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. Here are some of my favorite beaches along the East Coast, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. Best in Georgia: Tybee Island - 20 minutes from Savannah
We drove east from Savannah in about thirty minutes, the road passing through salt marshes where herons stood still in the water.
Tybee felt like a warm exhale. The soft sand, the salty wind, the pace of life, it all slowed me down in the best way. I walked barefoot past pastel cottages and let the breeze carry away whatever I didn’t need to hold onto.
Tybee Island in Georgia is one of my favorite coastal getaways, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems just outside of Savannah for a laid-back weekend escape.
I love that it has a charming small-town vibe, with wide sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of local seafood spots that make it feel both relaxing and fun.
My favorite part was biking around the island, exploring quiet backstreets, and ending the day with a sunset walk along the pier.
For me, Tybee Island is more than just a beach—it’s my favorite kind of Southern coastal retreat, where charm, relaxation, and ocean breezes all come together beautifully.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Savannah: ~30 minutes
- Highlights: Lighthouse, beach walks, kayaking, dolphin watching
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
We drove south from Providence in about forty minutes, the road crossing bridges with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay before narrowing into streets lined with historic homes.
Newport carries a kind of timeless grace. Walking along the Cliff Walk, with waves crashing against stone and Gilded Age mansions behind me, I felt like I had slipped into another era.
Newport, Rhode Island, is one of my favorite seaside towns. I think it’s easily one of the best destinations for a romantic or family weekend getaway in New England.
I love that it’s filled with history, from the Gilded Age mansions to the bustling harbor lined with yachts and sailboats.
My favorite part was strolling the Cliff Walk, where the ocean waves crash below and historic estates tower above—it’s both dramatic and breathtaking.
For me, Newport is more than just a coastal town—it’s my favorite kind of New England escape, where history, luxury, and seaside charm blend perfectly.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Boston: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Historic, upscale, coastal charm
3. Best Beach in New Jersey: Ocean City - 1.5 hours from Philadelphia
We drove south from Atlantic City in about half an hour, the road running close to the shore before crossing the bridge into town.
I thought that Ocean City felt like stepping back into a kinder, slower world. Families rode bikes on the boardwalk, kids laughed over sticky cotton candy, and the Atlantic sparkled like it was proud of something.
What I Loved Most: Watching one of the best sunrises from the sand, then wandering the boardwalk with nowhere to be and nothing to prove.
My Highlights? A boardwalk brunch at OC Surf Café. I had a Jersey Shore Benedict with crab cakes and Old Bay hollandaise, plus a peach smoothie. The open-air breeze made everything taste brighter.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.25 hours southeast
- Vibe: Wholesome, nostalgic, family-friendly
4. Easiest Beaches to Get to in Massachusetts: Cape Cod
We drove an hour and a half south from Boston, crossing the Sagamore Bridge where the canal opened wide and boats moved slowly below.
Cape Cod in Massachusetts is one of my favorite summer getaways. I think its one of the best coastal regions for a classic New England beach vacation.
I love that it offers so much variety—quiet villages, sandy dunes, lighthouses, and some of the best seafood shacks anywhere.
My favorite part was visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore, where miles of untouched shoreline made me feel completely connected to nature.
For me, Cape Cod is more than just a vacation spot—it’s my favorite kind of coastal adventure, where tradition, beauty, and relaxation all come together.
Cape Cod has a way of making space for reflection. From dunes and lighthouses to small harbor towns, everything whispers, "Take your time." I remember thinking, "This is what it means to be still and grateful." Each village had its own rhythm, but the ocean tied it all together.
What I Loved Most: Riding bikes on the Cape Cod Rail Trail and standing barefoot in the tide at Race Point Beach.
My Highlights? A seafood dinner at The Lobster Pot in Provincetown. I ordered scallops broiled in lemon butter, with a warm roll and chilled rosé. With harbor views and a cool breeze, it felt like the whole day had led to that one bite.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Boston: ~2 hours to the Cape, more with traffic
- Best Time to Visit: June to early September
5. Most activities for the whole family: Virginia Beach - 3.5 hours from DC
We drove southeast from Richmond in about two hours, the highway flattening into stretches of farmland and pine before opening to the coast.
Virginia Beach brought the kind of summer days that lingered in my memory. Surfers caught the early waves, the boardwalk buzzed with music and laughter, and the evenings felt endless.
