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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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!”
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.
Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Recommended For: Families, beachgoers
What I Love: ♥ “Three distinct beaches, scenic parks, historic lighthouses, and lots of family fun.”
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
Location: Montauk, New York
Recommended For: Outdoor adventurers, beach lovers
What I Love: ♥ “Rugged trails, beautiful nature!”
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.
Location: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Recommended For: Families, couples, shoppers
What I Love: ♥ “I enjoy tax-free shopping and lively events all year long.”
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.
Unique East Coast Beaches:
1. Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island - 20 minutes from Savannah
Rating: ★★★★★
2. Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport - 1.5 hours from Boston
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
4. Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod
Family East Coast Beaches:
5. Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach - 3.5 hours from DC
6. Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk - 3 hours from NYC
Fun East Coast Beaches:
7. Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach - 2.5 hours from DC
Plan Your Trip
Why I've Been Visiting These East Coast Beaches for 25 Years
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In This Article:
- • Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island - 20 minutes from Savannah
- • Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport - 1.5 hours from Boston
- • Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City - 1.5 hours from Philadelphia
- • Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod
- • Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach - 3.5 hours from DC
- • Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk - 3 hours from NYC
- • Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach - 2.5 hours from DC