30 Best Beaches on the East Coast — From Maine to Florida

They have blue waters, soft sand, and fun activities for everyone.

The East Coast of the U.S. is home to some seriously stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to pastoral valleys. But no area showcases nature's artistry more than the region's gorgeous coastline. Our list of the best beaches along the East Coast includes popular spots like Virginia Beach and Ocean City, as well as off-the-beaten-path spots like Jekyll Island's Driftwood Beach.

The states bordering the eastern shore encompass nearly 30,000 miles of coastline, according to the NOAA Office for Coastal Management. But with so many states to choose from, it may be hard to decide which beaches to visit, especially when you weigh all your options, from the rocky coves of Maine and the iconic boardwalks of the Jersey Shore to secluded Southern barrier islands. Listed north to south, here are 30 of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Top 5 Can't Miss

• Cape Cod does beaches right, and a favorite is Coast Guard Beach, with its calmer water.

• If you want to spend the weekend camping, fishing, and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, head to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.

• Surfing near New York City? Rockaway Beach in Queens is your spot.

• Ocean City, MD, has the best of both worlds — a wide swath of sandy beach and a boardwalk full of food and rides.

• Florida has miles of beaches to choose from, and we love Vero Beach for its laid-back vibes.

Sand Beach, Maine

Acadia National Park is one of the most stunning places to explore in the spring, summer, and fall. After hiking through its seemingly endless trails, make your way to Sand Beach, a small stretch of shoreline accessible via Park Loop Road. The water will be cold, but the refreshing feeling is worth it, thanks to the solitude and stellar views. 

Gooch's Beach, Maine

Those looking for more action can head to Gooch's Beach in Kennebunk. The soft-sand stretch is popular with surfers, thanks to a "clean break" (smooth, well-formed waves) that's usually best in the fall, though the waves have been known to pick up in the summer if a good storm is on the way. While there's no snack bar here, there are lifeguards from mid-June through early September, so families can feel more at ease.

Related: 10 Best Beach Towns in Maine, According to Locals

Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Visitors to this quiet fishing town in southern Maine come for its three miles of pristine beaches, with Ogunquit Beach being the most popular. When the tide is high, you can walk out in waist-deep water for quite a distance. Just behind the beach's dunes is a tidal river perfect for kayaking, and there's no shortage of spots selling lobster rolls just a short walk away.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

For miles of sandy shore, head to Hampton Beach State Park. Visitors here can camp, fish, picnic, and, of course, swim in the Atlantic waters. And because it's a state park, it comes with all the necessary facilities, including bathrooms.

Weirs Beach, New Hampshire

Technically not a coastal beach, this beach is located on Lake Winnipesaukee, but it's just as glorious as a seaside escape along the Atlantic. Come for plenty of sand and calm waters that are perfect for small children. The beach also has a lively boardwalk, lake cruises, tons of dining options, and summer fireworks shows.

Race Point Beach, Massachusetts

Race Point Beach, located in Provincetown, comes with miles of silky sand. It's a prime place to get a summertime glow or sit with a cozy sweater to watch a fall sunrise or sunset. It even has a lighthouse up on the dunes (though you will have to hike about two miles to get there).

Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts

For a gentler shoreline, head to Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, a popular spot for families — locals and visitors alike. Though it's just 25 miles from Race Point Beach, the water tends to be much calmer here, plus it features facilities, including a bathroom and rinse-off showers, as well as lifeguards all summer long. 

Easton's Beach, Rhode Island

Easton's Beach in Newport is as idyllic as they come. The charming beach is also Newport's largest, making it easy to find a spot to lay down your blanket. In addition to amenities like bathrooms and a playground, it's located at the start of the town's famed Cliff Walk, where you can see century-old Rhode Island mansions.

East Matunuck State Beach, Rhode Island

As the Ocean State, Rhode Island has its fair share of spectacular beaches, but none has as much charm as this one. Nestled at the far end of the state, East Matunuck State Beach is equipped with typical perks such as a snack bar, bathrooms, and summertime lifeguards keeping a watchful eye, as well as gorgeous dunes and a view of Block Island. Plus, it's down the street from the famed Matunuck Oyster Bar, which is deserving of the short walk for a dozen oysters and a cocktail for lunch.

Compo Beach, Connecticut

Westport has several beaches ideal for exploration, but Compo is the standout. The 29-acre park includes a large sandy beach that looks out onto the Long Island Sound with a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk and a concession stand. For those looking to break a sweat and have a little fun, there are also two sand volleyball courts.

Harvey's Beach, Connecticut

Harvey's Beach in Old Saybrook is the stuff of small-town dreams. The sandy beach, lined with gorgeous dunes, is a place where visitors can swim, fish, boat, and search for shells. There's a concession stand, changing rooms, and a small playground for kids.

Rockaway Beach, New York

For New Yorkers, Rockaway Beach in Queens is as convenient as it gets. It's accessible via public transit from Manhattan and is a stellar spot to escape the hustle and bustle for a quick swim or a paddle out to surf. (It's technically the only beach in New York City where it's legal to surf.)

