20 East Coast beach towns worth a visit, from Florida to Maine

There are 14 states that make up the United State's East Coast; each with its own distinct feel, climate, and culture. From the hot, sandy beaches of Florida to the rocky harbors of Maine, there are so many beautiful stretches of coastline to pick from (and so many beach towns worth exploring). Whether you're looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, no matter your vibe there's so much to explore. We've compiled a list of some of the best beach towns to go to on this side of the Atlantic coast, perfect for family vacations to the shore, solo trips for a bit of solitude, group getaways for fun in the sun, and more. From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 21 of the best East Coast beach towns in the U.S.

From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 17 of the best East Coast beach towns in the US.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Nantucket, Massachussetts

If you’re reading this, chances are high that you already love Nantucket, given the fact that Condé Nast Traveler’s audience voted it onto the magazine’s 2025 Best Islands in the World Readers’ Choice Awards list, scoring a 91.43. The food, shopping, and walking around is great, but where Nantucket really shines is on the shore. For a day trip or quick overnight, Jetties Beach is ideal because it’s walkable from “town,” the center of the action. It’s also great if you have kids or don’t have time to hit the grocery store in advance. Open-air restaurant Sandbar offers $1 oyster happy hours, serves cocktails, and slings wings, sandwiches, and salads. Further out, Cisco Beach is rougher and more natural. It’s a hub for surfing, and if you don’t have your own gear, you can take a lesson with Ack Surf School.

Where to stay in Nantucket:

• For a century-old New England classic: White Elephant
• For a chic, boutique-y recent spot: Faraway Nantucket
• For a cozy family vacation: The Nantucket Hotel & Resort

Charleston, South Carolina

Yes, Charleston is a city by definition, but anyone who's been will tell you it has the feel of a close-knit town. People make the trip for the buzzy bar and restaurant scene and charming historical architecture, but sometimes they forget that for all intents and purposes Charleston is also something of a beach town. The best beaches that are within 15-20 of downtown include Folly Beach (good for surfing), Sullivan’s Island (relaxing), and Isle of Palms (has a beach club with live music called the Windjammer.) Make the further trip to nearby Kiawah Island for pristine coast and dolphin-spotting. For off-the-sand action, in our official Charleston travel guide, local writer Allston McCrady also shouts out afternoon tea at Hotel Bennett, the turtle center at the South Carolina Aquarium, and swampy Cyprus Gardens (of The Notebook fame).

Where to stay in Charleston:

• For something refined: The Dewberry Charleston
• For beautiful restored houses: Zero George
• For a historic stay: Wentworth Mansion

Key Biscayne, Florida

Despite its name, Key Biscayne doesn’t belong to the Florida Keys archipelago; it’s a barrier island and former coconut plantation located in Miami-Dade County, south of Miami Beach. Connected to Miami proper only by the 5-mile Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is conveniently close to the city yet removed enough to be a separate destination entirely, one that’s slow paced and known for natural beauty. The drive itself is said to be magical; gliding over turquoise waters transitions you from the urban rush into a scenic, tropical landscape. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a must-visit and one of the area’s best-known attractions, and offers views of vivid sunsets, a sweeping beach with chair and umbrella rentals, lighthouse tours, and activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. Plan to get there early because the park closes for capacity when the lot is full—a frequent occurrence during the high season. Other Key Biscayne recs from our Miami guide include the bakery Flour & Weirdoughs, heated pilates at Tondo Room, and of course, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.

Where to stay in Key Biscayne:

• For laidback luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

Key West, Florida

Closer to Cuba than it is to Miami, Key West is a singular destination with a notable history; a unique blend of Caribbean, Cuban, British, and American culture; and a striking landscape dominated by the sea. It’s also the southernmost point in the contiguous United States. Highlights from Condé Nast Traveler’s Key West guide include gems like live music at Green Parrot dive bar, fresh Caribbean seafood at Blue Heaven, and the striking overwater Dry Tortugas National Park. Years later, traces of twentieth-century literary stardom hang over certain locales, thanks to Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, whose houses you can visit when you’re on the island.

Where to stay in Key West:

• For ocean views: Southernmost Beach Resort
• For old Key West vibes: The Marquesa Hotel

Bar Harbor, Maine

Much of Maine's Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park—home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island's northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid-19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine's Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale-watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor:

• For a quirky stay: Queen Anne's Revenge Inn and Suites
• For romance: West Street Hotel
• For a private cottage: Beachy three-bedroom rental

Kennebunkport, Maine

For the iconic, charming New England feel, head to Kennebunkport for your next coastal getaway. This tiny village is home to around 3,500 year-round residents, but as a popular summer destination, its population almost triples in size during the warmer months. Head to Kennebunkport’s Dock Square for some imaginative shopping, or get a bite to eat at one of their delicious restaurants (you're in Maine, so might as well try the lobster). It's a little over 30 minutes away from Portland by car, so it's the perfect beachy break from the vibrant city's bustling life.

