town is a monument marking the southernmost point of the U.S., just 90 miles (144 kilometers) from Cuba. Oh, and let’s not forget the daily sunset celebrations in Mallory Square or the shops, bars and restaurants and art galleries on Duval Street. Simply put, Key West is not your typical Florida vacation.

Literature lovers shouldn’t miss the Hemingway House & Museum where the illustrious author lived for eight years while completing his novel “A Farewell to Arms” and beginning work on “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” If you’re really into all things Hemingway, head to Key West in July for Hemingway Days — a six-day celebration of the author with look-alike contests, athletic challenges and more.

Key West is an island, so it still offers some of the classic activities you’d expect from a beach vacation, like coral reef snorkeling, kayaking and Jet Skiing. Top tip: make sure to book a ticket far in advance for a seaplane or ferry ride to visit Dry Tortugas National Park.

There are only a handful of swimmable beaches on Key West, but that’s never a problem for guests at The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton. Besides the luxurious amenities, this top-rated resort has the only private natural sand beach on the island.

Summer is the perfect time to explore everything the East Coast has to offer. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or on a group getaway, these destinations won't disappoint.