10 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Atlantic Coast

Fourteen U.S. states have coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, extending from Maine near the Canadian border down to the warm shores of Florida in the south.

Over 44 million people in those states call the Atlantic Ocean coastline their home.

With such a wide collection of locations and people, there is an untold variety of beautiful and wonderful places to see and visit.

These are 10 of the most unforgettable small towns to see along the Atlantic Coast.

Marathon, Florida

You will not going to see many towns with Marathon's layout.Marathon stands out due since it was built across a series of islands, linked by bridges. Additionally, the town is enveloped by coral reefs, constituting a significant portion of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Visitors lookign to snorkle can reefs full of colorful marine life. One of Marathon's islands, Pigeon Key, has a collection of well-preserved historic buildings from the early 20th century.

Seven Mile Bridge connects Knight's Key to Little Duck Key and has breathtaking views of the turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.

For animal lovers, you can interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center or learn about sea turtles at the Turtle Hospital.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport had its start as a pivotal colonial port and as time went on, it became a summer haven for America's elite families like the Vanderbilts and Astors.

The city's influence on American culture is reflected in its colonial heritage and the grandiose mansions set amongst expansive grounds. The town is famous for its ornate Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff; all three of those are open for the public to see.

The town is also considered to be the sailing capital of the country and has hosted the America's Cup several times.

For some fantastic coastal scenery, Ocean Drive has 10 miles of pristine views. If you want to take a break from driving, Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile hike where the salty ocean air strikes your face, and the peaceful noise of the waves greet you.

Ocean City, Maryland

With a name like Ocean City, you can be guaranteed it has a water wonderland as its playground. Due to the town’s isolated nature, it was a quiet fishing village until the railroad reached the area in 1876. 

The Ocean City Boardwalk is 2.5 miles long and is a must-visit destination, with a variety of shops and amusements. Among its attractions are a Ferris wheel and even a Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum.

Getting into the water while visiting is a must. The town's name is Ocean City after all. If you like, jet Skiing, parasailing, or paddleboarding, you are in luck. There are just some of the things you can do in the nearby Atlantic.

For those who appreciate experiencing the untamed beauty of nature up close, Assateague Island is located to the south of Ocean City. The island has become famous for its wild horses, triumphantly roaming the beaches of this barrier island.

Montauk, New York

Montauk lies right along the eastern tip of Long Island, part of the larger town of East Hampton. Originally inhabited by the Montaukett Native American tribe, Montauk gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s as a resort destination.

The town has a plethora of outdoor activities, like fishing by the beach or trying to spot one of the rare Sperm Whales that come into the area. You can also grab your surfboard and throw on your wetsuit because Montauk is a surfer's paradise with a vibrant community. 

The Montauk Point State Park is found at the very eastern tip of Long Island and is only a 10-minute drive away. The park has dramatic cliffside views of the waves slamming along the rocks.

Inside the park stands the timeless Montauk Point Lighthouse. The iconic lighthouse was built in 1796 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

While Nantucket is not easy to reach, the trip is worth it. This small town is located 30 miles off Cape Cod, on Nantucket Island, and has a quaint atmosphere with lighthouses and hydrangea-adorned cottages.

The town once had a thriving whaling industry, reflected in its buildings and streets. When you walk on the cobblestone streets, passing by historic buildings, you can feel the essence of its seafaring heritage.

Now, the town focuses on environmental preservation, with large portions of the island protected. This has left the island with unspoiled natural beauty.

If you feel like a day of relaxing in the sun, Nantucket is known for its beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular spots include Surfside Beach, Cisco Beach, and Madaket Beach. All of these options give visitors an opportunity to relax and enjoy the Atlantic coastline.

Cape May, New Jersey

With one of the largest collections of Victorian-era buildings in the United States, Cape May has a captivating architectural character.

A great way to experience the town’s atmosphere is by visiting the historical district, a National Historic Landmark since 1976. Visitors can stroll through the area, observing well-maintained structures, some dating back to the 1800s.

Birdwatchers will find Cape May an excellent location for their hobby, due to the town's strategic position along migration paths. So, do not forget to bring some binnoculars.

Some of the beaches near Cape May hold something truly unique. If you look carefully, you can find something called Cape May Diamonds. These smooth quartz crystals can be found along the shoreline, making for a fun treasure-hunting experience.

Bar Harbour, Maine

With the Atlantic Ocean flowing endlessly into the horizon and the rolling hills of Acadia National Park behind it, Bar Harbor is a peaceful slice of nature. Bar Harbor is tucked away on Mount Desert Island, in Maine’s Frenchman Bay, and acts as the gateway to Acadia National Park.

The park contains almost 50,000 acres of land, full of rolling peaks, pristine lakes, and 60 miles of coastline. It is also a great spot for hiking, as the park has over 150 miles of trails spread out.

Bar Harbor's downtown core is characterized by its historic architecture, featuring preserved 19th-century buildings. Some interesting landmarks include the Criterion Theatre, an Art Deco movie house, and St. Saviour's Church, an Episcopal parish with a Gothic Revival design. For a bit of local knowledge, the Abbe Museum stands as a testament to the town's dedication to keeping Native American history alive.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort is decorated with ancient oak trees, their branches adorned with lush springy green moss that hangs gracefully.

In Beaufort, you can go for a walk to see antebellum architecture, with homes and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The John Mark Verdier House, with its bold white color and prominent columns, serves as a museum teaching Beaufort's history and cultural legacy.

St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins offers a glimpse into the area's colonial legacy, with Spanish Moss framing the skeleton of what remains.

For a trip out of town, Hunting Island State Park is a short drive away. It is the state's most popular park, with over a million visitors each year. The park contains over five miles of unspoiled South Carolina beaches, huge tracts of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and so much more.

Kennebunkport, Maine

First settled by Europeans in the 17th century, Kennebunkport now prides itself in it's four-season appeal, calling itself 'the place to be all year.’

Now, efforts to keep Kennebunkport's historic architecture and heritage intact have been ongoing. Kennebunkport has well-kept 18th- and 19th-century homes, some of which have been turned into inns or museums that reflect its maritime past.

The Seashore Trolley Museum is a fun excursion and is the first and largest electric railway museum. The museum has a collection of over 250 trolley cars to see and explore.

The town rests near the peaceful and relaxing coastline, with many beaches at its disposal. Kennebunk Beach and Gooch Beach have sandy beaches to sit and relax on, while Middle Beach is a rocky section full of attractive black stones.

Edenton, North Carolina

Edenton lies by the Albemarle Sound, one of the largest estuarine systems in the United States, covering approximately 3,000 square miles. The sound is considered shallow, with an average depth around 14 feet. The sound acts as an important habitat for many aquatic species. Edenton’s Historic District is designated a National Historic Landmark, encompasses over 25 acres, and features more than 25 historic sites.

These include the Chowan County Courthouse and the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, named after one of the leading figures of the Edenton Tea Party.

You might be familiar with the Boston Tea Party, but Edenton has its own well-known event. The Edenton Tea Party of 1774 involved fifty women boycotting British tea and goods in protest of taxation without representation.

The Takeaway

The Atlantic Coast is home to millions of people, spanning thousands of miles from the far north to the warm south.

The coastal region presents an incredibly diverse array of towns, each unique and significant in its own way.

From the rich maritime heritage of Nantucket to the Victorian architecture of Cape May, these destinations offer a window into America’s past and present.

So, pull out your travel books, pack up your bags, and pick the place that calls out to you.