With over 2,165 miles of coastline, the East Coast offers destinations for just about anyone looking to take a trip to the beach. Many of us who have stressful jobs or a fast-paced lifestyle just want to relax and enjoy life at a slower pace when we go on vacation. In this case, a small-town is a perfect place to unwind.
These ten best coastal towns on the East Coast will surely whet your appetite and have you packing your bags in no time!
- Rock Hall, Maryland
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, this charming little town is the perfect place to take a break from your everyday worries and hurries. If you love water activities, Rock Hall is the perfect place to go fishing, boating, or have a Chesapeake Bay sailing adventure. Besides, it offers on-land activities that kids will love such as hiking, birdwatching, and biking.
- Tybee Island, Georgia
Are you looking for a beach to unwind while reading your favorite book? In Tybee Island, you can enjoy the refreshing breezes in a hammock while drinking a glass of sweet tea. If you happen to be there in the fall, you’ll be lucky enough to enjoy the oyster season.
- Niantic, Connecticut
With a population of less than 4,000, it’s hard to believe that this little town is only two hours away from New York City and Boston. It has a few bed and breakfasts and inns, as well as some nice little shops to buy unique treasures. Additionally, you can stroll down the mile-long boardwalk, which looks out over Long Island Sound.
- Harwich Port, Massachusetts
This little town has been the home of fishermen since before the American Revolution and continues to have a charming small-town feel. Visitors love to walk along the waterfront and the downtown area, where there is often live music to entertain passersby. The beaches are also great for swimming, as they are warmer than most in the area.
- Ogunquit, Maine
The main attraction in Ogunquit is the beach, which is said to be the prettiest in southern Maine. Whether you like eating fresh seafood, visiting local art galleries, or catching a show at the popular summer theater, Ogunquit has something for everyone.
- Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod, was originally a Portuguese whaling and fishing community. Today, it attracts art lovers and those drawn to its old mansions, beaches, and quaint shops.
- Duck, North Carolina
Famous for its beaches and water activities, Duck is a great place for kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, and even shell collecting. Visitors also have plenty of fine dining options, along with great souvenir shopping.
- Lewes, Delaware
Founded in 1631, Lewes is a historic little town with picturesque beaches and a small downtown area. In Lewes, you can walk around the historic district or explore Cape Henlopen, State Park.
- Lubec, Maine
A tiny town located at the easternmost point in the contiguous United States, Lubec is the perfect gateway to Canada. We recommend getting some fresh air while enjoying outdoor activities or taking a historic tour in Lubec before moving on to New Brunswick.
- Narragansett, Rhode Island
Narragansett is a great place to relax at the beach, sail to Block Island, and eat at seafood restaurants that have served the area for almost a century. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes as Narragansett is a hiker’s paradise!
Choosing the Best Coastal Towns on the East Coast
With plenty of options of things to do and see, these certainly are ten of the best coastal towns on the East Coast. Have you ever been to any of these East Coast towns? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
