The United States’ best east coast beaches for families to some incredibly beautiful scenery, including pastoral valleys and untamed mountains. But nowhere better than the area’s stunning shoreline displays the craftsmanship of nature.
The NOAA Office for Coastal Management estimates that the states about the eastern shore have about 30,000 miles of coastline. However, choosing which beaches to visit can be challenging, given the abundance of states to pick from. This is especially true when you consider all of your possibilities, which range from quiet Southern barrier islands to the famous Jersey Shore boardwalks and rugged coves of Maine.
Let us state that many more beaches deserve your vacation time and a day in the sun before our selections. Therefore, this list is not ranking, comprehensive, or disparaging of other local favorites. We have listed two beaches in each state to keep things easy. These are 25 of the East Coast’s greatest beaches.
best beaches on the east coast
East Matunuck State Beach, Rhode Island
Though Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, few beaches can compare to East Matunuck’s allure. East Matunuck State Beach is tucked away at the far end of the state and offers standard amenities like restrooms, a snack bar, and lifeguards on duty during the summer. It also boasts stunning dunes and a view of Block Island. It’s also conveniently located next to the well-known Matunuck Oyster Bar, which is worth the little stroll for lunchtime oysters and cocktails.
Sand Beach, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most breathtaking locations to explore in the spring, summer, and fall. Once you’ve hiked its never-ending trails, head to Sand Beach, a little area of coastline reached by Park Loop Road. The starry skies and isolation make up for the icy water, a beautiful experience.
Gooch’s Beach, Maine
For those seeking more excitement, Gooch’s Beach in Kennebunk is a good option. Due to its clean break, which is usually at its best in the fall, surfers love this soft-sand stretch. However, if a good storm is approaching, the waves have been known to come up in the summer. East coast family vacations will feel more at peace here because lifeguards are present even though there isn’t a food bar.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
Visit Hampton Beach State Park to explore miles of sandy shoreline. Campers, anglers, picnickers, and swimmers may all enjoy the Atlantic waters here. Additionally, because it’s a state park, it has all the amenities you could want for a comfortable visit, including restrooms.
Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
This beach on Lake Winnipesaukee is technically not a coastline beach, yet it’s just as magnificent as a seaside getaway along the Atlantic. Enjoy lots of sand and kid-friendly, serene waters when you visit. Along with a bustling boardwalk, the beach offers many culinary options, lake cruises, and occasionally live music.
Race Point Beach, Massachusetts
Provincetown’s Race Point Beach boasts miles of smooth sand. It’s a great spot to catch a summertime glow or see a fall, dawn, or dusk nestled into a toasty sweater. There’s even a lighthouse atop the dunes (though the local Chamber of Commerce says you’ll need to climb there for around two kilometers).
Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Head to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, a well-liked destination for families, both residents and tourists, for a more tranquil shoreline. Despite being only 25 miles from Race Point Beach, this location offers considerably calmer waters and amenities such as rinse-off showers and bathrooms. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer.
Easton’s Beach, Rhode Island
Newport’s Easton’s Beach is about as perfect as it gets. It’s simple to locate a place to set down your blanket on this quaint beach, the largest in Newport. Apart from standard features like restrooms and a snack bar, it also boasts a carousel and the Save the Bay Aquarium.
Compo Beach, Connecticut
While many beaches in Westport are great for exploring, Compo is the best. The 29-acre park has a sizable sandy beach, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, and a concession stand facing the Long Island Sound. Two sand volleyball courts are available for people who want to work up a sweat and have a little fun.
Harvey’s Beach, Connecticut
Old Saybrook’s Harvey’s Beach is what small-town dreams are made of. The stunning dunes encircle the sandy beach, where guests can boat, swim, fish, and go shell hunting. Concessions, restrooms, and a small children’s playground are also available.
Rockaway Beach, New York
Rockaway Beach in Queens is the most handy location for New Yorkers. You can take public transportation from Manhattan to get there, and it’s a great place to take a quick swim or surf away from the bustle. (It’s the only beach in NYC where surfing is permitted.)
Cooper’s Beach, New York
The Hamptons have several great beaches, but Cooper’s Beach has a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s a charming, tiny sand area close to eateries along the Atlantic. It’s reputed to be marginally more sedate throughout the summer months compared to busier adjacent locations.
The Cove, New Jersey
The best thing about Cape May’s 2.5-mile stretch of beaches is that many local lodging options and the city’s main attractions—well-known Victorian homes—can be reached on foot from them. However, numerous beaches make up Cape May. The Cove is among the best; it’s perfect for families, lone surfers, kayakers, and anybody looking to escape the busier beach scene farther down the shore.
