Best East Coast Beaches
Searching for the best East Coast beaches to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! From wide sandy stretches perfect for long walks to tucked-away coves brimming with character, this coast carries a unique blend of history, seaside charm, and laid-back leisure (of course!). While living on the East Coast for 10 years, I had the opportunity to visit these incredible beaches, and I hope you’ll love them too.
- Best East Coast Beaches - Northeast
- - Montauk, NY - Newport, RI - Martha’s Vineyard - Hampton Beach, NH
- Best East Coast Beaches - Mid-Atlantic
- - Virginia Beach, VA - Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Ocean City, MD - Ocean City, NJ
- Best East Coast Beaches - South
- - Tybee Island, GA - Jekyll Island - Ocracoke Island, NC - Kiawah Island, SC - Clearwater Beach
Best East Coast Beaches - Northeast
I visit these beaches when I'm in the mood for a blend of rugged coastline, historic seaside towns, and classic summer charm.
1. Montauk, NY
As a New York local, visiting this coastal town is always a highlight for me. It's a windswept, salt-kissed escape at the far edge of Long Island with rugged bluffs, rolling dunes, and a wild, untamed Atlantic surf gave it an end-of-the-world allure that felt both raw and enchanting. It was the perfect blend of chic Hamptons style and laid-back fishing-village soul.
Just a 3-hour drive (or breezy Long Island Rail Road ride) east from New York City, I settled in for three restorative days at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, perched right on the sand with sweeping views of the ocean. My days unfolded with a satisfying rhythm: wandering the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse, hiking through Montauk Point State Park, casting a line off the harbor pier, and strolling along the small, eclectic downtown filled with surf shops and seafood shacks.
What I loved best:
Don't miss a sunset dinner at The Crow’s Nest. I had wood-grilled branzino with charred lemon and olive oil potatoes. Lanterns glowed, the sea was just steps away, and it felt like everything was in its right place.
2. Newport, RI
We absolutely love Newport, and have been many times. I thought this place was a dazzling blend of seaside charm and Gilded Age grandeur and it instantly because one of my favorite East Coast beaches for a weekend getaway. Just an easy 40-minute drive down the coast from Providence, I spent three leisurely days at the stately 4-star Vanderbilt Hotel, a former mansion turned boutique hotel.
The first stop was Easton’s Beach, also called First Beach, and honestly it was one of the best experiences because it felt classic, vibrant, and perfect for a family morning.
After grabbing coffee nearby, we walked the shoreline and it was amazing how affordable and easy this beach felt while still being spectacular and lively.
Later that afternoon we headed toward Sachuest Beach in Middletown, just a few minutes outside Newport, and this one felt like a hidden gem with its wide sand and cooler, calmer vibe.
We spent hours there just watching surfers and laughing, and it turned into my favorite part of the day because it felt underrated and peaceful.
The next morning we explored the Cliff Walk, which runs along the coast near the mansions, and the views of the ocean crashing below were absolutely the best and kind of magical.
Somehow the combination of history, ocean air, and bright blue water felt unusual and unique, like something you only see in photos.
We then made our way to Gooseberry Beach, tucked near Ocean Drive, and it instantly felt like a secret spot locals keep to themselves.
This beach was smaller but the water was calm and romantic, making it an awesome choice for a relaxed couples experience.
By midday we grabbed lunch back in town and talked about how Newport beaches feel like the most joyful mix of classic New England and laid-back coastal cool.
Later we returned to First Beach for sunset, which was a brilliant idea because the sky turned soft pink and gold over the Atlantic.
It felt like the absolute best ending to our trip, watching families, couples, and friends enjoy the same moment.
What I loved best:
Savoring a classic New England lobster roll at The Mooring, paired with a crisp glass of white wine while gazing at the harbor was my personal highlight.
3. Martha’s Vineyard
Since I first visited Martha’s Vineyard decades ago to spend my first summer there with in-laws, I found the island's beaches were absolutely captivating, each one offering its own blend of natural charm, coastal character, and timeless island atmosphere.
