21 Best East Coast Beaches You Must Visit in 2021

1: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is not only a popular beach town, but its actual beach is one of the fantastic east coast beaches for a getaway by the water.

Myrtle Beach is very long and stretches for several miles, so there are many amazing spots to choose from.

While the main beach is quite popular, especially during the summer months, you can find a quiet spot a little further away from the centre of town. Of course, you can’t miss the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which is an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area.

This is a great spot for lunch or a beautiful walk during sunset. You’ll love the stunning views of the coastline and many fantastic opportunities for taking photos.

Watersports are also a great activity to participate in. You can surf, rent paddleboards or sea kayaks and enjoy the beach during calm seas.

Swimming is a must-do, although you should only do so if a lifeguard is nearby. Inexperienced swimmers should stay in shallow waters.

There is also a famous amusement park right by the beach, which is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or even an entire day once you’ve had enough of lying in the sun.

Victoria | www.guideyourtravel.com

2: Duck's Beach, North Carolina

One of the best Outer Banks things to do is spending time at the amazing beach in the town of Duck, North Carolina. Duck beach has won many awards, including the best overall beach, family-friendly beach, and beach restoration awards.

These awards are enough for recognizing it as one of the best East Coast beaches in the US.

The glorious beach is seven miles long, so there are countless places to explore and play. Almost every Duck beach visitor, however, stays in an OBX vacation rental house or condo or at the phenomenal Sanderling Resort.

Popular activities at Duck beach include savoring spectacular sunrises (set your alarm to see them!), beach strolls, and water sports—including skimboard, surf, paddling (rent equipment from Ocean Atlantic if you do not bring your own).

Duck beach is very popular with families and groups, especially during the summer months. Driving on Duck beach is permitted between October and April. May to September is sea turtle nesting season, and you may catch glimpses of frequent volunteer activity and, if lucky, the baby sea turtle migration in August.

Duck NC is located a few miles north of where the Wright Memorial Bridge (highway 158) crosses the Currituck Sound to the Outer Banks barrier islands.

Duck is about a half-mile wide in most spots, so walking across the island is easy and fun. Savoring sunsets on the sound side is special and one recommended viewing spot is the Duck public boardwalk behind the water tower.

Duck has amazing restaurants—including Blue Point, Roadside, Red Sky Cafe—and is also home to the very first Duck Donuts; although, our secret, we prefer the breakfast treats across the street at Tullio's.

Be sure to try fresh local seafood dishes like spiced peel and eat shrimp and She crab soup. Dockside N' Duck is a great seafood market to buy both—along with the key lime pie.

Charles McCool | McCool Travel

3: Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a small city and barrier island near Savannah, Georgia. This popular vacation spot is well known for its beaches.

The beaches include South Beach, Mid Beach, North Beach, Back River Beach and Little Tybee Beach. These beaches are considered some of the best East Coast Beaches for a summer vacation.

Tybee Island is a nesting ground for Sea Turtles. There are not many beaches left that provide good nesting grounds for turtles, so from May 1st to the end of October, Tybee Island has rules in place to protect the turtles. If you are visiting, please respect these rules so that turtles will continue to visit and delight generations to come.

Dolphins are also prevalent offshore. If you are interested in learning more about either of these magnificent sea creatures, visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

The Tybee Island Light Station & Museum is a popular destination for those who enjoy learning a little history. For more history, you can also visit the Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Outdoors activities in the area include beachcombing, fishing off the piers at South Beach and Back River Beach, Kayaking, boating, and biking.

Little Tybee Island is just south of Tybee Island and is an uninhabited Nature Preserve. The only way to get there is by boat; luckily, Bull River Marina rents boats if you do not have your own.

4: Montauk Beach, New York

The town of Montauk is located on the easternmost point of Long Island. It takes two to three hours to get to Montauk from NYC, whether traveling by car, train (LIRR), or bus (Hampton Jitney).