Cooper's Beach, New York

There's no bad beach in the Hamptons, but for a more local vibe, make your way to Cooper's Beach. It's a gorgeous little pocket of sand along the Atlantic that's near restaurants. Even better, it's known for being just a little quieter in the summer than more popular nearby locales.

Sandy Hook, New Jersey

New Jersey beachgoers should make their way to Sandy Hook for an expansive stretch of beach that's, once again, perfect for swimming, fishing, or paddling. The beach is also part of the larger Gateway National Recreation Area, which has miles of hiking and biking trails for when you've had enough of the sand.

The Cove, New Jersey

The beaches along Cape May go on for 2.5 miles, and the best part about them is that they're within walking distance of many local accommodations and all the top attractions (a.k.a. those famous Victorian homes). But Cape May isn't just one beach; it's made up of many. One of the best is The Cove, ideal for everyone from families to solo surfers, kayakers, and those seeking a break from the more active beach scene down the shore.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

Picturesque Bethany Beach is covered with grassy dunes sprouting up around the wooden boardwalk that goes on for nearly a half mile. Come here for a stroll or sit and savor the sun for as long as possible before checking out the nearby shops and food vendors.

Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park, which can be found at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, features more than six miles of pristine coastline, including the Point, the exact spot where the bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. After spending some time at the beach, head to the Seaside Nature Center to learn more about the area's flora and fauna.

Ocean City, Maryland

Looking for a really, really big beach? Then, it's time to plan a trip to Ocean City, home to 10 miles of sand. The beach here is ideal for everything you'd ever want to do by the shore: surf, kayak, build sandcastles, play volleyball, and more. Ocean City also prides itself on its plentiful free activities in the summer, including movie nights and concerts.

Related: 12 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast

Assateague Island, Maryland

Yes, there are two miles of beaches you can relax on at Assateague Island. But rather than park yourself in one spot for an entire day, stop in, get some sun, then go off and explore this fantastic island. Hike, see the lighthouse, and, if you're lucky, spot one of the famed wild horses running down the shore (just don't touch or feed them for your own safety).

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is a lively slice of land where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet. The destination is known for its buzzing boardwalk, plentiful events, and a standout dining scene steps from the sand, making it easy to go back and forth between the water and good eating all day long.

Buckroe Beach, Virginia

Just north of Virginia Beach, you will find Buckroe Beach, a smaller stretch of sand that feels scaled back compared to its more bustling counterpart. At Buckroe, visitors can head out for a swim, walk the pier, and take the kids to the nautical-themed playground for a laid-back yet equally pleasurable day at the beach.

Nags Head, North Carolina

What would a list of great Eastern Seaboard beaches be without mention of the Outer Banks? For the ultimate in solitude, head to Nags Head and its 12 miles of sandy shoreline. There are plenty of public access points — all you need to do is find a patch that's ideal for you and set up shop. Just make sure to pack enough water and snacks to last the day. If you really want to unplug, consider camping in the Outer Banks — at the Oregon Inlet Campground, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

If you like the island life, make your way to Emerald Isle, which has fewer than 4,000 permanent residents but swells in population during the busy summer season. The 1,000-foot-long Bogue Inlet Pier offers a chance to fish for trout, mackerel, and more while seeing the beach from a whole new perspective.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Located along South Carolina's Grand Strand coast sits Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular beach destinations in the state. Made up of several connected beaches, the sand here goes on for miles. It's ideal for families, friends, and all who want to soak in the rays together. Plus, there are many fun things to do nearby, like riding the Sky Wheel.

Burkes Beach, South Carolina

North Carolina isn't the only state with island paradise beaches. Just look to Burkes Beach in the ever-popular Hilton Head Island for proof. Burkes Beach is often considered the more local of the island's beaches, meaning it's both a bit more relaxed and comes with fewer restaurants nearby. That said, the trade-off of peace and quiet just might be worth having to pack a sandwich along with your other essentials.

Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Find a little peace and a whole lot of picture-perfect views at Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island. With beautiful sand, sea, and massive driftwood washed ashore, it's one of the best Georgia beaches for photographers.

North Beach, Georgia

North Beach on Tybee Island is made for those who enjoy long walks on the sand and hunting down the perfect seashells. It's a beachcomber's paradise and one that's easy to hop on and off between town shopping and dining excursions. Book a bed-and-breakfast for a charming stay.

Related: 25 Best Beaches in the USA

Main Beach, Florida

Main Beach is Amelia Island's most popular spot to spend a day on the sand. Lifeguards are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and there's a spot to rent umbrellas and beach chairs. When you are ready for a break from the sun, shower off and head to the playground, skate park, or mini golf course.

Vero Beach, Florida

If you're seeking something a bit more low-key, head to Vero Beach, a peaceful area that's home to several beaches worth exploring. Want to bring home a little souvenir? Try treasure hunting at Seagrape Trail Beach. Want photos of sand dunes? Go to Treasure Shores Park. Want to surf? Try Wabasso Beach.

South Beach, Florida

The iconic South Beach has made its way into movies, music videos, and television series because it really is that vibrant, eclectic, and downright stunning — thanks to its azure waters lapping the white sand. During your visit to one of the most happening beaches in America, you may want to splurge on a chaise lounger at a beach club for the day.

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