Southern California is likely to spring to mind when most people think of sun, surf, sand, and idyllic weekend getaways. But did you know that the United States East Coast has plenty of wonderful beach spots as well? Much of the coast’s natural beauty, in fact, is frequently ignored. The best part? Many of the coastal towns are great for families! Here are some of the best beaches to visit on your next trip.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
After visiting Hilton Head Island, you'll never want to leave the amazing destination spot. Whether you take a day trip or stay for a week, add this beachfront town to your bucket list.
Hilton Head vacation rentals are both affordable and attractive with easy access to plenty of outdoor activities.
The island and beach town, which is located in South Carolina's 'low country,' is regarded as one of the best beach resorts in the east. The white sand beaches run over 12 kilometers, and there are over 250 eateries to choose from.
There is no need to be concerned about what to do on a wet day because there are several parks and leisure facilities. Because there is no public transit in Hilton Head, make sure your holiday plans include a vehicle rental (or, if you're feeling brave, biking on the island’s hiking trails).
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach's Southern charm is one of the things South Carolinians love and you will too. Locals refer to this barrier island 12 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina, as "the edge of America," and it features low-rise hotels, beach bungalows on stilts, and charming bed-and-breakfasts.
During their trip, guests may rent fishing equipment and fish from the 1,045-foot-long pier, or surf at The Washout, one of Folly Beach's most popular surf areas. Sign up for a family adventure to explore the magnificent surroundings at this top South Carolina beach resort with water sports like kayaking, sailing, or paddleboarding.
Lake George, New York
Lake George, sometimes known as the "Queen of American Lakes," is located at the southeast foot of the Adirondack Mountains and is a major tourist attraction for families looking for a vacation without leaving the country.
You may not only spend long relaxing days at the beach, but you can also take a historical cruise, go camping in beach camping tents, eat at one of the numerous restaurants, or spend a day at Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom amusement parks. It is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will want to repeat.
Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine
Thanks to the shelter provided by the Goose Rocks Barrier Reef, the beach's sand is pristine and the winds are calm. Despite the lack of a lifeguard on duty, swimming is considered safe for the entire family. It's one of Maine's smaller beaches, and it's less well-known among visitors, but it's worth visiting at least once. It's the perfect destination if you're searching for a charming and unforgettable family holiday.
Sand Beach, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Maine, New England's northernmost state, is not without its number of stunning and unusual beaches. One of them is Sand beach, where you can take in the spectacular views of the area, including the Granite Mountains in the distance and pine-tree-covered cliffs while relaxing on the smooth white sand. If you pay attention, the sand is actually made up of small shell bits.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
It might come as a surprise but with a population of fewer than one million people and an area slightly larger than Anchorage, Alaska, Delaware is sometimes neglected. This seaside town is perfect if you want to do some shopping since you can buy great goods without breaking the bank given there is no sales tax.
Lifeguards are on duty at the sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean, so you may relax if you have little children with you. Don't feel like swimming? Take a stroll down the boardwalk for a spectacular view of the lake.
Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville, Florida
Due to its closeness to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and its 24 miles of habitat, Canaveral National Seashore, located 65 miles northeast of Orlando, Florida, attracts both space fanatics and nature lovers. The Seashore is home to 1,045 plant species and 310 bird species, and the National Park Service offers free audio tours and environmental recordings. While visiting this beautiful barrier island, kids may enjoy a free Junior Ranger activity book.
At Playalinda Beach, visitors have seen birds, alligators, and turtles in the past. As far as places to stay, Titusville is a popular destination for RVs due to its multiple campgrounds and small motels that can serve as an economical option for a resting spot.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
While the famed Cape Cod peninsula in Massachusetts is studded with million-dollar houses, bargain-hunting visitors may prefer the calmer, less expensive Outer Cape beaches in Cape Cod National Seashore.
In Eastham and Wellfleet, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and vacation rental options, while other accommodations provide pleasant studios, and one and two-bedroom rooms for small families. Coast Guard Beach on the Atlantic Ocean and First Encounter Beach in Cape Cod Bay are two more popular Cape Cod beaches. Families with teenagers may like the HI Truro Hostel on Ballston Beach since it is close to artistic Provincetown, which is LGBTQ friendly and accessible by ferry from Boston.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, New Jersey's most popular beach destination and home to the country's oldest seaside resort, is less than 48 miles south of Atlantic City. The historic area of this lovely, accessible town along the Jersey Shore has been named a National Historic Landmark, with over 600 intact and faithfully restored Victorian structures.
On some summer weekends, Cape May attracts upwards of 40,000 tourists to its hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Multiple generations of families go to Cape May Point State Park for the undeveloped beaches, antique stores, historic home tours, carriage rides, outdoor concerts, golf courses, and other low-key activities and facilities.
Delray Beach, Florida
In one of the country's rare downtown areas perched immediately on the beach, Delray Beach offers nightlife, shopping, sand, and sun. Delray Beach, which is only two miles long, is known for its cleanliness and accessibility to stores and restaurants. Previous visitors complimented the availability of lifeguards, showers, and jogging paths, as well as the abundance of eateries in the downtown area. Spend some time browsing shops along Atlantic Avenue and looking for street murals in the Pineapple Grove artists' neighborhood.
Hampton Beach, Hampton, New Hampshire
The 13-mile drive down the coast of New Hampshire will take you until you reach Hampton Beach, a beautiful expanse of sand facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Hampton Beach Village District attracts visitors with its well-kept facilities, playground, and Sea Shell Stage, which holds the annual Miss Hampton Beauty Pageant in late July and concerts every night of the week from June to August. Casinos, marine life study facilities, and a historical society are among the other attractions. Hampton Beach State Park offers campsites and RV hookups in addition to neighboring budget hotels.
Other Ideal East Coast Family Vacation Spots
If you’re not interested in any of the summer vacation options listed above, check out this list of honorable mentions, from USA’s best small towns with beautiful beaches and historic sites to family-friendlyoceanfront cities.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Annapolis, Maryland
- Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
- Ocean City, New Jersey
- Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Montpelier, Vermont
- New York City, New York
- Washington, D.C.
- Acadia National Park, Maine
- Mystic, Connecticut
- Miami, Florida
- Block Island, Rhode Island
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Brooklyn, NYC
Conclusion
With all these destinations you’ll have multiple spots to visit all on the East Coast! All you need now is to book those trips, pack your bags, and hit the road! You can even make a road trip out of it and explore multiple places in one go! Don’t forget to pack a new La Blanca bathing suit and your trusty sunscreen! These two essentials are basically all you need to head down to one of these idyllic beaches.
Head to the La Blanca website, and explore all the swimwear and cover-up options we have available for your trips. Try them on at home without the risk when you enjoy complimentary shipping and returns on all orders over $79.
Sources:
Luxury Living – Top East Coast Beach Vacation Destinations | The Pinnacle List