The 40 Best Beaches on the East Coast
You CAN find clear water and white sand along the Atlantic.
When people think of America’s prettiest beaches, California and Hawaii tend to get all the credit, while seaside destinations in Florida, Maine, and Massachusetts are too often overlooked. We’d argue that most of the country’s best stretches of sand are actually along the Atlantic Ocean, and a few of them even offer clear water and white sand to rival anything you’d find on a Caribbean vacation. Here, we’ve rounded up 40 of the best beaches on the East Coast so you can plan your getaway accordingly. And since the hotels in some of these tiny beach towns tend to fill up fast, it’s smart to nail down your stay—and those precious parking passes—by booking early!
Explore tourist favorites and hidden gems, from coastal islands like Nantucket to Jersey shore resort towns like Cape May, and the sprawling swaths of sand in Virginia Beach. There’s even one dreamy locale where you can hang out with wild horses as you gaze at the ocean. Whether you’re seeking the best East Coast beaches for families, you love a vibrant boardwalk scene packed with shops and restaurants, or you prefer to bundle up for a stroll as gray waves crash dramatically on the rocks (underrated Northeast winter activity!), your dream vacation spot is definitely on this list. Check out the top beaches on the East Coast.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
At the island of Nantucket's easternmost end, Great Point is one of the world's most secluded beaches—because you need a 4x4 and a beach permit to get there. Once you do, you'll find miles of beachfront, a historic lighthouse, and ample sea birds to admire. Madaket Beach, on the opposite end of the island, is another good choice—especially for sunset-watching.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Accessible by ferry, Block Island oozes New England charm. Mohegan Bluffs has clay cliffs and a view that reaches all the way to Montauk, Long Island, and it's well worth navigating the 141 wooden steps that lead down to the beach.
East Hampton, New York
Named the best beach in the country back in 2013, Main Beach in East Hampton is known for its wide stretch of sand plus a snack bar, bathrooms, and lockers. Keep in mind that free on-site parking permits are only available to village residents, but as with many Hamptons-area beaches, daily parking passes are available for a fee.
Palm Beach, Florida
It should come as no surprise that this one percenters' enclave has some of the best-groomed beaches on the East Coast. From snorkeling at John D. MacArthur State Park to spotting sea turtle hatchlings at Juno Beach, Palm Beach County has 47 miles of picturesque coastline to explore.
More: Palm Beach, Florida Guide: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop, Drink, and Be Seen
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Moshup Beach—also known as Aquinnah Beach—is at the coastal island's western end. The famous Gay Head Cliffs, a national landmark, provide a backdrop for this stunning setting, an isolated destination that requires a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
Cape May, New Jersey
This Jersey Shore getaway's beaches have been declared the best in the state, and its collection of Victorian bed and breakfast destinations is a big draw for visitors from around the country. In fact, the charming town was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
This 5,700-acre barrier island off the coast of Georgia is famous for its nesting sea turtles and hermit crabs. Glory Beach is so named because the producers of the 1989 movie Glory, starring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington, built a long boardwalk to the beach that remains today.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
This charming town at the northernmost tip of Cape Cod is beloved for its (historically LGBTQ-friendly) mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants, and beautiful beaches—more than 30 miles of them.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Just 15 miles south of Charleston with some of the best golfing in the world and beaches that stretch for 10 miles, Kiawah Island has hosted notable names like Joe Biden, George Clooney, and George W. Bush. While the tony island is private, five-star hotel The Sanctuary offers access to non-residents.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
If you're brave enough to climb the 257 steps to the top, the view from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse offers a spectacular sense of the surrounding area. The Outer Banks beach's abundance of seashells to collect is also a top draw, as is the unique topography shaped by wind, waves, and its location on one of North Carolina's barrier islands.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
The famous Virginia Beach boardwalk is 28 feet wide and stretches for three miles, with restaurants and a separate bike path for beachside rides.
Southampton, New York
About 15 miles west of East Hampton (and closer to NYC), Southampton boasts more than seven miles of shoreline. Head to Cooper's Beach on the East End, and make sure to check out some of the extravagant mansions lining Meadow Lane on the way—at least, what you can see over the hedges.
Madison, Connecticut
Connecticut's largest public beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park, is also one of its most popular. It includes two miles of sand along the relatively calm waters of the Long Island Sound, making it great for families.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Goose Rocks Beach offers nearly three miles of white sand along Maine's scenic coast. The Goose Rocks barrier reef—visible at low tide—protects it from choppy seas, and searching for marine life in the tidal pools is a popular activity with children.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
New Hampshire isn't generally known for its beaches. But with a boardwalk and family-friendly amenities like a waterfront RV campground in the adjacent Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton Beach is a notable slice of sand on the tiny 13-mile-long coastline.
Sand Beach, Maine
Nestled in the middle of Acadia National Park is Sand Beach. Accessible via Park Loop Road, the hidden gem is the perfect place to stop after a few hours of hiking. Though the water will likely be too cold for a swim, it offers stunning views of the ocean against a backdrop of mountains.
Harvey's Beach, Connecticut
Families will find lots to love at Harvey's Beach in the charming town of Old Saybrook. There are lifeguards for safe swimming, a concession stand, and a playground to entertain the kids. Daily and seasonal parking passes are available for non-residents for a fee.
Fire Island, New York
The small barrier island is a popular getaway destination for New York City residents in particular, offering about 8 miles of almost untouched oceanfront beaches and a variety of small towns. While some parts of Fire Island are quiet and residential, others attract tourists with their restaurants and shopping. Hang out on the beach for just a few hours and you're sure to spot a deer.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is just a few hours' drive from Washington, D.C., but feels like another world. This family-friendly spot has water sports and gorgeous oceanfront homes, as well as a boardwalk that features shopping, restaurants, mini-golf, and more.
Ocean City, Maryland
There's so much more to do in Ocean City beyond lying on its 10 miles of beach. Maryland's popular resort town offers a wide range of activities, including a three-mile boardwalk, restaurants, and bars.
Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.
Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country, where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.
Jessica is a freelance writer from New York who loves kale salads and hanging out with her cats.
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