Montauk is located east of the Hamptons and has more of a laid-back surf and fisherman vibe than the nearby towns of East Hampton and Amagansett.

Montauk has a variety of beaches to choose from when visiting. Some of the best beaches to visit are located on the south shore just below the village of Montauk: Kirk Park Beach and South Edison Beach/Nick’s Beach.

These beaches are located along the same span of the seashore, often referred to as “Montauk Beach”. These are the best beaches to visit in Montauk if you are traveling via public transit as they are located a short walk to village restaurants and shops.

If you are traveling to Montauk by car, be sure to call the Town of East Hampton Parks Department before visiting to find out about current parking regulations. 

After visiting the beach, be sure to stop by Montauk Brewing Company to try out their Watermelon Session Ale. For lunch, visit The Lobster Roll, which has been a popular spot for roadside lunch and dinner since the 1960s. While you are in town, also check out Montauk Point State Park for views of the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.

Shannon Hara | Traveling Teacher Girl

5: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is located in Southeastern Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

It is considered one of the best East Coast beach vacations because of the wide variety of things to do and entertainment options available.

Virginia Beach has been rated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the "longest pleasure beach". There are over 35 miles of beach to explore.

A popular destination is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This 3-mile-long path winds its way past 59 blocks of Virginia Beach's most popular entertainment options.

If you fish, visit the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. If you are looking for something closer to nature, you might enjoy False Cape State Park or Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Both offer fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and educational activities.

Virginia Beach is full of history, so take some time off from the sun and explore one of their many interesting museums.

6: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is located along the Atlantic coastline of Delaware. It is South of Cape Henlopen State Park and North of Delaware Seashore State Park.

This quaint Delaware beach-side town is one of the best East Coast beaches for a summer vacation.

Sandwiched between two state parks, there is plenty to do here for the nature lover. Take a sunrise or sunset walk, jog, or run along the beach or head to one of the state parks for a day hike.

For museum fans, there are quite a few unique options. Check out the Rehoboth Beach Museum to learn more about the history of the area. The Anna Hazzard Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum are small local history museums in historic buildings.

This next one may seem silly, but shopping is a popular activity in Rehoboth Beach. The biggest reason is that this Resort offers tax-free shopping. So have fun and buy all the souvenirs you want.

Sea Turtles also nest here at Rehoboth Beach, so fans of Sea Turtles will enjoy Turtle Foot Bridge. If you are lucky, you might even find a turtle nest if you know what to look for.

7: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

With miles of shoreline, Martha's Vineyard has plenty of scenic beaches in the East Coast region. Many of Martha's Vineyard beaches are either permit restricted to town residents or privately owned beaches.

All our favorite three beaches named below are actually the same shoreline but became separate beaches with separate names because they are separated by restricted access beaches or private beaches.

Of the public beaches on Martha's Vineyard, we have several favorites depending on what we want to do. For families with young children, Long Point Beach is a favorite because there is a wide sandy beach on a freshwater pond that is perfect for little children to wade and build sandcastles. On the other side of the sand dunes, there is the Atlantic Ocean with its crashing surf, which is fun for older children and adults.

South Beach in Edgartown is also facing the Atlantic Ocean and is the preferred spot for teens and college-age kids. The surf is strong and the location means the sun is warming the beach all day.

Moreover, South Beach is an easy bike ride from Edgartown on a cycle path. For families, there is a sheltered beach area on the Katama Bayside of South Beach. If you have a permit, you can take over sand vehicles onto South Beach and further onto the Chappy beaches for lots of privacy.

The last of our beloved beaches in Edgartown is Moshup Beach (also facing the Atlantic Ocean). Moshup Beach is a famous surf beach. The colored clay cliffs of Moshup create a stripey rainbow effect. Moreover, there are great hiking trails near Moshup Beach and it's a great place to end the day and watch the sunset.

