14 Dreamy Beaches to Visit on the East Coast This Summer
The East Coast, from the shores of Maine to the sands of Florida, delivers beach getaways for every kind of summer mood. You will see a variety of beaches and all earn their spot on this list for being reliably dreamy. If you’re planning a quick day trip or a full-on beach week, these 15 coastal favorites are worth the drive, ferry, or flight.
Cape May, New Jersey
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Historic homes, a functioning lighthouse, and wide, soft-sand beaches make Cape May one of the most postcard-ready spots on the East Coast. Its Victorian appeal carries over to the bed-and-breakfasts and boutiques, while the waters are clean and family-friendly. You’ll also find dolphin-watching boat tours and a summer theater scene.
Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne, Florida
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Crandon Park is a laid-back escape with calm, shallow waters, shady palms, and grassy picnic areas. Hammocks and paddleboards are welcome here, as are kids and kayakers. A nearby nature center gives the visit an educational twist. It’s spacious and a favorite for anyone looking to ditch the noise of South Beach for a more natural beach day.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
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It’s a beach, but it also feels like an open-air art gallery. It earned its name from the hauntingly beautiful tree skeletons scattered across the sand, shaped by wind and water over time. Visitors come for sunrise photos, weddings, and quiet walks. Though it’s not ideal for swimming, it’s a one-of-a-kind coastal stop that pairs well with the rest of Jekyll Island’s historic district and wildlife experiences.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
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Old Orchard Beach offers seven miles of wide shoreline plus an amusement park right on the sand. The wooden pier stretches into the Atlantic and is lined with shops. Cooler water temperatures keep it refreshing, and its location just 30 minutes from Portland makes it an easy add-on for a New England road trip.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
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Kiawah Island is mostly private, but Beachwalker Park welcomes public visitors with boardwalks and unspoiled views. It’s not uncommon to spot dolphins near the coast or osprey overhead. The beach is known for being pristine and peaceful, with gentle waves and hard-packed sand that’s perfect for biking.
Sandy Hook, New Jersey
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This stretch of beach offers something rare: Atlantic Ocean views with the Manhattan skyline in the background. It is located at the northern tip of the Jersey Shore. It is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and home to the country’s oldest operating lighthouse. Beaches are clean and spread out, and there’s a separate bike path that runs the length of the peninsula.
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, Massachusetts
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Race Point Beach stretches out at the far edge of Cape Cod, where sand meets open ocean. Surf is strong here, and on a clear day you might spot whales passing by. Dunes frame the wide shore. Evenings bring wind and cool air, but that’s when sunset draws out locals and photographers alike.
Assateague Island, Maryland
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Assateague Island is a barrier island shared by Maryland and Virginia, and it’s famous for the free-roaming ponies that graze among the dunes. The beaches are wide and natural, part of a national seashore, and perfect for those who prefer quiet, undeveloped coastlines. Facilities are basic, but the experience—swimming near wild horses—is anything but ordinary.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Myrtle Beach runs for miles along the South Carolina coast, busy with boardwalk crowds, arcades, and the giant SkyWheel spinning over the sand. There’s golf, seafood spots, and plenty of places to stay. Summer water feels warm, usually in the low 80s. Lifeguards are on duty, and the action rarely slows down.
Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, New York
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Cooper’s Beach consistently ranks among the top U.S. beaches, including a #3 spot in Dr. Beach’s 2023 list. Its shoreline stretches nearly a mile, backed by grass-covered dunes and lined with multi-million-dollar estates. The beach offers restrooms, chair and umbrella rentals, and a snack bar.
Kill Devil Hills, Outer Banks, North Carolina
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Kill Devil Hills is a sweet middle-ground with soft sand, mellow surf, and plenty of rental options nearby. It’s also home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where powered flight first took off. The beaches here are less developed, and the vibe is more relaxed.
Fire Island, New York
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Fire Island drops the cars once summer hits. To get there, you take a ferry or private boat. Villages dot the 32-mile stretch, each with its own style. Sailors Haven stays laid-back and family-focused. Main beaches have lifeguards. The Sunken Forest weaves a shaded path through holly trees.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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This 28-mile beach is far from being boring. The boardwalk hums with bikes, musicians, and food stands, so walking here alone is a treat. Festivals and sports events fill the calendar in summer, and First Landing State Park offers a quieter detour nearby. For families, the well-patrolled beaches and wide sands make things easy. For couples or solo travelers, there’s shopping, restaurants, and beach bars.
Ocean City, Maryland
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Ocean City draws more than 8 million visitors annually, thanks in part to its iconic three-mile wooden boardwalk lined with arcades, amusement rides, and food stands selling fries and saltwater taffy. The beach spans 10 miles and is staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
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This place offers a smaller-scale experience that’s ideal for families or travelers who want a slower pace. The boardwalk is charming but calm, the beach is clean and soft, and the surrounding town hosts free concerts and movie nights during the summer. You’ll still find great food and lodging, but without the heavy crowds of neighboring towns.