Top Beaches on the East Coast of the USA

• New Smyrna Beach // Florida

  

  You'll find the pearl-white sands of New Smyrna Beach just 15 miles south of the better known Daytona Beach, on Florida's East Coast.

  The 17-mile strip of sand is a big hit with surfers, thanks to its plentiful wave breaks, with both amateurs and experts taking to the waters here.

  In fact, it's been named as one of the top 20 surf towns anywhere in the word by National Geographic. A word of warning though - it's also been unofficially called the shark bite capital of the world… read more »

• Daytona Beach // Florida

  

  This waterfront city on Florida's Fun Coast is probably best known for its international speedway circuit, where NASCAR'S most famous race, the Daytona 500, takes place every year.

  But for beach fans, it's the 23 mile stretch of soft white sands that keeps them coming back. At low tide, the shoreline expands to a width of nearly 500ft, so there's plenty of space to spread out and catch some rays in the sunshine state, without feeling on top of people.

  As with most of the beaches on Florida's East Coast, there's… read more »

• Rockaway Beach // New York

  

  Long Island's Rockaway Beach stretches along the Jamaica Bay oceanfront a short distance from the take offs and landings of JFK Airport. Forming the southernmost parts of the Borough of Queens, it holds the record for being the largest urban beach in the United States.

  Sometimes called the 'Irish Riviera' because of the number of residents in the neighbourhood with ancestors back on the Emerald Isle, Rockaway Beach had to undergo significant restoration by the US Army Corps of Engineers because of destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It is… read more »

• Veterans Park Beach // Massachusetts

  

  One of Cape Cod's prettiest beaches near Hyannis, Veterans Park Beach has excellent facilities and delightful views across Lewis Bay.

  Ideal for families, there's a playground, BBQ grills, disabled facilities, benches, bike racks, showers, lifeguards, restrooms…in fact everything you need for a full day's activities. There is also plenty of parking in the area for a fee.

  The beach is moderately busy but rarely overcrowded. There's a volleyball court and the all-important snack bar serving burgers, drinks and ice cream. The broad sands are ideal for sandcastles or just relaxing on a… read more »

• Plymouth Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located in iconic Cape Cod Bay, Plymouth Beach stretches for 3 sandy miles along a narrow barrier island with water on either side. The barrier island protects Plymouth Harbor from the open ocean waves.

  It gets its name from the nearby town of Plymouth and Plymouth Rock. It was an early settler area for the Mayflower pilgrims who named it after their departure point in the UK - Plymouth.

  Although parts of the beach are privately owned, the larger part is owned and managed by the Town of Plymouth and is open… read more »

• Niles Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Niles Beach is a small but charming spot located on the shores of Gloucester Harbor. This quiet, sandy beach is primarily used by local residents, offering a peaceful escape with calm waters and scenic views over the harbor and nearby Ten Pound Island. Unlike some of the busier beaches in the area, Niles Beach provides a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the water.

  The gentle waves and shallow waters make it an excellent spot for swimming, especially for families with young children.… read more »

• Revere Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Just north of Boston, Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. Established in 1896, this historic shoreline stretches for nearly three miles along Broad Sound, offering a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a rich heritage. The beach's easy accessibility by public transport makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the city.

  The beach itself is comprised of a long, flat expanse of sand, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or even just sunbathing. Swimming is possible during the… read more »

• Menemsha Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Located on the exclusive island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha Beach is northeast of Menemsha Pond between Aquinnah and Chilmark. It is home to the local US Coastguard Station and featured in the filming of Spielberg's epic movie, Jaws.

  This public beach is one of the white sandy beaches that the island is known for. It overlooks the channel of ocean known as Vineyard Sound with views to Gay Head Lighthouse and the Elizabeth Islands including Nashawena Island. The quaint fishing village of Menemsha provides a scenic location with fishing boats unloading… read more »

• Carson Beach // Massachusetts

  

  South Boston's Carson Beach is one of the city’s most popular waterfront spots, with its wide sandy shoreline and views of Boston Harbor. Combined with its easy access from downtown and well-maintained facilities, it provides a convenient escape to the coast.

  The beach is ideal for swimming, thanks to ongoing water quality improvements, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The long, paved boardwalk stretches from Castle Island to the Kennedy Library, making it popular for walking, jogging, or cycling while taking in the fresh sea breeze. Beachgoers… read more »

• Constitution Beach // Massachusetts

  

  Constitution Beach, located in East Boston, is a family-friendly urban beach known for soft sand, calm waters, and views over Boston Harbor. Unlike the more exposed coastal beaches of Massachusetts, this crescent-shaped shoreline is very well-protected, making it an ideal spot for swimming and wading. The gentle waves and lifeguard presence in the summer months make it a top pick for families with young children.

  One of the beach's most unique features is its close proximity to Logan International Airport. Visitors can watch planes take off and land just across… read more »

• Half Moon Beach // Massachusetts

  

  This small, crescent-shaped cove is located within Gloucester’s historic Stage Fort Park. Tucked away between rocky outcrops and shaded by trees, this sheltered beach offers a quiet and scenic escape with calm waters and soft golden sand. Its natural curve creates an enclosed setting, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

  Half Moon Beach is a great choice for families with young children. The water is calm and shallow and the surrounding rocks provide opportunities for tide pooling. Nearby walking trails lead through Stage Fort Park, with… read more »

• Long Beach, Nahant // Massachusetts

  

  Long Beach in Nahant is a good-sized stretch of sand offering a quiet coastal escape just to the north of Boston. This mile-long barrier beach, also known as just Nahant Beach, is part of Nahant Beach Reservation and is popular for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. Its proximity to the city makes it an accessible getaway while still feeling fairly remote and unspoiled.

  The beach features soft, light-coloured sand and gentle waves, making it ideal for families and swimmers. During low tide, the shoreline expands, revealing tidal pools and sandbars perfect… read more »

• Frank Moody State Beach // Rhode Island

  

  Set within the Lincoln Wood's State Park, just to the north of Providence, this lakeside beach is actually one of the most popular in Rhode Island.

  Great for swimming, sunbathing and fishing,the beach has plenty of sand and is equipped with showers, restrooms, and a concession stand.

  Frank Moody beach is named after a local lifeguard and water safety instructor in recognition for his 60+ years of dedication to his job and community.

  read more »

• 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 »

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