Shobha George | Martha's Vineyard Tourist

8: Ocean City, Maryland

A popular resort town on the Delmarva peninsula Ocean City, Maryland, is less than a 3-hour drive from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. As one of the best East Coast beaches in the U.S., it truly has something for everyone.

To start, there are 10 miles of wide sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. You can find every kind of beach activity, including surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, jet skiing, and of course, swimming and sunbathing.

As the White Marlin capital of the world, Ocean City also has many possibilities for deepwater fishing boat charters or pier fishing.

The 3-mile Ocean City boardwalk is a must-visit. Fuel up for a long walk with some of the locals’ favorite snacks. Thrasher’s French Fries claims the best French fries on the planet—so good they don’t need ketchup, just some malt vinegar.

If you need to cool down, Dumser’s Ice Cream will be the answer. Or, if you’re looking for a sweet snack to share, Fisher’s Caramel Popcorn is the best on the boardwalk.

Whatever you choose, have your snacks after going on the amusement park rides! You’ll have lots of options for sit-down meals at the many boardwalk restaurants, but for the best, Maryland Blue Crabs in town, try Waterman’s and/or Hooper’s.

If you’d like to get away from the bustle at the beach and incorporate some nature, the Assateague Island National Seashore is just 8 miles away. Famous for its wild ponies, which are really horses, there are also hundreds of bird species and miles of hiking trails. The beach here can be a little quieter if you’re away from the 4-wheelers driving on the sand.

Denise | Chef Denise

9: Cape May Point State Park Beach, New Jersey

Don’t listen to the critics, Jersey Shore is a legitimate contender for some of the best beaches on the East Coast of America.

One of the finest beaches of the New Jersey coastal strip is Cape May Point State Park beach. Located in the Southern part of New Jersey, it is a great place to spend time with family. 

Open from dusk to dawn, the state park boasts a clean and sandy beach and many other activities. Just relax or make sandcastles, it is worth spending a day at. It even makes for a wonderful day trip from Philadelphia. 

There are so many other things to do in the State Park, making it suitable for all ages. There is the famous Cape May Point LightHouse at the entrance of the park. When the lighthouse is open, at an additional fee, you can climb to the top for some fantastic views of the ocean.

There is even an old WWII bunker in the park. Besides this, there are many hiking trails and lookout points around the state park. Cape May Beach is unique and famous as it is the place to watch the migratory birds in autumn enroute south. It is a haven for bird enthusiasts who throng in many numbers. 

Access to the beach and the State Park is free. There is a big parking lot almost at the entrance of the beach.

Neha | Travelmelodies

10: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is not only among the most beautiful east coast beaches to visit but also makes one of the best day trips from Charleston, SC.

Kiawah Island is located just 24 miles from Downtown Charleston and offers the perfect escape from the city’s hustle. The island is full of natural beauty and tons of wildlife, like bobcats, sea turtles, and butterflies, and it’s the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway.

Since most of the properties on Kiawah Island are privately owned, the only public beach access is on the island’s west side at Beachwalker Park. Here, you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or boogie boarding in the ocean, or simply walk up and down the beautiful, clean beach. You can rent paddleboards just north of Kiawah Island at Water Dog Paddle Co. or Charleston Paddleboard.

If you travel a few miles away from the beach, you can play a round of golf on one of Kiawah Island’s many popular golf courses, like The Ocean Course, Cougar Point, or Turtle Point. Or, travel to Freshfields Village and Bohicket Market for a delicious lunch or dinner!

No matter how you choose to spend your day on Kiawah Island, you’re bound to have a wonderful day soaking up the natural beauty along the gorgeous South Carolina coast.

Brittany | Travel By Brit

11: Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Located in Cape Cod, the Cape Cod National Seashore is actually the first of America's ten national seashores and one of the favorite beach vacation destinations on the East Coast.

The Cape Cod National Seashore was established by President Kennedy in 1966. His family summer home is in Hyannis in Cape Cod and he grew up surrounded by the beauty of Cape Cod and wanted to preserve its natural state for future generations to enjoy.

