11 Undisturbed Towns To Visit On The Atlantic Coast
If you are in a place where your head is constantly spinning and you feel like you're on the verge of burning out, a well-timed escape to a quiet, undisturbed location can work like a charm. It could be the surrounding hills, whose eternal gaze imbues the environment with a palpable sense of timelessness, or the old ports, storefronts, and nautical charm. Are there such charm-soaked spots on the Atlantic Coast? You are probably thinking of St. Augustine, Florida, whose history is as old as time. But there are several others. Starting with Manteo, North Carolina, discover 11 undisturbed towns to visit on the Atlantic Coast.
Manteo, North Carolina
Time slows down when strolling on the Manteo’s waterfront boardwalk, bookended on one side with benches that look out over the sound, where you can sit and enjoy a wistful breeze. Marsh grasses tickle the edges of the walk. Manteo was incorporated in 1899 and is among the oldest towns in North Carolina, meaning history nerds will have an epic feast. There's the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, which once aided navigators along the state’s treacherous rivers and sounds, and which keeps a Fresnel lens dating back to the 1800s. Afterwards, board a charter to see bottlenose dolphins gleefully swimming through the Roanoke Sound, cross the bridge to Roanoke Island Festival Park, especially to see a replica of the sailing vessel that brought the first European settlers to Manteo, then duck inside Waterside Theatre, associated with one of the longest-running symphonic outdoor drama performances in the United States.
Bar Harbor, Maine
You probably know that New England is the place to be if you want to go circling lighthouses, whale watching (provided you get the timing right), and sailing from harbor to harbor. Talking of harbors, Bar Harbor is among the region’s most visit-worthy destinations. Cadillac Mountain, one of the area's most defining landmarks, is the first piece of land the sunrise hits throughout the Lower 48. The town provides immediate access to one of New England's most adorable outdoor spaces: the stunning Acadia National Park. From its jaw-dropping summits to its canopied trails and sandy beaches, this is an outdoor lover's paradise by every definition. If you enjoy sleeping under the stars, Blackwoods Campground is nearby and offers the classic in-the-wild feel, especially with all the fir trees and spruces. After watching an epic sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, nab a chair at Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast, which dishes up meat-free classics like blueberry pancakes and delicious egg sandwiches.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a feast for the senses, and it offers much more than the Gilded Age Mansions associated with some of the continent's wealthiest business magnates. Expect a veritable banquet of salt air, dappled light, soft breezes, and, of course, creaking floorboards. To spend time by the water, staring out at the horizon, is incredibly therapeutic. There are plenty of opportunities for paddling, surfing, skating, hiking, biking, walking, and more. You can start at The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame, the perfect place to learn about the history of sailing as a sport. You can't in good conscience skip the iconic 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, where the rhythm of crashing waves collides with the awe of Gilded Age architecture. For some meaningful outdoor action, you can sweat it out at the nearby Norman Bird Sanctuary, a 325-acre habitat with 7 miles of picturesque hiking trails. There's the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a great place to learn about the history of tennis.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is dubbed the “Queen of the Carolina Sea” and is known for its mesmerizing nautical charm, the kind that draws you in like a gripping page-turner. Unfortunately, Beaufort's vacation credentials often eclipse its historical side; yet the area is incredibly rich in history. Harriet Tubman, for instance, once lived in Beaufort and led the Combahee River Raid that saw hundreds of enslaved people rescued. From the stately manor homes lining Bay Street to the swoon-worthy Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, to the Beaufort History Museum, whose exhibits reveal interesting aspects of the town's childhood years, Beaufort certainly packs a punch. If you manage to resist the temptation to visit the spellbinding Hunting Island State Beach, the Spanish Moss Trail is nearer and offers exquisite sightseeing opportunities, especially with all the moss-draped oaks and well-maintained paths.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is both a town and a stunning barrier island known for its outdoor elegance, internationally famous golf courses, and soft-sand beaches. It is 25 miles southwest of Charleston, but it looks like an unspoilt sanctuary in a different universe. The Ocean Course, arguably Pete Dye’s most diabolical creation, is worth the hype. With fairways and greens laid so golfers can view the Atlantic surf over a ridge of beach dunes, it's no surprise that GolfDigest ranks it the best golf course in South Carolina for 2025. Meanwhile, Roy Barth Tennis Center is a much sought-after tennis clinic facilitated by accomplished pros. The Ocean Room, an upscale establishment with heart-tickling water views, serves delicious steaks, halibut, and onion soup. A few steps away is Wells Gallery, a lovely space with a nice variety of paintings and glass art.