Top Beaches on the East Coast of the USA

• Playalinda Beach // Florida

  

  Playalinda Beach is one of Florida's top spots for naturists. Part of the Cape Canaveral National Seashore near the Kennedy Space Centre, the beach is managed by the National Parks Service and there is a $20 admission fee per vehicle which is valid for one week.

  The four mile-long beach has 13 parking areas, each with a restroom and the last one heading north (#13) is favoured by naturists as it is the most secluded. It is worth noting this is an unofficial nude beach and there is… read more »

• Folly Beach // South Carolina

  

  Folly Beach and County Park is beautifully located between the Atlantic and the Folly River on a 12-square-mile barrier island south of Charleston, South Carolina.

  There are six miles of sandy beaches for surfing, kayaking, swimming and walking and the sunsets are breathtaking. The family-friendly beaches are wild and unspoilt with access points on every block. This gorgeous sandy beach has lifeguards, a boardwalk and wheelchair-accessible ramp. Visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas and make use of the restrooms, dressing rooms and a snack bar. You can also rent jet… read more »

• Surfside Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Situated on Nantucket South Shore and 3 miles from downtown, Surfside Beach lives up to its name with powerful Atlantic waves, strong currents and cooler water.

  It's a great beach for families with plenty of space for picnics, sandcastles and ball games as well as fishing. There are food concessions, a taco truck, showers and restrooms - no wonder it's one of the most popular beaches with locals and tourists of all ages.

  The waves may be too rough for youngsters but those looking for some fun watersports will definitely enjoy Surfside… read more »

• Cliff Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the north-facing coast of Nantucket Island overlooking Nantucket Sound, Cliff Beach is north of Town Pasture and close to Nantucket Cliffs which stand about 11 metres high.

  The white sandy beach is edged by dunes with tracks providing access to the sand. The easiest public access is from Nantucket Beach Club and then walk west.

  You can still see the remaining two conical white towers known as the Nantucket Cliff Range Lights which are 1 km east of Nantucket Cliffs. Originally built in 1908, they helped ships safely find the… read more »

• Jetties Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Jetties Beach is a large sandy on the north shore of Nantucket, facing the Cape Cod coastline and protected by Nantucket Sound. It is on the outskirts of the town and takes its name from the large jetty that protrudes from the point of land at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor.

  There is ample parking near the beach including disabled parking spots. You can also take the NRTA shuttle bus which stops right at the beach. Mats extend over the dunes to protect them and run about 380 feet along… read more »

• Sconset Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the eastern tip of the island, Sconset Beach faces the rolling Atlantic waves and has strong currents. It is near the Siasconset Old Historic District and is accessed along a boardwalk and foot bridge from Gully Road. The area has changed little since it began as an 18h century fishing village. The wide beach is quiet and uncrowded with easy access to the ocean.

  Children can have fun at the play ground or playing on the sand. There are no restrooms or beach facilities apart from lifeguards on duty… read more »

• Ogunquit Beach // Maine

  

  Stretching for over three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Ogunquit are known for its white sand and crashing waves. The Main beach is easily accessible from the center of town via Beach Street and extends northwards for around a mile before seamlessly blending into Footbridge Beach. In general, the further north you head, the quieter it gets.

  Ogunquit beach maintains something of a wild feel as it is backed by the Ogunquit River Estuary. This haven for wildlife also makes a great backdrop for sunsets. Despite its… read more »

• Ferry Beach // Maine

  

  Ferry Beach runs for several hundred glories yards on southern Maine's Saco Bay before its soft pale sands blend with those of Bayview Beach. Although relatively narrow, Ferry Beach is still a popular place to soak up the sun or take a dip in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjoining state park features picnic benches, walking trails and a cluster of unusual tupelo (black gum) trees.

  During the summer season (from the beginning of April until the end of September) changing rooms and restrooms are available. No dogs are… read more »

• Short Sands // Maine

  

  Short Sands Beach stretches for around 300 yards within the oceanfront community of York, southern Maine. Despite its name, Short Sands Beach still manages to form a suitable fine ribbon of sand within Ellis Park. On the highest tides, Short Sands can all but disappear temporarily.

  Together with the park, Short Sands Beach provides amenities which include public restrooms, basketball courts, a children's sand playground and a grassy picnic area. During the summer months, lifeguards are also on duty daily. Benches can be found along the promenade running parallel to the… read more »

• Wells Beach // Maine

  

  Wells Beach stretches for almost a mile just south of the town of Kennebunkport. It was named Wells Beach after the small resort town nearby, which has been referred to as both the antiques capital and the friendliest town in Maine. It's believed to be the third-oldest town in the state, having been founded as long ago as 1643.

  The beach is particularly popular during the summer months, with visitors making use of the range of historic and modern hotels available. Many have direct access onto the sands via a short… read more »

• Goochs Beach // Maine

  

  One of the best beaches in the US according to US News, Gooch's Beach lies between the rocky promontory known as Oaks Neck and the mouth of the Kennebunk River in southern Maine. Curving gently around its Atlantic frontage, the beach's waters are partially protected by breakwaters at either end, while its rich sand is backed by beachside properties.

  While only a few yards wide, Gooch's Beach stretches from roughly 600 yards, giving it the alternative name Long Beach. Its promenade is a favourite local spot to watch the sunset on… read more »

• South Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Beautiful South Beach (also known as Katama Beach) is a free public beach in the Katama area of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. Washed by the Atlantic waves, the 3-mile beach is on a barrier island with rolling surf on one side and calm pond waters on the other. The surf is good for body surfing but youngsters are safer swimming in the pond.

  The wide expanse of unspoilt sand has lifeguards on duty in the summer season and there are restroom facilities but no concessions or refreshments. You have to bring… read more »

• East Beach // Rhode Island

  

  Southeast facing East Beach lies in the southern suburbs of the town of Westerly, close to the state lines with Connecticut and New York State. It's one of Rhode Island's least developed beaches, meaning its broad sweep of golden sand provides a relaxed space in which to enjoy the sea air.

  Despite this fact, East Beach still offers visitors a gravel parking lot, composting toilets and public changing rooms. There is also a small campsite containing 20 pitches. However, most people visit East Beach on a day trip to soak… read more »

• Longnook Beach // Massachusetts

  

  One of Cape Cod's top nudist beaches, Longnook Beach is located in the Massachusetts town of Truro. Although situated in one of the most popular oceanside resorts on the American east coast, it remains relatively quiet because it can only be accessed via a steep path down a high sand dune.

  Formed of a narrow band of light-coloured sand, the waves are usually mild, making it a good spot for a dip in the Atlantic or for riding the waves on a boogie board.

  During the summer season there are basic… read more »

• Calf Pasture Beach // Connecticut

  

  Calf Pasture Beach is located roughly midway between New Haven and the New York state line. Facing south into Long Island Sound, the beach is officially open from May until October of each year. During these months lifeguards are on duty, while visitors can use facilities including public bathrooms.

  Some of the earliest records for Calf Pasture Beach are from the seventeenth century, when early settlers used its peninsula as cattle pasture. It made the history books a second time during the American War of Independence, after 2,600 British soldiers on… read more »

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