We arrived by ferry, and the moment the island came into view, it felt like stepping into a softer, salt-air version of life where everything moves at exactly the right pace.
Our day began wandering through Edgartown, where white clapboard houses, blooming hydrangeas, and the harbor full of sailboats created a storybook backdrop.
My favorite part was renting bikes and riding along the coastal paths, the breeze off the water and the sound of waves making it feel like the rest of the world had gently faded away.
Oak Bluffs was pure joy—colorful gingerbread cottages, a lively boardwalk, and ice cream cones in hand as we laughed and explored without any plan at all.
We stopped for a seafood lunch by the water, sharing lobster rolls and watching boats drift in and out of the marina, lingering longer than we meant to because it felt so peaceful.
In the afternoon, we escaped to a quiet beach, where we kicked off our shoes, walked along the shoreline, and let the ocean set the rhythm for the rest of the day.
A hidden highlight was heading to Menemsha near sunset, where we picked up fresh seafood, wrapped ourselves in sweaters, and watched the sky turn gold, pink, and deep purple over the water.
We also loved how the island balances elegance with simplicity—art galleries and charming shops mixed with fishing docks and weathered boats that tell stories of generations past.
What I loved best:
For me, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the best East Coast beach spots because it's peaceful and unique!
Watching seagulls on Lambert’s Cove Beach was my personal highlight, so simple and completely free.
4. Hampton Beach, NH
I was completely taken by this place, a seaside playground with bustling boardwalks, arcades flashing neon, long stretches of golden sand, and a festive summer spirit. I though that Hampton Beach, NH is one of the best East Coast beaches when I moved here. Why? It had that classic “beach town carnival” energy, with the Atlantic surf never far from earshot.
Just about a 15-minute drive south of Portsmouth, I spent two fun-filled days at Ashworth by the Sea, a historic oceanfront hotel that’s been welcoming guests since 1912. The pace was upbeat and playful: I strolled the mile-long boardwalk lined with arcades, fried-dough stands, and beach shops, lounged on the wide, lifeguarded beach, wandered through Hampton Beach State Park with its sweeping views at the mouth of the Hampton River, and caught live music at the Seashell Stage right on the boardwalk. In the evenings, the boardwalk lit up with fireworks, the scent of saltwater taffy, and the sounds of summer concerts drifting across the sand.
What I loved best:
Watching a weekly fireworks show explode over the ocean, with families and beachgoers gathered along the sand was my favorite highlight!
Best East Coast Beaches - Mid-Atlantic
Known for classic beach towns, gentle surf, and easy weekend escapes, this region blends family-friendly shores with pockets of natural beauty and wildlife.
5. Virginia Beach, VA
This is my favorite beach town for a fun family beach vacation in Virginia! Two hours and 20 minutes from our previous stop along Virginia's East Coast, I loved this city's mix of classic boardwalk energy, wide sandy beaches, and coastal nature. To me, it felt lively, where you could spend mornings biking a bustling oceanfront promenade, afternoons kayaking among dolphins in calm bays, and evenings soaking up fresh seafood with live music floating on the breeze.
Just a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Norfolk, I spent three sun-filled days at the sleek 4-star Cavalier Hotel, a restored 1927 icon perched above the ocean with elegant art deco charm and sweeping Atlantic views. I strolled along the 3-mile boardwalk lined with cafés, street performers, and the iconic King Neptune statue; explored First Landing State Park, where shaded trails wind through maritime forests and cypress swamps; and visited the Cape Henry Lighthouse at the very spot where the first English settlers arrived in 1607.
What I loved best:
Dining at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, where the signature Orange Crush cocktail and fresh-caught seafood embodied the city’s spirited coastal vibe, was a highlight.
6. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
I was a big fan of this wild place with woodland trails, and a large beach! A scenic 1 hour 15 minute drive from our previous stop in Ocean City, MD took us to Assateague Island and the refuge entrance. We based ourselves at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront for five care-free days and enjoyed birdwatching, biking, kayaking, and beachcombing. I was impressed that although secluded and peaceful, Chincoteague offers something for everyone!