The National Seashore is a vast area consisting of 44,000 acres of ponds, woods and some of the best East Coast beaches. Taking up most of the outer cape, the seashore is part of 5 separate towns. Thanks to the seal protection reserve in nearby Monomoy Island, sharks are spotted in the area as well.

The Cape Cod National Seashore has miles of sandy beachfront. With a permit, you can start a fire on the beach and have a bonfire or a clambake. Some of the most stunning beaches are Race Point Beach which has amazing sunsets but strong surf and Coastguard Beach which is more family-friendly. You can spot seals who come ashore at Nauset Beach and Ballston Beach.

There are also trails for hiking and biking, lighthouses to explore and kayaking in the waters. This national seashore is also a birdwatcher's paradise. Hundreds of bird species call it home, including a wildlife reserve on the edge of the Cape Cod National Seashore run by the Massachusetts Audobon society.

There is no camping allowed in the Cape Cod National Seashore. You can, however, car camp with special permits because over sand vehicles are allowed with permits. There are plenty of places to stay in the nearby towns though, from the Ralph Lauren charm of pretty Chatham to the artsy bohemian flair of Provincetown.

Shobha George | Just Go Places Blog

12: Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile-long barrier island located off the west coast of Florida and about 50 miles south of Tampa.

Until 1921, Anna Maria Island was only accessible by boat, but then the Cortez Bridge was built, making access a lot easier. Today, the best way to access Anna Maria Island is to take the I64 west out of Bradenton and across the Anna Maria Island Bridge. The Cortez Bridge is still in use, but replacement works are planned for 2025.

Anna Maria Island is known for its beautiful calm waters, white sand beaches and its old Florida charm, all of which make for a laid-back beach vacation on the East Coast of the USA.

The island is home to some of the best beaches on the East Coast, including Coquina Beach in the south of the island, Manatee Beach in the centre and Bean Point Beach in the north.

Manatee Beach is a public beach with all the facilities you could possibly need, while Coquina Beach is more natural with some facilities. Bean Point is the quietest beach on Anna Maria Island, with no facilities. If you are looking to get away from the crowds, it is ideal, and it is the perfect spot to bring a picnic and enjoy the sunset.

Being an island with calm waters, there are plenty of water sports for you to try including paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. There is also an abundance of wildlife, including dolphins, migrating birds, sea turtles and manatees, which you can sometimes see swimming around the canals of Bimini Bay on the east coast.

Jacquie Hale | Flashpacking Family

13: Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

Set on a barrier island off of North Carolina’s gorgeous Crystal Coast (sometimes called the Southern Outer Banks) and overlooked by a historic lighthouse, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a hidden gem among East Coast beaches.

In addition to the experience of visiting the beautiful Cape Lookout Lighthouse, this calm, tranquil beach is perfect for swimming, shelling, and relaxing.

Its distance from the mainland means that the Cape Lookout National Seashore is an ideal day trip in the region--though if you’re up for booking ahead of time, bringing a tent, camping is also allowed on the beach.

Ferries to Cape Lookout National Seashore run from both Harkers Island and Beaufort, North Carolina each summer--and the ferry ride is a decent part of the fun.

While riding the ferry to the beach, be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins in the water, as well as wild horses living on the unoccupied barrier islands you’ll pass along the way!

If you don’t want to take a ferry, private boats can also access the beach.

Private cars are not allowed on the beach, and other than a small shop, no shopping is available, so come prepared with snacks, sunscreen, and whatever beach gear you enjoy having with you for a day on the sand.

Be sure to leave time for visiting the small Cape Lookout Lighthouse museum, which explores the history of the island and the lighthouse keepers who once lived there.

Kate Storm | Our Escape Clause

14: South Beach, Miami, Florida

South Beach or SoBe is a locality in Miami that's full of energy and is picture-perfect, exactly as seen in the movies! There are numerous colorful Art-Deco buildings located here and the area is full of palm trees and pedestrian-only regions, making it a fabulous location where one can have an enjoyable time.

