11 Most Relaxing East Coast Towns
Along the East Coast, roughly every six hours, the tide in the Atlantic turns, and that steady rise and fall can be watched from the shoreline. Along this shoreline runs the Atlantic Flyway, a migration corridor that turns places like Cape May’s dunes into seasonal theaters of hawks, warblers, and monarchs overhead. Farther inland, some of the region’s prettiest ponds and lakes began as basins carved by Ice Age glaciers, which is why places like Bar Harbor feel so rugged and blue at once.
Across the eleven towns ahead, you will find that the Atlantic shapes everyday life and gives these communities their distinct East Coast feel. If you value relaxation in small town America, these are the places to visit!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Situated on Maine’s Mount Desert Island is the town of Bar Harbor, a town that opens up to one of the United States’ most beloved national parks. Of course, we are referring to Acadia National Park, the 49,075-acre coastal preserve that protects the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard and a number of beautiful spots open year-round. One such place is Sand Beach, the park’s largest sandy beach where the waves crash below the verdant cliffs. There’s also Jordan Pond, a lovely glacier-carved lake with nearby hiking trails where visitors can spot wildlife like beavers, loons, and peregrine falcons. And at Echo Lake, folks will find a freshwater lake with another set of gorgeous hiking trails leading into the forest.
For anyone who wants to learn more about this area’s stunning natural environment, College of the Atlantic’s George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History has a variety of fascinating exhibits, and even a tide pool tank that’s home to some local sea stars, hermit crabs, snails and other marine animals. Meanwhile, for those seeking a “home away from home” at Bar Harbor, The Inn on Mount Desert is open year-round and provides comfortable guest rooms and a full morning breakfast to guests.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown sits on the idyllic Massachusetts island of Martha’s Vineyard, around 89 miles south of Boston, and it’s a town that’s ideal for leaving all one’s troubles behind. Right in town, visitors can spot Edgartown Harbor Light, the historic lighthouse (first built in 1828, then reconstructed in 1939) that illuminates the waterfront. From there, it’s a short ride on the Chappy Ferry to the smaller island of Chappaquiddick and the spectacular beaches of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge (which also has a vintage 1801 lighthouse) and Wasque.
Back on the main island, visitors can head to the Vincent House & Gardens to tour this historic farmhouse built in 1672 that still has a small grove of apple trees on the property, a small reminder of the rich agricultural heritage of Martha’s Vineyard. And for another historic treasure that guests can actually stay in, the Harbor View Hotel is ideally located near the harbor lighthouse and sports luxurious and recently remodeled rooms and suites.
Newport, Rhode Island
About 39 miles south of Providence is the legendary beach town of Newport, a town on Rhode Island’s “Classic Coast” that exudes timeless beauty and charm. In the 19th century, wealthy families began to build elaborate summer beach homes in Newport. Several of these historic manors now open for public tours, including the magnificent Belcourt modeled after the Palace of Versailles hunting lodge, and the iconic Vanderbilt family estate at The Breakers that’s been featured on the HBO show The Gilded Age.
To experience the natural magic that drew so many Gilded Age magnates to Newport, visitors can spend some quality time at the town’s lovely beaches, including the prime surf spot at Easton’s Beach (also known as First Beach) and the family-friendly shores at Sachuest Beach (also known as Second Beach). And for plenty of quality time at the secluded beaches on the town’s west end, folks should stay at Castle Hill Inn, a “luxuriously laid-back” Relais & Châteaux boutique resort featuring oceanfront cottages and houses, the delectable Aurelia restaurant, and their own full-service spa utilizing Farmaesthetics premium natural skincare products.
Montauk, New York
Located on the very easternmost tip of New York’s Long Island, about 115 miles east of New York City, is the marvelous beach town of Montauk. Over the years, this town has gained a reputation for its surf scene, and the Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches at Camp Hero State Park and Ditch Plains are particularly great for catching big waves. Meanwhile, on the Long Island Sound shore, Montauk County Park protects a number of historic landmarks, including the Montaukett Village constructed by the region’s Native American community, the United States’ first known cattle ranch at Deep Hollow Ranch (that still hosts horseback rides on the beach today), and the Camp Wikoff site that Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders used to recover after fighting in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
On the west end of town, there’s plenty more to explore at Hither Hills State Park, from an expansive network of trails inland suitable for hiking, biking, equestrian riding, and even wintertime cross-country skiing, along with a long stretch of oceanfront beach for surfing and summertime swimming. And right by Hither Hills lies Gurney’s Montauk Resort, the area’s only year-round oceanfront resort sporting their own 2,000 foot-long private beach, the expansive 30,000 square-foot Seawater Spa & BathHouse, multiple tasty eateries on site, and a variety of sleek and stylish rooms and suites.
