A sunshine beach is the ultimate summer destination. Spending sunny days at the beach with a good view, lots of friends, and ice cream in hand is just about perfect.
Currently, there is a significant demand for beaches in the United States, and it is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets in the world. The best beaches offer a beachfront view, plenty of activities, and sumptuous cuisine. The following list provides you with ten of the top beaches on the East Coast of the United States.
So, where to go first? Here are the 16 best beaches on the East Coast!
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This beach is located on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast. It is accessible by car and has white sand beaches, turquoise water, dozens of golf courses, and hundreds of hotels.
Recreational facilities include parasailing, kayaking, swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. In addition to the abundance of entertainment options in Myrtle Beach, there are plenty of historical sites, such as the “Old King’s Highway,” the 3rd longest highway in America, constructed during the 18th century.
Check out also: Best beaches in North Carolina
Ocean City, Maryland
This beach town is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. It is known for its oceanfront casinos, restaurants and hotels, and miles of sandy beaches. Thanks to its proximity to Washington D.C., Ocean City also offers many outdoor events.
The most eye-catching activity along this beach is fishing. Ocean City also offers wreck diving along the barrier reef of the T dock, plenty of surf shops, and fishing charters that one should not miss.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Maine is known for its picturesque rocky coastline, lobster, and lighthouses, but did you know you can also find some seaside resorts there? One of them is Old Orchard Beach situated about 20 miles south of Portland.
This 7-mile-long stretch of sand is filled with a number of vibrant attractions, including a classic entertainment pier with roller coasters, shopping, and multiple dining options. Don’t miss the freshly caught seafood!
Planning to stay overnight? Try one of Maine’s campgrounds. Not only do they boast stunning nature but are also usually very affordable.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
On the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, there is Virginia Beach which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. On top of all these activities, there are dozens of theme parks for families to enjoy.
Virginia Beach is where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The vibrant coastal city of Virginia Beach is home to a rich history, a flourishing local culinary scene, and a variety of arts and entertainment that quench the desire of both locals and international tourists.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
This beach is the perfect family holiday experience, with three miles of clean sand and warm waters. The Lighthouse at the beach is not just an attraction site. It is also a monument, which is unique for the people in this region. The oldest beacon on the East Coast of America was a lighthouse tower built in 1764.
The beach is surrounded by hotels and restaurants where one can dine outside overlooking the bay. For all its natural splendor, Bethany Beach is conveniently located close to shops, museums, and theaters of Rehoboth Beach.
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina
Nestled on a two-and-a-half-mile-long barrier island near Charleston Harbor, Sullivan’s Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
It’s known for its small-town charm, and relaxed lifestyle, as well as local shops and award-winning restaurants.
The setting also served as an inspiration for one of Poe’s famous stories – The Gold Bug – even though the author stayed on the island only for about 11 months. To breathe in the 19th-century horror atmosphere, you can visit Poe’s Tavern.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
This 17-mile-long stretch of white sand is a well-known surfing hub, offering some of the finest wave action to both professional and amateur surfers alike. But not just that.
Over a hundred shops and restaurants on New Smyrna Beach offer a range of cuisines such as Italian, seafood, and South American. There are also many places of interest in the vicinity of New Smyrna Beach, such as Canaveral National Seashore Park and the Daytona International Speedway.
The area offers private yachts for rent and a public pier where many locals catch conchs or other shells.
Check this post for more Florida beach suggestions!
Mohegan Bluffs: Block Island, Rhode Island
This private island is accessible by ferry or boat from the mainland. It is famous for its beaches and historical sites scattered across. The most notable of these landmarks include the Mohegan Bluffs, which offer a stunning ocean view.
The Mohegan Bluffs is a natural landmark surrounded by forests, picnic areas, restaurants, and hotels. The beach also features an old lifesaving station, vintage lighthouses, moored traditional fishing boats, and an 18th-century graveyard with graves dating back to 1723.
There are also other amazing beaches to enjoy on Block Island, such as Charleston Beach or Crescent Beach.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a magical place home to a variety of wildlife, beaches, and activities. The bay includes 16 towns and villages such as Provincetown, Chatham, Eastham, and Truro on the western side, with twenty miles of lagoons and marshes along the eastern side.
Cape Cod hosts the best beaches in Massachusetts and offers an epic experience. It provides family amusements such as the North Truro Rail Tunnel and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Top attractions for tourists include Pilgrim Monument, Menemsha Light, and Six Acre Bridge in Chatham.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island is the second largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, and it is located in the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is home to a wide variety of sea birds, crabs, fish, and dolphins. The beach offers water sports such as surfing, fishing, and scuba diving.
