The Best Beaches on the US East Coast: 11 Stunning Spots Worth the Trip

At Supremarine, we believe coastal living is not merely a destination—it’s a way of life defined by beauty, serenity, and a deep connection to the sea. When exploring the best beaches on the US East Coast, one quickly discovers a coastline rich with contrasts: from the rugged charm of New England to the sun-drenched shores of the Southeast, each beach offers its own unique allure.

In our pursuit of elevated maritime experiences, we’ve handpicked one exceptional beach from each coastal state—places that capture the spirit of the sea, the sophistication of thoughtful travel, and the joy of oceanside escape. These are the best beaches on the US East Coast that we find ourselves drawn to time and again.

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At a Glance: The Best Beaches on the US East Coast

1. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
2. Race Point Beach, Massachusetts
3. Cooper’s Beach, New York
4. Cape May Beach, New Jersey
5. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
6. Assateague Island, Maryland
7. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
8. Corolla Beach, North Carolina
9. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
10. Driftwood Beach, Georgia
11. Vero Beach, Florida

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How We Selected

At Supremarine, our picks for the best beaches on the US East Coast go beyond scenic beauty—they reflect coastal elegance, cultural depth, and a true sense of place. Each beach was chosen not just for its natural landscape, but for its ambiance, surrounding experiences, and the intangible allure that continues to captivate the discerning traveler.

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1. Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Set along southern Maine’s coastline, Ogunquit Beach is a long stretch of soft sand backed by dunes and a charming seaside town. It’s easy to get to, easy to love, and one of those places that feels like summer—even when it’s quiet.

Why We Love It

Maine has no shortage of great beaches, but Ogunquit is the one we come back to. It’s walkable, welcoming, and has a little bit of everything—calm surf, a coastal trail, local shops, and some seriously good lobster rolls. For us, it’s one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for its balance of simplicity and atmosphere.

What to Expect

The beach is clean, with fine sand and water that’s cool but swimmable in summer. Families set up early, and by late afternoon, the Marginal Way coastal walk is the best spot for sea views. The town itself has a nice mix of art, food, and local character without trying too hard.

Where to Stay

1. Cliff House Maine: A stylish cliffside resort just outside town, with ocean views, a spa, and upscale dining.
2. The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort: A low-key but well-kept option right near the beach, with great views and a relaxed vibe.

The next stop takes us to the top of Cape Cod for a beach that feels a little more off the radar.

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2. Race Point Beach, Massachusetts

At the top of Cape Cod, Race Point Beach feels big and open. There’s plenty of space, a steady ocean breeze, and a sense of being somewhere a little more remote.

Why We Love It

Cape Cod has lots of beaches, but we always recommend Race Point. It’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, which means no boardwalks or built-up areas—just dunes, waves, and the occasional seal or whale offshore. It stands out to us as one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for travelers who like things a bit quieter and more natural.

What to Expect

The surf can be strong, so it’s better for walking or relaxing than casual swimming. But it’s peaceful, with miles of shoreline and protected dunes. Provincetown is nearby if you want a bite to eat or to explore a few shops.

Where to Stay

1. Chatham Bars Inn: A luxury resort farther down the Cape with beach service, a spa, and top-notch dining.
2. Crowne Pointe Hotel & Spa: A boutique hotel in Provincetown with comfortable rooms, a pool, and easy access to the beach.

Next, we head to the Hamptons for a beach that’s simple, spacious, and subtly upscale.

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3. Cooper’s Beach, New York

Located in Southampton, Cooper’s Beach is wide, clean, and quietly upscale. It’s the kind of place where people bring a beach chair, a good book, and take their time.

Why We Love It

We like Cooper’s because it’s not flashy, even though it’s in the Hamptons. The sand is soft, the waves are easy, and the whole beach has a calm, well-kept feel. For us, it’s easily one of the best beaches on the US East Coast if you’re looking for a peaceful day with a polished backdrop.

What to Expect

There’s paid parking and chair rentals, but otherwise it’s a classic beach setup—no boardwalk, just space to relax. Southampton is nearby for lunch or shopping, and the houses along the dunes give it a signature Hamptons look.

Where to Stay

1. Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa: A waterfront resort with modern rooms, a marina, and a pool.
2. Topping Rose House: A boutique hotel in Bridgehampton with thoughtful design, farm-to-table dining, and peaceful rooms.

