7 Overlooked Towns On The Atlantic Coast Worth Visiting
When thinking of an Atlantic Coast getaway, big cities like Miami or Boston often come to mind. But smaller towns offer a different kind of escape. These hidden gems trade bustling crowds for local charm, natural beauty, and authentic coastal living. Explore wild ponies in Chincoteague or the historic streets of Beaufort for a slower, more meaningful seaside experience. Perfect for travelers seeking to skip the usual tourist spots and enjoy the simple pleasures of the coast, these destinations promise memorable vacations without the fanfare. If you're craving a laid-back East Coast trip, this list is your starting point.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Often overshadowed by the bustling resorts of Virginia Beach, Chincoteague provides a quieter, nature-focused alternative. Located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, the town is the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area of beaches, marshland, and maritime forest. This is the place to be for birdwatching, hiking, and seeing the legendary wild ponies. Life here moves at a slower pace, and the community is made up of locals who are deeply connected to the island's history and environment.
To learn about the area's heritage, visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island, which documents the evolution of life on this barrier island. For an up-close look at the famous ponies, book a trip with local guides like Daisey's Island Cruises or Saltwater Pony Tours. They'll take you through the waterways to spots where the animals often gather. Another great way to see the island is by bicycle; you can rent one for the whole family at The Bike Depot and pedal your way through the town and its natural surroundings.
Beaufort, South Carolina
While many people flock to Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Beaufort holds its own with a rich history and a Lowcountry aesthetic. As South Carolina's second-oldest city, it has a downtown filled with antebellum architecture and moss-draped oak trees, and its location on the Beaufort River gives it a gorgeous waterfront that serves as the heart of the community. It's a place for history buffs and anyone who appreciates classic Southern style without the large crowds.
A great way to get acquainted with the area is a walk or bike ride along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile paved path that winds through town and coastal marshlands. For a dose of history, take a horse-drawn carriage tour with the Sea Island Carriage Company to see the city's historic homes. For a day trip, Hunting Island State Park is a short drive away, presenting a natural barrier island with a historic lighthouse, maritime forest trails, and an undeveloped beach.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just a short drive from Savannah, Tybee Island is often seen as a quick day trip to the beach, but it deserves a longer stay. This barrier island has a funky and unpretentious atmosphere that sets it apart from more developed coastal resorts. With its wide, sandy coastline and classic pier, it’s a throwback to old-school beach towns. The community is a mix of residents, surfers, and families who appreciate its laid-back attitude.
A must-do is to walk to the end of the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion, a popular spot for fishing and watching the sunset. History is on display at the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, one of America's most complete colonial-era lighthouses. For wildlife lovers, Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure gets visitors out on the water to see dolphins in their natural habitat while taking in views of the coastline and Fort Pulaski, and when you get hungry, head to The Crab Shack for a casual seafood meal with a view.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Situated at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is well-known for its vibrant arts scene and as an LGBTQ+ hub, yet it remains less traveled than other Cape destinations like Hyannis or Martha's Vineyard. Its location at the end of the peninsula gives it a remote, end-of-the-world feeling, and the town is a lively mix of art galleries, centuries-old houses, and a bustling waterfront, all surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
Beach lovers have their pick: Herring Cove is great for swimming, while Race Point is known for its surf and the iconic Race Point Lighthouse. The massive dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore are a sight to behold, and you can even try sandboarding down their slopes. From MacMillan Pier, you can set out on a whale-watching excursion with companies like Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch, and Commercial Street is the place to be, no matter the time of day, with seafood restaurants, cafes, and galleries lining the main drag.
Kennebunkport, Maine
While Bar Harbor and Portland draw huge summer crowds, Kennebunkport retains a more relaxed, upscale coastal town feel. Famous as a summer home for the Bush family, it has a polished but friendly demeanor. The town center is filled with independent shops and art galleries, and the Kennebunk River runs through it, filled with lobster boats and schooners. It's a classic Maine coastal town that balances its popularity with a strong sense of local identity.
Foodies will appreciate the Maine Foodie Tours hosted by Maine Day Ventures, which provide a taste of local culinary highlights, and for a local brew, stop by the Kennebunkport Brewing Company. Meanwhile, no trip to Maine is complete without getting on the water, and Rugosa Lobster Tours gives you a firsthand look at the life and work of a lobsterman. For an even more active day, Coastal Maine Kayak & Bike runs seasonal tours to the Cape Porpoise Lighthouse, including time for a swim and a picnic lunch. The same company rents vintage bikes, a fantastic way to get around town.
Ogunquit, Maine
Just down the coast from Kennebunkport, Ogunquit is sometimes bypassed by travelers heading to Maine's more northern points, but it's a worthy destination in its own right. The name Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea" in the Abenaki language, and it lives up to it. The town has been a haven for artists for over a century, a legacy that continues in its many galleries. It has a lively, creative energy, especially during the summer months.
The Marginal Way, a cliffside coastal path, is the town's signature attraction, connecting the main village to the fishing harbor of Perkins Cove, and Ogunquit Beach is a stunning three-mile stretch of white sand, suitable for swimming, sunbathing, or simply a nice long walk. You can take to the water with Finestkind Scenic Cruises or paddle your own vessel with World Within Sea Kayaking. Perkins Cove Road is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and views of the anchored boats. Then, for a memorable evening, head to The Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant, serving up fresh seafood and live entertainment for over forty years.
Lewes, Delaware
Often overlooked in favor of its more energetic neighbor, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes proudly calls itself "The First Town in the First State." It has a deep sense of history and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere. The town is situated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and it's a place where you can slow down, with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a strong community spirit.
A major draw is Cape Henlopen State Park, a former military installation that is now a preserve with beaches, hiking trails, a disc golf course, and an observation tower. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is a fantastic place to sample local produce and support local artists, and for a sweet treat, stop by Hopkins Farm Creamery, a working dairy farm that sells homemade ice cream from walk-up windows. To get a different perspective of the area, Cape Water Tours runs sunset cruises and live music on the bay.
The Atlantic coastline is more than just big cities and famous resorts. Tucked away are smaller towns that offer their own seaside magic, reminding us that travel can be about slowing down and connecting with local culture. You don't need to follow the crowd to find a memorable vacation. Next time you plan an East Coast trip, consider veering off the beaten path. Whether you watch the sunset from the pier on Tybee Island or enjoy the New England charm of Kennebunkport, you'll be rewarded with a genuine slice of coastal life. There is a whole coastline of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
