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! Most people are expecting wide sandy stretches perfect for swimming but what often surprises travelers is the local history woven into this natural beach beauty.
The sunset sky is incredible wherever you end up which is always a highlight for my family. Here are the East Coast beaches we visited on our four week road trip that I think you’ll enjoy them too.
While living on the East Coast for 10 years, I've 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.
Montauk Point State Park in Montauk, NY
As a New York local, visiting this coastal town has always been a highlight for me. You'll find Montauk at the far edge of Long Island with rugged bluffs, dunes, and Atlantic surf.
We left early from our apartment in Manhattan on a 3-hour drive (or you can take the breezy Long Island Rail Road ride) east from New York City. We started our road trip here.
If you want to spend a few days in this area on vacation, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa sits right on the sand and has superb views of the ocean. But a fair warning that despite steep prices you'll still have to book extra early in the summer!
First, I recommend visiting Montauk Point Lighthouse, then hiking through Montauk Point State Park if you have the energy. I loved casting a line off the harbor pier with my son, and then ending the day strolling along the clectic downtown filled with surf shops and seafood (of course!). My one major downside was that parking downtown was challenge in the summer.
One important Montauk tip: Don't miss a sunset dinner at The Crow’s Nest! I had wood-grilled branzino with charred lemon and olive oil potatoes. Lanterns glowing, the sea was just steps away, and it felt like everything was right in the world.
Easton's Beach in Newport, RI
I was absolutely blown away by the Gilded Age grandeur on our road trip drive to this beach.
After just an easy 40-minute drive down the coast from Providence first thing in the morning, we checked into the luxury 4-star Vanderbilt Hotel for three stress-free days. It's a former mansion turned boutique hotel, so you'll hear lots of stories about the Gilded Age pretty much non-stop.
The first stop on your road trip should be Easton’s Beach, hands down. Also called First Beach, it's sandy and very family friendly. You can grab a coffee nearby and let the kids run along while you have a romantic moment.
Once you are there, an unexpected gem is the Cliff Walk. While it's not for swimming, ocean views are completely worth the road trip out here! I loved listening to the ocean waves crashing below the walk.
I also recommend making time for Gooseberry Beach, near Ocean Drive, because it instantly felt like a secret spot locals keep to themselves. I noticed there were more couples here than families, and Gooseberry Beach is smaller.
If you are staying for sunset, I think Easton's Beach is the best of the three beaches I mentioned.
What I loved best:
Savoring a classic New England lobster roll at The Mooring was my personal highlight.
Martha’s Vineyard, MA Beaches
Since I first visited Martha’s Vineyard decades ago to spend my summer here with in-laws, I was struck by how this underrated gem felt like a spectacular East Coast island oasis that completely won me over.
We traveled by ferry which by itself already felt like a mini vacation. We didn't mind waiting in line in Woods Hole at all - it was all part of the experience. After we drove our car onto the ferry, we parked, walked to the highest deck and just watched Martha’s Vineyard getting closer.
I recommend heading to Edgartown where we admired the iconic clapboard houses and had great coffee and pastries. We enjoyed watching the boat traffic through the harbor for a while. Just a fair warning: parking is a challenge in the summer.
In the afternoon, it was time to lazy around on a beach. For families, I think Fuller Street Beach is a solid choice, while The Lighthouse Beach is our favorite for taking lots of photos. Finally, Long Point Wildlife Refuge is the best for nature lovers who crave solitude.
Local tip: If you are flying to Boston, renting a car, then driving to Woods Hole (about 1.5 from Boston), then crossing to Martha’s Vineyard via ferry (45 minutes), be sure to ask the car rental company if you are allowed to take the car over on the ferry. In my experience, some rental companies won't allow it (or charge extra!).
Hampton Beach, NH
I was completely taken by this place when we reached Hampton Beach on our East Coast beach road trip. It had that classic “beach town carnival” energy in the summer, but was very quiet (and cold!) on our second trip in November. That's why I recommend visiting from June through August. You'll be able to enjoy boardwalk arcades, warm weather and swimming.
Just about a 15-minute drive south of Portsmouth, we spent two fun-filled days at Ashworth by the Sea, a historic oceanfront hotel that’s been welcoming guests since 1912.
The boardwalk is actually mile-long and you'll find everything from arcades and fireworks to saltwater taffy and fried-dough stands. But I also think that the 50-acre Hampton Beach State Park is well worth exploring if you have the energy and love nature like I do.
My personal highlight was an amazing Greek Salad at Sea Ketch Restaurant where are refueled for lunch.
Best East Coast Beaches - Mid-Atlantic
Known for classic beach towns, this region blends family-friendly shores with pockets of natural beauty and wildlife.
Virginia Beach, VA
This is my favourite beach town for a fun family beach vacation in Virginia because there are heaps of things to do here! We drove just 20-minutes from downtown Norfolk first thing in the morning. Since there is so much to take in, we decided to join a tour with a local guide on our first visit, called the "Virginia Beach Boardwalk History Tour" lead by a professional historian.
For me, the history tour added some depth because we got to learn about local history. But you can also just stroll along the 3-mile boardwalk by yourself. Virginia Beach is a very easy place to enjoy on vacation. Stop at cafes, pause to listen to street performers, and take photos of the iconic King Neptune statue.
I recommend stopping for lunch at The Back Deck right on the water. I had delicious flatbread pizza, while my husband and son ordered fresh seafood. I have to warn you, though, that parking can be a challenge!
