The 12 Can't-Miss Towns On The Atlantic Coast
The United States' Atlantic Coast stretches for about 2,069 miles, and it's chock full of exceptional towns that definitely deserve a visit. In New England, folks can check out the island village that sits by one of the nation's favorite national parks and the stunning artist village at the edge of Cape Ann.
Turning to the Mid-Atlantic, travelers will discover the sporty surf town in the Hamptons, the rocking music hub at the heart of the Jersey Shore, and the picture-perfect corner of the Delaware coast. And down South, people can explore the Outer Banks village with a high-flying backstory and the illustrious resort town at the Golden Isles of Georgia.
You don't want to miss any of these special places. To better understand why, here are more details on the places we love as the 12 can't-miss towns on the Atlantic Coast.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Right at the foot of one of the United States' most beloved national parks is Bar Harbor, a town that sets the bar for New England coastal beauty. No trip here feels complete without a visit to Acadia National Park, which is home to iconic landmarks like the Eastern Seaboard's highest point at Cadillac Mountain, and the gorgeously golden portal to the Atlantic Ocean at Sand Beach. Even in town, and during low tide, folks can walk the Bar Island Trail across the narrows to Bar Island and explore a beautifully forested slice of open nature.
Centrally located in town, The Inn on Mount Desert is open year-round and makes an inviting "base camp" for exploring Acadia National Park and the Maine coast. Here, guests can expect comfortably plush accommodations, a full and proper breakfast every morning, and even an afternoon tea time with refreshing drinks and snacks available.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Situated on New Hampshire's Seacoast, Portsmouth is a charmingly historic town with no shortage of amazing activities to try. A major draw here is Strawbery Banke, a 10-acre outdoor museum with a collection of historic homes dating as far back as the 17th century, an 18th century tavern, a 20th century corner store, and even an ice skating rink that usually opens in December. Then, for anyone wanting more lively entertainment, the Seacoast Repertory Theatre regularly features award-winning shows on its stage. And just south of town, the Seacoast Science Center (at Odiorne Point State Park) provides ample opportunities for a hands-on and fully immersive educational experience with the Gulf of Maine's aquatic ecosystem.
Returning to Downtown Portsmouth, the Hotel Thaxter occupies an 1860 historic building, and it now offers thoughtfully designed guest quarters with deluxe bedding, a tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower, upscale bath amenities, and streaming TV.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Perched on the eastern tip of the Cape Ann peninsula, and about 44 miles northeast of Boston, Rockport presents a particularly colorful and artsy side of the Massachusetts coast. At Halibut Point State Park, visitors will find postcard-worthy coastal vistas that stretch all the way to Maine on clear days. Turning south, Old Garden Beach is a cute and secluded-feeling cove that's great for diving, and for simple relaxation. And at the historic heart of town, Rockport Art Association & Museum is an acclaimed institution that showcases a wide collection of works by local artists and regularly hosts interactive workshops, classes, and events year-round.
Mere steps away from Front Beach and a short stroll from Rockport's central row of galleries, The Cove At Rockport Hotel sports newly renovated rooms in a classic New England coastal setting, as well as good libations and light bites at their On the Rocks Bar on weekends.
Westerly, Rhode Island
Down at the southwestern corner of Rhode Island, Westerly is a lovely beach town with quite the impressive reputation. To understand why A-List celebrities like Taylor Swift feel right at home out here, folks can head to Napatree Point Conservation Area and discover a wildly delightful beach for birdwatching and simple strolls on the sand. To the east, Misquamicut State Beach is a nice spot to go surfing, kayaking, and picnicking. And shifting inland, Woody Hill Management Area is an 819-acre nature preserve that extends across tranquil expanses of deciduous forest, evergreen forest, and lush wetlands.
Back at Watch Hill, Ocean House is Rhode Island's only oceanfront five-star luxury resort featuring a premier selection of rooms and suites equipped with top-of-the-line bedding (including 400-thread count embroidered linens), Italian-woven cotton towels, marble bathrooms, custom wood furnishings, and original New England artwork. Even better, the resort also offers farm-fresh flavors at its COAST and Bistro restaurants, and ultimate relaxation at the Ocean & Harvest Spa.
