There are 14 states that make up the United State’s East Coast; each with its own distinct feel, climate, and culture. From the hot, sandy beaches of Florida to the rocky harbors of Maine, there are so many beautiful stretches of coastline to pick from (and so many beach towns worth exploring). Whether you’re looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, no matter your vibe there’s so much to explore. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best beach towns to go to on this side of the Atlantic coast, perfect for family vacations to the shore, solo trips for a bit of solitude, group getaways for fun in the sun, and more.
From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 17 of the best East Coast beach towns in the US.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Much of Maine’s Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park—home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island’s northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid-19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine’s Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale-watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia.
Where to stay in Bar Harbor: