Discovering the Nicest Beaches on the East Coast

When it comes to choosing the nicest beach on the East Coast, it can be quite a personal decision depending on your preferences. From the bustling shores of San Diego to the quaint towns of Maine, the East Coast offers a vast array of beautiful beaches that offer something for everyone. Here, we explore some of the top picks, with a focus on those that stand out.

Scarborough Beach, England

Though not located on the East Coast, Scarborough Beach in England is a beloved destination. Its popularity reflects the allure of coastal seaside towns, making it a great point of reference. For warmer climates, beaches like Manly Bondi and Byron Bay in Australia are highly recommended.

Maine and South Carolina

I have personal experience living near the coast in Maine and South Carolina. While the beaches in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, might be great for some, I found them rather boring. I preferred the more character-filled beaches in Hilton Head and the charming southern coast of Maine. Maine, in particular, captivated me with its stunning and varied beaches.

Cape Cod National Seashore and Other Favorites

When it comes to picking just one beach, it's challenging, but I have my favorites. Cap Cod National Seashore boasts two of them: Herring Cove and Race Point. Another spectacular option is Crane's Beach in Ipswich, MA, though it's notorious for Greenheads, biting horseflies that can be particularly unpleasant. Ogunquit, MA, is lovely but the water is cold. Other notable mentions include Fire Island, New York, Cape May, New Jersey, and the barrier islands of North and South Carolina.

The only Florida beach I've visited is Fort Lauderdale, but I liked it. Other Florida beaches, especially in the Gulf Coast, are also worth exploring. On the West Coast, San Diego's beaches are stellar, particularly Blacks Beach. Santa Monica offers a fun and cool pier, but my absolute favorite is Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA. It's small and charming, but parking can be a hassle.

Other Notable Beaches on the East Coast

Other beautiful and beloved beaches on the East Coast include Nantucket, Massachusetts; Block Island, Rhode Island; East Hampton, New York; Palm Beach, Florida; Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Cape May, New Jersey; Jekyll Island, Georgia; Provincetown, Massachusetts; Kiawah Island, South Carolina; and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. These towns and islands offer a mix of affluent and charming beach communities, perfect for different types of vacationers.

Each of these beaches has its unique charm, from Palm Trees to miles of shell-strewn shores, from bustling crowds to quiet solitude. The choice of which beach is the nicest depends heavily on personal preference. If cold water doesn't deter you, Ogunquit, Maine, could be a top choice. The Jersey Shore and Cape Cod are also marvelous.

Additionally, while the provided list does well to cover many of the major East Coast beach destinations, it might have missed a few areas, such as the Delaware and Maryland beaches, as well as a host of beautiful Florida beaches beyond Palm Beach.

So, if you're planning your next beach getaway, consider your priorities—whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, beachside relaxation, or a bustling weekend retreat—and your destination will shine based on your unique criteria.