The stretch of the beach here, which's nine miles long, is called Miami Beach. It is divided into three beaches, with South Beach in SoBe being the most popular, which stretches from South Pointe Park to 23rd Street in the south.

There are numerous ways to get to the beach. The easiest way is to get a local taxi, Uber or Lyft. If you'd rather prefer other means and if you'd like to get here from the airport, there's the Express bus service that runs between the airport and the beach every twenty minutes or the most convenient is to rent a car if you're planning to spend a few days in Miami.

One can spend hours on the beach as there's sunshine almost year-round and the best spots to do so are Lummus Park and South Pointe Park.

One can also go parasailing here in some locations. Ocean Drive is where you'll find boutiques, restaurants and bars, making the location even more enjoyable.

Lavina Dsouza | Continent Hop

15: Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

Sand Beach is a small but incredibly beautiful ocean beach in Acadia National Park. At 290 yards long, it isn’t the longest beach in the country, but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful East Coast beaches. Nestled between wooded hills behind it and rocky outcrops on each side, its setting is second to none.

As its name suggests, it is a sand beach, but the sand here is a little different. It's made of tiny pieces of shells that have been pounded into a powder by waves over the course of thousands of years.

From the parking lot, there are clear views of the Beehive, a nearby mountain that has one of the most famous trails in the park. The beach is also the starting point for an oceanside hiking trail to Otter Cliff via Thunder Hole that is highly recommended.

Cooling off at the beach after a hike is a perfect thing to do on a hot summer day. Be warned, though – this is Maine after all - and the water rarely gets above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even at the peak of summer.

The beach is a popular place with visitors to Acadia National Park. There is a lifeguard (and no dogs are allowed) between Memorial Day and Labor Day each year. There is a parking lot (just after the park’s main entrance), as well as restrooms and changing rooms. The park shuttle also stops there.

James Ian | Parks Collecting

16: Bethany Beach, Delaware

Bethany Beach, Delaware is one of the top East Coast beaches for its beautiful sand, boardwalk and small town feel. It is located just 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C., on the coast of Delaware.

There are lots to explore in the town of Bethany Beach but also great day trips to Fenwick Isle, Ocean City, Maryland and the wild ponies of Assateague. 

Bethany Beach has signs welcoming you to the "Quiet Resort" in contrast to its busier neighbors of Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach.

It is very family-friendly with concerts on the boardwalk and kid-friendly activities like playgrounds, mini-golf and more. Bethany Beach offers lots of water activities from coastal kayaks, flyboarding and fishing charts. 

There are tons of beautiful beach homes to rent or the Ocean Suites Residence Inn right on the ocean. It does get booked quickly, so check out mid-week check in times for availability.

Bethany Beach is not just great in the Summer, but also in Spring. While the ocean is cold, the sand is still warm and the crowds are less!

Jennifer | Family Trip Guides

17: Madison, Connecticut

Madison, Connecticut, is home to one of the best beaches on the East Coast of the US - Hammonasset Beach. Nestled between the shoreline towns, Hammonasset’s 3 mile stretch of pristine coastline offers visitors a relaxing retreat from time spent in the busy city.

The beach has been nicknamed “The Hidden Gem of Madison” because it is so secluded but still easily accessible by public transportation or car.

Hammonasset is one of the most popular beaches in Connecticut for locals and visitors alike. The beach has a variety of amenities for all ages, including lifeguards on duty in the summer, great restaurants to grab lunch or dinner before heading back home, surf shops with rental equipment available (including stand up paddle boards), volleyball courts near the entrance to the beach, as well as a playground just off the parking lot.

The Hammonasset Beach area is owned by Madison’s Parks & Recreation Division, so there are no private homes around it which also makes it very secluded but still easily accessible by the public transportation or car. So you can easily get to the beach with small kids.