Then it’s on to New Jersey, where history, calm water, and colorful homes set the tone.

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4. Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Cape May Beach has a bit of everything: calm surf, colorful houses, and an easy pace that keeps people coming back. It’s old-school, but in a good way.

Why We Love It

Cape May consistently earns a spot on our list of the best beaches on the US East Coast. The sand is soft, the water’s calm, and the town feels real—full of Victorian charm without feeling like a set piece. We go for the beach but stay for everything around it.

What to Expect

The beach is wide and usually mellow, great for families or quiet time. It’s well cared for and walkable to pretty much everything in town. When you need a break from the sun, shops and cafés are a short stroll away.

Where to Stay

1. Congress Hall: A grand hotel with a long history, ocean views, and a spacious lawn.
2. The Virginia Hotel: A smaller, more intimate spot with thoughtful decor and a quiet atmosphere.

Up next: a stretch of sand that feels wilder, quieter, and a little off the beaten path.

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5. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Rehoboth Beach is a friendly, easygoing destination with wide sands, calm surf, and a classic boardwalk that feels familiar in the best way. It’s a spot where you can enjoy simple pleasures—good food, clean beaches, and a relaxed pace—all with a touch of coastal style.

Why We Love It

Rehoboth is one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for travelers who want a little bit of everything without the crowds. We like how it manages to be both family-friendly and grown-up, with a boardwalk that’s more charming than flashy and a town that feels casual but put-together.

What to Expect

The beach is wide and well-maintained, with gentle waves that are great for swimming or just floating around. The boardwalk is compact but packed with locally owned shops, old-school treats, and laid-back restaurants. It’s easy to spend a full day between the sand and the street without rushing anything.

Where to Stay

1. Boardwalk Plaza Hotel: A beachfront stay with traditional decor, ocean views, and a great front porch for people-watching.
2. The Bellmoor Inn & Spa: Tucked a few blocks from the beach, this upscale inn has comfortable rooms, a peaceful garden, and an on-site spa.

Next, we head to a beach that feels completely different—quiet, wild, and wonderfully untamed.

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6. Assateague Island, Maryland

Assateague Island feels different from almost any other beach on the East Coast. With windswept dunes, long stretches of sand, and wild horses grazing in the distance, it’s a setting that feels untouched and surprisingly quiet.

Why We Love It

We always point to Assateague when someone’s looking for something off the beaten path. It’s one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for its raw, natural feel. There are no boardwalks, no high-rises—just shoreline, sea air, and wildlife. It’s a place to disconnect and experience the coast as it once was.

What to Expect

You’ll find wide, open beach with shifting sands, occasional strong surf, and lots of room to spread out. Wild horses do roam here, and it’s not unusual to see them walking near the dunes. There are limited facilities, so it’s best to come prepared, whether for a beach day or overnight camping.

Where to Stay

1. Assateague Island Campground: Rustic, oceanside campsites with beach access and unbeatable stargazing.
2. BluFin Bungalows & Marina: Luxury waterfront bungalows just off the bay featuring modern interiors, private docks, and sunset views—ideal for upscale seclusion

Next, we head just south to a stretch of coast in Virginia that’s calm, uncrowded, and easy to enjoy.

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7. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

Sandbridge is a laid-back alternative to the more popular Virginia Beach. With soft sand, gentle surf, and no boardwalk in sight, it’s a quiet stretch that feels more like a neighborhood than a resort town.

Why We Love It

We like Sandbridge because it offers space and simplicity. It’s one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for travelers who prefer a slower pace—whether it’s families renting a home for the week or couples escaping the crowds. There’s just enough here to feel comfortable, but not so much that it feels overbuilt.

What to Expect

The beach is peaceful and clean, with plenty of room to spread out and calm enough waters for swimming or paddleboarding. You won’t find bars or souvenir shops on the sand, but there are local markets, a wildlife refuge, and nearby trails that add to the appeal.

Where to Stay

1. The Historic Cavalier Hotel & Beach Club: An iconic resort in nearby Virginia Beach, fully restored to its former grandeur.
2. The Founders Inn and Spa: A traditional resort hotel a short drive away with comfortable rooms, a spa, and family-friendly amenities.

Coming up: a stretch of coast where wild horses and wide beaches come together in a way that’s pure Outer Banks.

