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Great Beach Towns on the East Coast

Maura
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East Coast USA - Sure the beach season has pretty much come to an end, but that doesn't mean you can't look ahead to the next beach season. Instead of lamenting the loss of warm weather, start planning a trip to the beach for when it warms up.


Great Beach Towns on the East Coast
Photo: Bill Zimmerman (The East Coast Traveler)

If you're on the east coast, you have a wide range of places to choose from, so here are some of the best beaches on the east coast, excluding Florida, which just has an unfair advantage given that the entire state is practically a beach.

Must-Visit Beaches on the East Coast

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach is a destination for millions of beach-going tourists every year and features plenty to do when you need to get away from the sand and surf. Miles of beach and a boardwalk packed full of shopping and dining opportunities. The convenient location near the middle of the east coast also makes it popular as it's easy enough to reach in a single day of driving from most places on the coast.



Virginia Beach, VA

Located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, roughly 90 minutes east of Richmond, Virginia Beach offers up surf, sand, shopping, dining, and easy access to Norfolk Naval Base for anybody looking to get some Naval military history. In addition to a plethora of hotels, there are also several conveniently located campgrounds for those who like to rough it or have their own RV and need electrical and sewage hook-ups.

Nantucket, MA

When most people think of Nantucket Massachusett, they think of fishing, old houses, and Wings, but several beautiful beaches with calm waters are perfect for small children. In addition, even at the height of summer, the heat in Nantucket won't be as bad as the more southern beaches on the coast.



Kiawah Island, SC

Just a short drive from Charleston, Kiawah Island offers 10 miles of beaches perfect for a day in the sun. Bring along a picnic for lunch and then head into downtown Charleston for dinner full of southern charm, all while enjoying Civil War-era architecture and great shopping at a host of boutique stores.

Southhampton, NY

Pristine beaches and some of the best shopping outside Manhattan have made Southhampton a desirable beach destination for years. Northern enough to keep the worst of the summer heat away, it's an excellent location for anybody looking to relax while on the beach.

East Hampton, NY

When people think of The Hamptons, these are the beaches they picture. White sands, beautiful mansions, and a picturesque town with great shopping and dining make this the perfect beach vacation to remember and one you'll want to revisit again and again.

Martha's Vineyard, MA

A favorite summer vacation spot to those in the New England area, Martha's Vineyard has been the vacation spot to celebrities, politicians, and presidents for years, with many well-known families maintaining homes on the island. Accessible only by air or sea, it's perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives.



Hyannis, MA

Located in Cape Cod Massachusetts, it's been the getaway spot for the Kennedy family for years, though non-political families appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches as well. It's isolated and relaxed, inspired artists and authors for numerous years, and is the perfect place to take a family vacation.