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This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from. Planning the perfect getaway to one of the cute small beach towns on the East Coast? Whether you want to get away with your partner, your family, or just a group of friends, we’ve curated this beach guide explaining everything you need to know before you go so you can jump straight to enjoying the small-town peace and quiet, sun and sand, and a break away from it all. Our guide details a summary of these stunning shorelines, suggestions of what to do there and of course, what to eat! Have we missed your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. If you prefer lakes, we also have a guide to the East Coast’s best lakes for easy trips and beach packing list with free checklist. Best Small Beach Towns on the East Coast1. Ogunquit Beach, MaineOgunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki Native American language, and it is a spot-on description; it is one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast. This cute East Coast town is brimming with character with a thriving downtown area filled with boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, candy stores, and restaurants. Ogunquit Beach is frequently cited s a top beach destination on the East Coast with its three-and-a-half-mile-long white sandy beach and generally calm waters, it is a true gem of Maine. If you’re looking for one of the best family beach vacations on the East Coast, Ogunquit fits the bill; beachgoers spend their time flying kites, renting kayaks, building sandcastles, or hunting for seashells. Ogunquit Beach is often referred to as Footbridge Beach. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, but after that can get pretty pricey at $15.00- $25.00 a day. You may also like our New England road trip guide. Things to do at Ogunquit Beach, Maine
What to Eat
Ogunquit Beach Hotels
2. Rockport, MassachusettsRockport is just 40 miles north of Boston making it an easy day trip or coastal vacation spot. One of the coolest things about Rockport is the variety of beaches. Although increasingly controversial, scuba divers head to Back Beach for its quarter mile sandy shore with water at either side of the rocky areas. Divers enter the water from all points along the beach to discover what’s below the ocean. Be respectful of those who live in the area by using public restrooms to undress and consider voice levels at certain times of the day. Front Beach is next to Back Beach and is enjoyed by swimmers during high tide. Long Beach has views of the Twin Lights on Thatcher Island and has accommodation options as it is surrounded by a variety of New England Inns and B&B style lodgings. Things to do in Rockport, Mass
Rockport, MA Hotels
3. Wellfleet, MassachusettsA small town on the well-known East coast beach, Cape Cod’s, Wellfleet is everything you’d hope a New England beach town would be. This charming town is filled to the brim with beaches; the most popular by far is Marconi Beach where all you need is a towel and umbrella and a sunny day. If you want to head a little off the beaten path, Mayo Beach, White Crest Beach and Duck Harbor Beach are great choices. You’ll need a parking sticker to park at the beaches, you can get one for $65, $100, and $165 for three days, one week, and two weeks respectively. Things to do at Wellfleet, Massachusettes
There’s no denying the the Cape is expensive so you might be interested in our guide to the free things to do in Cape Cod. What to Eat
Wellfleet Hotels
4. Jamestown, Rhode IslandAmerica’s smallest state, Rhode Island has just over 1 million residents – the whole state feels like an East Coast small town. Jamestown is a wealthy town known for its preserved architecture from the 18th century, located on Conanicut Island, the second largest island in the larger and more well-known Narragansett Bay. Mackerel Cove Beach, East Ferry Beach, and Old Salt Work Beach are underrated beaches that are popular for swimming because of their shallow waters and are local favorites. Things to do at Jamestown, Rhode Island
What to Eat
Jamestown Hotels
5. Madison, ConnecticutMadison, Connecticut has 4 beaches over its 2 miles of sandy beach where you can camp, walk the trails, fishing, boat, fish, hike, bike, picnic, and more; East Wharf Beach, West Wharf Beach, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Surf Club Parking pass fees are $25 Monday – Thursday and $40 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Surf Club is by far the most popular option with 45 acres of land filled with an open picnic area with tables and grills, playground areas, bocce, basketball, and sand volleyball courts, and boating options. East and West Wharf Beach are both smaller and have less facilities, which mean that they’ll be quieter options. Hammonasset Beach State Park falls in between the two, it has two miles of beautiful beach, a boardwalk to stroll on, and multiple trails to walk or jog through. Things to do at Madison, Connecticut
What to Eat
Madison Hotels
