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From cozy coastal towns to lively boardwalks, the East Coast has beaches for every occasion. Birthday celebration? Check. Quick day trip to re-connect with your girlfriends? Check. A summer family trip to the beach? Absolutely! During my 10 years of living in NY, going to the beach was my favorite activity. Luckily, there are many great beach destinations on the East Coast. Here are some of my favorites.

Unique East Coast Beaches:

1. Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island - 20 minutes from Savannah


"I escaped to Tybee Island after touring nearby Savannah."

Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island - 20 minutes from Savannah

© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

Location: Tybee Island, Georgia

Recommended For: Families, beachgoers and outdoor adventure seekers.

What I Love: “Tybee Island has sunny beaches, family-friendly activities, and offers coastal fun just minutes from Savannah.”

  • I go here for sunbathing, swimming, and castle-building with the kids.
  • We explore parks and family-friendly hiking trails.
  • I like to to to the Theater on my night out.

Cost: Free beach access. Parking costs money.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Although people complain about crowds, I enjoy summer beach days because of all the activities.

Local tips: Rent bikes and go explore the coastal trails. Check for festivals during your visit (you may need to get tickets ahead of time).

Distance: Just 20 minutes from Savannah, Georgia. I drove there.

How to Get to Tybee Island: From Savannah, take US-80 E straight to Tybee. Public transportation is limited, so driving is best. Free (very few spots!) and metered parking is available around beach access points.

Where to Stay: Choose from beachfront cottages, family-friendly hotels, and charming B&Bs (check prices on Booking.com). Many accommodations are within walking distance of the shore and downtown restaurants.

2. Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport - 1.5 hours from Boston


💕 "Sail along the coast and explore cliffside paths on a romantic trip."

Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport - 1.5 hours from Boston

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Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Recommended For: Music lovers, families, birdwatchers

What I Love: “ Newport is a seaside town known for music, mansions, and breathtaking cliffside strolls.”

  • Experience world-renowned music festivals.
  • Walk along Newport’s scenic Cliff Walk.
  • Enjoy a family day at Easton Beach.

Cost: Many attractions, like the Cliff Walk and public beach access, are free. Music festivals and guided tours vary in price.

Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall are my favorite. Summers are more busy but great!

Local tips: Pack comfortable shoes for the Cliff Walk because some areas are rocky. Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary early in the morning before it gets hot.

Distance: Roughly 1.5 hours from Boston and 3.5 hours from New York City by car

How to Get to Newport: Accessible by car via Route 138 and the Newport Bridge. There’s also ferry service from Providence in the summer and regional bus service.

Where to Stay: There are many options. Look for boutique hotels, beachside accommodations and romantic inns. Many places offer a view of the harbor or are within walking distance of attractions.

Review:★★★★★ "Visiting Newport, RI with family was such a great experience! I loved walking along the Cliff Walk and seeing the ocean crashing against the rocks. And swimming of course. The harbor had awesome seafood and cute (although touristy) shops. "

Romantic East Coast Beaches:

3. Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City - 1.5 hours from Philadelphia


😊 "I biked on the boardwalk. I found it hard to leave at the end of a perfect day."

Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City - 1.5 hours from Philadelphia

© Novack/stock.adobe.com

Location: Ocean City, New Jersey

Recommended For: Families with kids, budget-conscious travelers

What I Love: “A classic Jersey Shore getaway with a fun boardwalk, and nonstop entertainment for all ages.”

  • Play on eight miles of pristine beaches
  • Enjoy the lively Ocean City Boardwalk. Go shopping and look for family night events .

Cost: Many public amenities and events are free or low-cost. Lodging and dining span a wide range of budgets.

Best time to visit: I enjoy late spring through early fall there. I like warm weather and boardwalk activities. Summer is great too but it's difficult to find parking on weekends.

Local tip: Ocean City is a dry town, meaning no alcohol is sold.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from New York City by car

How to Get to Ocean City: Easily reached by car via the Garden State Parkway (Exit 30 or 25). Bus services are available from nearby major cities.

4. Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod


"Explore quaint beach towns and relax on sandy shores during summer."

Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod

© lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Recommended For: Nature lovers, families, art enthusiasts

What I Love: “I can never get enough of Cape Cod. While living in NYC, if a business trip took me to Boston, I always tried to get away to the Cape for a day. I adore the sandy beaches, lighthouses and whale watching!”

