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There are 14 states that make up the United State’s East Coast; each with its own distinct feel, climate, and culture. From the hot, sandy beaches of Florida to the rocky harbors of Maine, there are so many beautiful stretches of coastline to pick from (and so many beach towns worth exploring). Whether you’re looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, no matter your vibe there’s so much to explore. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best beach towns to go to on this side of the Atlantic coast, perfect for family vacations to the shore, solo trips for a bit of solitude, group getaways for fun in the sun, and more. From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 21 of the best East Coast beach towns in the U.S.
From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 17 of the best East Coast beach towns in the US.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
USA, Massachusetts, Nantucket Island . Brant Point LighthouseGetty
Nantucket, Massachussetts
If you’re reading this, chances are high that you already love Nantucket, given the fact that Condé Nast Traveler’s audience voted it onto the magazine’s 2025 Best Islands in the World Readers’ Choice Awards list, scoring a 91.43. The food, shopping, and walking around is great, but where Nantucket really shines is on the shore. For a day trip or quick overnight, Jetties Beach is ideal because it’s walkable from “town,” the center of the action. It’s also great if you have kids or don’t have time to hit the grocery store in advance. Open-air restaurant Sandbar offers $1 oyster happy hours, serves cocktails, and slings wings, sandwiches, and salads. Further out, Cisco Beach is rougher and more natural. It’s a hub for surfing, and if you don’t have your own gear, you can take a lesson with Ack Surf School.
Where to stay in Nantucket:
