The 20 Best East Coast Beaches—from Maine to Florida

Just south of Charleston sits Folly Beach in the cute town of the same name. Exceedingly popular among families, visitors rave about the soft sand and clean, wide-open space to spread out. While you’re there, why not enroll the kiddos in surf lessons and swing by the famous 1,000-foot-long Folly Beach Pier?

Where to stay:

• Water's Edge Inn (2 guests): $329/night
• Tides Folly Beach (2 guests): $339/night
• Four-Bedroom Townhouse (8 guests): $345/night

Bowman’s Beach is way more than just a beautiful place to pass a few hours. It’s one of the best destinations for collecting shells in the country. Beachcombers also flock to the shores of this Sanibel Island idyll in hopes of finding other seaside souvenirs such as coins, rings and other buried treasures.

Where to stay:

• Song of the Sea (2 guests): $219/night
• Sundial Beach Resort & Spa (2 guests): $469/night
• Vacation Condo (6 guests): $147/night

You’ve probably seen images of driftwood trees springing up from golden shores on postcards or social media. But to see Driftwood Beach IRL is exponentially more impressive. Nestled on the north end of Jekyll Island, this impossibly picturesque destination will take your breath away (and garner a lot of likes on Instagram).

Where to stay:

• The Beachview Club (2 guests): $195/night
• Beach Cottage (6 guests): $189/night
• Oceanfront Cottage (6 guests): $450/night

Seeking some serenity away from the hordes of summer holiday goers? Check out Footbridge Beach in the picturesque town of Ogunquit, Maine. Fewer crowds and a pristine shoreline make for a relaxing day. Don’t forget to bring your own towels, chairs, snacks and drinks because this quiet stretch isn’t stocked with amenities.

Where to stay:

• Pink Blossoms Resort (2 guests): $155/night
• The Dunes on the Waterfront (2 guests): $260/night
• Beach House (12 guests): $246/night

Mayflower Beach in Cape Code is a terrific place to bring the family. Not only does it have spellbinding views as well as plenty of room to frolic and build sandcastles, but its bayside location means the calmer tides than other locales in the area. Upping the safety factor, there are lifeguards on duty.

Where to stay:

• Cottage Condo (2 guests): $140/night
• Bayside Resort Hotel (2 guests): $178/night
• Oceanview Cottage (6 guests): $165/night

Locals and in-the-know travelers love the seclusion of Mohegan Bluffs, situated on the southern edge of Block Island. Though it’s certainly not a secret, this incredibly scenic destination with rolling cliffs that reach 200 feet high is still far less visited than its neighbors—and that’s great news for anyone still trying to socially distance this summer.

Where to stay:

• The 1661 Inn (2 guests): $435/night
• Block Island Beach House (2 guests): $637/night
• Whitegate Cottage (4 guests): $285/night

Some people are content sunbathing all day while others prefer activities. If you fall into the latter camp, consider a trip to Kitty Hawk Beach in North Carolina's Outer Banks. This dog-friendly swath of golden sand has top-notch conditions for swimming, surfing and skimboarding. Beer is permitted, so if you want to pack a cooler full of frosty cans, go for it.

Where to stay:

• Oceanside Cottage (4 guests): $89/night
• Outer Banks House (7 guests): $199/night
• The View Cottage (10 guests): $275/night

Kennebunkport is one of the most beloved towns in all of Maine. When the call of an early-morning surf session strikes, visitors and locals alike beeline it to Gooch’s Beach. Swimming, seaside strolls and bass fishing off the pier also number among the popular pastimes. Plus, you can bring your pup in the summertime.

Where to stay:

• Kennebunkport Inn (2 guests): $189/night
• The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel (2 guests): $209/night
• Yachtsman Lodge & Marina (2 guests): $269/night

New Hampshire doesn’t quite have as much coastal cache as Maine or Massachusetts, but there are still plenty of great spots to get your seaside fix. Case in point: Hampton Beach State Park, which has soft sand, surfable waves and lovely views. It’s also close to many seafood restaurants and family-friendly attractions.

Where to stay:

• Oceanfront Condo (4 guests): $279/night
• Pearl on Perkins (6 guests): $230/night
• Family Vacation Home (8 guests): $349/night

For a livelier getaway replete with glitz, glamour and unparalleled people watching, nothing compares to South Beach. Famous for a reason, this iconic stretch of sand runs from South Pointe Park to 23rd Street. After basking in the sun, go for a walk on the promenade, grab a drink at one of the many nearby bars or peep some Art Deco architecture.