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown is a fairytale town on Cape Cod that brims with life and art. There are several galleries in town, but the best place to kindle your love for art is the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, or just PAAM. Think of five galleries, the chance to explore artwork created by local artists (both historic and contemporary), and the opportunity to draw connections to the art movements that have shaped America and the whole world. There are countless outdoor venues, but places like Long Point Lighthouse Trail feature prominently, partly because of the chance to lock eyes with whales, sharks, and tons of seals. You may already know that the nearby Race Point Beach is arguably the best beach on the Cape and one of the best in New England. Also, no one tells you this, but you can just sit on the benches in front of Town Hall and watch the parade of people go by.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Welcome to a peaceful Neverland without any high-rise condos or hotels, chain restaurants, or neon signs. The truth is that such a location will strike anyone as undisturbed. The best part is that Edisto Beach (and island) is just two hours from Savannah and roughly 42 miles from bustling Charleston, meaning it can make for a quick getaway. As you cruise to town, remember that the 14-mile-long Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, which winds through tunnels of moss-draped live oak canopies, is an attraction by itself. Edisto Beach State Park, one of the town's most visited sites, spans over 1,200 acres and features sandy shores, four miles of nature trails, and wildlife. Alternatively, there's the Botany Bay Plantation, a wildlife management area and heritage preserve designed to protect the beach’s natural habitats. Edisto Island Serpentarium, a cool place for an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with all kinds of snakes, alligators, and turtles, holds the distinction of being the first serpenterium in South Carolina.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Old Saybrook, as you can figure out from the name, is among the oldest towns in New England. Its settlement history dates back to the 1630s and largely involved English Puritans led by people like John Winthrop Jr. The air carries echoes of a bygone era, complemented by the Colonial architecture and the old storefronts and homes, including General William Hart House, which a prosperous merchant built for his bride in 1767. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, abbreviated as KATE, includes a 285-seat theatre that presents work in several genres, including music, theater, opera, dance, and comedy. For those who enjoy the feel of soft sand between the toes, Harvey's Beach has peaceful views, shallow waters, and fairly gentle waves. After working up a healthy appetite, your next stop should be at Nori, which serves some of the best sushi in central and eastern Connecticut.
Camden, Maine
Camden is exceptionally neat and mind-rousing and boasts an outdoor setting that can set any heart ablaze. For instance, think about the stellar views from Mount Battie, which lets you drool over Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside. Then you have immediate access to Megunticook Lake, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip and soak up heart-warming waterfront views. Also, the precincts of the lake are a leaf-peeper’s venue and offer rewarding hikes and delightful countryside scenery. Of course, there's Camden Hills State Park, which wraps around Mount Battie and offers countless recreational opportunities, including epic hiking trails. If hunger pangs begin to set in, Franny's Bistro offers an unassuming atmosphere, comfortable outdoor seating, and, above all, decadent shrimp dumplings.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is in a pristine landscape with a rawness that you can almost feel to your fingertips. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most ogled refuges in the United States, comprises more than 14,000 acres of protected beach, marsh, and forest and can easily give you the impression that you are the only soul on the planet. It was established in the 1940s to protect migratory birds, which vacay among its 2,600 acres of man-made marshes. No problem if you don’t have feathers. There’s a lot of hiking, biking, and horseback riding to do. AmaRin Coffee USA whips up delicious spring rolls and croissants, and should give you the kick you need for the day. There’s Downtown Chincoteague Waterfront Park, a beautiful outdoor space at any time of day, but even more so at sunset, especially for the magnificent views. Check out Captain Timothy Hill House, the oldest house on Chincoteague Island.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine was established in 1565, more than 200 years before the Continental Congress and the official birth of the new republic. No wonder it is called the Ancient City. Although you'll find some modern touches, especially because it's difficult to completely escape the allure of modernity, St. Augustine is still largely undisturbed. Think of centuries-old architecture, iconic cultural sites, and unspoiled, white-sand beaches. While Flagler College is not old (it was founded in 1968), its campus is stunning and often considered a fine exhibit of Gilded Age architecture. If you are on St. George Street and craving a bite, Prohibition Kitchen has an interior that feels like a 1920s speakeasy and serves up some of the best fries in Florida. They also have live bands on certain days. Keep in mind that the Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum features old canoes, cool shipwreck stories, and stunning views, especially from the top of the lighthouse.
So, while we can't escape work and bills, an occasional escape to some serene place can feel like a huge reprieve. The time you'll spend strolling along a picturesque waterfront, enjoying local delicacies on side-street patios while people-watching, or exploring local museums with fascinating displays on local history, is anything but a waste. Instead, you may just come back roaring with life. The best part? The Atlantic Coast is dotted with several such spots.
