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The best beaches to go to for the upcoming summer months!
By Nia Tipton — Written on Dec 17, 2021
While many places on the West Coast take credit for having the best beaches, there are some places on the East Coast that are also worth the hype.
From secluded islands to popular beach resort towns and other family-friendly beach options, states along the East Coast have it all.
So, if you're looking to plan your next family getaway or girls trip but don't want to venture all the way to the West Coast or Hawaii, check out these options for vacation ideas right on the East Coast.
These 15 beaches along the East Coast are perfect for relaxation and spending some time in the water with your loved ones.
Tybee Island, Georgia
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Tybee Island is a popular hotspot for families to find plenty of fun.
Visitors can enjoy watersports, venture along the biking or hiking trails, or simply lounge on the beach.
Arts and culture are also a big part of the Island with local events such as festivals and parades that pay tribute to the unique heritage of Tybee Island.
Great Point, Massachusetts
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Great Point beach located at the easternmost end of the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, is one of the most secluded beaches in the world.
You need a beach permit to get there, but once you have it you can enjoy miles of beachfront, the historic lighthouse, and other relaxing activites.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
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The relaxed boardwalk in the coastal town of Bethany Beach is definitely a family-favorite.
In this area, you can also find the barrier island beaches of Delaware Seashore State Park, and prime surfing conditions at Fenwick Island State Park.
The town also hosts free live concerts, movie screenings, bonfires, and weekly activities for children from mid-June all the way to Labor Day weekend.
Easton Beach, Rhode Island
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Easton Beach in Newport, Rhode Island offers a wide variety of fun for any family looking for a nice vacation.
It features numerous water sports, a skate park, seasonal free concerts and a snack bar, and a children’s playground.
Main Beach, New York
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Main Beach in East Hampton, New York was named on the best beaches in the country in 2013.
It's known for its wide stretch of sand plus a snack bar, bathrooms, and lockers to store all of your belongings in while you're out having fun on the water.
Cape May, New Jersey
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Cape May is a popular New Jersey destination with one of the oldest seaside resorts in the country.
Many families come for the untouched beaches, including some inside the Cape May Point State Park.
There are also antique shops, historic house tours, carriage rides, outdoor concerts, and golf courses in the small and charming town.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Virginia beach has three additional beaches, Resort Beach, Sandbridge Beach, and Chesapeake Bay Beach, for families to relax and have fun.
Each beach provides a different and unique feel but are all surrounded by oceanfront vacation rentals and long walking paths.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Myrtle Beach is known for it's beautiful resorts and over 60 miles of pristine waterfront.
There are also different watersports activities located on the beach, including boating, surfing, and fishing.
Ocean City, Maryland
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Ocean City is known for it's fun activties on both land and water.
Some favorites are movie nights on the beach, the Family Beach Olympics competition, beach volleyball, and parades.
Delray Beach, Florida
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Just 2 miles long, Delray Beach earns praise for its cleanliness and restored buildings.
Past vistors have expressed their enjoyment of the abundance of restaurants throughout the downtown area, as well as the presence of lifeguards, showers, and concrete walkways that are perfect jogging.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
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Hampton Beach has been a beloved seaside destination for quite a long time.
The Beach also hosts the annual Miss Hampton Beauty Pageant in late July and concerts every night of the week from June through August.
In addition, Hampton Beach State Park provides campsites and RV hookups from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Madison, Connecticut
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Madison's two miles of sandy shoreline on Long Island Sound are perfect to enjoy swimming, boating, hiking and biking.
The three beaches in town, The Surf Club beach, East, and West Warf beaches offer barbacue, picnic facilities, and fishing piers.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
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Bald Head Island sits two miles off the coast of Southport, North Carolina, and is popular vacation spot among day trippers and long-term travelers.
It's unspoiled beaches, forest preserve areas, and temperate weather are a guarantee for a good time.
The island also offers plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, such as ziplining, fishing charters, and a plethora of watersports.
Bar Harbor, Maine
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Bar Harbor is a village perched on the seaside rocks of Mount Desert Island located in Maine.
It's the perfect place for whale watching tours, shore walks, and lighthouse tourings.
Palm Beach, Florida
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Palm Beach is a more gentle side of Florida, equp with cleaner sands, warmer waters, and fewer crowds.
Some activties to enjoy include fishing, boating, paddling, and snorkeling in the pristine waterways.
Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram.
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