Read update
- Visit more of the best East Coast beaches
Nothing compares to the feeling of walking barefoot on a beach where the sand is soft, clean, and sparkling; the breeze is soft and fresh, and the views are such as to give stomach-turning goosebumps. When it comes to a beach experience, America is undoubtedly gifted—and that in abundance. Whether it’s down along the Florida Keys or along the rugged northern shorelines of New England, there are seemingly endless options for a memborable beach experience.
This list has the most beautiful East Coast beaches anyone should add to their bucket list. Of course, beauty is subjective, and as is the famous quote, in the eye of the beholder. Still, combing through reviews and comments, this list comprises the best East Coast beaches for the perfect vacation next to the water.
UPDATE: 2023/07/03 07:22 EST BY JAIMEE TERESE
Visit more of the best East Coast beaches
With thousands of miles worth of shoreline stretching from Maine to Florida, there are a dizzying number of options for East Coast beach vacations. This list has been expanding to include four more of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast to add to the bucket list.
14 Flagler Beach, Florida
Florida's beaches are world-famous for their incredible beauty. And in all honesty, that reputation is very much deserved. Nestled between the colonial charm of St Augustine and Daytona Beach, and gifted with panoramic views for miles on end, Flagler Beach is one of the Sunshine State’s finest beaches. What’s more? It’s quiet and perfect for a family trip. It’s also just about half an hour’s drive away from St. Augustine, which itself boasts several attractions and other vacation conveniences.
- How Far Is Flagler Beach To St Augustine?: Flagler Beach is 35.4 miles from St. Augustine.
13 Surfside Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts
Anyone who’s been to Surfside will feel that they've stepped back in time to a place that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of some historical fiction masterpiece such as Francis Bacon’s Atlantis. Well, Surfside boasts wide, roomy beaches, good surf, clean sand, and even food. That’s right; one can savor some delectable hamburger or a plate of strawberry feta salad with candied pecans as some of the East Coast's signature dishes.
12 Huntington Beach, South Carolina
Definitely one of the best East Coast beaches, Huntington Beach in South Carolina has plenty of sand that’s almost spotless. While many things can be said in favor of this amazing beach, perhaps its number one selling point is its location within Huntington Beach State Park. As a result, one can easily combine a wonderful beach activity with several park adventures, such as checking out the famous Atalaya Castle, camping, or hiking.
- Hours of entry for Huntington Beach State Park: 6 AM-10 PM every day
11 Ocean City, Maryland
This beach is defined by 10 miles of cascading sand that is clean and sparkling. In addition, it’s cool, quiet, and laid-back—just the perfect ingredients for a dream getaway or vacation. In addition, the water at Ocean City is remarkably clear, even if its sand is a bit grainy and not as soft as everyone expected. Many hotels make great use of the area's natural beauty to offer wonderful landscapes, while visitors get to spend a perfect vacation at the beach.
- What Is The Best Part Of Ocean City Beach? The boardwalk, hands-down.
10 Race Point Beach, Cape Cod
Cape Cod has quite a number of amazing beaches. But Race Point, in all honesty, takes the palm. This beach has a landscape that boasts panoramic views at every turn of the neck, as well as an environment that’s alluringly serene. Though not quite the beach for picking up shells or tagging our furry friends along, the views here are out of the world—with sunsets that will linger in mind for many months.
- How Much Is The Parking Fee At Race Point Beach? The parking fee is $25.
9 Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach, North Carolina
Photo by Nancy Wilson on Unsplash
Outer Banks is a beautiful area, and there’s a reason Ocracoke is known as “The Pearl of Outer Banks.” This is easily one of the most remote outposts on the Eastern Shoreboard. Also, because it’s so far away and secluded, its beaches are pristine and relatively less crowded. It’s not hard to spot whales and dolphins here. Also, there are outdoor showers as well as a clean changing room.
- Family-friendly: While many other beaches in Ocracoke are clothes-optional, Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach is a safe spot for young eyes.
8 Siesta Beach, Florida
It’s hard to describe the look and appeal of Siesta Beach on Siesta Key, Florida. Nicknamed the “world’s whitest sand,” there’s a reason Siesta Beach has twice been named the best beach in the United States by Dr. Beach. If soft, clean sand is your thing—and of a type that doesn’t get too hot even in the hottest Florida sun, Siesta Beach should be on your bucket list. The bonus for this beach are the views, the size, and the conveniences.
