Are you planning a trip to the beach? Great news, I’m sharing the 14 best beaches on the East Coast USA to help you decide where to go! Keep reading to see the best beaches in each state along the United States East Coast shoreline.
There are over 2,000 miles of beaches along the East Coast of the United States. The East Coast, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 states with beaches along the East Coast.
One of the cool things about these beaches is that they are each pretty unique. Some are best for relaxing, some are best for families, and some are best for partying. Let’s take a look at some of the best East Coast beaches!
Best Beaches on the East Coast
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East Coast Beaches: Maine
Old Orchard Beach, ME
It might surprise you to learn that Maine has more combined coastline than California! The 3,478 miles are comprised of the general coastline and tidal shoreline. It has barrier islands and intercostal waterways.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Old Orchard Beach is located in a resort town in Maine. It is a great place for people with small children and families who like LOTS of activity! It’s a BUSY beach with a boardwalk, an awesome pier, and an amusement park with classic rides like a carousel, Ferris wheel, and roller coaster all RIGHT on the beach. If you are looking for a quiet relaxing beach vacation, then this one is NOT for you.
Fun Things to do By the Beach
Old Orchard Beach is located 19 miles from Portland. There is affordable transportation available to visit neighboring towns by bus or trolley. The Old Orchard Beach trolley is only $2 per person, per ride! Hop on the trolley to go shopping or see popular tourist attractions.
There is so much to do right on the beach but if you want to venture out and try some water activities then check this out. There are several different 3-hour rental options available so you can get out on the water and have ALL the fun. Pick from a 1 or 2-person kayak, a fishing kayak, or a stand-up paddleboard. Life jackets and a map are included. If you’ve never tried it before, Kayaking is so much fun!
East Coast Beaches: New Hampshire
Hampton Beach State Park, NH
New Hampshire has 131 miles of shoreline. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes. You will find some beaches that are rocky and some that are sandy. New Hampshire has a little bit of everything in their beach scene so if you don’t like one area just try another one!
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Hampton Beach was awarded Tripadvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award and is named among the top 3 cleanest beaches in the US. It is a great place for families, swimming, fishing, and camping.
One of my favorite parts is that they have nightly entertainment as well as fireworks on the beach every Wednesday in the summertime. Check their website for the entertainment schedule.
Fun Things to do By the Beach
There are TONS of things to do in the area. Hampton Beach has shopping, restaurants, mini-golf, and a casino right by the beach!
You should also visit the adorable town of Portsmouth. It’s the third oldest city in the United States and is about 20 minutes from Hammond Beach. You’ll love this cool town for exploring, shopping, and eating at great restaurants.
Do you like to bike? If so then you can get some exercise while you either explore nature or historic neighborhoods. Why not take a fun bike tour to see the landscape? I did this in Panama City Beach and it was a great way to see the town!
East Coast Beaches: Massachusetts
Cape Cod: Race Point Beach, MS
Massachusetts has 1,519 miles of shoreline. Out of that shoreline, Cape Cod is comprised of 40 miles of coastline. Famous for its stunning sandy beaches and delicious lobster roll, you will love it here! You have to make sure you eat the incredibly fresh seafood in Massachusetts.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Cape Cod has the most picturesque beaches. You DEFINITELY have to watch a sunset on this beach! The towns are quaint and everything looks like it’s out of a movie. If you want a relaxing and picture-perfect beach vacation then visit Cape Cod. Race Point Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore so you will have to pay $ 25.00 per day to visit but this 2022 Travelers’ Choice Beach definitely worth it!
Fun Things to do By the Beach
Cape Cod is stunning and great for a relaxing day at the beach. If you want to see more of what MA has to offer then explore Provincetown and take a short trip outside of town to see Martha’s Vineyard.
Provincetown
Are you ready to do some exploring? A great way to see Cape Cod and Provincetown is with this self-guided audio tour. You download it to your phone and follow the GPS directions. Go at your own pace while taking in the scenic landscape and learning interesting history about the different areas. (You only need one download for your group.)
The tour lots of optional detours so feel free to make your experience as in-depth as you would like! The best part is once you download it, it’s yours. That means you can break it up into multiple days if you want to.
Martha’s Vineyard
Visiting Martha’s Vineyard is an incredible day trip experience. It’s famous for its natural beauty and a must-see in MA. The only way to get there is by boat or airplane. The ferry from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard is a 45-minute ride and costs less than $20.00 per person for a round-trip ticket. You can take a 3-hour tour of 6 towns around the island to make the most of your day trip!