6. Cape May, New JerseyCape May is the kind of town that comes to mind when someone thinks about a beach getaway on the East Coast. It is one of the East Coast’s most historic beach towns and has been hosting vacationers for nearly 300 years and its history is on every street. The town ims filled with Victorian homes, many of which have been turned into museums, B&Bs, and shops in our to preserve the history of the town. If you’re visiting on a particularly crowded day and want to escape the crowds, you can always head north to the quieter Poverty Beach; way from bars and shops you’ll find a little piece of serenity. Things to do at Cape May, New Jersey
What to Eat
Cape May Hotels
7. Lewes Beach, DelawareDespite Delaware being the second smallest state in America, its 18 miles of beaches are known as some of the best. If you’re looking for a small beach town on the East Coast, don’t overlook Lewes Beach in Delaware. Known as “The First Town in The First State,” this East Coast seaside town is the perfect mix of historic charm and gorgeous beach that is beloved by its residents and tourists alike. Not as crowded or popular as neighboring Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, Lewes Beach is a great atmosphere for families and anyone who wants a calm and charming escape. The beach itself is located in an inlet, meaning the waters are calm and serene, for many, this makes it the best beach on the East Coast. The tiny town is all accessible by foot; an easy stroll will bring you to the picturesque historic district, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, museums, and more. Parking is free in the off-season very affordable during the summer season. What else could you want out a seaside town on the East Coast? Things to do at Lewes Beach, Delaware
What to Eat
Lewes Accommodation
8. Assateague Island, Maryland10 miles south of the wildly popular Ocean City is the beautiful Assateague Island, a great East Coast beach vacation for the whole family. The island is known for its wild horses – over 70 of them- that are often seen roaming freely (however it is not recommended that you approach or interact with the horses as they are undomesticated and could be unsafe.) Assateague Island is ideal for anyone who wants to vacation on the cheapest beach town on the East Coast; the entry fees vary but the most popular option is $25.00 for a weeklong pass and if you’re camping it costs $30 a night and reservations must be made in advance. If you are camping, be sure to pack ample amounts of sunscreen, bug repellant, firewood, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind. You’ll spend most of your time enjoying what the island has to offer; exploring the salt marshes, 37 miles of beach, and taking in the surrounding nature by hiking, camping, or kayaking. There are few food establishments on the beach, one restaurant and one provisions shop, however there are multiple eateries and grocery stores a short drive away on the mainland. Things to do at Assateague Island, Maryland
What to Eat
Assateague Island Accommodation
9. Hampton, VirginiaThis East Coast small beach town neighbors the larger cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake but holds onto its small-town charm with big-city fun. Hampton is a town where something is always going on; whether it be a festival, live music, or an event, locals and tourists always have something new to do. Its charm is evident after a stroll around Phoebus,s neighborhood known for its architecture, art, shopping, and unique dining options. Buckroe Beach and Park is the highlight for more East Coast beach vacationers; the beach is clean, calm, and usually not too populated. Beachgoers can lay in the sand, picnic, enjoy watersports, or anything else that they want on this gorgeous beach. Things to do at Hampton, Virginia
What to Eat
Hampton Accommodation
10. Avon, North CarolinaTucked in the middle of the Hatteras Islands, you’ll find Avon, one of the greatest small beach towns in North Carolina. Vacationers who are looking for small towns on the coast of North Carolina will find bliss in this holiday stay that is away from the typical crowds of the Outer Banks, but with the lovely charm you’d expect from small NC beach towns. Avon is located more than 20 miles off the North Carolina coast giving true solitude and peace. Still, with its rich history and coastal charm, you’ll feel immediately immersed in the local culture. While on Avon, you’ll be able to eat at local restaurants and visit the gift shops, but you’ll mostly spend your time on the clean and quiet beach where you can park for free. Avon is a town with one only chain grocery store and two fast-food chain restaurants; it’s ideal for anyone who wants an escape from real life and to spend a week or two in one of the best small towns on the East Coast. Things to do at Avon, North Carolina
What to eat