Virginia Beach in Virginia is one of my favorite East Coast destinations. I think it's one of the best spots for a lively weekend getaway by the Atlantic.
I love that it balances a bustling boardwalk with wide sandy beaches, offering something for both fun-loving travelers and those seeking relaxation.
My favorite part was walking the oceanfront boardwalk at night, where live music, street performers, and the sea breeze created such an energetic vibe.
For me, Virginia Beach is more than just a shoreline—it’s my favorite kind of beach town, where fun, family, and ocean views all blend into an unforgettable experience.
What I Loved Most: Walking barefoot by the water as the sky turned pink, then catching live music on the boardwalk with a cold lemonade in hand.
My Highlights? A casual seafood feast at Waterman’s Surfside Grille. I had their signature crab cakes with sweet potato fries and a fresh-squeezed Orange Crush. The ocean breeze and twinkle lights made everything glow.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Richmond: ~2 hours southeast
- Hours: Beaches open sunrise to sunset
6. Most secluded beach near New York City: Montauk - 3 hours from NYC
We drove east from New York City in just over three hours, the highway narrowing as it passed through the Hamptons and finally opened into rolling dunes and glimpses of the Atlantic.
Montauk felt like the last page of a long, lovely book. The wind off the ocean was stronger, the cliffs higher, and everything quieter. I remember thinking, "This is where the world ends and begins again." Whether on a sunrise beach or at the lighthouse overlook, I felt part of something bigger.
Montauk, New York, is one of my favorite beach escapes. It’s easily one of the best hidden gems at the very tip of Long Island for a weekend getaway.
I love that it feels more laid-back than the Hamptons, with rugged coastline, wide sandy beaches, and a relaxed surf-town vibe that makes it underrated compared to glitzier neighbors.
My favorite part was visiting the Montauk Point Lighthouse, where the Atlantic waves crash against the cliffs—it’s both dramatic and breathtaking.
I found the town charming too, with seafood shacks, local shops, and cozy inns that made my stay feel authentic and memorable.
For me, Montauk is more than just a beach destination—it’s my favorite kind of coastal retreat, where natural beauty and small-town charm come together in one unforgettable escape.
What I Loved Most: Watching the sunrise from Ditch Plains Beach and hiking to the Montauk Point Lighthouse for views that stretched into forever.
My Highlights? 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.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from NYC: ~3 hours east (longer in summer traffic)
- Vibe: Wild, windswept, poetic
7. Hampton Beach - 25 minutes south of Portsmouth, NH
We drove north from Boston in just under an hour, the highway giving way to coastal roads lined with marshes before the ocean came into view.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is one of my favorite small coastal cities for a weekend getaway.
I love that it’s filled with history and character, from cobblestone streets and colonial homes to a lively waterfront lined with restaurants and shops.
My favorite part was strolling through Market Square and then heading to Prescott Park, where gardens and harbor views created such a peaceful atmosphere.
I found the food scene incredible too, with fresh seafood and farm-to-table dining that made every meal a highlight of the trip.
For me, Portsmouth is more than just a stop along the coast—it’s my favorite kind of New England town, where history, charm, and vibrant energy all blend into one perfect getaway.
I arrived at Hampton Beach expecting chaos. And I wasn’t disappointed, arcades buzzing, seagulls circling for dropped fries, sunburned shoulders moving in waves down the boardwalk. But if you walk past the first few blocks, the noise fades, and the beach gets big.
The sand here was coarse but warm, the tide strong and steady. I found a spot near the rocks and lay back, listening to the surf erase the boardwalk behind me. The Atlantic here isn’t subtle, it moves like it means it.
I grabbed lunch from a stall off the main strip: grilled veggie gyro with feta and lemon tahini sauce. It was hot, savory, and the pita soaked up just enough sauce to make it messy in a good way. I ate sitting on a driftwood log, shoes off, the salt drying into my sleeves.
Hampton Beach At a Glance
- Drive time from Portsmouth: ~25 minutes
- Food Nearby: Plenty, boardwalk stalls and casual eateries
8. Reflections on Coastal Time
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.
My personal highlights:
Some of my favorite East Coast beaches include Montauk, NY for its laid-back surf culture and stunning lighthouse views, Cape Cod, MA for its unique blend of dunes, seafood shacks, and classic New England charm, and Ocean City, NJ for its lively boardwalk and family-friendly energy.
Each one feels different, but they all deliver the best mix of scenery, atmosphere, and that timeless East Coast vibe.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
