East Coast Beaches

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

East Coast

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Where can families go for a great weekend getaway on the East Coast?
- Plan a family weekend getaway to one of these beautiful East Coast beaches, where you can relax with ocean views while your kids enjoy fun in the water.
What types of beach destinations are included?
- Our list features:
  - Secluded islands for a peaceful retreat
  - Popular beach resort towns with entertainment and activities
  - Other family-friendly beach options across every state along the East Coast of the United States
Which East Coast beaches are the best for families?
- Here are the best East Coast beaches (excluding Florida beaches).

Best Time to Visit Beaches on the East Coast

June to August – Warm weather, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun.
May & September – Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and great for beach walks.
April & October – Cooler but ideal for peaceful strolls and 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.

1.Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island

Stroll historic shores and enjoy a peaceful weekend filled with charm.

Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island

What is Tybee Island?
- Tybee Island is a popular retreat for both Savannah residents and out-of-town guests.
What activities can families enjoy on Tybee Island?
- Families can find plenty of fun at:
  - Parks and playgrounds
  - Some of the best East Coast beaches
  - Watersports and outdoor activities
  - Miles of biking and hiking trails
  - Relaxing beach lounging
Does Tybee Island have a strong arts and culture scene?
- Yes! Arts and culture are a central focus on the island. Visitors are welcomed at the Tybee Post Theater.
Are there any local events on Tybee Island?
- Yes, Tybee Island hosts several festivals and parades that pay tribute to its unique heritage.
What accommodations and dining options are available?
- Visiting families will find plenty of accommodation choices as well as a variety of local dining options.

2.Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport

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

Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport

What is Newport best known for?
- Newport is best known for its annual music festivals, including fantastic jazz and folk music.
What outdoor activities can nature lovers enjoy in Newport?
- Newport offers a beautiful environment for walking and enjoying nature. Popular activities include:
  - Birdwatching in the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a 325-acre sanctuary.
  - Walking the famous Cliff Walk, which provides stunning coastal views.
What family-friendly activities are available in Newport?
- For family-oriented fun, Easton Beach offers:
  - Numerous water sports
  - A skate park
  - Seasonal free concerts
  - A snack bar for refreshments
  - A children’s playground
  - Other beach-oriented activities

3.Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City

Bike the boardwalk and build sandcastles with kids.

Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City

What activities does Ocean City offer?
- Ocean City provides a wealth of outdoor activities and entertainment options to keep visitors with or without children busy for days.
What makes the Ocean City beach special?
- The eight-mile stretch of pristine shoreline is home to some of the best East Coast beaches.
- Trained lifeguards consistently patrol the area to ensure safety.
- The beach is an alcohol-free area, making it family-friendly.
- There are restrooms and changing areas available directly on the beach.
What can visitors do on the Ocean City boardwalk?
- The boardwalk is an exciting area for visitors of all ages.
- During summertime family nights, children can:
  - Get their faces painted
  - Participate in karaoke
What indoor activities are available in Ocean City?
- When the weather is poor, visitors can enjoy:
  - Storytelling sessions
  - Arts and crafts
  - Indoor sports
What entertainment is available for parents?
- Parents can stay entertained with Ocean City's wide range of dining and shopping options.
Is Ocean City a budget-friendly destination?
- Yes! Ocean City seeks to be a budget-friendly destination, offering families a variety of affordable accommodation options.

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

What makes Cape Cod a great destination?
- Cape Cod is a beautiful island known for its miles of sandy seashore and abundant natural beauty, including marshlands, forests, and freshwater ponds.
What activities can visitors enjoy on Cape Cod?
- A visit to Cape Cod offers a variety of activities, such as:
  - Relaxing on the beach
  - A trip to a working cranberry bog
  - Gallery hopping to explore local art
  - Whale watching along the coast
  - Dining at great restaurants
  - A night on the town with entertainment options
Is Cape Cod a good place for shopping and dining?
- Shopping and dining are two of the favorite pastimes of visitors, with a variety of options to suit any taste or budget.
What unique experiences can visitors have on Cape Cod?
- Visitors can enjoy unique activities such as:
  - Lighthouse tours
  - Chartered fishing cruises
  - Bicycle trail rides through scenic landscapes
Does Cape Cod have great beaches?
- Yes! Cape Cod is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast, making it a perfect getaway for beach lovers.

5.Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach

Visit family-friendly attractions and splash in the waves with kids.

Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach

What beaches are available in Virginia Beach?
- Virginia Beach offers three distinct beaches where families can play and relax:
  - Resort Beach – Known for high-energy activities and a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  - Sandbridge Beach – Offers a relaxed atmosphere, oceanfront vacation rentals, and long walking paths.
  - Chesapeake Bay Beach – A family-friendly beach featuring a long boardwalk with beautiful views of the bay, First Landing State Park, and Cape Henry Lighthouse.
What accommodations are available in Virginia Beach?
- No matter which beach guests choose, there are an abundance of accommodation options to fit every budget throughout Virginia Beach.
What makes Chesapeake Bay a popular destination?
- Chesapeake Bay is part of the Virginia Beach area and is particularly popular among families due to its stunning natural views and family-friendly activities.
What are the top attractions in Chesapeake Bay?
- Two of the most popular attractions in Chesapeake Bay are:
  - First Landing State Park – Features lagoons, rare plants, and areas for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also has walking trails for exploring different areas.
  - Cape Henry Lighthouse – Offers insight into the history of shipping and military activities in Chesapeake Bay.
Are there rental accommodations at First Landing State Park?
- Yes, the park offers cabins and campground space for visitors looking to stay overnight.
What should visitors know before visiting Cape Henry Lighthouse?
- Since the lighthouse is located on a military base, visitors over the age of 18 must bring a valid form of ID.