East Coast Beaches: Rhode Island
Easton's Beach, RI
Rhode Island has 384 miles of shoreline. Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach, is about a 15-minute walk from downtown Newport.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Easton’s Beach is a favorite for families because of all the additional activities they have to offer. It has a playground, skatepark, live music, and a carousel. It’s a great place for a family picnic with the available grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. They even have beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards for rent. Most of all, it’s a clean and safe beach!
Other Fun Things to do By the Beach
Aside from all of the cool things I mentioned above, Easton’s Beach also has a fun yet educational Exploration Center and Aquarium with some marine life you can actually touch.
While you are in Newport, Rhode Island you should take a relaxing cruise around Narragansett Bay. There are a few different 75-minute cruise opinions available. You can take the Spring Lighthouse Cruise to see lighthouses and mansions while you learn a little about the history of Newport, or you can enjoy the sunset during an Evening Sunset Cruise for some added romance.
If you are ready to take a break from being on the water, then take a Scenic Trolley Tour. During this narrated tour you can view the waterfront, historic downtown, and tour Breakers Mansion.
East Coast Beaches: Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach: Madison, CT
Connecticut has 618 miles of shoreline. Hammonasset Beach makes up 2 miles of that shoreline. It’s the longest coastline in Connecticut and it attracts over a million visitors every year. The beach is free for visitors, but there is a pretty steep daily parking fee for non-residents.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
The thing that makes this option so cool is that it’s more than just a beach. It’s a beach AND a state park. Hammonasset Beach State Park is located on Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut. It is made up of around 1,000 acres of marsh, forest, fields, and of course the beach. It’s a great place to go camping!
But wait… there’s more… there are areas of sand that are PINK! Yes, pink sand! You can see exactly where to find the pink sand if you scroll down in this article about the Connecticut Garnet Trail.
Fun Things to do By the Beach
Since it’s a State Park there are tons of things to do at the beach, but if you’ve traveled to Connecticut then there’s one more place you HAVE to visit. Mystic Seaport is the #1 tourist attraction in Connecticut. I highly suggest that you drive the 40 minutes and make a day trip out of it.
I took my children to Mystic when they were young and they LOVED it! It is FREE to walk around Mystic Village, but you definitely also want to visit the interactive Mystic Seaport Museum. You will get to climb on historic ships in the shipyard and learn about all things maritime here!
While you are in Mystic Connecticut you might want to visit the famous Mystic Pizza. It’s been there since 1973 but became famous after the movie with Julia Roberts, Mystic Pizza, came out in 1988.
East Coast Beaches: New York
Coney Island, NY
New York has 1,792 miles of shoreline. Coney Island is technically a peninsula but was previously an island. This iconic beach holds 150 years of history in New York. It might surprise you to know that it is where the world’s FIRST rollercoaster was introduced!
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
As one of the best-known amusement parks in the US, Coney Island has a traditional beach scene with arcade games, bars, a boardwalk, and amusement rides. You will have all the fun walking the 3.5-mile beachfront boardwalk.
This family-friendly beach has a lot of free and cheap things to do. The beaches are free and it’s free to walk around the amusement area. Don’t forget to check out the fun pop-up exhibits by local artists at the Freak Bar. The Coney Island Museum is pretty cool and only $5.00 per person.
During different times, there are free concerts and fireworks so make sure you check the website for upcoming events.
Other Fun Things to do By the Beach
I’ve mentioned before that I think 1 thing you must do every time you travel is to take some type of tour. The 2.5-hour Coney Island Food and History Tour is a GREAT option! You get to snack your way around the island, boardwalk, and beach while you listen to really cool stories about Coney Island.
Another really cool and unique option is the 2-hour Made in Coney Island Tour. Your tour starts out at Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs and ends at the well-known Gargiulo’s restaurant, which is a block away from Coney Island. You can learn some fun history from a local! I’ve mentioned before that I like take the opportunity to ask the tour guide and fellow travelers for recommendations on things in the area.
Of course, if you are visiting Coney Island then you are also a short drive away from some of the other famous tourist attractions in New York City. Make sure you take a day trip to see some city sites as well!
East Coast Beaches: New Jersey
Cape May, NJ
I grew up in Pennsylvania so New Jersey was the closest place for me to go to the beach. New Jersey has 1,792 miles of shoreline.
Two important things to be aware of are 1) be prepared to pay to get on the beaches in NJ and 2) many of the restaurants in NJ are BYOB… so the money you spend on the beach you will save in buying booze. That’s a WIN!