What I loved best:
The annual Chincoteague Pony Swim in July was my favorite highlight.
7. Ocean City, MD
Stretching for 10 miles along the Atlantic, this beach is big enough to find both lively crowds near the boardwalk and quieter stretches farther north, and spending time here was a joy!
Afternoons can be spent riding the waves on a boogie board, savoring saltwater taffy or Thrasher’s fries along the boardwalk, or watching kites arc gracefully above the sand. Just across the bay, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a more natural experience, with wild ponies roaming among dunes and marshes. Ocean City balances nostalgic fun with natural beauty, making it both a family-friendly playground and a launch point for coastal adventures.
What I loved best:
The iconic 3-mile boardwalk mixes arcades, amusement rides, shops, and oceanfront cafés!
8. Ocean City, NJ
When I visited this month, this city was the epitome of a wholesome seaside retreat, classic boardwalk fun, wide family-friendly beaches, and a nostalgic small-town vibe! Ocean City, New Jersey felt timeless yet lively in a way that completely won me over.
Just a quick 20-minute drive south from Atlantic City over the bridge, I checked in for five breezy days at the oceanfront Flanders Hotel, a grand 1920s landmark with Spanish Revival architecture and sweeping sea views. The pace was cheerful and full of energy. I strolled the two-and-a-half-mile wooden Boardwalk lined with arcades, saltwater taffy shops, and amusement rides, lounged on the the beache, and explored Corson’s Inlet State Park at the island’s southern tip.
What I loved best:
Indulging in the legendary caramel corn and taffy at Johnson’s Popcorn and Shriver’s was amazing. They are two boardwalk institutions that taste like pure childhood nostalgia.
A downside? With lots of visitors, finding a peaceful spot can be challenging in the summer.
Best East Coast Beaches - South
The South’s East Coast beaches are defined by warm waters, soft sand, and a relaxed coastal rhythm that invites you to slow down.
9. Tybee Island, GA
We fell for this sun-kissed coastal escape with a distinctly laid-back, beach-town soul! I thought that Tybee Island had the beach East Coast beaches when I moved there. Why? I loved the wide sandy shores, pastel-painted cottages, and a breezy, carefree vibe that made it feel worlds away, even though it’s just outside Savannah, Georgia (Just a short 20-minute drive east)! We checked into the charming 3-star DeSoto Beach Hotel, right on the oceanfront, for three relaxing days.
First thing we did was drive over the bridge and that moment felt like magic, seeing the marshes turn into ocean and realizing this was going to be an awesome experience.
After checking in, we walked straight to the beach because the wide sand and calm vibe felt like a hidden gem and honestly one of the most underrated spots on the coast.
The water was warm enough to jump right in and we spent hours just floating, laughing, and soaking up what felt like the absolute best kind of joyful beach day.
Later we rented bikes and cruised along the island which was such a cool and unique way to see everything, from colorful cottages to vibrant local spots.
We grabbed lunch near the pier and it turned into my favorite meal of the trip, super casual but fresh and perfect after the beach.
Walking out on Tybee Pier felt exciting and romantic at the same time, watching people fish while kids ran around made it a family friendly experience too.
In the afternoon we explored the Tybee Lighthouse which was an interesting and unusual break from the sand, and the views from the top were spectacular.
By sunset we were back on the beach and this was truly the best moment, the sky turning pink and orange like something out of my photos.
Dinner was laid back and local, and I loved how the island felt welcoming and not overdone, which is why it’s such an underrated gem.
The next morning we woke early for a quiet walk and it felt peaceful, almost like Tybee was letting us in on a secret.
We walked along the dunes at sunrise next day, explored the 18th-century Fort Pulaski where echoes of cannon fire still seem to linger .
What I loved best:
Dining at The Crab Shack was my personal highlight, a quirky, open-air seafood joint on the salt marsh, definitely my personal highlight.