Where to stay:

• Palihouse Miami Beach (2 guests): $155/night
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach (2 guests): $218/night
• Lennox Miami Beach (2 guests): $265/night

We took into account a number of factors when naming the best beaches (i.e., sand, surf, crowds, atmosphere, amenities). And Bethany Beach sweeps every single category. It’s the sort of place you’ll see multigenerational families digging moats and teens putting down their cell phones to join in on the wholesome fun.

Where to stay:

• Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott (2 guests): $249/night
• North Bethany Beach Luxury Home (10 guests): $550/night
• Elegant Vacation House (12 guests): $379/night

The real estate may be prohibitively expensive, but at least you can still live like the rich and famous for an afternoon on Main Beach in East Hampton. Swim in the Atlantic Ocean, play a rousing game of paddleball and enjoy a picnic lunch. (Pro tip: stock your basket with gourmet delights from Citarella in town.)

Where to stay:

• Renovated Classic Cottage (6 guests): $533/night
• Cottage by the Beach (6 guests): $1,250/night
• Sweet Cottage in Village (8 guests): $495/night

Stretching 10 miles, the perennially popular and always buzzing Ocean City Beach offers way more than golden shores. Fill your time flying kites, fishing and admiring sand sculptures. Want to try a high-altitude activity? Give parasailing a whirl. There's also a boardwalk with shops and eateries, plus an amusement park.

Where to stay:

• Dunes Manor Hotel, Court & Suites (2 guests): $322/night
• Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City (2 guests): $326/night
• Oceanfront Condo (8 guests): $117/night

A long-time favorite amongst South Carolinians and out-of-towners, Myrtle Beach hits the mark every time. The boardwalk-backed section, which runs between 2nd and 14th Avenue piers, is particularly popular with families as kiddos can’t get enough of the amusement rides such as the SkyWheel, arcades, mini-golf courses and ice cream parlors.

Where to stay:

• South Bay Inn and Suites (2 guests): $149/night
• Island Vistas (2 guests): $263/night
• Ocean Enclave by Hilton Grand Vacations (2 guests): $489/night

With a relaxed ambiance and stunning views, Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett holds its own against the other spots on our list. Hours fly by soaking in the vitamin sea (sorry, but you had to know that pun was coming), swimming in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean and marveling at the views from the observation tower.

Where to stay:

• Newly Renovated Rental (6 guests): $285/night
• Oceanfront Vacation Home (6 guests): $520/night
• Three-Bedroom Home (8 guests): $387/night

For a stress-free day of fun in the sun, look no further than Coligny Beach Park. The well-maintained facilities include gazebos, swings, outdoor showers, changing rooms and picnic tables. You basically just have to bring a swimsuit and SPF because everything else is available to rent. Two final words: free parking.

Where to stay:

• Beach Villa (2 guests): $115/night
• Inn & Club at Harbour Town - Sea Pines Resort (2 guests): $369/night
• Surf Court 62 (6 guests): $128/night

With its irresistible mix of pleasant weather, sun-kissed shores and warm waters, Main Beach Park on Amelia Island really does have it all. Add to that immaculate facilities—volleyball courts, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, outdoor showers and a skate park. It does get a bit crowded, especially during peak season, so best to go early.

Where to stay:

• Amelia Schoolhouse Inn (2 guests): $205/night
• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (2 guests): $599/night
• Renovated Beachfront Cottage (4 guests): $235/night

Another family-friendly spot to take the kiddos for some seaside fun, South Beach on North Carolina’s Bald Head Island offers calm waters for swimming and wide stretches of sand for playing games. Visitors can even rent bocce sets, lounge chairs and umbrellas (thus eliminating the need to lug around all your beach gear).

Where to stay:

• Shell Cottage (4 guests): $343/night
• Remodeled Home (4 guests): $517/night
• Creek Estates Home (13 guests): $599/night

Nantucket calls to mind fresh-caught seafood, preppy red pants and salty breezes. Located within walking distance of town, Jetties Beach encapsulates all that in a single sublime destination. After catching some rays, toss on a coverup and head to Sandbar at Jetties Beach for fish ‘n’ chips and frozen drinks.

Where to stay:

• Martin House Inn (2 guests): $159/night
• Nantucket Resort Collection (2 guests): $209/night
• 76 Main (2 guests): $346/night

Ship Bottom Beach is the sort of place that people keep returning to year after year. And it’s not hard to figure out why. This quieter strip of Long Beach Island (or LBI as locals refer to it) boasts an endlessly scenic shoreline to swim, surf, paddleboard, collect shells and relax under the sun.

Where to stay:

• Hotel LBI (2 guests): $246/night
• Daddy O Hotel LBI (2 guests): $343/night
• Beach Condo (6 guests): $140/night