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
This one is more about the town than the beach. Don’t get me wrong, the beaches are clean and beautiful, but Cape May has a different vibe from other beach towns. It has a more upscale and historic atmosphere. In fact, Cape May is on the National Register of Historic Places. I love all the Victorian architecture!
Where to Stay in Cape May
I DEFINITELY recommend that you stay in a Bed and Breakfast when you are visiting Cape May, New Jersey. They have the most amazing historical buildings and it just adds to your unique experience!
Fun Things to do By the Beach
If you want to see dolphins while you are at the beach then you are in luck! There are a few different dolphin-watching cruise options. The 3-hour Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise is an amazing opportunity to make memories on your beach vacation. If you want something a little more romantic then try the 2-hour Cape May Island Sunset Cruise.
Are you looking to catch more than just a buzz in New Jersey? You can schedule a fun 1/2 day chartered fishing experience that includes EVERYTHING you need for the trip. It is family-friendly and they will even teach you how to catch and clean your fish. No experience is required!
There are 2 options: An 8:00 am morning fishing trip or a 1:00 pm afternoon fishing trip.
While you are at the beach make sure you visit the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventuresome then take the 199 steps to the top for an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
If you don’t want to climb stairs, but you do want to see some lighthouses then consider this 6-hour guided cruise tour of Cape May’s lighthouses. It is an informative trip that passes several lighthouses during the cruise. Breakfast and lunch are served on this in-depth tour.
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East Coast Beaches: Delaware
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Delaware has 381 miles of shoreline. Rehoboth and Dewey Beach are the most popular Delaware beaches and are both best known for their bustling nightlife. If you are looking for family fun during the day and party time at night then Rehoboth Beach is the place for you!
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
It is FREE to get on beautiful Rehoboth Beach, but for me, it’s the boardwalk that makes this place so cool. It’s right by the beach and has lots of family fun like mini-golf, an arcade, souvenirs, and all the traditional foods you’d expect to find at the beach. My favorite part about the boardwalk is the free concerts they have in the summer!
Fun Things to do By the Beach
FUN FACT: Delaware doesn’t charge state sales tax so it’s a great place for you to get your shopping on! Take a break from the beach and check out the 3 big Tanger Outlets that are nearby. Who doesn’t love a little shopping AND a great deal on vacation?
There are fun family activities right near the beach like the family-owned Funland Amusement Park, Jungle-Jim’s Water Park, and Midway Speedway. The beach is close to downtown fun with shopping and upscale restaurants.
You should participate in some sort of fun and unique water activity while you are on your East Coast beach vacation. Viator has a few different options for kayaking and paddleboard excursions. You can get a rental and go out on your own or you can go with a group. If it’s your first time kayaking, like it was for me, then you will feel most comfortable going on a guided tour. Most importantly, it’s so much fun and great memories!
East Coast Beaches: Maryland
Ocean City, MD
Maryland has 3,190 miles of shoreline. Ocean City’s 10 miles of beach have up to 4 million visitors each year. It is most famous for its boardwalk and fishing.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Ocean City literally has something for everyone. There are activities and price points for every budget. It is a fun place to be if you want to play ALL day and ALL night!
Fun Things to do By the Beach
By now you might have realized that I’m always going to suggest some sort of fun water excursion when you’re at the beach. Why not go on a Banana Boat Ride Adventure?! You don’t need to have any skill to take this fun 20-minute ride with up to 6 of your family or friends.
Are you planning a trip to Ocean City, Maryland? You have to check out this detailed post with The Best Things to do in Ocean City Maryland!
Is all this fun and sun, making you hungry? (Hopefully, you don’t get “hangry” like me.) You’re in luck because Ocean City has a few different food tours for you to try! My favorite option is the Food Boat Tour with Tastings. You will have ALL the fun on this 3-hour tour of 3 different restaurants on the water.
If you’re hungry and you’re ready to take a break from the water then try this 3-hour Downtown and Boardwalk Foodie Walking Tour. You can’t leave the beach without eating some freshly caught seafood! You’ll love this educational and tasty tour.
East Coast Beaches: Virginia
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia’s shoreline stretches to 3,315 miles. The 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk is at the heart of the action in Virginia Beach. It is a safe and affordable place for your beach vacation.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Virginia Beach has a lot of options for fun things to do in the area. It’s a great place if you don’t mind large crowds and you like lots of options to choose from. Virginia Beach has great food, art, entertainment, and history.