11. Folly Beach, South CarolinaJust a short drive away from the better-known Charleston city, you’ll find one of the small East Coast beach towns, Folly Beach. This East Coast beach vacation is ideal for someone who wants to do more than lounge in the sand with a cold beer in hand. Known as “The edge of America,” Folly Beach is popular with anglers, bird watchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts who are eager to spot loggerhead turtles nesting in the sand and dolphins swimming in the sea; it is easy to see why this is one of the top beach vacations on the East Coast. Families and couples can enjoy a stroll along the gigantic pier that stretches over 1,000 feet long and is 24 feet wide, where many people spend the afternoon fishing or just simply watching the sun as it sets. Public parking is available for $7 per day and is free after 8 p.m. There’s no doubt that Folly Beach is one of the best coastal towns on the East Coast. Things to do at Folly Beach, South Carolina
What to Eat
Folly Beach Hotels
12. Jekyll Island, GeorgiaAn hour and a half south of Savannah, Georgia lies the 10 miles of serene beach that is Jekyll Island and is not the most traditional Georgia town on the coast. In the 1800s, Jekyll Island Club was founded by the wealthiest families in America and only became defunct in the mid 20th century; now, the stately mansions (called “cottages”) where those families once lived operate as a luxury resort hotel where vacationers can stay in this historic homes. Jekyll Island provides one of the best family beach vacations on the East Coast; the Summer Waves Water Park will be a firm favorite, as well as the Wanderer Memory Trail and South Loop Trail. At the bottom of the Island is St Andrews Beach, where you can enjoy the sun and sand but still enjoy nature and wildlife, you might even be able to see some dolphins! Parking passes for Jekyll Island are $8 a day, and multi-day passes are also available. Check out Georgia in our hottest places to visit in December. Things to do at Jekyll Island, Georgia
What to Eat
Jekyll Island Hotels
13. Fernandina Beach, FloridaIf you’re looking for one of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast, you’ll love vacationing on Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island off the eastern coast of Florida. Its white sandy beaches and crystal blue water combined with the Island’s historic charm make it one of the top small beach towns in Florida. With a community theatre, unique local shops, a variety of places to eat and drink, museums, and more, it is easy to get enveloped in the small town charm. Amelia Island was once a thriving Victorian seaport village full of pirates and bootleggers, and that is still reflected in the character of the town today; they even have The Fernandina Beach Pirates Club, Inc., whose members can often be seen in town walking around in full pirate garb throughout the year. Public parking is free and can be found along most side streets from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a three-hour limit. How could this be seen as anything other than the best beach in Florida’s East Coast?
Things to do at Fernandina Beach, Florida
What to Eat
Amelia Hotels
14. Delray Beach, FloridaDelray Beach is located 50 miles north of Miami and visitors enjoy its small-town vibes and fun beach culture. Expect sandy beach, blue skies, warm temperatures and a colorful and lively town. Swim, surf, sail or play volleyball to pass the hours on your Delray Vacation. Delray Beach was voted “Most Fun Small Town in the USA” and art fans will love what it has to offer. Things To Do at Delray Beach in Florida
Do you love “Florida’s Village by the Sea”? Tell us in the comments. Delray Beach also features in our guide – the best places to visit in September in the US. Delray Beach Hotels
East Coast Beach MapHere is a Google Maps link which will take you to a map featuring all of the best beach towns on the East Coast. Final WordsFinding the best beach towns in the East Coast can be daunting when there are so many great ones to choose from. But if you’re looking for an escape away from the typical tourist traps where you can really get a feel for the flavor of the town, this guide should point you in the right direction. Pin to your East Coast beaches board to save for later What is the best small town to visit?Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA. Bar Harbor.. Telluride.. Jackson Hole.. Lake Tahoe.. Sedona.. St. Augustine.. Monterey.. What is the coolest small town in America?Unalaska, Alaska. With a population of around 4,524, the small town of Unalaska, Alaska, is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. ... . Winslow, Arizona. ... . Eureka Springs, Arkansas. ... . Carmel, California. ... . Mancos, Colorado. ... . Essex, Connecticut. ... . New Castle, Delaware. ... . Crystal River, Florida.. What is the best small town in North Carolina?14 Top-Rated Small Towns in North Carolina. Hendersonville. Downtown Hendersonville | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. ... . Blowing Rock. Blowing Rock | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. ... . Edenton. Edenton waterfront | Photo Copyright: Lana Law. ... . Chapel Hill. ... . Nags Head. ... . Mount Airy. ... . Banner Elk. ... . Lexington.. What is the best small town in New York State?11 of the Best Small Towns in New York State. Saranac Lake (Adirondacks). Greenwich (Capital-Saratoga). Narrowsburg (Catskills). Chittenango (Central New York). Westfield (Chautauqua-Allegheny). Canandaigua (Finger Lakes). East Aurora (Greater Niagara). Goshen (Hudson Valley). |