The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beach towns in the east coast"
Named by 3 of 81. Outer BanksA long chain of barrier islands where space, driving and home choice shape the trip.Spans over 200 miles and suits swimming, sunbathing and surfing.Best time to visit Outer BanksBest beaches in Outer BanksBest places to visit in Outer BanksNamed by 3 of 82. CharlestonFeels like a close-knit town, with beaches at Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms nearby.A city-first trip where the beach is a side addition, so staying central matters.Best time to visit Charleston
Named by 3 of 83. Key BiscayneDescribed as a unique spot that pairs island seclusion with the Atlantic, close to Miami.A barrier island linked to Miami only by the 5 mile Rickenbacker Causeway.Named by 3 of 84. Myrtle BeachNorth Myrtle Beach ranked number 1 and Myrtle Beach number 3 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.Named a popular South Carolina beach town where people spend a week.Best time to visit Myrtle Beach
Named by 2 of 85. Cape MayClose to Philadelphia, New York City and Baltimore, with Victorian buildings and a lighthouse.Sunset Beach is suggested for ending the day.
Named by 2 of 86. St. AugustineClaims to be the oldest city in the United States.Said to have some of the cleanest beaches in Florida.
Named by 2 of 87. Miami BeachSouth Beach is known for soft sand, turquoise water and Art Deco buildings.Called one of the most popular beach towns in the US, though better known for nightlife.
Named by 2 of 88. Jacksonville BeachHas a famous fishing pier, a nearby golf course and waterside restaurants.Ranked number 6 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.
Named by 2 of 89. Fernandina BeachMarks the northern end of the Atlantic beaches the Florida tourism page covers.Ranked number 7 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.
Named by 2 of 810. Delray BeachA favorite for romantic getaways, with art galleries and annual festivals.Ranked number 22 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.
Named by 2 of 811. Ormond BeachA small-town feel for quiet beach walks, boutique shops and friendly locals.Ranked number 21 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.Named by 2 of 812. WilmingtonRanked number 9 in a list of East Coast beach towns to live in.Named a prime target by people choosing where to move between Virginia Beach and Savannah.
Named by 2 of 813. Cape CodMany towns along the coast, so it suits a week-long visit, with trails and whale watching.Race Point Beach at the tip is a protected stretch of dunes in the Cape Cod National Seashore.Best time to visit Cape CodBest beaches in Cape CodBest places to visit in Cape Cod14. NantucketJetties Beach is walkable from town; Cisco Beach is rougher and a surfing hub.Voted onto Condé Nast Traveler's 2025 Best Islands in the World list by readers.Best time to visit NantucketBest beaches in Nantucket
15. Key WestCloser to Cuba than to Miami and the southernmost point in the contiguous United States.Best time to visit Key WestBest beaches in Key WestBest places to visit in Key West
16. Hilton Head IslandHas 12 miles of beach and was named the number 1 island in the US by some travel magazines.
17. Ocean CityMiles of beach and boardwalk, suitable for families and couples.18. Daytona BeachOffers surfing, a boardwalk with rides and driving on hard-packed sand.Best time to visit Daytona Beach
19. Assateague IslandVisitors can swim at Day Use Beach Areas with lifeguards, and wild horses roam the island.
20. Sandy HookOffers Manhattan skyline views from the sand, with little development.
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Questions people ask
- What are the nicest beaches in Florida?
- The Florida tourism page names Atlantic Coast beaches from Fernandina Beach to Biscayne Bay, including Jacksonville Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach and Miami Beach.