There are plenty of things to do if you like to party and there are also things geared more toward families. This is your beach if you like activities and the social scene on your vacation!
Fun Things to do By the Beach
One of the best places we went as a family was Motor World. In addition to go-karts, they also have mini-golf and amusement rides. It’s a lot of fun! Your family will love it!
Not far from the beach, you can take a FREE self-guided mural tour in the Vibe Art District. This is a fun activity to do on days when it’s too cold to go to the beach or if you just want to get some exercise by walking. You can see as many murals as your schedule will allow or break it up into an activity for two different days.
If you want to see dolphins while you are in Virginia Beach then you should take the Small Group Dolphin Kayak Eco Tour or the Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour. I have done them before and even if you’ve never kayaked before, it is easy and fun! It is only 2 hours long so you’re not committed to taking up too much of your day. The best part is they have free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the selected date. That means if your plans change or the weather isn’t great, you don’t have to worry about changing your plans.
Are you planning a trip to Virginia Beach? You have to check out 7 Cheap or Free Things to do in Virginia Beach!
East Coast Beaches: North Carolina
Outer Banks, NC
North Carolina has 3,375 miles of shoreline. Outer Banks is comprised of a 175-mile chain of barrier islands. You can expect to see wide spans of soft sand, sand dunes, and historic sites with a rich history. You won’t see boardwalks, amusement parks, or typical touristy beach attractions here.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
The Outer Banks is the perfect place for families with young children who want to take a beach vacation. It is not a party town so you can definitely expect to have a family-friendly atmosphere. This is one of the most beautiful beaches you can select for your family to relax on a pristine sandy beach.
Fun Things to do By the Beach
The Outer Banks has a more low-key vibe. You will definitely find opportunities for relaxing and plenty of amazing golf courses.
We think it’s always fun to go fishing on the pier. This is where my daughter caught her first fish. They have everything you need right there to rent so just show up and have fun!
There are beautiful gardens a short drive away at Elizabethan Gardens. It’s a beautiful place to see all the stunning blooms, fountains, and sculptures. They won the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor. This non-profit organization is open all year and has lots of fun seasonal events so check their website for details and hours.
If you are looking to do something a little more adventurous when you visit the Outer Banks then I’d suggest this 2-hour Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD. It is a small guided tour in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle with an open top. You will see wild horses and other wildlife along the way as you pass through Carova Beach.
PRO TIP: The sun is stronger down South. Make sure you bring good sunscreen!
East Coast Beaches: South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach towns in the country! It has 60 miles out of South Carolina’s 2,876 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Coast. One of the great things about Myrtle Beach is that you will find a range of people from little kids to retirees.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Myrtle Beach is definitely a touristy town so there are a TON of awesome things to do. You can find something for everyone here! Maybe I’m partial to this beach because I have family that lives there. I’ve been visiting for 25+ years and I still find new things to see and do each time.
Fun Things to do Near the Beach
During your beach vacation, you will want to visit a popular spot called Broadway at the Beach. It was awarded the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor. This popular tourist location has EVERYTHING! Aside from a ton of shopping and great restaurants, there are water sports, live music, fireworks, nightlife, shows at Broadway theater, and so much more.
Don’t forget to take a ride on the SkyWheel. It is similar to a Ferris Wheel, but with climate-controlled gondolas. The SkyWheel brings you 20 stories high so you can look out over the Atlantic Ocean. It was awarded the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
Are you planning a trip to Myrtle Beach? You have to check out Cheap and Free Things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!
East Coast Beaches: Georgia
Tybee Island, GA
It might surprise you to know that Georgia has 2,344 miles of shoreline. It’s best known for its beaches located on Jekyll Island and Tybee Island.
Both beaches are family-friendly and great for camping. The main difference between the two beaches is that Tybee has more to offer for dining and activities.
Tybee Island is actually made up of a few beaches. North Beach, Mid Beach, South Beach, and Black River Beach. North Beach has beautiful calm waters and is great for finding seashells.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
If you read about 10 Unforgettable Things you Need to Do in Savannah Georgia then you know my family had a great time there. What I didn’t mention is that Tybee Island is a short drive from Savannah so you can have ALL the fun at both destinations. Aside from its perfect location, Tybee Island has great marine life so you can expect to see starfish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Are you planning a trip to see Tybee Island in Georgia? You Might Also Want to Check Out 10 Unforgettable Things You Need to Do in Savannah Georgia!