Montauk, New York
Out at the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk combines the sophistication of the Hamptons with the wild beauty of a faraway coastal hideaway (though it's only 119 miles east of New York City). For anyone who arrives before November 28, they can make it to Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum and go inside this 1796 historic landmark that's New York state's first lighthouse, and one that's the United States' fourth-oldest active lighthouse. Meanwhile, to the south, Camp Hero State Park is open year-round, and winter often tends to be the best time to brave the chilly Atlantic Ocean water and surf some epic waves. And on the west end of town, Hither Hills State Park is a fun spot to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing by the sea.
Also open year-round is Gurney's Montauk, the area's only oceanfront resort complete with a 2,000 foot-long private beach, the 30,000 square-foot Seawater Spa & BathHouse wellness sanctuary, 158 beachy chic rooms and suites, and festive dining at (the wintertime seasonal) Igloos by the Sea.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park may be far from Nebraska, yet this New Jersey beach town was very much Born in the U.S.A., and it's always a Lucky Town for anyone seeking to rock out like "The Boss." Yes, really, Bruce Springsteen played a pivotal role in forming the "Sound of Asbury Park," and other famed musicians like Patti Smith, Jon Bon Jovi, the Ramones, and the Clash played here on their way to greatness. More specifically, The Stone Pony is a classic concert hall that continues to host a number of impressive acts on their stage. Then, for a different kind of show, The Showroom Cinema is a great spot to catch classic and independent arthouse films. And for another place to play, Silverball Retro Arcade is a unique museum where folks can play vintage pinball machines and video games.
After a full day (or night) partying like a rock star, guests can retreat to the Michelin Key award-winning confines of Asbury Ocean Club. Not only does this luxury hotel feature accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, pillow-top bedding, walk-in rain showers, Grown Alchemist bath products, and Bluetooth speakers, but it's also the home of the "floating glass house" at The Drawing Room poolside bar and lounge.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Around 121 miles east of Washington, D.C., Rehoboth Beach makes Delaware's picture-perfect window to the sea. To the north of town, Cape Henlopen State Park extends across wild sand dunes, wildflower-adorned hiking trails, and some six miles of undisturbed Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Moving south, Deauville Beach is another quiet corner of coast that's ideal for easygoing beachcombing and aquatic activities. And right in the heart of town, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the community's central hub for shopping, dining, and plenty more seaside entertainment.
The Bellmoor Inn & Spa originally opened as a hotel and restaurant in the 1930s, and it now operates a stylish boutique hotel with a full-service spa on site, along with an impressive array of guest quarters fully stocked with amenities like calming coastal decor, plush bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet, and in-room coffee and tea.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Heading to Virginia's Eastern Shore, we reach the beautifully laid-back village Cape Charles (about 43 miles north of Virginia Beach). Just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge protects 1,127 acres of maritime forest and wetlands that serve as critical habitat for threatened wildlife like piping plovers, as well as a welcoming stop for migrating songbirds. Nearby, there's more to explore at Kiptopeke State Park, which offers direct access to Chesapeake Bay along with over five miles of hike and bike trails. And a little farther north, Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve has three marked hiking trails and a quiet beach area that's especially nice to visit during low tide.
To complete the ideal Cape Charles getaway, it's worth a stay at Fig Street Inn. This adorable boutique bed-and-breakfast has everything one needs for a comfortable stay, including wifi internet, smart TVs, fine antique furnishings, and an optional breakfast for those who want a delicious morning treat.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Kill Devil Hills may be a tiny town at North Carolina's Outer Banks, yet it's one where visitors can "take flight" and enjoy all sorts of exciting excursions. After all, this is the place where the Wright Brothers pulled off their first airplane flight in 1903, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial protects the very hallowed ground that made aviation history. For a different perspective on the local environment, folks can head to Nags Head Woods Preserve and find a special corner of the Outer Banks as it existed when the Wright Brothers came here, with a lush maritime forest that provides habitat for wildlife like red and gray foxes, river otters, red-bellied woodpeckers, and bald eagles. And at the oceanfront side of town, Avalon Pier to go fishing, or to simply catch the gorgeous morning sunrise.
