12 Awesome Beach Towns on the East Coast for Your Next Getaway

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The East Coast, also known as the Atlantic Coast, is a vast region encompassing the coastline where the Eastern United States meets the Atlantic Ocean. The East Coast is famous for many things, including the Appalachian Mountains, New York City, and Niagara Falls. However, it also has some of the best beach towns and beaches in the United States.

While the West Coast tends to get more beach cred, the East Coast has some of the best stretches of sand and sea, making its beach towns the perfect summer vacation destination. To learn more, here are 12 of the best beach towns on the East Coast.

Rockport, Massachusetts

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Let’s start with Rockport in Essex County, Massachusetts. Located approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Boston, this lively seaside town is at the tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Rockport is most loved by travelers who enjoy the great outdoors, good food, and film history.

Home to many beautiful beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and famous movie filming locations, such as “Shutter Island” and “Manchester-by-the-Sea,” Rockport isn’t a place you want to miss. Points of interest in the town include Front Beach, Back Beach, Halibut Point State Park, and Motif Number 1, dubbed “the most often-painted building in America.”

Swansboro, North Carolina

Home to the aptly named Hammocks Beach State Park and its breathtaking beaches, Swansboro is a small harbor town best known for its picturesque coastline, expansive boardwalk hiking trail, and historic downtown. Beachgoers will be pleased to hear that Swansboro has eight beaches with long stretches of pristine white sand, tall dunes, and bright blue waters.

Popular activities on or around Swansboro’s beaches include fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and golfing. In the town, travelers are treated to a unique village atmosphere and many things to do. The downtown area features shops, cafes, restaurants, and waterside parks, and the town hosts regular local events like the Arts by the Sea Festival.

Newport, Rhode Island

Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is a charming harbor town renowned for its fantastic history, world-class food, and the world-famous America’s Cup (annual sailing regatta). Newport is a great place to visit if you prefer glitz and glamor instead of cute and splashy.

A favorite summer destination among Manhattan’s elite, spend your time walking along Bellevue Avenue, admiring the Gilded Age mansions and museums, sailing from the yacht-filled harbor, and visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Alternatively, relax at Easton’s Beach or enjoy the best coastal views along the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Cliff Walk hiking trail. Other notable attractions in Newport include Brenton Point State Park, The Elms, and Bowen’s Wharf.

Ocean City, Maryland

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City is a lively resort town famed for its long stretch of golden sand beach, wooden boardwalk, and theme parks. Offering a little bit of everything, this family-friendly destination is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a fun-filled summer getaway.

Ocean City offers fantastic seafood, family activities, easy beach access, and a buzzing nightlife. You’ll find countless shops, cafes, restaurants, and Trimper Rides along the beach boardwalk. Meanwhile, right along the beach, beachgoers can sunbathe, participate in beach games, swim in the sea, and try watersports. Kayaking and jet skiing are both popular.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

An outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, Hilton Head Island is much-loved for its long stretches of sandy beaches, walking and cycling trails, and golf courses. This part of the Lowcountry boasts a whopping 12 miles (19 kilometers) of scenic coastline with tall dunes, golden sands, and crystalline blue waters.

Thanks to the variety of amenities, you can easily spend the whole day at Coligny Beach. You’ll have access to sun loungers, umbrellas, public parking, restrooms, and outdoor showers here. Hilton Head Island is also home to 30 golf courses, so now is the time to work on your game. To learn more about the town, visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Commonly called the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor in Frenchman’s Bay, Maine, is a beautiful beach town famous for its vibrant harbor, gorgeous landscapes, and rich history. Home to many famous faces, popular things to do in Bar Harbor include hiking, climbing, swimming, and boating.

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Nature lovers have countless options. They can explore Acadia National Park and climb Cadillac Mountain or walk along Sand Beach. Sand Beach is an 870-foot (265-meter) beach with plenty of space to relax and unwind. In the town, walk around the harbor, take a whale-watching boat trip, visit Atlantic Brewing Company, and tuck into Maine lobster in a seafood restaurant.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a picturesque seaside resort at the tip of southern New Jersey’s Cape May Peninsula. This charming resort has long been visited by tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and enjoy a vacation by the sea. However, while the resort has multiple golden-sand beaches to visit, Cape May is better known for its impressive Victorian architecture.

Along the Cape May waterfront, visitors are treated to the sight of grand triple-decker Victorian homes that are simply breathtaking. A fine example is Emlen Physick Estate, a beautifully preserved Victorian home and museum. Once you’ve admired the local architecture, it’s time to hit up the resort’s other attractions. These include Washington Street Mall, Cape May Beach, and Cape May Lighthouse.

Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida, is a beautiful East Coast beach getaway. Away from the busy Miami boardwalks, this seaside resort town is perfect for all travelers because there’s much to see and do. Best known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches, lively boardwalk, and nature trails, you’ll quickly find something you enjoy.

Henderson Beach State Park is home to white sand beaches, lush nature trails, and wildlife, while Destin Harbor Boardwalk offers plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options such as boat trips. For those who love golf, there are also seven public golf courses in Destin. The possibilities are endless.

Marblehead, Massachusetts

The next East Coast beach town we have is Marblehead, Massachusetts. This historic coastal town sits on a small peninsula that stretches into the northern part of Massachusetts Bay. Its sandy beaches offer refreshing swimming spots, waterfront restaurants, scenic coastal views, and relaxing places to spend time with family and friends. One of the best beaches in Marblehead is Devereux Beach.

However, Marblehead is better known for its interesting history, which sees the town claim the title of the Birthplace of the American Navy. Popular attractions in the city include museums and old buildings dating back to the 17th century. You don’t want to miss Marblehead Museum, the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, or Fort Sewall.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

St. Simons Island is an island town found off the coast of Georgia. Here, you can expect scenic beaches perfect for walking and relaxing, salt marshes teeming with wildlife, historic landmarks dating back to the 19th century, and a beautiful town center filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and museums.

In the summer, East Beach summons you, drawing you in with the promise of soft golden sand, calm blue waters, and epic sunsets. In the off-season, you can enjoy the scenery on a bike ride along the St. Simons Island Trail System. In the town, stop by the Palmer’s Village Cafe to buy the famous pancakes and learn more about the town at the St. Simons Light House Museum and the World War II Home Front Museum.

Key West, Florida

Key West is a small island town in the Florida Keys Archipelago. Found at Florida’s most southern point, it’s only approximately 90 miles (144 kilometers) north of Cuba. As such, it has a notably mild, tropical climate ideal for a summer’s getaway. When you arrive in Key West, you’ll quickly find the island has something for everyone.

Whether you want to sunbathe on the beach, sip cocktails in a beach bar, participate in watersports, or explore historic sites, Key West has it all. Beachgoers will likely spend most of their time at Smathers Beach, where they’ll find soft white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy historic attractions like the Hemingway Home and Museum and the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

The final East Coast beach town we have for you is Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Home to approximately 150 people, this town is only 30 minutes away from Myrtle Beach, but it offers a much more laid-back vibe. Expect smaller crowds, quieter restaurants, and more space on the beach.

First settled in the 1500s, Pawleys Island also has a rich history. In fact, it’s one of the oldest beach towns in the United States. The island has eight pristine beaches, but Pawleys Island Beach is the best. You’ll find a long stretch of golden sand and impressive coastal views here. Popular activities in Pawleys Island include golf, fishing, and kayaking. Meanwhile, popular attractions include Pawleys Island Historic District and Hammock Shops Village.