6 Delightful Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast lacks a single identity, which makes it worth exploring. Its towns vary from vibrant, summer-filled boardwalks to tranquil barrier islands with a slow rhythm year-round. Historic fishing villages coexist with Victorian resort towns, while working waterfronts are alongside sandy beaches that have attracted visitors for generations. Six towns, one coastline, nothing alike.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is commonly referred to as “the End,” thanks to its location at the easternmost point of Long Island and the state of New York. Buffeted by strong winds and rough surf, it sometimes seems like the edge of the world—it feels more remote and low-key than its fancy Hamptons neighbors. The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1792, is the oldest in New York State. It has stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island—worth the 137-step climb to the top.
Ditch Plains Beach is the most popular spot for surfing in Montauk. Still, several other beaches in Montauk are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, like Gin Beach, Sunset Beach, which is walkable to nearby shops and restaurants, and South Edison Beach (or Nick’s, as locals call it). Visitors traveling with four-legged friends are welcome at beaches at dawn and dusk (before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.). The town has several natural trails perfect for hiking, including Montauk State Park, home to the lighthouse; Shadmoor State Park, where visitors walk along the bluffs; and Hither Hills State Park, where hikers can explore the park's beautiful beaches, walking dunes, and scenic picnic areas. At the end of a Montauk day, visit the Montauk Brewing Co. for a hard seltzer blueberry lemonade.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
Edgartown is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century whaling captains' homes, notable for their prominent “widow’s walks,” where captains kept an eye on their ships at sea, and wives watched for the return of loved ones. Located on Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, like surf-friendly South Beach (Katama Beach) and Lighthouse Beach, home of the iconic 1800s-era Edgartown Lighthouse. While the lighthouse is relatively small, the area surrounding the lighthouse is stunning. From the top of the spiral staircase, visitors can view the harbor and Chappaquiddick Island vistas. Another activity in the fresh air is exploring the four miles of trails at the family-friendly Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
The island’s flat terrain and picturesque routes make it perfect for biking. You might want to explore Edgartown on two wheels by renting from Wheel Happy Bicycle Shop. Walk along Edgartown’s Main Street to discover a variety of unique shops, eateries, and cafés, including Slate, a boho-inspired fashion and lifestyle store, 19 Raw Oyster Bar, and Behind the Bookstore, a café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as Hemingway-style drinks like Palomas and A Night in Cabo at The Hemingway Bar, located behind Edgartown Books.
Ocean City, Maryland
The seaside town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family. Renowned for its 10 miles of stunning sandy beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, body surfing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of watersports, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Jet ski and boat rentals are available at Odyssea Watersports. Ocean City’s iconic 3-mile wooden planked boardwalk is a beehive of activity 24/7. Stroll down the boardwalk and visit Dolle’s Candyland for fruit slices, traditional boardwalk fudge, or salt water taffy; the shop is currently celebrating its 114th year in business. Tony’s Pizza has been a landmark on the boardwalk since 1963, and visitors can dine on their rooftop deck overlooking the boardwalk, beach, and the ocean.
No trip to a seaside town is complete without playing mini golf. Grab a putter and visit Embers Island Mini Golf Course, which features pirate ships, caves, and water hazards. Alternatively, check out Nick’s Mini Golf, offering themed courses such as Jurassic Golf, Maui Golf, and Dino Golf. After sunset, enjoy live music, karaoke, and entertainment at Seacrets Jamaica USA, Fager's Island, and Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill.
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts
Visit the charming Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard to see its vibrant and charming gingerbread cottages, which give the town a whimsical and picturesque atmosphere. Located within a 34-acre area called Wesleyan Grove—a designated National Historic Landmark—over 300 cozy cottages feature gothic archways, steeples, and turrets, all painted in ice cream-like colors. Each year on August 14th, the town celebrates “Illumination Night,” when residents adorn their homes with lanterns. Additionally, the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest in the United States, is a popular landmark. Originally from Coney Island, this hand-carved carousel with glass-eyed horses and real horse hair manes was moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884.
To learn about the island's history, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum or follow the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, a 30-site trail marked with explanatory plaques honoring the contributions of people of African descent to the island. Finally, for the alpaca enthusiast in the family, visit the Island Alpaca Company for a firsthand look at these gentle and curious animals, and stop by the gift shop for the perfect souvenir.
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Pawleys Island is a peaceful barrier island celebrated for its pristine, tranquil beaches, historic charm, and relaxed atmosphere. Established in the 1500s, it ranks as one of the oldest beach towns in the U.S. Like many historic seaside towns, it is said to be haunted by the “Gray Man”—a cloaked apparition that appears before major hurricanes. Besides ghost stories, this calm town offers plenty of activities. Fishing lovers can try surf fishing at Huntington Beach State Park or fish from the Garden City Pier for species like flounder, black drum, or mackerel. You can also explore the island’s salt marshes and creeks by kayak or paddleboard, with rentals available from Surf the Earth, an ideal way to enjoy local wildlife and scenic views.
Take a walking tour of the Pawleys Island Historic District, which features charming, centuries-old beach houses and landmarks reflecting the island’s rich history, like the Pawleys Island Chapel, which marks its 76th year of worship in 2024. and the 1845-built All Saints Summer Parsonage. The island also has several renowned eateries where visitors can sample South Carolina’s legendary Lowcountry cuisine, like Pawleys Island Tavern, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback Bar, and Pawley’s Raw Bar, which bills itself as a “rusty ramshack of a restaurant.”
Fernandina Beach, Florida
On Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a charming Victorian seaside town with a historic downtown area and beautiful beaches wrapped in a laid-back, sunny atmosphere. Once a town full of pirates, bootleggers, and other quirky residents, today it is a family-friendly destination with much to see and enjoy. Although the barrier island is only 13 miles long, there are more than 40 public beaches, including the popular Main Beach Park (known as “The Family Zone” by locals). Play a round of mini putt at the Putt-Putt Fun Center, surf the waves, or shred it at the skate park. For food and drinks at the beach, visit the Salt Life Food Shack for sushi, poke bowls, street tacos, and a pitcher of sangria.
After a day enjoying the sun and surf, explore Fernandina Beach’s charming downtown, famous for its Victorian architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Stop by Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop for a shake from its authentic 1950s soda fountain, visit Villa Villekulla Toys, or take a yoga class at Centred on Yoga. Be sure to visit Florida’s oldest lighthouse, the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838. The lighthouse’s beacon still guides ships into Fernandina Harbor’s channel today, though Florida was not yet a state when it was first lit.
The Atlantic coast is chock full of delightful towns with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities. With stunning beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing and historic lighthouses providing breathtaking views and a glimpse into maritime history, visitors can easily make every moment count on an East Coast vacation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails in state parks; water lovers can surf, kayak, and paddle board, while anglers can drop a line from a pier or surf cast. Quaint towns with charming architecture, boutique shops, activities for the whole family, and local cuisine only add to the appeal of the Atlantic coast.
