The 10 Can't-Miss Towns On The Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast, or Eastern Seaboard, is a mixed bag of experiences and attractions on land and at sea.
Montauk, one of New York State's can't-miss towns, is home to the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, visible up to 19 nautical miles away. Further south, from The Point in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, the sun sinks behind Bear Island, creating incredible views before dusk.
In Massachusetts, the Pilgrim Monument stands tall over Cape Cod Bay. It is one of the main draws in Provincetown, as it commemorates the day the Mayflower Pilgrims first landed. The following ten towns bring the Atlantic states to life in the most colorful and exciting ways possible.
Ogunquit, Maine
Maine is filled with coastal towns that are a feast for the eyes. Ogunquit, which translates to 'beautiful place by the sea' in Abenaki, stands out above them all.
The best way to see why the town earned its name is to walk the Marginal Way. The trail traverses a clifftop where the views of the Atlantic are spectacular. Along the way are nearly 40 benches to sit and take in the scenes and the tranquil atmosphere.
Below is Ogunquit Beach, a long stretch of sand, considered one of the best beaches in the country. Downtown Ogunquit is just as magical, with the Ogunquit Playhouse, where plays have been put on for almost 100 years. The Front Porch Piano Bar is a must-stop, especially for those in the mood for live music paired with fine dining.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Commercial Street is Provincetown's 'hub of activity.' A large collection of shops and galleries line the street, a great spot for window shopping before stopping at The Canteen. This Provincetown institution is famous for its seafood, which comes with an ocean view.
The views from the Pilgrim Monument include the beaches of Outer Cape Cod. Some people have reported seeing as far as Boston when the weather is clear. The monument sits off High Street, with an elevator to take people up the hill to the entrance.
A museum at the site that displays the history of the first tribes to live on the Outer Cape and tells the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims can be experienced. From here, Race Point Beach beckons with seal sightings and sand dune hiking.
A ferry leaves for Long Point Beach from the MacMillan Pier every half hour during the summer. Long Point Beach is the most remote swimming beach in Cape Cod, and there are often more seals to see than people.
Rye, New Hampshire
The beaches get the most attention in Rye, as well they should, considering they take up around 8 miles of Atlantic coastline. Wallis Sands State Park sits along Ocean Boulevard, offering views of the Isles of Shoals and a beach ideal for families.
Jenness State Beach is also good for swimming, and the views of the Atlantic are unmatched. Those who cannot get enough of the vistas often head out on Route 1A, which runs for 18 miles all the way to Portsmouth. The route includes stops at both Wallis Sands State Park and Jenness Beach.
Visitors can also see salt marshes, the Gulf of Maine, and the rocks on the shoreline along the way. Another must-have experience is the Seacoast Science Center, which holds the skeleton of a 32-foot humpback whale and several touch tanks.
Newport, Rhode Island
The attractions pivot a little in Newport, leaning more towards historic buildings and settings. Rose Island is where most people head to first. The island is home to the Rose Island Lighthouse and is uninhabited except for the seasonal lighthouse keepers.
Visitors up for an off-grid experience can stay overnight and make the most of the solar power and rainwater. In Newport itself, there are the Gilded Mansions to see. The mansions date to the late 1800s, and some still feature the marble and crystal that were popular during that time.
Newport also offers the chance for some exhilarating adventures with Rail Explorers. The company provides pedal carts to explore the Old Colony Railroad, which passes Narragansett Bay and the Hog Island Lighthouse. Those who prefer the water can head out on the bay in a sailboat or schooner on a sunset or day sail tour.
Montauk, New York
It is back to water views and oceanfront experiences in Montauk. The historic Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest of its kind in New York State, and the views of the sea are simply spectacular. Camp Hero State Park sits next to the lighthouse and is home to maritime forests, bluffs, wetlands, and even more magnificent ocean views.
Fishermen flock here for surf fishing 24 hours a day, and there are plenty of native birds to see.
At Shadmoor State Park, two stairways provide access to more than 2,400 feet of shoreline. There is plenty of space for picnicking and saltwater fishing, and there are two concrete bunkers to view, dating back to the Second World War.
When the sun goes down, people gather at The Montauket, where the music and drinks keep the vibe going until late.
Cape May, New Jersey
New Jersey has a stand-out can't-miss town in Cape May. The town became a seaside destination back in the early 1800s, making it one of the oldest resort towns in America.
After a fire nearly leveled the entire town in 1878, it was rebuilt mostly in the Victorian style still visible throughout the quaint streets today. The Victorian houses that stand in a row downtown can be seen via a self-guided tour or a trolley tour managed by MAC (Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities).
Towards the beach side, the Atlantic comes into full view from the Fire Control Tower No.12 and the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park. The sunrise views from Poverty Beach are out of this world, while Sunset Beach at Cape May Point offers the chance to hunt for 'diamonds' in the sand.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
In Virginia, the wild ponies and marsh views from Chincoteague Island are a huge attraction. During the summer, the ponies swim across the water to the cheers of those who have come all the way to see them. Sometimes, they can be seen near the dunes and marshes as they roam across protected land.
The ponies are also sometimes seen from the beaches near Assateague Island National Seashore. The beaches are great for surfing and swimming, as well as long strolls. There are views aplenty from the Chincoteague Lighthouse, a lovely stop before heading off to the marsh channels for kayaking or taking a boat trip around the island.
The best way to end a fun day along the Atlantic Coast is with homemade ice cream from Island Creamery.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is known as 'America's Favorite Island' in large part due to the sunrises that happen here. The landscape is flat enough to see the early light touching the far reaches of the island, creating a magical sunrise in real time.
Coligny Beach Park is home to the town's most visited beach and includes a splash pad fountain. Coligny Plaza sits next to the park, where visitors can eat shrimp at Big Bamboo and enjoy a daiquiri at the Frosty Frog Cafe. Those in search of tidal flat views will find plenty to love at Fish Haul Beach. At low tide, visitors can walk out several meters to find shells and snails.
In the town itself, the Coastal Discovery Museum boasts a one mile nature trail that stretches past butterfly gardens and horses. At the nearby Sea Pines Forest Preserve, people can go horseback riding and see the 4,000-year-old Sea Pines Shell Ring, a Native American 'cathedral' that took around 300 years to build.
Emerald Isle, North Carolina
The coastline along Emerald Isle in North Carolina is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The emerald-green water accompanies twelve miles of soft sand beaches, where people can sunbathe and play games.
Emerald Isle sits between the Atlantic and Bogue Sound. Visitors can enjoy guided paddle tours on the sound, choosing between wildlife and sunset routes. Boat rentals make boat tours possible in the open water, and there is the option of fishing tours or sightseeing tours.
People head to The Point when the sun starts dipping low to catch one of the famed sunsets that feature Bear Island. Some also watch the sunset from the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier while waiting for a bite. Bear Island is accessible from Hammocks Beach State Park across the sound from The Point.
The area is popular with kayakers and paddleboarders. Plus, right into town, the Emerald Isle Woods Park features a birding trail and disc golf course for those who need to get out of the sun for a bit.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
The can't-miss-towns experience concludes in Florida with pretty Fernandina Beach. This island town is renowned for its pirate history, which is on display at the Amelia Island Museum of History. It is also known for its beaches, with Main Beach Park being very popular with both locals and tourists. The park has two volleyball courts, beach access, a skate park, and space for picnics.
On O'Hagan Lane, the Amelia Island Lighthouse creates the perfect backdrop for vacation selfies. It is the oldest existing lighthouse in Florida and is only open for three hours on Saturdays. Other fun things to do in Fernandina Beach include walking the downtown streets to see the Victorian-era buildings and exploring Fort Clinch State Park on Atlantic Avenue.
The park is ideal for camping over a few days, so there is enough time to see the gopher tortoises and hunt for shark teeth. There is also a row of cannons that overlook the St. Mary's River, and the fort with its old rooms and grounds.
The Atlantic Coast Story Begins Where The Land Ends
Strolling along the shoreline where the tide meets the sand is where people find real peace and quiet. The Atlantic Coast story features fresh seafood, clifftop walks, historic lighthouses, and even wild horses.
The air is saltier, the water clearer, and the coastal vibe the center of everything. If you find yourself at the spot where the land ends and the water begins, know you are in for an unforgettable Atlantic Coast adventure.
