When you think of the US East Coast, you mostly remember the big cities like Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C., don't you? These are some of the country's major cities, after all, and are as famous around the world as they are in America. But the East Coast has a lot more to offer apart from those prominent metropolises. There's Cape Cod, for example, which is a small seaside town known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. Cumberland Island in Georgia may not technically be a town, but it deserves special mention for how enchanting it is. The same goes for dreamy Portland in Maine and the charming Greenwich in Connecticut too.
Miami Beach, Florida
There's no other beach that could start this list off than
Miami Beach! The coastal gem of Florida, the 'Sunshine State' of America, this stunning shoreline is a must-see. Technically speaking, Miami Beach isn't just one beach. It's a series of smaller beaches all lined up along Florida's southern coast. Since they're all in one row, it's easy to regard them as one big coast. And what a coast it is! With its white sands and turquoise waters, Miami Beach can easily rival the beloved paradises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.
Source: rawpixel.com / Carol M Highsmith
Sand Beach, Maine
Admittedly, Maine's Sand Beach isn't that big. As a cove-like coast, there's not a lot of shoreline to go around. At least, not compared to Miami Beach and other beaches on this list. With that said, what Sand Beach lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. The surrounding mountains and lush forests offer a stunning landscape that will take your breath away. You almost couldn't believe that such a coast exists in the US, much less the metropolis-filled East Coast. You'd normally find places like these in the
Caribbean, for example, not a state like Maine.
Source: Flickr.com/ Lee Coursey
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland is a place unlike any other! For one thing, the place stays true to its name: it's a bustling metropolis-like town near the Atlantic Ocean. A series of restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and more line the beautiful shoreline, giving you the option of having a livelier beach day. But if you prefer a more peaceful rest on the soft sands, it's not that hard to snag a spot that's a fair distance away from the hustle and bustle. Still, the fact that Ocean City is able to give you both of these options is cool in its own right.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Much like Ocean City in Maryland, the small seaside town of Cape Cod, Massachusetts similarly maintains the right balance between a lively shoreline and a serene coast. The commune itself is quite notorious on the East Coast (as well as the rest of the country). It's one of the major LGBTQ+ havens in the US, complete with trendy gay clubs, fabulous drag bars, and more. It's practically in the same vein as
San Francisco and New York City. But whereas those two are major metropolises, Cape Cod is a resort town with smaller homes and vacation cottages.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
It's not far-fetched to say that New Hampshire's Hampton Beach is the quintessential East Coast beach. It's a popular shoreline line with many establishments and has clean, white sand. In fact, it's even considered as one of the cleanest beaches in the US, a testament to how the community cherishes it. After all, Hampton Beach has been a staple summer destination since the 1840s. From then until now, locals and tourists alike would escape to this beloved beach to enjoy a day in the sun. The air is always crisp, the waves are soothing, the water is clear, and the sand is soft. What more could you ask for?
Source: Flickr.com/ Blobber.
The Hamptons, New York
Even if you didn't know that it's an East Coast Beach, there's a good chance you already knew about The Hamptons. This is where many of the
New York City elites would vacation around summertime, retreating to their seaside villas, hosting private soirees, and just having a ball. Leading an affluent East Coast lifestyle is arguably incomplete if you don't haven't gone here on a holiday at least once. Or if you don't have a vacation villa in the Hamptons when you could afford it. Technically, the Hamptons are a collection of different beaches, just like Miami Beach. But they're similarly beautiful and luxurious, it's easy to mistake them as just one!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ DiscoverLongIsland
Block Island, Rhode Island
Truth be told, it'll take some decent effort to get to the beautiful beach on Block Island. Though there's a staircase that leads to the shoreline, you'll have to hold the handrail every step of the way. The path, which descends a good 200 feet below, isn't necessarily the safest nor the straightest. But trust that all your efforts won't be in vain! When you get to the actual beach, you can enjoy the softness of the white sands, soak up some sun, and let the water refresh you with every wave. This coast is great for some snorkeling too! Who knows what sorts of fascinating creatures you might meet down below!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Known for its 1,045-foot-long pier, South Carolina's Folly Beach is another that perfectly embodies the whimsy of East Coast beaches. If you go to the very edge of the pier, you'll get a great spot for some fishing. Locals love it for this exact reason and they go here every chance they get in spring or summer. Meanwhile, the sunshine-filled beach and its wavy waters pack in the tourists and vacationers. The waves, in particular, draw in surfers from far and wide. Though the place is nowhere near Hawaii or California, the waves here are still decent enough for a good surf!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Although the West Coast is more known for its beaches in the US, the East Coast has a few to offer too. They range from paradisical private shorelines to scenic coasts that are picture-perfect no matter the time of year!