Cape May, New Jersey
Down at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, around 95 miles south of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), is the stately and classically elegant town of Cape May. This town is famous for its robust assortment of well-preserved Victorian architecture, and the Emlen Physick Estate is (built in 1879) one of the area’s few historic mansions that lets visitors in to experience its grandeur. For an even more breathtaking throwback, folks can stop at the Cape May Lighthouse that’s been operating since 1859 and climb the 199 steps to the top for panoramic Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay views.
And then, there are Cape May's beaches. Key highlights include Cape May Point State Park, a 244 acre coastal meadow and dunes preserve that’s ideal for birdwatching, and the locals’ favorite at Broadway Beach. And a little farther east, Peter Shields Inn offers award-winning hospitality at its fine in-house restaurant and its boutique hotel housed in a grand 1907 Georgian-style mansion.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
It’s roughly a 124-mile journey from Washington, D.C., to Rehoboth Beach, yet this can be a very worthwhile journey to experience the delightfully laid-back vibes of this Delaware beach town. Just to the north of town lies Cape Henlopen State Park, a 5,000-acre nature preserve at the junction of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean featuring pristine beaches, extensive hike and bike trails, the well-preserved World War II era Fort Miles, and the interactive environmental exhibits at the Seaside Nature Center. Meanwhile, in town, Deauville Beach is an easygoing and family-friendly stretch of shore, and the Rehoboth Boardwalk is the central gateway to the sea with a number of shops and restaurants nearby.
Speaking of dining, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is the place to go for the First State’s first brewpub serving exceptional local craft beers and hearty wood-fired pizzas. Once one’s ready to wrap up the day, it’s always a good idea to spend the night at The Bellmoor Inn & Spa, a renovated and reimagined historic hotel with bright and beachy-clean guest rooms and suites, as well as their own full-service spa that now offers CBD-infused body treatments.
Ocean City, Maryland
Out on the northeastern edge of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, some 139 miles southeast of Baltimore, is the bright and cheery town of Ocean City. No trip here feels complete without visiting the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk, the vibrant heart of town where local shops, eateries, and amusement park attractions have congregated by the shore since 1910. Or, for anyone hoping to chill out on the open ocean, Running Tide Charters offers fishing boat excursions where guests can try to find some white marlin, striped bass, and bluefish tuna. And back on shore, OC Fishing Pier is the area’s only fishing pier that stretches into the open Atlantic Ocean.
In case anyone simply desires some peace and quiet by the beach, the 71st Street Beach at the north end of town is a nice place to enjoy the more wide open spaces by the sea. Staying on the subject of peace and quiet, The Hotels at Fager’s Island (The Edge Hotel and Lighthouse Club Hotel) offer a quiet corner of Ocean City by Isle of Wight Bay and an intimate collection of comfy and cozy rooms and suites.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Whether one wants to bring to life the magic of a certain classic children’s story, or one simply wants to leave the typical “adult life” troubles behind, the Virginia town of Chincoteague really fits the bill, and it’s only 106 miles north of Norfolk. The author Marguerite Henry really put this place on the map with her 1947 book Misty of Chincoteague, and visitors can check for an appointment to visit the Beebe Ranch where the real-life Chincoteague Ponies Misty and Stormy lived. Then, to see where more of the local ponies live, folks can head over to Assateague Island and take the Woodland and Bivalve Trail at Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge to pass by the pony habitat area.