A short drive from the national memorial, Colington Creek Inn sports a scenic waterfront setting, a stunning selection of homestyle guest rooms with private bathrooms and sun porches, and a delicious hot breakfast served every morning.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
About 16 miles east of Charleston, Isle of Palms provides a chill and relaxing side of the South Carolina coast. Isle of Palms County Park is the town's main beach area, and it's an inviting area to enjoy wide sandy beaches, a designated swimming area, and a full picnic area on land with grills. For a much more low-key day at sea, Beach Access 42 (at 42nd Avenue) fits the bill with a quiet yet fully accessible stretch of sand. And for those who prefer to stay dry and play some greens, Wild Dunes' Links Golf Course is an acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course featuring amazing ocean views.
Staying at the prestigious Wild Dunes Resort, the Sweetgrass Inn makes an easy-breezy and very comfy "home base" in Isle of Palms with bright and airy beachy chic rooms and suites, an expansive array of resort pools to dip into, a fully equipped fitness center, on-site bike and beach chair rentals, and easy beach access.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island may be the largest of the Golden Isles of Georgia, but this island still very much looks and feels like a blissfully bucolic Southern-style beach town. To see what the island was like in the early days of European colonization, folks can go to Fort Frederica National Monument and tour the remains of the military fortress built by the British Colonial Governor James Oglethorpe to defend Georgia from Spanish attacks. For a more illuminating experience, visitors can head downtown and check out St. Simons Island Lighthouse, one of the five remaining light towers in Georgia and one that preserves much of its original 19th century historic character. And a short stroll from the lighthouse leads to the St. Simons Island Pier, the longtime focal point for the town and a fantastic spot to go fishing (with permits regularly available at the nearby bait and tackle shop).
When coming to St. Simons Island, it's hard not to add the ideal finishing touch to the perfect trip with a stay at the iconic Sea Island resort. Guests can choose from opulent accommodations at The Cloister and The Lodge hotels (or a private cottage rental), and everyone can take advantage of privileged access to Sea Island's world-class golf courses, delectable dining at their restaurants, and a full menu of treatments and services at their spa.
Palm Beach, Florida
Long before local resident and U.S. President Donald Trump brought the world's attention to Palm Beach, this tony Florida beach town (about 72 miles north of Miami) was already turning heads as "America's First Resort Destination." The Society of the Four Arts certainly impresses as a beautifully designed Spanish Mediterranean-style complex with an art gallery, demonstration gardens, a sculpture garden, and a calendar full of concerts, workshops, film screenings, and additional activities. Then, there's the Henry M. Flagler Museum, which preserves the Gilded Age era Whitehall estate and showcases exhibitions of related turn-of-the-20th-century historic artifacts. And just east of Palm Beach's main luxury retail district along Worth Avenue, the Town of Palm Beach Municipal Beach is a delightful stretch of sand to go swimming and sunbathing.
Though there's no shortage of posh places to stay in town, there's nothing quite like splurging on a stay at The Breakers Palm Beach. For just over a century, this resort has set the standard for luxury in South Florida, and guests can continue to expect a top-notch experience at rooms and suites equipped with bespoke décor, luxury linens, plush bathrobes and slippers, and complimentary high-speed wifi internet. In addition, the resort has several enticing dining options on campus, a stunning and expansive pool complex, and a full-service spa.
Don't Miss Out on These Excellent East Coast Towns
Up and down the United States East Coast, travelers have so much to experience and enjoy. In Maine, Bar Harbor sets the bar for natural beauty with the amazing wonders of Acadia National Park. Turning to Rhode Island, Westerly might be low-key in attitude, but its beaches and parks earn high scores. Over at the eastern end of New York's Long Island, Montauk sports big waves and major thrills. Shifting south to Virginia, Cape Charles presents a glorious natural environment at the foot of Chesapeake Bay. In Georgia, St. Simons Island exudes classic Southern coastal charm. And all the way down in South Florida, Palm Beach dazzles with its Gilded Age glamour.
These are just a few of the Atlantic Coast towns that simply can't be missed.