In the afternoon, head to First Landing State Park (there is a small parking fee). I loved the shaded trails that provided a cover from the sun. Cypress swamps were a standout.
We checked into 4-star Cavalier Hotel (from $239/night) for a two-day weekend, a restored 1927 icon. It's located high above the ocean so you'll love the Atlantic views.
For more history, visit 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 we had great fresh-caught seafood.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
I was a big fan of this wild place with woodland trails, and a large beach! It's one of my favorite beach-adventure vacation ideas on the East Coast! A scenic 2 hour drive from our previous stop in Virginia Beach took us to Assateague Island where you'll find the refuge entrance. We based ourselves at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront (from $106/night) for five care-free days and enjoyed birdwatching, biking, kayaking, and beachcombing. I guarantee that you'll be impressed that although secluded and peaceful, Chincoteague offers so much adventure!
Local tip: Time your trip to visit during the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim in July, my favorite highlight.
Ocean City, MD
Ocean City, MD beach was big...really big! Stretching for 10 long miles along the Atlantic.
Most visitors encounter lively crowds near the boardwalk, but don't realize there are quieter stretches farther north.
We reached Ocean City in Maryland after a 3-hour drive from DC.
You can ride the waves on a boogie board, savor saltwater taffy, taste Thrasher’s fries along the boardwalk, and watch kites over the beach when it's windy.
Ocean City, NJ
Having the same name, but a totally different vibe, Ocean City, New Jersey took 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach from Ocean City, MD.
First thing you'll notice is the famous 2.5-mile boardwalk. You can never get bored here with amusement parks (like Playland's Castaway Cove), arcades, seaside shops, eateries (pizza, donuts, caramel corn), mini-golf, the Music Pier, and ocean views (of course!).
Just a quick 20-minute drive south from Atlantic City over the bridge, we checked in for five breezy days to the oceanfront Flanders Hotel. I loved a touch of history on this vacation since the hotel is a grand 1920s landmark with Spanish Revival architecture.
If you have extra energy, explore 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 was 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.
Tybee Island, GA
I thought that Tybee Island had the best East Coast beaches when we moved to the East Coast. Trust me, you'll love the wide sandy shores.
We drove just 20-minutes east from Savannah. 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.
We checked into the charming 3-star DeSoto Beach Hotel (from $103/night), right on the oceanfront for three relaxing days. After checking in, we walked straight to the beach, honestly one of the most underrated spots on the east coast.
You can jump right in for a relaxing swim, and have a picnic on the beach after (or grab lunch near the pier).
Walking out on Tybee Pier is exciting. People fishing, while kids ran around made it a great family friendly experience.
In the afternoon check out the Tybee Lighthouse. But for sunset head back to the beach and watch the sky turn pink and orange.
Dining at The Crab Shack was my personal highlight, a quirky, open-air seafood joint.
We walked along the dunes at sunrise the next day, and explored the 18th-century Fort Pulaski after.
Jekyll Island
When I visited Jekyll Island southeastern coast of Georgia, I was completely charmed by how this underrated gem mixed Gilded Age history with pure relaxation.
Jekyll Island today is one of Georgia’s protected Golden Isles. You'll discover 10 miles of beaches that range from wild to family-friendly.
We drove about 2 hours by car from Tybee Island to Jekyll Island (population of around 1,000). First we headed to Driftwood Beach which you see in all the photos of sun-bleached trees. For me, it's not the best swimming beach, but the scenery is out-of-this-world and you absolutely have to see it. Often there are dolphins that play just offshore.
Next, be sure to check out Great Dunes Beach Park, just 7 minutes from Driftwood Beach by car (or 20 minutes by bike).
Staying two days at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island was comfortable. Returning to our comfortable guest room for a nap is just what I needed on vacation.
Ocracoke Island, NC
When I first visited this beach in North Carolina, I couldn’t believe such a spectacular spot existed on the East Coast.
Getting to Ocracoke Island already felt like part of the romance. Crossing by ferry with the ocean stretching endlessly around us, I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
My favorite part was walking along the beach, barefoot in the sand, with wild dunes behind us. We stopped for fresh seafood at a casual local spot. After, I loved ducking into the island’s small shops and galleries.
A surprise highlight was visiting the The Ocracoke Lighthouse, simple and historic.
I loved the sunsets and stargazing after, my favorite highlight. Nights bring some of the darkest, starriest skies on the East Coast.
Kiawah Island, SC
Traveling even further south we reached one of my favorite places to visit in South Carolina, Kiawah Island.
What I loved most was the serenity. There were moments when we felt like the wide beaches, maritime forests and tidal marshes were just for us.
Located just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah is best known for its 10 miles of pristine beachfront.
Beachwalker Park is the island’s only public beach. It has excellent facilities (bathrooms, shower and a place to buy food).
Kiawah’s is also home to world-class golf and luxury resorts. We checked into The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (from $305/night) for three luxurious nights.
Clearwater Beach
This beach was pure Florida Gulf Coast magic with sugar-white sand and calm waters.
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.
Instantly, the pace was delightfully relaxed: we 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. We also took a dolphin-watching cruise through Clearwater Bay, visited Clearwater Marine Aquarium ($41.95 for Adults, $32.95 for Kids) with my son. And sampled great key lime pie!
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 nearby too.
What I loved best:
I think that Clearwater Beach is one of the best East Coast beaches.
Gulf sunsets here were my personal highlight!
Congratulations for reading through all my Best East Coast Beaches on a Road Trip. I hope that our experiences inspire you to go on your own beach vacation!
Booking Checklist
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