  • Stroll along miles of beautiful sandy beaches and admire the dunes, marshlands, and tidal pools.
  • Explore local culture with gallery hopping or a tour of historic lighthouses.
  • Go on a whale watching cruise or a chartered fishing trip.

Cost: Public beaches are free. Hotels can be expensive in season.

Best time to visit: June to September for the best weather and full access to beaches, festivals, and outdoor fun

Local tips: Beat the traffic by arriving early on weekends. The shoulder seasons (late May or early October) is my favorite time to visit.

Distance: About 1.5 hours from Boston by car (to the bridge), but allow extra time in summer traffic

How to Get to Cape Cod: Drive via U.S. Route 6 or take a ferry from Boston. There are also shuttles and buses connecting major towns.

Family East Coast Beaches:

5. Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach - 3.5 hours from DC


My top 5 😎 : "Visit family-friendly attractions and splash in the waves with kids. I found nonstop fun for all ages at Virginia Beach."

Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach - 3.5 hours from DC

© Christian Hinkle/stock.adobe.com

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Recommended For: Families, beachgoers

What I Love: “Three distinct beaches, scenic parks, historic lighthouses, and lots of family fun.”

  • Choose your beach:
  • Relax and explore: Spend the day lounging on the beach.
  • Climb the Cape Henry Lighthouse for sweeping views and maritime history. Don’t forget your government-issued ID if over 18—it’s on a military base!

Cost: Most beach areas are free to access; park entry, lighthouse tours, and accommodations vary

Best time to visit: May through September for warm water, full beach services, and summer festivals

Local tips: Book accommodations early in peak season. Sandbridge is perfect for a quiet stay; Resort Beach offers vibrant nightlife and family attractions.

Distance: Approx. 3.5 hours from Washington, D.C. by car

How to Get to Virginia Beach: Drive via I-64 E or fly into Norfolk International Airport (ORF), just 20 minutes away

6. Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk - 3 hours from NYC


"Watch the sunrise and explore quiet trails on a quick escape. I always found it easy to unplug in Montauk."

Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk - 3 hours from NYC

© haveseen/stock.adobe.com

Location: Montauk, New York

Recommended For: Outdoor adventurers, beach lovers

What I Love: “Rugged trails, beautiful nature!”

  • Get active on land: Montauk offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, and golf.
  • Go SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, kayaking, and sailing.
  • Stay your way: Choose from stylish seaside hotels.

Cost: Many outdoor activities are free or low cost; accommodations range from mid-range to luxury

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall

Local tips: Book early in peak summer. For solitude, visit in May or September when it's quieter but still beautiful.

Distance: Approx. 3 hours by car or train from New York City

How to Get to Montauk: I like to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Montauk. You can also drive via the scenic Montauk Highway (NY-27) but traffic can be unpredictable.

Where to Stay: Choose from coastal inns, boutique resorts, campgrounds, and family-friendly hotels for various budgets.

Fun East Coast Beaches:

7. Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach - 2.5 hours from DC


💕 "Shop along the boardwalk and swim."

Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach - 2.5 hours from DC

© jonbilous/stock.adobe.com

Location: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Recommended For: Families, couples, shoppers

What I Love: “I enjoy tax-free shopping and lively events all year long.”

  • Activities in Rehoboth Beach include kayaking, surfing, nature cruises, walking trails, and sailing.
  • There are many activities for kids.
  • The iconic boardwalk is lined with shops, amusements, and eateries.

Cost: Activities range from free beach walks to moderately priced water sports.

Best time to visit: May to October

Local tips: Arrive early in the day during peak season to find parking.

Distance: Around 2.5 hours by car from Washington, D.C. or Philadelphia

How to Get to Rehoboth Beach: Drive via DE Route 1 or take the DART Beach Bus from regional transit centers

Where to Stay: Many options! I rented a home to have more space with kids.

Best Time to Visit Beaches on the East Coast

  • June to August – Warm weather, perfect for swimming.
  • May & September – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, great for beach walks.
  • April & October – Cooler but ideal for enjoying scenic views.
  • November to March – Off-season with quiet shorelines, perfect for solitude and reflection.
  • Early June – Great for enjoying mild weather before the summer crowds arrive.

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