Best East Coast Beaches
The East Coast offers a stunningly varied shoreline, where sun-drenched beaches, windswept dunes, and charming coastal towns line the edge of the Atlantic. 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 which I discovered living and traveling along the East Coast for 10 years. Here are some of my favorite beaches along the East Coast, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. Tybee Island, GA
When we visited Tybee Island, 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!
Just a short 20-minute drive east along the marsh-fringed Highway 80 from Savannah, I checked in for three days into the charming 3-star DeSoto Beach Hotel, right on the oceanfront. The mood was casual and fun. We walked along the dunes at sunrise, explored the 18th-century Fort Pulaski where echoes of cannon fire still seem to linger, wandered the windswept pier with fishermen casting their lines into the Atlantic, and climbed the historic Tybee Lighthous for spectacular 360 degree coastal views. Evenings were filled with beach strolls under sherbet-colored sunsets and the sound of live music drifting from local bars.
- Map & Directions
- Vibe: Historic, upscale, coastal charm
Dining at The Crab Shack was the best, a quirky, open-air seafood joint on the salt marsh, definitely my personal highlight.
2. Newport, RI
I thought Newport was a dazzling blend of seaside charm and Gilded Age grandeur with sailboats in the harbor, scenic coastal cliffs, and old-money mansions. It struck a perfect balance between breezy New England maritime town and living museum of America’s opulent past.
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. My favorite was the rooftop deck overlooking Narragansett Bay.
The rhythm of my stay was both indulgent and adventurous: I walked along the famed Cliff Walk, with crashing waves on one side and extravagant “summer cottages” like The Breakers and Marble House on the other, and wandered hrough the bustling cobblestone streets of Thames Street lined with boutiques and oyster bars.
- Drive Time from Boston: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Historic, upscale, coastal charm
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. Ocean City, NJ
When I visited Ocean City this month, it was the epitome of a wholesome seaside retreat, classic boardwalk fun, wide family-friendly beaches, and a nostalgic small-town vibe that felt timeless yet lively and that completely won me over.
Just a quick 20-minute drive south from Atlantic City over the bridge, I checked in for three 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.
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.25 hours southeast
- Vibe: Wholesome, nostalgic, family-friendly
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.
4. Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach was a vibrant mix of classic boardwalk energy, wide sandy beaches, and a surprising blend of history 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.
- Drive Time from Richmond: ~2 hours southeast
- Hours: Beaches open sunrise to sunset
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.
5. Montauk, NY
As a NYC local, visiting Montauk is always a highlight. 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.
- Drive Time from NYC: ~3 hours east (longer in summer traffic)
- Vibe: Wild, windswept, poetic
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.
6. Hampton Beach, NH
When we visited this month, I thought Hampton Beach was a lively, throwback seaside playground with bustling boardwalks, arcades flashing neon, long stretches of golden sand, and a festive summer spirit that felt nostalgic yet still very much alive. I though that Hampton Beach, NH is one of the best East Coast beaches. 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.
- Drive time from Portsmouth: ~25 minutes
- Food Nearby: Plenty, boardwalk stalls and casual eateries
Watching a weekly fireworks show explode over the ocean, with families and beachgoers gathered along the sand was awesome!
7. Jekyll Island, Georgia
I thought Jekyll Island 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. We spent two days at 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island. 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.
- Map & Directions
- Vibe: Historic, upscale, secluded
8. Ocean City, MD
Ocean City, Maryland's wide, sandy shoreline felt endlessly inviting, while the lively boardwalk added a nostalgic, carnival-like energy that kept the day humming from sunrise swims to late-night strolls.
Stretching for 10 miles along the Atlantic, Ocean City’s beach is big enough to find both lively crowds near the boardwalk and quieter stretches farther north.
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. The iconic 3-mile boardwalk mixes arcades, amusement rides, shops, and oceanfront cafés, creating a timeless beach-town atmosphere. 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.
9. Ocracoke Island, NC
When I visited, I found Ocracoke Island felt like stepping into a world apart—remote, windswept, and steeped in history. 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. Sunsets here linger softly over the sound, and nights bring some of the darkest, starriest skies on the East Coast. Ocracoke feels both rugged and timeless—a place where the natural world still sets the rhythm.
10. Kiawah Island, SC
I thought Kiawah Island was a serene coastal retreat, where wide, windswept beaches meet maritime forests and tidal marshes alive with wildlife. The island felt refined yet deeply natural—an unspoiled landscape of sand, sea, and sky, with just the right touch of Southern charm.
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.
11. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor was the quintessential Down East escape with rugged granite shores, salty sea breezes, and postcard-perfect views of pine-studded islands rising from Frenchman Bay. It had that rare mix of wild, untamed beauty and cozy New England charm, where lobster shacks and sailboats coexist with mountain hikes and crashing surf.
Just about a 1-hour drive from Bangor along winding coastal roads, I spent three unforgettable days at the classic Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, perched right at the water’s edge with sweeping bay views. My days were filled with both adventure and serenity: I biked the carriage roads of nearby Acadia National Park, hiked the granite summit of Cadillac Mountain to catch the nation’s first sunrise, strolled Shore Path as waves lapped against the rocks, and spotted puffins and seals on a boat tour through Frenchman Bay. Evenings were spent wandering Bar Harbor’s quaint downtown, with its clapboard shops, art galleries, and the irresistible smell of lobster rolls wafting through the streets.
12. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was pure 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. Evenings brought fiery Gulf sunsets that melted into starry skies.
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.
Like this beach in Florida? Check out my article on the Best Beaches in Florida.
13. Martha’s Vineyard
Since I first visited Martha’s Vineyard decades ago to spend my first summer there with relatives, I found the island's beaches were absolutely captivating, each one offering its own blend of natural charm, coastal character, and timeless island atmosphere. From wide sandy stretches to dramatic clay cliffs, the island felt like a living postcard of New England’s seaside beauty.
A short ferry ride from Cape Cod brings you to this island sanctuary, where afternoons can be spent strolling windswept South Beach, swimming in the calm waters of State Beach, or exploring the striking Aquinnah Cliffs. Quiet coves like Lambert’s Cove Beach reward the patient traveler with peaceful seclusion, while lively Oak Bluffs and Edgartown beaches pair sun and surf with charming towns just steps away. Whether watching surfers ride rolling Atlantic waves or spotting seals off Chappaquiddick, there’s a balance of wild beauty and human warmth woven into every shoreline.
Conclusion
Every beach on the East Coast tells its own quiet story. Some days brought salt on my skin and laughter in the air, others invited long walks and deep thoughts under wide skies. Whether I was chasing lighthouses in Montauk or eating shrimp with my fingers on Tybee, each place reminded me to be fully there, for the sounds, the silence, the sea. There’s something healing about these shores. I didn’t know I needed the reset until I had it.
Booking Checklist
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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.