The Island is the home for one of a kind historical sites like Fort Screven. This fort was a part of the American Revolution, and it was the last British outpost in Georgia to surrender to U.S. forces in 1779. It is also among the few historical sites that possess 19th-century concrete gun batteries. There are also other sites like the famous Lighthouse and the Tybee Museum.
Families can add to their experience with activities like go-kart rides, amusement parks, and fishing charters.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island is a gulf island that stands on the eastern side of Holmes Beach, Port Charlotte, and Englewood. It is a popular resort destination with quiet beaches, a sunny climate, and many family attractions. There are numerous activities for the public, such as surfing lessons, scuba diving, fishing charters, and in-line skating.
Another tourist attraction on this Island that one cannot miss to visit is Bean Point Beach. It is a cozy paradise with an old Florida vibe. The beach is set in a safe location that offers the perfect beach for a family day out. The Anna Maria Bayfront Park with an epic view of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway.
Numerous beach restaurants and events make Anna Maria Island the perfect spot for one to relax while on vacation. In addition to these activities, visitors can enjoy nature trails, and water sports like kayaking and sailing tours, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
South Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the United States. The beach is home to world-class hotels and restaurants that offer vibrant nightlife and culinary experiences.
Miami’s famous South Beach has an ideal setting with pristine white sand and crystal clear waters. This beach is surrounded by a range of Art Deco Style hotels, restaurants, and bars that offer exciting dining experiences for visitors.
South Beach is never without its visitors. Some numerous tourists and locals enjoy their time in South Beach, especially on weekends when celebrations surround them. There are events like the Miami New Year’s Eve bash, First Night Mardis Gras, Art Basel, and EDC.
There are also breathtaking shops and galleries where one can buy interesting artifacts such as handmade art, jewelry made of shells, and more. The beaches offer numerous activities for families and couples that are incredibly appealing.
South Beach simply offers one of the most explicit experiences in one’s life, hence a perfect destination to add to the bucket list.
Duck’s Beach, North Carolina
There are endless things to discover and experience on this magnificent seven-mile beach.
Spectacular sunrises, beach walks, and water sports like skimboarding, surfing, and paddling are all popular at Duck Beach. If you do not bring your own equipment, you can rent it from Ocean Atlantic.
Duck Beach is a popular destination for families and groups, especially during the summer months. May through September is sea turtle nesting season and you can see many volunteers and, if you are lucky, the migration of newborn sea turtles in August.
Duck is home to wonderful eateries such as Blue Point, Roadside, and Red Sky Cafe as well as the very first Duck Donuts.
Montauk Beach, New York
The town of Montauk is located on the easternmost tip of Long Island. The trip from New York City to Montauk takes two to three hours by car, train (LIRR), or bus (Hampton Jitney).
When you visit Montauk, you can choose between several beaches. Kirk Park Beach and South Edison Beach/Beach Nick’s are two of the most beautiful beaches on the South Shore, just below the town of Montauk.
These are the best beaches to visit in Montauk if you are using public transportation, as they are close to town eateries and shopping.
After a day at the beach, be sure to visit Montauk Brewing Company and try their Watermelon Session Ale. For lunch, visit The Lobster Roll, which has been a popular roadside rest stop since the 1960s.
Why visit the U.S. East Coast?
There are many breathtaking beaches on the U.S. East Coast. When it comes to beaches, the eastern coast is much better than any other part of the U.S. The east coast has more natural beaches, miles of desert beaches, white sand beaches, and public access areas.
The East Coast has a beautiful historical landscape worth a visit every year. The islands are known for their natural beauty and exciting history. Some of the sites worth a visit include Ocean City, Cape Hatteras, and Casco Bay Lighthouse.
The U.S. East Coast is also known for its unique shopping and nightlife. The cities of Boston, New York, and Washington are home to great shopping, and the nightlife is famous all around the U.S.
The East Coast is famous for its vast ocean ports. From Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, or Miami, one can sail to any part of the world without worrying about weather conditions. You can also reach any other city in the country within hours.
The East Coast is also a great place to explore historical events such as the Boston Tea Party Battle, Fort Sumter, and Baltimore’s Battle Monument. Fort Screven in Tybee Island is also an icon of history.
Everything is well connected by train and bus services with several popular destinations, including Ocean City and Cape Hatteras. It makes it easier for locals and international tourists to access the cities within the region.