Where to stay in Kennebunkport:

• For an old-school beach cottage: The Wanderer Cottages
• For retro charm: The Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club
• For casual creatives: Kennebunkport Captains Collection

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

At Hampton Beach, it's all about the long stretch of beautiful sandy coastline. It's the perfect place to spend your days walking up and down the stretch of beach and visiting the exciting boardwalk. Hampton Beach is a particularly great vacation spot for families, where kids and parents alike can spend their days sunbathing, swimming in the gorgeous waters, or enjoying a beachside picnic. Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the classic seaside vibes while you pop into arcades, saltwater taffy stands, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, and spots with live music.

Where to stay in Hampton Beach:

• For a cozy and quiet trip: Picturesque two-bedroom with incredible views
• For your toes in the sand: Chic condo on the ocean

Rockport, Massachusetts

The North Shore, a group of towns in Greater Boston, is a culturally important swath of Massachusetts. The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester-by-the-Sea. There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers. Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative “the most-often painted building in America.” It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character. (And it didn’t hurt that the light hit it just so.) A replica was built promptly following the historic Blizzard of 1978, which destroyed the original. Gray Malin photographed it for his recent project on Boston.

Where to stay in Rockport:

• For cozy vibes: Coastal studio loft
• For a seaside view: Waterfront apartment overlooking a private beach

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Ferries deliver day trippers to this little Martha’s Vineyard town daily and the colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.

Where to stay in Oak Bluffs and Martha's Vineyard:

• For a historic stay: Faraway Martha's Vineyard
• For an eclectic experience: Four-bedroom Victorian beach house
• For a camp-inspired spot: Summercamp

Newport, Rhode Island

Like Oak Bluffs, Newport is a beach town known for its houses, though a very different sort. Ten enormous, historic mansions—once the summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Nevada silver heiresses, and other Westerners of unimaginable wealth—remain standing along the famous cliff walk. Today however, they are museums. The most famous two are The Breakers and Rosecliff. The Newport mansions famously earned the ire of writer Joan Didion, who wrote in her essay The Seacoast of Despair, “To stand in the dining room of ‘The Breakers’ is to imagine fleeing it, pleading migraine.” Today, in lieu of the Great Gatsby-esque lawn parties of yore where swans roamed the grounds, Newport attracts visitors of all stripes for events such as the Newport Folk Festival.

Where to stay in Newport:

• For Gilded Age fans: Gardiner House Newport
• For grandeur: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
• For a newly-reopened piece of history: The Hotel Viking

Madison, Connecticut

Steer away from the crowds and head to Madison, Connecticut, for a beachside vacay without quite as much noise and fanfare. Just under two hours from New York City by car, Madison is about the same distance as the Hamptons, but way less crowded. This isn't exactly the place the see and be seen, but it is somewhere where you can truly get away from it all—even if just for the weekend. Between the beautiful beaches (there are four to choose from) and adorable downtown, you'll find plenty to do for a couple of days, and come back home far more rested and relaxed than if you headed to the frantic energy of some of the more popular summer hotspots.

Where to stay near Madison:

• For a spa resort: Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
• For a B&B: Inn at Harbor Hill Marina
• For a secluded cabin: Postcard Cabins

Montauk, New York

The final stop on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is appropriately known as the End. Due to strong winds, rough surf, and ample preserved land, it really does feel like the edge of the world, here. (Although some residents of Long Island’s furthest out town argue that if you really think about it, it’s actually the Beginning.) Montauk feels more remote and low-key than its luxurious, sceney Hamptons counterparts. Every visit to Montauk should include a stop at the Montauk Point Light House, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796. It is still operating, and the panoramic views from the top are out of this world.

Where to stay in Montauk:

• For barefoot luxury: Marram Montauk
• For a private beach: Gurney's Montauk
• For St. Tropez vibes: Solé East Resort

Cape May, New Jersey

The site of pink triple-decker Victorian homes and a lively, festive promenade that exists as a beach town ideal in America's collective imagination, Cape May is the sort of dreamy summer destination one associates with trails of melted ice cream dotting the hot pavement and Fourth of July picnics. National Geographic also labeled Cape May as the World's Best Destination for Birding, writing, “The narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show… With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.” Sign us up.