Enjoy the easy waves, the fine sand and an ocean breeze! You will keep coming back!

Alicia | Travels with the Crew

18: Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is a small island situated in the state of Rhode Island, USA. The distance from the mainland is approximately 9 miles (14 km). Sandy coastal beaches surround the island.

Although it’s quite a popular East Coast vacation destination in summer, it is not as busy as other beaches. A flight from Westerly might be the easiest way to reach the island, but a ferry ride from any nearby town is more adventurous.

There are many hiking trails along the Mohegan Bluffs. These are clay cliffs of about 150m in height positioned along the coastline. On descending the 141 steps of this cliff, one can enjoy a lovely summer afternoon in a secluded beach retreat.

At the island’s northern and south-eastern tip stands the magnificent North Lighthouse and Southeast Lighthouse. One can also visit the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is famous for its migratory songbirds.

To hype up the tourist attraction, special events are organized. Visitors can take part in a Glass Ball hunting competition or race a sailboat during race week in June. The farmer’s market provides local goods for tourists. The most exciting event is during the 4th of July week when fireworks are set off at night. It views the island in an almost magical light.

Finding a place to stay will not be much of a problem if planned earlier. Many cozy local inns, as well as cottages, provide rooms for tourists.

Ruma Dey | The Holiday Story

19: Kennebunkport, Maine

This coastal town is known for its beaches. It is located in the Southeastern part of Maine. Goose Rocks Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is one of the best East Coach Beaches for beachcombing and beach walks.

Recently Kennebunkport has become a mecca for artists seeking inspiration from the beautiful landscape and beaches. The town is filled with shops and galleries that will please any art lover.

Boat Tours and scenic sailing cruises are popular tourist things to do. If you enjoy history, check out one of their many museums. The Seashore Trolley Museum is one of the most popular.

Cape Porpoise, which is just north of town, is another popular destination where you can enjoy beaches and get a look at the Goat Island Lighthouse.

Just south of town is the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Another great spot for Nature Lovers is Goosefare Bay Wildlife Refuge which is just north of Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise.

20: Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Hampton Beach is located just North of the New Hampshire and Massachusetts state border. This wildly popular beach resort is known for its exciting boardwalk and beaches.

There are plenty of beautiful places to walk, bike, and boat in Hampton Beach. You can also go camping or golfing. Hampton Beach is one of the most well-known beaches along the East Coast.

For nature fans, you will find the Hampton Beach State Park to the South and the Hampton Salt Marsh Conservation Area to the North.

Whether you love fishing or boating, Hampton Beach has an activity for you. Some of the most popular is the Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching trips and the Fishing Charters.

If you are more into learning about sea or ocean creatures, visit the Ocean World Oceanarium. If you are interested in conservation, check out the Blue Ocean Discovery Center. History lovers will enjoy learning about N.H. Marine Memorial.

Hampton Beach is full of great restaurants and year-round events. No matter what time of year you visit, there is something great to see. One of the most popular yearly events is the Sand Sculpture Competition.

21: Folly Beach, South Carolina

Folly Beach is located just south of Charleston on Folly Island. It is most well-known for the Folly Beach Pier, which stretches more than 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.

Folly Beach is a popular East Coast Beach vacation because of the natural beauty and the variety of fun activities available.

Water activities available in and around Folly Beach include Kayaking, Sailing, Fishing, Paddle boarding, and Surfing. Surfing is a popular pastime, so do not forget to sign up for lessons if you are new and interested in learning.

There are a number of boat charter companies that will take you out fishing or whale watching. You can also rent a kayak or go on a kayak tour.

Great places to visit and learn about the history of the area include the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, the Morris Island Lighthouse, or head north to the Radcliffeborough and Cannonborough Elliotbourough and Historic Charleston for museums such as the Charleston Museum.

If you are looking for wildlife or nature, head to Folly Beach Country Park. Go for a walk or a picnic in the park. Or enjoy a sunny summer day on the beach.