- How Much To Visit Siesta Beach? Entry to Siesta Beach is free to the public
7 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Photo by Zara Watkins on Unsplash
Rehoboth Beach has everything one would look for in a beach. There is clean water, fun surfing waves, dolphins, and plenty of warm, spotless sand. Topping it off, the boardwalk just flips the scales and makes this beach a must-visit. The only downside is that it can get very crowded during peak seasons, so try visiting in the spring or fall.
6 Bethany Beach, Delaware
Photo by Zachary Brown on Unsplash
Still in the First State, Bethany Beach is extremely beautiful and is among the country’s finest. Also, it’s quiet and peaceful, often uncrowded or less crowded, and a great spot for family fun thanks to its calm waters and friendly atmosphere. A decent number of nearby shops and restaurants make this beach very convenient. Beach access is free (all beaches in Delaware are public), so visitors will only need to pay for parking.
5 Cape May, New Jersey
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
This beach is clean, well-kept, quiet, with powder-soft sand, family-friendly, and opens out to some of the most amazing views on the New Jersey shoreline. This charming beach community is renowned for the abundance of Victorian-era architecture, which gives Cape May a different appearance from many beach towns and makes for one of the best East Coast beach vacations.
Cape May is more than just beaches and boardwalks; the Cape May Peninsula is an American Viticultural Area (AVA), which officially designates it as a wine-grape growing region. Willow Creek Winery is a must-visit for wine lovers in Cape May.
4 Sand Beach, Maine
While Maine might not be the first place that comes to mind for beach enthusiasts, don't be deterred by the thought of cold water. The rugged natural landscapes of the northeast make for some of the most beautiful beach backdrops, combined with light crowds and crystal clear water.
Set in the renowned Acadia National Park, the stunning shore of Sand Beach won't disappoint. Visitors can work up a sweat on the seemingly endless network of hiking trails, and then enjoy a refreshing and secluded dip in the sea at Sand Beach.
- Sleep under the stars: camping is a great option for visitors to this area. Acadia National Park is home to two campgrounds on Mound Desert Island and one on the Schoodic Peninsula. Reservations must be made online.
3 Nags Head, North Carolina
A list of the best beaches on the East Coast wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Outer Banks. Known for its solitude, surfing, and sandy shores, Nags Head is ideal for those wishing to avoid the crowds on their beach vacation as visitors can always find a vacant spot in the sand to lay their towel. Nags Head is also known for its excellent seafood (and subsequently, its fishing), and there are many attractions and events off the beach too. There is ample shopping and dining, as well as recreation activities such as mini-golf and go-karts.
- Interesting fact: Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head is home to the tallest living sand dune on the entire Atlantic coast.
- Fido-friendly: Dogs are allowed on the beach at Nags Head year-round, as long as they are leashed.
2 Folly Beach, South Carolina
Affectionately known as the 'edge of America', this barrier island off of the South Carolina coast is one of the most beloved Charleston beaches. This funky beach community has retained much of its original charm, giving it a vibe that is distinctly unique. A favorite spot among surfers, artists, and locals, Folly Beach has a very loyal crown of vacationers that flock to its shores every year.
The small island packs a lot of punch for its size, making it one of the best East Coast beaches. Not only is the beach beautiful, but the back half of the island sits on the equally-as-stunning marsh where visitors can enjoy magnificent sunsets. There is also excellent shopping, drinking, and dining along Center Street.
- Eat like a local: while there are dozens of dining options on the island, don't miss Jack of Cups Saloon and Chico Feo.
- Catch a wave: known for some of the best waves in the state of South Carolina, novices can take a lesson with Isla Surf School, Carolina Salt Surf School, or Shaka Surf School.
1 Easton's Beach, Rhode Island
Photo by Courtney Pickens on Unsplash
<
Another New England gem, Easton's Beach (known locally as 'First Beach') is one of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast. Part of the charming beach community of Newport, Rhode Island, it is the largest of the area beaches and is equipped with amenities such as lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar. It is also located at the start of the famous Cliff Walk - be sure to take in the views of this scenic seaside stroll.
Easton's Beach is a free public beach, so there are no entry fees, but expect to pay for parking.
- Parking costs:​ $10-15 weekday/$20-25 weekend, depending on the season and day of the week.