Where to stay in Cape May:

• For picturesque looks: One-bedroom cottage with a hot tub
• For classic luxury: The Virginia Hotel

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Another great spot to bring the whole family—Rehoboth Beach in Delaware is particularly known for its wonderful, sandy stretches of beach and its vibrant boardwalk. Break up a long day lazing about in the sand with a walk through the mile-long hub of shops, arcades, restaurants, and more that makes up the iconic boardwalk. Here, you'll find a very classic beach town vibe with plenty of tourists swarming the area during the warmer months to enjoy all the seaside delights. It's also in close proximity to New York City; Washington, DC; and Baltimore, so it's perfect for a quick trip away from the city. Due to its popularity, this isn't the place to go for a quiet, secluded couple of days, but is perfect to experience the hustle and bustle of a classic summer town.

Where to stay in Rehoboth Beach:

• For timeless meets modern: The Bellmoor Inn and Spa
• For beachy views: Midcentury-modern vacation home

Ocean City, Maryland

There is no place quite like the Chesapeake Bay. Step foot here and breathe in the saltwater air, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy the gorgeous beaches. The seaside resort town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family—stroll down the boardwalk and taste the saltwater taffy to start, then take your pick of activities for all ages: surfing, fishing, and kayaking included. If you're looking for something a little less busy, the nearby small town of Berlin (just a 15-minute drive away) is great for a quick trip or overnight stay to avoid the crowds, but will take you away from the gorgeous shoreline. A little farther away is the historic small town of St. Michaels, worth a visit just to explore the history and see the picturesque neighborhood on the water.

Where to stay in Ocean City:

• For a view: Condo with bayside access
• For a midtown stay: Condo near restaurants, bars, and entertainment

Chincoteague, Virginia

You won't find bustling boardwalks, sleek hotels, or grids of cars with clunky bike racks trapped in traffic in Chincoteague. This coastal town is all about the wildlife—specifically its wild horses. Visitors flock to the island annually for the Pony Penning that has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department holds the event, and it consists of a pony swim—in which the animals cross the Assateague Channel—and a pony auction. No one really knows how this population of horses came to be, though there are competing theories. Some say they are descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked en route to Peru in the 17th century. Others claim they were left long ago by pirates. Still others say they are runaways from mainland farmers. The quaint beauty of Chincoteague includes trails for hiking, beaches, and a red and white lighthouse. For the best pony views, cross over on a bike to the Maryland side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Where to stay in Chincoteague:

• For beachy decor: Three-bedroom with a balcony
• For sunset views: Bay-facing cottage on the water

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a beach town on the Outer Banks, a group of barrier islands and spits sandwiched between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park, which comprise the tallest true sand dune system on the East Coast. Hundreds of shipwrecks nearby—caused by the region's shifting sands and heavily trafficked waters—have given the surrounding waters the moniker “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and the nearby USS Huron is a popular scuba dive site.

Where to stay in Nags Head and the Outer Banks:

• For a beachfront retreat: Sanderling Resort
• For a five-minute walk to the water: Coastal boho home
• For panoramic ocean views: Triple-tiered vacation home

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is so small that its year-round population hovers around 100 people. It was first settled in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest beach towns in the US. With that amount of history, there is, of course, a ghost story to go with it: There have been sightings of the Gray Man, a ghost whose appearance is said to warn of hurricanes as he paces up and down the beach, dating to a 19th-century storm. Summer options on Pawleys Island that are not at all spooky—besides flopping around on the beach—include golf, fishing, walking sculpture-filled gardens, and feasting on Lowcountry cuisine like She Crab soup.

Where to stay in Pawleys Island:

• For a beachy condo: Two-bedroom townhouse
• For a breathtaking view: Marshfront property near the beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While it's not too far from the aforementioned Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach will feel worlds away from the slow, small-town atmosphere of the other quaint town. This popular summer destination boasts bigger crowds than its neighbor, and has a wide assortment of entertainment, dining, nightlife, and activities available. Aside from the deliciously warm weather and miles of beaches to traverse, Myrtle Beach is also home to a great many golf courses, amusement parks, water parks, and an iconic boardwalk with a massive 187-foot-tall Ferris Wheel.

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach:

• For golf lovers: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
• For seclusion: Island Vista Resort

Tybee Island, Georgia

Just a short drive from Savannah, Georgia, this coastal community is in the perfect spot for a day trip. Even during the summer, some parts of it manage to maintain that small-town vibe and don't get unbearably crowded, boasting an assortment of adorable ice cream and coffee shops, long stretches of sandy beaches, and great waterfront access. There's a little something for everyone from families to couples—South Beach is better for those who want a little excitement in their atmosphere, whereas North Beach is a bit more quiet and contained. I've found it particularly great for families (having traveled here with a multigenerational group ages 1-68), and recommend the kitschy Original Crab Shack for a memorable meal.

Where to stay in Tybee Island:

• For a private pool and hot tub: Three-bedroom bungalow
• For couples: Historic cottage with complimentary golf cart, bikes, and kayaks