Sandy Hook, New Jersey
Beachgoers should head to Sandy Hook, which is located farther north. Once again, the long stretch is ideal for swimming, fishing, or canoeing. When you’re sick of the sand, there are miles and miles of hiking and bike trails inside the affordable family vacations east coast, more comprehensive Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes the beach.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Beautiful. There are patches of grassy dunes all around the half-mile wooden boardwalk at Bethany Beach. Stroll here or sit and enjoy the sun for as long as possible before exploring the local eateries and stores.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
At the opening of Delaware water, Cape Henlopen State Park boasts over six miles of immaculate shoreline, which includes the Point. In this precise location, the water meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Seaside Nature Center after spending time at the beach to discover more about the local flora and wildlife.
Ocean City, Maryland
Are you searching for an enormous beach? Next, schedule a trip to Ocean City, which has ten miles of sandy shoreline. This beaches along the east coast is perfect for any beach activity you want, including volleyball, surfing, kayaking, and building sandcastles. Another thing that Ocean City is proud of is how many free summertime events it hosts, such as movie evenings and concerts.
Assateague Island, Maryland
Yes, Assateague Island has two miles of sandy beaches where you may unwind. But instead of spending the entire day in one place, stop by, soak up the sun, and continue exploring this wonderful island. Take a hike, check out the lighthouse, and even see one of the renowned wild horses galloping down the coast. Remember to keep your distance from them and not feed or touch them.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
The Point where the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay converge is Virginia Beach, a bustling stretch of land. The area is well-known for its lively promenade, abundant activities, and a remarkable dining scene just next to the beach. Spending the entire day alternating between the ocean and delicious food makes it simple.
Buckroe Beach, Virginia
Buckroe Beach, located north of Virginia Beach, is a smaller beach with a more laid-back vibe than its busier sister. For a relaxed yet equally enjoyable day at the beach, guests can swim, stroll the pier, and take the kids to the playground with a nautical theme at Buckroe.
Nags Head, North Carolina
Without including the Outer Banks, what kind of list of top beaches along the Eastern Seaboard would it be? Head to Nags Head and its 12 miles of sandy shoreline for the epitome of seclusion. Many public access points are available; all you have to do is locate the perfect patch and establish your location. Just remember to bring extra snacks and water for the entire day. Consider camping in the Outer Banks if you genuinely want to disconnect; at the Oregon Inlet Campground, you can doze off to the sound of the waves.
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Emerald Isle, which has less than 4,000 permanent residents but sees a spike in population during the peak summer months, is a great place to visit if you enjoy island life. The 1,000-foot-long Bogue Inlet Pier provides an opportunity to fish for king mackerel, mullet, and other species while taking in stunning views of the shore.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, one of the most well-liked beach resorts in the state, is situated along South Carolina’s Grand Strand. This area has numerous interconnected beaches, and the sand is endless. It’s perfect for gatherings of friends and family to enjoy the sun’s rays together. It’s also convenient to drop in or stay for days because of its proximity to neighboring eateries, lodging options, and attractions.
Burkes Beach, South Carolina
Other states have island paradise beaches than North Carolina. Burkes Beach on the wildly popular Hilton Head Island serves as evidence. Burkes Beach is frequently regarded as the island’s more local beach, which means it is less crowded and has a more laid-back atmosphere. However, if you have to carry a meal in addition to your other necessities, the trade-off of silence can be worthwhile.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Come to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island for tranquility and plenty of photogenic vistas. It’s one of the most incredible beaches in Georgia for photographers, with gorgeous sand, crystal-clear sea, and enormous driftwood washed ashore.
North Beach, Georgia
On Tybee Island, North Beach is ideal for people who like taking strolls on the sand and looking for the perfect seashells. It’s a beachcomber’s dream come true and convenient to jump on and off between dining and shopping excursions in town. Reserve a bed & breakfast for a delightful visit.
Vero Beach, Florida
Check out Vero Beach, a serene neighborhood with several beautiful beaches, for something more laid back. Do you want to take a small memento with you? Go treasure searching at the beach at Seagrape Trail. Do you want pictures of dunes? Visit the park at Treasure Shores. Desire to go surfing? Consider visiting Wabasso Beach. View all of the more intimate beachfront stops in Vero Beach here.
South Beach, Florida
Thanks to its azure waves lapping the white sand, South Beach is so vivid, eclectic, and breathtaking that it has been featured in countless films, music videos, and television shows. If you’re visiting one of America’s trendiest beaches, consider treating yourself to a day’s worth of beach club seating.
