These East Coast beaches are perfect for enjoying the summer!
The East Coast might not have all that West Coast surf cred or even palm trees, but it has soul and so many adorable beach towns with history behind them. And while a place like California might hog all the spotlight, I’d argue that there’s nothing like the charm of an Atlantic-side summer.
There’s history here. Besides all that beautiful shore, you’ll also find lighthouses that have seen their fair share of action and seafood shacks that have survived storms and still serve the same incredible fried clams.
There are East Coast beaches where you’ll hear live jazz drifting down from the boardwalk and others where you’ll find wild horses roaming around.
So whether you’re chasing lobster rolls, lighthouses, or just some relaxation, here are 7 of the best East Coast beaches that seriously deliver. Just don’t forget your SPF and favorite beach read!
Cape May, New Jersey
Drive about 50 miles south of Atlantic City to get to this East Coast beach, which is a popular New Jersey beach destination considered the nation’s “oldest seashore resort.”
This walkable, charming town along the Jersey Shore has a National Historic Landmark-designated historic district that boasts more than 600 preserved and authentically restored Victorian structures.
With a year-round population of under 3,000, Cape May welcomes more than 40,000 visitors at its bed-and-breakfast and hotel accommodations on summer weekends.
Families come for the pristine beaches, including the ones you’ll find inside Cape May Point State Park, as well as antique shops, carriage rides, golf courses, historic house tours, and other low-key amenities and activities.
Teens will appreciate the town’s water parks available in nearby Wildwood, New Jersey, and whale-watching tours.
Acadia National Park, Maine
This wild national park, which happens to be the easternmost one in the nation, is home to tranquil lakes, craggy mountains, and cliffs, but you’ll want to factor in some beach time, too, while visiting.
The primary ocean-facing option in Acadia National Park is Sand Beach, where swimming is permitted between mid-June and early September. Made of shell pieces deposited here over thousands of years, this East Coast beach is tucked in a scenic cove and boasts incredible views of nearby Thunder Hole.
Just be aware that the water here is chilly, even in summer. Try Echo Lake Beach, a freshwater swimming spot inside the park for warmer water.
Meanwhile, Little Hunters Beach provides something a little more out of the everyday because it’s made out of stones polished smooth by the sea over the years. And since you’re already in a national park, there’s lots more to do beyond the beaches, from hiking to bird-watching and exploring tide pools.
Fire Island, New York
This barrier island situated off the southern coast of Long Island is known as somewhat of a party destination. Still stretching 32 miles long with 17 separate communities, this East Coast beach offers plenty of tranquility, just as well.
Beaches and dunes streak the entire span of Fire Island, meaning there’s no shortage of places to sunbathe or swim. I highly recommend bringing or renting a bike to cruise around easily while here.
And if you would feel better with some extra safety precautions, the beaches at Watch Hill and Sailors Haven are patrolled by lifeguards in the summertime. At Sailors Haven, you can also enjoy a ranger-guided tour and explore the Sunken Forest, an ecological rarity.
At the same time, Watch Hill offers picnic and grill facilities, plus a few campsites. Cars aren’t allowed on this East Coast beach in the summer. So you’ll have to take a ferry from one of three terminals on Long Island or pay for a private boat or water taxi.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
With more than 25 miles of beautiful coastline, Delaware has charming coastal towns and gorgeous beaches.
Mid-Atlantic families love coming here for the relaxed boardwalk in the seaside village of Bethany Beach, located roughly 130 miles east of our nation’s capitol and less than 15 miles north of Ocean City, Maryland. On this East Coast beach, you’ll find mini-golf courses, a park, and plenty of laid-back restaurants for delicious meals.
Remember that dogs aren’t allowed on this East Coast beach or boardwalk during the busy summer. Alcohol, fires, kites, tents, smoking, and boating are always prohibited, as well. And don’t forget that the town hosts a farmers market, free live concerts, and movie screenings during the summer months.
Amelia Island, Florida
With over 10 miles of beautiful beaches, this barrier island is a fantastic place to spend a weekend or even a week-long vacation for visitors and locals alike.
If you’re not the kind of person to spend the whole day at the beach, this East Coast beach also has an abundance of incredible wildlife you can see as you explore its marshes or rivers or hit one of the biking trails, like the Egans Creek Greenway.
And don’t forget to take in some of the island’s history, which began when the Indigenous Timucua people first settled on its shores. Since then, control of the island has changed hands multiple times, with eight official flags flying over it.
The island is excellent for couples, young adults, and families. Other activities here include summer camps, music festivals, golf, shopping, dining, spas, and much more. Visitors love that the beaches at Amelia Island tend to stay uncrowded.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island, located roughly 25 miles south of Charleston, has 10 miles of stunning shoreline across West and East Beach. Most of the East Coast beaches on this island are private, accessible only by property owners and their renters or guests.
Yet, Beachwalker County Park, part of West Beach, is open to the public even though parking fees apply. This East Coast beach has a a boardwalk, picnic area with grills, seasonal amenities like lifeguards, beach chairs and umbrella rentals, and outdoor showers.
Kiawah Island is especially worth visiting if you’re a golf enthusiast because it’s home to some highly considered championship courses. Visitors have also enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, guided nature tours, biking, hiking, and much more.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you spend your next vacation on the barrier islands that are made up of the historic Outer Banks area, a.k.a. OBX for short, you’ll get the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of North Carolina’s most incredible beaches, including Southern Shores, upscale Corolla, and Duck, which are well-known for unique shops, charming art galleries, and delicious restaurants.
Kitty Hawk, which owes its notoriety to the Wright brother’s first flight back in 1903, and Kill Devil Hills are situated in bustling central OBX, where you’ll also find Nags Head’s, a.k.a. “Millionaires Row.”
And despite this East Coast beach’s summer appeal, it’s highly regarded as relatively budget-friendly, especially if you book a place with family or a larger group of friends.
You can preserve your budget even further by taking advantage of low-cost and free activities like fishing at various piers, exploring wildlife refuges, and taking a few tours of some old lighthouses. The vehicular ferry that travels between Ocracoke and Hatteras is also free.
If you’ve ever been to any of these East Coast beaches, be sure to leave a comment to share your experiences with our readers. If not, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen this summer… and which East Coast beach will you be visiting first?
Did you enjoy this post? Don’t leave yet! Must See Places has many more fantastic ideas for your next trip. For instance, I highly recommend also reading about the 10 Heavenly US Swimming Holes To Dive Into This Summer