10. Jekyll Island, Georgia
I thought this island getaway was enchanting in its mix of unspoiled shoreline, maritime forest, and quiet Southern charm. It felt like a place where time slowed down—where wide sandy beaches, historic landmarks, and whispering salt marshes wove together a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural depth.
Once a Gilded Age retreat for America’s wealthiest families, Jekyll Island today is one of Georgia’s protected Golden Isles, with 10 miles of beaches that range from wild and windswept to family-friendly and calm. Afternoons can be spent wandering the otherworldly Driftwood Beach, where sun-bleached trees create a hauntingly beautiful shoreline; swimming or biking along the broad expanse of Great Dunes Beach Park, or watching dolphins play just offshore. With its balance of untouched coastline, rich history, and a slower rhythm, Jekyll feels like a true coastal sanctuary.
What I loved best:
Two days at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island - returning to our comfortable guest room for a nap is just what I needed on vacation.
11. Ocracoke Island, NC
This place felt like stepping into a world apart—remote, windswept, and steeped in history, and it quickly became one of my favorite beaches in North Carolina.
Its untouched beaches stretch endlessly, framed by shifting dunes, waving sea oats, and the rhythmic crash of Atlantic surf. The village itself, with its clapboard cottages, quiet harbor, and centuries-old lighthouse, adds just the right touch of maritime charm to this wild Outer Banks escape.
Reached only by ferry, small plane, or private boat, Ocracoke’s seclusion is part of its magic. Afternoons can be spent strolling the 16 miles of undeveloped National Seashore, where solitude is broken only by shorebirds and the occasional wild pony. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, one of the oldest still in operation in the U.S., stands as a quiet sentinel over Silver Lake Harbor, while the village’s winding lanes invite exploration by bike or golf cart. Ocracoke feels both rugged and timeless—a place where the natural world still sets the rhythm.
What I loved best:
I loved the sunsets and stargazing after - nights bring some of the darkest, starriest skies on the East Coast.
12. Kiawah Island, SC
One of my favorite places to visit in South Carolina, this was a serene beach retreat, where wide, windswept beaches meet maritime forests and tidal marshes alive with wildlife.
Located just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah is best known for its 10 miles of pristine beachfront, where the Atlantic rolls gently against soft sand perfect for long walks or quiet shell hunting. We checked into The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort for three nights.
Afternoons can be spent biking along shaded trails beneath moss-draped live oaks, paddling through meandering creeks alive with egrets and dolphins, or simply relaxing at Beachwalker Park, the island’s only public beach. Kiawah’s atmosphere blends exclusivity and tranquility—home to world-class golf and luxury resorts—yet the island remains, at its heart, a sanctuary for those who come seeking peace by the sea.
What I loved best:
How the island felt refined yet deeply natural—an unspoiled landscape of sand, sea, and sky, with just the right touch of Southern charm.
13. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was pure Florida Gulf Coast magic with sugar-white sand so soft it squeaked underfoot, calm turquoise waters that shimmered in the sun, and a breezy, vacation-town energy that felt both laid-back and endlessly entertaining. It had that perfect balance of natural beauty and resort-town fun, where lazy beach days seamlessly blended into festive boardwalk nights.
Just a 40-minute drive west from Tampa across the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway, I spent three sun-drenched days at the sleek Sandpearl Resort, a 4-star beachfront property with a tropical pool, private cabanas, and dreamy sunset views. The pace was delightfully relaxed: I lounged on the award-winning main beach, strolled along the lively Beach Walk Promenade lined with shops and cafés, and joined the nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, complete with street performers, live music, and artisan stalls. I also took a dolphin-watching cruise through Clearwater Bay, wandered the fun Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and sampled key lime pie so tangy it practically sang of Florida sunshine.
I think that pretty much all of the beaches in Tampa Bay are worth exploring. So if you base yourself here, you'll have plenty to choose from.
What I loved best:
I think that Clearwater Beach is one of the best East Coast beaches.
Gulf sunsets here were my personal highlight!
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
