14 Beautiful East Coast Beach Towns

When I travel to the beach for vacation I look forward to spending time exploring small towns up and down the coast from where I am staying.  Aside from the beach, these little towns are the main attraction providing unique traditions and memorable experiences to visitors of every age.

No matter whether you’re shopping for a seashell necklace or looking for the best salt water taffy, the beauty and history of these towns are remarkable:

Beautiful East Coast Beach Towns from North to South

Kennebunkport, Maine

Nowhere says summer to be quite like Coastal Maine and Kennebunkport may just be one of my favorite beach towns. The town itself has been around since the 1600s but only in the last hundred years or so has it become the resort destination it is now. Stay in the adorable waterfront Cottages at Cabot Cove, head out to Cape Porpoise to take in the epic coastal views as well as the beautiful Goat Island Lighthouse, treasure hunt around Goose Rocks Beach, and sunbathe at Colony or Parson’s Beaches. 

New Castle, New Hampshire

I grew up a few miles away from the tiny beach town of New Castle, which is one of my favorite places in New Hampshire! If you want a quieter trip, book a stay at Wentworth-by-the-Sea, one of the few Gilded Age hotels that still exist today. Spend your non-beach days sightseeing around the Seacoast, and then pull up some chairs and watch the sunset from New Castle’s shores. Don’t miss the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse while you’re here!

Chatham, Massachusetts

A classic old-school beach town, Chatham sits at the elbow of Cape Cod’s bent arm.  With its unique “modern fishing town” personality, you’ll find it the perfect place to escape the crowds and relax. Be sure to visit Chatham Lighthouse Beach, it’s one of the best places to enjoy an afternoon and has to be one of the best beaches on the Cape.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

I meet a lot of folks who have never heard of Watch Hill.  Its ample supply of Victorian era homes ranging from ocean-side mansions to prim cottages make it easy to imagine life before 24 hour news cycles and social media. The thought of spending some time there with my cell phone and laptop replaced with a book, sunscreen and a towel makes me very happy. And if I want a break from the beach? I’ll just enjoy an afternoon tea at Olympia Tea Room.

Montauk, New York

Once a sleepy fishing village at the furthest edge of Long Island, Montauk has always been a celebrity favorite for quiet getaways. Even though it’s become more popular along with the rest of the Hamptons, it’s still a charming town. Check out (or join!) the surfers at Ditch Plains Beach, head over to New York’s oldest lighthouse at Montauk Point, and feast on seafood with friends at Harvest on Fort Pond. 

Cape May, New Jersey

While technically Cape May is on the Jersey Shore, it’s the opposite of what you would expect.  This historic Victorian seaside gem is one of the most beautiful beach towns and weekend getaways you can imagine with nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings.  Ride the trolley, search for Cape May Diamonds or stroll along the Washington Street Mall.

Rehoboth, Delaware

When people think of Rehoboth, they think All-American classic.  Located on the Delaware Shores, its ocean-front boardwalk, incredible beaches, 50-year-old amusement park, and saltwater taffy remind us of days gone by.  The very popular (and major party scene) Dewey Beach is two miles south on Hwy 1.  If you drive another 3 miles you can visit the Delaware Seashore Park, which is a preserved area that is both rustic and unbelievably beautiful.

Chincoteague, Virginia

Escape the crowds and enjoy the rustic serenity of Chincoteague Island! Not only is it Virginia’s only resort island, it’s a great gateway town to explore the massive, wildly beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore. You’ll love the quaint, historic feel of Chincoteague, and if you plan your timing right, you could be here for the annual Pony Swim! (Yes, the one made famous in Misty of Chincoteague.) It’s exactly as the name suggests – each year the Chincoteague ponies have been starring in their own summer blockbuster as they swim across the channel between Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. 

Duck, North Carolina

Along Route 12 in the northern Outer Banks sits a small, quiet and very charming beach town that you are sure to love. It’s perfect for families. You can ride your back along the path, go kayaking in the sound, learn more of our early aviation history in nearby Kitty Hawk, and enjoy the 7 miles of clean, pristine beaches.  The shopping is incredible, and once you try a fresh, warm donut from Duck Donuts, you’ll never be the same.

Beaufort, North Carolina

Located in the southern Outer Banks is what’s nicknamed America’s Favorite Small Town – Beaufort! Not only is it a great spot to base yourself for exploring North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, it has that unique mix of southern and historic charm. When you want a beach break, take a stroll through its Historic District to check out all the different architecture. While on the coast, try the classic tomato pie at The Friendly Market, see if you can spot wild horses on Shackleford Island, and be sure to visit Cape Lookout both during the day and at night for a starry surprise. 

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Looking for a beach town with history? Check out Kiawah Island, which is a stone’s throw from Charleston. Not only does this barrier island have gorgeous beaches, it has forests, salt marshes, and lagoons as well. Splurge on a stay at The Sanctuary, rent a bike to get around, and don’t forget to stop in to Fort Sumter for some Civil War history.

Folly Beach, South Carolina

Also right outside of Charleston (about a 20 minute drive) is a charming little beach community called Folly Beach. Seems like the perfect place to unwind, eat some seafood, do a little paddle-boarding and relax and watch the waves tumble in.  Spend the day hunting for beach treasures, fishing or kayaking and then head out for some fun on Center Street or live music at Loggerheads or the Sand Dollar.

Tybee Island, Georgia

If you drive roughly 20 miles east from Savannah, you’ll run into the wonderful white sandy beaches of Tybee Island.  Known for its mesmerizing combination of natural marshes and Atlantic shoreline, you’ll be treated to a fantastic dolphin show along the water.  There are historic forts, a great old lighthouse and museums to entertain you when you’re not at the beach or strolling around town.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

This tiny barrier island proves that smaller is better when it comes to Florida beaches. If you like to avoid the crowds, catch a glimpse of a dolphin or manatee, dip your toes in perfect white sand, and spend your afternoons biking around town, then Anna Maria Island may become one of your favorite Florida beaches.

And there you have it – some beautiful East Coast beach towns to visit the next time you could use some fresh, salty air! Any I’m missing? Let me know in the comments!~