9 Prettiest Small Towns On The Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast, or Eastern Coast of the U.S., comprises more than a dozen states that are known for their beauty and tourism. With so many small towns full of vibrant natural, historical, and commercial locales and landmarks, there is no shortage of memorable times to be had while exploring places that are unique and special along the Atlantic Ocean. These pretty towns around the eastern coastline are guaranteed to raise eyebrows and leave a lasting impression!
St. Augustine, Florida
A sandy Floridian town on the northeastern coastline, St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and has a strong historical and natural presence. The Lightner Museum takes tourists through Victorian architecture and showcases old artifacts from classical periods like the Gilded Age; it also boasts a lush courtyard outside, which is worth the trip alone! Lighthouse lovers can also admire St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, a trendy landmark with stunning views and fun for the whole family.
Anastasia State Park offers sandy white beachside excursions, comfortable kayaking, and a friendly hiking atmosphere to suit nature-oriented visitors seeking an escape of any kind. For a truly blended experience of historic and cultural education, one can visit Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where blacksmithing, cannon sites, peacock farms, and a planetarium combine to create an alluring experience.
Cape May, New Jersey
A seaside resort town at the southern tip of New Jersey's Cape May Peninsula, Cape May is a must for commercial and natural views! Emlen Physick Estate invites tourists to check out 18th-century Victorian Stick Style architecture and settlement history. Cape May Lighthouse is a pivotal landmark featuring birdwatching trails and an exhilarating climb to the top of the monument where incredible vistas await.
At the Nature Center of Cape May, guests can explore a three-story observation tower, check out exhibit aquaria, peruse the small gift shop, and wander through multiple themed display gardens. Sunset Beach is home to the wreck of the S.S. Atlantus, which now provides shelter for a wide range of seabirds and shorebirds, making it a great stop for those with an eye for all things coastal, as well as quartz crystal sands for beachcombers who feel like digging up some shiny finds!
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is an Eastern Shore island town in Virginia with plenty of newfound discoveries to keep people on their toes! The Museum of Chincoteague Island is dedicated to maritime oral history, local workshops about famed ponies and other equines, as well as iconic vessel exhibits and mosaics. For a tour of a rustic 1800s pine log home, there is also the Captain Timothy Hill House, where guests are encouraged to ask about its wooden chimney foundations and mysterious ship carvings of eras gone by.
Chincoteague Island Waterman's Memorial is a true sunset haven with panoramic marine views surrounding a memorial site that serves as a tribute to those who lost their lives at sea. Saltwater Pony Tours has wild pony expeditions suitable for families and travelers keen for a little marine adventure with a chance of seeing bald eagles, ospreys, and even dolphins!
Nags Head, North Carolina
A famous beach town on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Nags Head is known for its coastal delights. Bodie Island Lighthouse is a historic option from the 1840s, offering ticketed trips up to the lookout. Jockey's Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast and is a true splendor for beach gliding, kite-flying, and family hiking expeditions with perfect sunset views!
Around Nags Head Fishing Pier, you can cast a line with the locals, or sit back and watch from Capt. Andy’s Oceanfront Tiki Bar & Grill. Seaside Art Gallery is a must for crafty jewelry and a welcoming environment full of happy vendors who like to talk about some of the coolest art pieces in town.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Another seaside, easygoing destination is Kennebunkport in southern Maine. The town is full of rustic stops and mesmerizing locales. The Seashore Trolley Museum is a great spot to test your transit trivia, hop aboard a nostalgic ride, and bask in the underrated hospitality. Goose Rocks Beach takes tourists around gentle barrier slopes off the coast with the opportunity for casual beach photography, Atlantic Ocean surfing, and warm island sands ideal for all types of travelers!
Those who partake in boating tours with Rugosa Lobster Tours may find themselves thrilled by Downeast-style cruising, lobster-oriented education, and gorgeous Kennebunk River waterfront backdrops. For some splendid New England dining, check out Alisson's Restaurant, where casual meets costal in a locally-owned pub.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Just south of Charleston lies Folly Beach, on Folly Island, a must-do on any respectable Atlantic Coast travel list! The Morris Island Lighthouse is a towering, iconic landmark. It has been decommisioned and is only accessible by boat, but there is excellent viewing at the eastern end of the island via the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. The Folly Beach Pier is a solid option for visitors who prefer to people-watch or go saltwater fishing while being serenaded by pierside entertainers.
Isla Surf School grants newcomers the opportunity to learn to surf in social group workshops alongside talented and passionate instructors. The Lost Dog Cafe is a comforting diner that serves breakfast treats and lunch specials, and also has a wall of fame featuring South Carolina's cutest dogs!
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport is a charming seaside town in Massachusetts with a reputation for having some of the best historical and natural attractions. The Paper House is an actual house made out of old newspaper, not to mention some furniture and even a piano. Travelers at Halibut Point State Park can enjoy a picnic or hike, including a self-guided walking tour of the Babson Farm Quarry.
For a unique shopping experience, the Bearskin Neck Country Store has retro candies and vintage accessories to suit outsiders with a penchant for classic novelties and goodies. Fleur Cuisine Harborside may just be what tourists need for mouthwatering Caribbean tastings, fireplace conversations, and lovely harbor memories.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
An Atlantic coastline town in Delaware that needs no formal introduction, Rehoboth Beach capitalizes on oceanside enjoyment. The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum is known for its sand-filled cultural contributions, beach community charms, and trendy maritime artifacts from the past. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk makes vacationers feel right at home with its boardwalk comfort, old-fashioned amusement activities, and Atlantic sunset horizons for all to cherish.
Gordons Pond Trail is a great stop for dog walks, peaceful jogs, and easy access to colorful flora and fauna. At the Rehoboth Art League, creativity comes to life as visitors walk through dozens of exotic art pieces and observe the finest cultural workshops in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Aquidneck Island (Rhode Island), is another town not to miss. The Breakers takes guests through Vanderbilt legacies with its Gilded Age history, green courtyard prettiness, and lavish architectural interiors. Rough Point makes for a fascinating segue as the home of late 18th-century heiress Doris Duke with seasonal garden tours to delight the nature enthusaist.
Fort Adams State Park is equally worthwhile for all who like 19th-century military history; the park also features nightly live music and surreal views of Narragansett Bay. For a culinary treat in what claims to be America's oldest tavern, head to the White Horse for an upscale farm-to-table menu and an impressive list of house cocktails and fine wines.
Conclusion
All these pretty Atlantic Coast towns are memorable to outsiders seeking true oceanside beauty. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with travel, these charming destinations may be all one needs for a fun adventure and to feel surrounded by history, nature, and local sights. This list provides countless motivators that are enough to get anyone out of the house and on the road to see what is out there!