6.Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk

Watch the sunrise and explore quiet trails on a quick escape.

Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk

What is Montauk known for?
- Montauk is a small beachside community known for its sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and outdoor recreation scene.
What land-based activities are available in Montauk?
- Popular land-based activities in Montauk include:
  - Mountain biking
  - Hiking
  - Horseback riding
  - Tennis
  - Golf
What water activities can visitors enjoy in Montauk?
- The waters surrounding Montauk are perfect for almost every water-based activity imaginable, including:
  - SCUBA diving
  - Snorkeling
  - Kite surfing
  - Kayaking
  - Sailing
Are there dining and shopping options in Montauk?
- Yes! Visitors have plenty of options for dining, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment in town.
Where can visitors stay in Montauk?
- Montauk offers a series of beautiful hotels for guests to choose from.
- Camping is also available in certain parts of Montauk for visitors looking for a more outdoor experience.

7.Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach

Shop along the boardwalk and swim with family on a sunny afternoon.

Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach

Why is Rehoboth Beach a popular vacation spot?
- Rehoboth Beach is a favorite destination among East Coast vacationers due to its great hotels, long boardwalk, lavish homes, and numerous entertainment and dining options.
Is shopping a popular activity in Rehoboth Beach?
- Yes! Shoppers will love the abundance of tax-free stores in the area, making it a great spot for finding deals.
What outdoor activities are available in Rehoboth Beach?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including:
  - Kayaking
  - Surfing
  - Walking trails
  - Nature cruises
  - Sailing
  - And much more!
Are there activities for families with children?
- Yes! There are year-round activities that entertain families with children of all ages.
What popular events take place in Rehoboth Beach?
- Some of the most popular events in Rehoboth Beach include:
  - Parades
  - Contests
  - 5K races
Are there any special celebrations in Rehoboth Beach?
- Yes! Special celebrations held throughout the year include:
  - Elvis festival
  - Pet festival
  - Film festival

8.South Carolina beach with most attractions: Myrtle Beach

Ride the SkyWheel and explore beachside fun on a cheap trip.

South Carolina beach with most attractions: Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach a popular destination?
- Myrtle Beach is known for its beautiful resorts and 60 miles of waterfront, attracting visitors from all over the globe throughout the year.
What watersports can visitors enjoy in Myrtle Beach?
- Watersports are very popular in Myrtle Beach, including:
  - Boating
  - Surfing
  - Fishing
What family-friendly activities are available?
- Families can enjoy:
  - Strolling along the boardwalk
  - Riding the SkyWheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel
  - Playing on one of the area’s 50 mini golf courses
What are some other unique attractions in Myrtle Beach?
- Visitors can also experience:
  - Exploring historic ships
  - Taking a pirate cruise
  - Driving Go Karts at the Broadway Grand Prix track
  - Riding an ATV through the backwoods of South Carolina
Are there accommodations available for visitors?
- Yes! Myrtle Beach offers plenty of accommodation options to suit everyone’s needs, whether visitors are looking for luxury resorts or budget-friendly stays.

9.Best beach in Maine: Kennebunk

Walk peaceful shores and explore shops during a cozy fall weekend.

Best beach in Maine: Kennebunk

Why are Kennebunk and Kennebunkport popular destinations?
- Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have long been a destination for America’s well-heeled, but today they offer something for everyone.
What makes Kennebunkport visually appealing?
- Kennebunkport is known for its stunning, white sandy beaches and world-class shopping, making it a delight to the eyes.
What attractions and activities can visitors enjoy?
- The area offers a variety of attractions, including:
  - Small specialty shops
  - Numerous art galleries
  - Whale watching
  - Viewing homes of the rich and famous
What is the best season to visit Kennebunk and Kennebunkport?
- While all seasons are full of activities and sightseeing opportunities, the area is truly at its best during the fall when nature paints the trees in oranges, golds, and reds.

10.Second best beach in Georgia: Jekyll Island

Bike shaded trails and explore beaches with sea turtle nests in spring.

Second best beach in Georgia: Jekyll Island

Why is Jekyll Island a popular destination?
- Jekyll Island has an abundance of spectacular natural areas that draw thousands of visitors each year. It is also home to some of the top beaches on the East Coast.
What types of environments can be found on Jekyll Island?
- The island's fragile environment includes:
  - Marshlands
  - Maritime forests
  - Beaches
What conservation efforts exist on Jekyll Island?
- Jekyll Island is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a facility dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and their habitat.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted on Jekyll Island?
- Bird watchers can see a variety of bird species, including the Roseate Spoonbill, a bird known for its bright pink color.
- The island's marshland areas are also home to alligators and crocodiles that rest quietly in their natural habitat.
What accommodations are available on Jekyll Island?
- Jekyll Island offers a variety of accommodation options, including:
  - Hotels
  - Resorts
  - Villas
  - Vacation rentals
- For a luxury stay, visitors can book accommodations at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Best Beaches in Georgia: Tybee Island
2. Best Beaches in Rhode Island: Newport
3. Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City
4. Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod
5. Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach
6. Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk
7. Best beaches in Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
8. South Carolina beach with most attractions: Myrtle Beach
9. Best beach in Maine: Kennebunk
10. Second best beach in Georgia: Jekyll Island