Staying at the wildlife refuge, it’s a short sprint over to the iconic red-and-white-striped Assateague Lighthouse that’s been towering 142 feet above the coastal floor since 1867. Even better, the wildlife refuge opens up to the tranquil and pristine shores of Assateague Beach on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island. Whatever one decides to do at Chincoteague and Assateague, BluFin Bungalows & Marina keeps guests close to the area’s top draws while also offering scenic and spacious bungalows right at the edge of Chincoteague Bay.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
For over a century, visitors have taken flight and soared to new heights in the wondrous village of Kill Devil Hills at North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Of course, a key attraction here is the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which commemorates Orville and Wilbur Wright pulling off the world’s first successful airplane flight in 1903. Yet a short distance south of the memorial, travelers can discover another side of the Outer Banks at Nags Head Woods Preserve, a scenic preserve of maritime forest and coastal wetlands.
While Kill Devil Hills is remembered as a key location in aviation history, it has more recently emerged as an East Coast surfers’ paradise. In particular, Eden Street Beach (near Avalon Pier) and First Street Beach are great for hitting the sand and riding waves at sea. And staying near the beach, Outer Banks Beach Club Resort is perfectly suited for guests who want easy access to the local beaches, the national park lands, and much more.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Nestled in Georgia’s Golden Isles, around 87 miles south of Savannah, is the stunning coastal resort town of St. Simons Island. Near the southern tip of the island is the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum, one of only five surviving Georgia historic lighthouses that includes a keeper’s house that the lighthouse keeper occupied from 1872 to 1900. Meanwhile, on the north side of the island lies Cannon's Point Preserve, a park that preserves much of the island’s last stretch of undeveloped maritime forest and wetlands (measuring some 600 acres in total) with Late Archaic shell rings dating all the way back to 2500 BCE. And just down the road from Cannon’s Point, folks can stop at Fort Frederica National Monument and see where British Colonial forces fought the War of Jenkins Ear (1739-1748) against the Spanish Empire.
When one simply wants to kick back and relax at the beach, the town’s East Beach works great for biking, kiteboarding, and beachcombing. And for the ultimate St. Simons Island coastal experience, one can splurge on a fabulous stay at Sea Island. Not only does this five-star luxury resort have its own private oceanfront beaches, but it also offers guests privileged access to the Seaside and Plantation golf courses, several delectable restaurants, and its world-class spa. On top of all that, guests can take their pick of lavish rooms and suites at The Lodge near town and The Cloister by the ocean.
Key West, Florida
Occupying the southernmost tip of the United States mainland, some 167 miles southwest of Miami, is the famed Florida outpost of Key West. Thanks to its warm, near-tropical climate and its idyllic island vibes, Key West has often served as a refuge for artists and dignitaries, and the Hemingway Home is the place to visit to see where the great American author Ernest Hemingway wrote works like the novels To Have and Have Not (1937) and Islands in the Stream (1970). Just a few blocks away, the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is a classic 1849 manor containing some 28 first-edition works by the artist and ornithologist John James Audubon. Less than two blocks from there sits the Key West Museum of Art & History, the island’s original 1891 Customs House that now houses a wide variety of works by local artists and a treasure trove of historic archives.
For an even fuller understanding of why Key West makes such an alluring destination, it’s worth spending some quality time at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, home to the island’s best beach for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and saltwater fishing. And for a little extra time by the beach, guests can stay at the Southernmost House, a vintage 1897 Victorian mansion that’s hosted multiple U.S. presidents and the Spanish Royal Family, and a mansion that’s now a boutique hotel with a great beachside bar-restaurant.
Relax and Go to These Atlantic Coast Towns for the Perfect Getaway
The U.S. Atlantic Coast offers a variety of options for the ideal beach vacation. It really just depends on what one hopes to experience. At Bar Harbor, travelers can make their way around the majestic coastal wilderness of Acadia National Park. Then, there’s Edgartown, the ideal launchpad for wondrous excursions around Martha’s Vineyard. Montauk is a phenomenal destination for surfing and beach exploring at the wild end of the Hamptons, while Cape May brings classic Victorian elegance to the southern tip of the Jersey Shore. Kill Devil Hills offers a variety of daring adventures at land and sea, and St. Simons Island shines bright on the aptly named Golden Isles of Georgia. However folks prefer to relax, a trip to these East Coast beach towns makes it so much easier to chill out and embrace the easygoing vibes.