Fun Things to do Near the Beach
If you want to guarantee your dolphin encounter then you should schedule a 5.5-hour Tybee Island Dolphin Tour. On the dolphin tour, you will also get to see other wildlife like alligators and exotic birds.
The tour also has a stop to see the famous Tybee Island Lighthouse. As the oldest lighthouse in Georgia, it’s a popular attraction, which received Tripadvisors 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award.
East Coast Beaches: Florida
South Beach: Miami, FL
Although I love to visit Panama City Beach and Crab Island in Destin, my absolute FAVORITE beach in Florida is South Beach in Miami. The first time I ever saw clear water and white sand beaches was in South Beach. Florida has 8,436 miles of stunning coastline and it is one of my favorite places to visit during the winter.
Why it's One of the Best Beaches on the East Coast
Of course, the main things that make Florida a popular destination for beach vacations are the white sand and clear blue water. The nightlife and cool party vibes in Miami are unmatched on the East Coast.
Fun Things to do Near the Beach
If somehow you have had enough of swimming in the warm waters and laying out under the beautiful palm trees and you want to have some fun, you’re in the right place. The city has some amazing food options, luxury shopping, and incredible nightlife.
South Beach Adventures:
I’ve previously mentioned that I use Get Your Guide to plan my fun excursions. I can have all my tickets and info on my phone for easy access, and they have free cancellation so if my plans change I’m not stressed. They have 134 different activities in South Beach, Miami!
Daytime Adventures:
With so many different options it isn’t hard to find something fun and unique to do. I’m going to share my three favorite suggestions.
1) Private Helicopter Tour: I took a private helicopter tour when I was in Hawaii and it was the BEST part of that trip. This 30-minute private helicopter tour gives you a unique view of the city skyline and a peek at some celebrity mansions.
2) Experience Miami’s amazing culture and food with a 3-hour food tour. There are 5 different stops so you can have a variety of experiences on this tasty tour!
3) Discover South Beach with a private guided tour. You will learn about the history and hot spots. It’s fun for all ages!
Nightlife Adventures:
Nightlife in Miami is an epic scene! I did a bar crawl when I was in Paris and I think it’s the best way to safely tour a new city where you don’t know people. It’s also a great way to make new friends!
Here are 3 cool options that are sure to leave lasting memories of your trip.
1) Get ready to have so much fun on this Hip Hop Party Bus, Open Bar, and Nightclub Tour. You will get skip-the-line access to top-notch clubs!
2) If you are in Miami then you should get your dance on! Try the Latin Theme Party with Salsa Dancing, Live Music, and Mojitos.
3) If you’re looking for a more exclusive party atmosphere then check out this Party Nightclub Cruise with a DJ and Open Bar. You will party on a 2-level yacht and see amazing skyline views.
My Favorite Place to Stay in South Beach
When I was in South Beach Miami I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton and it was INCREDIBLE! My favorite part about the hotel is that it is located right on the beach. I loved eating my delicious breakfast each morning outside with those perfect ocean views.
Aside from the top-notch amenities like a luxury spa and several stunning pools, the service at the Ritz is simply unsurpassed.
If you’re looking for a memorable luxury experience then you have to stay at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach!
Although I covered 14 best beaches on the East Coast USA if I HAD to pick my favorite state for beaches it would be Florida. It’s my #1 go-to place in the winter to escape the cold! Florida also has so many different beaches so you can find family-friendly options or party-friendly options. I hope I’ve helped you to plan your next amazing beach vacation!
Do you love Florida beaches? You Might Also Want to Check Out More Fun in Panama City Beach Florida!
Don't Go To the Becah Without This...
Now that you figured out which beaches on the East Coast you want to travel to you’re going to want to remember all the details of your fun beach vacation. I created a simple way to document your trip with a beach-themed DIY travel activity journal.
Most of the work is already set up for you ahead of time. You just need to have a great time on your trip and fill in the blanks.
Here’s what you can expect to find in my ultimate travel journal activity books:
- Journal Pages – lined pages and journaling prompts to help get you thinking
- Activity Pages – themed travel games and activities to help pass the time during flights and drives
- Scrapbook Pages – attach photos and keepsakes like ticket stubs and mementos
The most important thing is to make the most of your experience by documenting your lasting memories for your travel legacy! Your travel journal scrapbook will be a treasured keepsake.
If you are planning to visit one of the 14 Best Beaches on the East Coast USA, then you might also want to read How to Pack a Suitcase That Saves You Money.
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