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8. Corolla Beach, North Carolina

Part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Corolla Beach is known for its wide-open spaces, smooth sand, and wild horses that still roam freely. It’s remote enough to feel like an escape, but comfortable enough for a long stay.

Why We Love It

We always recommend Corolla to anyone looking for that classic Outer Banks experience. It’s one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for travelers who want nature, quiet, and a little adventure without giving up comfort. The horses are a highlight, but the beach itself—uncrowded, clean, and endlessly walkable—is what keeps us coming back.

What to Expect

You’ll find soft, wide sand and rolling waves that are great for swimming, bodyboarding, or just relaxing. Some parts of the beach are only accessible by 4x4 vehicle, adding to the off-the-map feel. Shops and restaurants are spread out, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’re spending the full day.

Where to Stay

1. The Inn at Corolla Lighthouse: A charming boutique stay with water views, easy access to the beach, and a quiet, residential setting.
2. The Sanderling Resort (Duck): Offers spacious rooms and suites overlooking the Atlantic, two pools, a full-service spa, fine dining, and curated coastal experience

Next up: a stretch of South Carolina shoreline that offers the right mix of luxury and low-key charm.

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9. Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s gated, private, and purposefully quiet—an ideal coastal retreat for travelers who like their beach time on the calm side.

Why We Love It

Kiawah makes our list of the best beaches on the US East Coast for its unhurried rhythm and attention to detail. We like how clean everything is—from the trails to the dunes—and how easy it is to enjoy the outdoors without a lot of noise or traffic. It’s high-end, but in a way that’s relaxed and not overdone.

What to Expect

Expect soft sand, gentle surf, and lots of space to unwind. Biking and nature walks are part of the appeal here, as is the access to tennis, spa services, and local wildlife. The island is best explored slowly, and it’s the kind of place where a day easily turns into a long weekend.

Where to Stay

1. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: A luxury oceanfront hotel with spacious rooms, fine dining, and top-tier golf nearby.
2. Andell Inn: A more casual but stylish option near the island’s main village with boutique comforts and a great pool.

Then it’s on to Georgia, where the beach takes a turn for the dramatic.

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10. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood Beach is one of the most visually striking spots on the East Coast. Its twisted, weathered trees scattered across the sand make it feel more like a sculpture garden than a typical beach.

Why We Love It

We always include Driftwood Beach on our East Coast list because it’s unlike anywhere else. It may not be your go-to for swimming, but for photography, long walks, and a quieter kind of beauty, it’s one of the best beaches on the US East Coast. It’s the kind of place you remember long after you’ve left.

What to Expect

There’s sand and surf here, but the star is the driftwood—massive trees bleached by time and tide that create a moody, beautiful landscape. The beach is peaceful and never crowded, and it’s just a short drive from Jekyll Island’s historic district.

Where to Stay

1. Jekyll Island Club Resort: A historic property with elegant rooms, bike rentals, and direct access to the island’s best sights.
2. The Westin Jekyll Island: A modern, beachside hotel with ocean views, easy access to the sand, and a large outdoor pool.

Last stop: a Florida favorite with just the right mix of sun, calm, and style.

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11. Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach is a small, relaxed coastal town on Florida’s Atlantic side. It’s got clean sand, calm surf, and just enough going on to keep you comfortable without feeling too built up.

Why We Love It

We think Vero Beach is one of the best beaches on the US East Coast for travelers who want sun, space, and a more refined pace. It’s easygoing but still feels polished, with a downtown that’s full of character and beaches that never get too crowded.

What to Expect

The beach is wide and clean with gentle waves, making it great for swimming or paddleboarding. There’s public access and a walkable stretch near shops, parks, and oceanfront cafés. It’s an easy beach to spend the day at—no rush, no stress.

Where to Stay

1. Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa: A boutique beachfront hotel with modern design, a great spa, and direct access to the sand.
2. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa: An elegant resort with spacious rooms, ocean views, and top-tier service.

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Takeaway

From the quiet sands of Maine to the sunlit shores of Florida, the best beaches on the US East Coast offer more than just a day by the water—they reflect a lifestyle rooted in beauty, balance, and a genuine connection to the coast. Whether you're drawn to wild solitude or refined comfort, there’s a beach here that speaks your language.