2025's Most Underrated Towns On The Atlantic Coast
From the northern shores of Maine to the Treasure Coast of Florida, the United States’ Atlantic Ocean coastline has been integral to the nation’s history, economy, and culture. Major cities like Miami, New York, and Boston are among the most well-known on the East Coast. Still, there are also a number of smaller yet equally captivating towns in this region, perfect for getting a feel for this special part of America.
This small list is a sampling of the extraordinary and underrated communities on the Atlantic Coast, where adventure, culture, and fascinating history await all ages looking for a most splendid holiday outing, against the backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean!
Mystic, Connecticut
The town of Mystic is one of Connecticut’s most charming destinations, and its rich modern history can be traced back to the 1600s. Once an important seaport and shipbuilding center, this community along Connecticut’s Atlantic Coast boasts a modest population of just over 4,300 residents, where temperatures are hot in summer and cool in winter. Enjoy time outside at the town’s welcoming Williams Beach Park, or nearby beaches including Esker Point Beach and DuBois Beach. Soak up the sun, swim and sail, marvel at the ocean views, and experience small-town Americana through cute local businesses along the Olde Mistick Village waterfront. And do not forget about Mystic’s three historic districts featuring numerous buildings and other landmarks that transport guests back to the days of the 18th and 19th centuries!
Finally, the whole family can enjoy the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest of its kind in the United States. Featuring a vast collection of artifacts, interactive displays, and fascinating exhibits, this is a most immersive look at Connecticut’s maritime history and the people who have made it a central component of the New England region.
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach is one of the most popular beach hot spots in Delaware, beautifully located along the waters of the Atlantic. Located in southern Delaware’s Sussex County, just over 1,000 permanent residents call this quiet community home, though many thousands more visit during the peak summer season. Featuring hot summer and mild winter temperatures, guests looking for a relaxing beach holiday will indeed find it here. Enjoy chances to go sailing, fishing, swimming, and simply sunbathing, while the truly adventurous tourist can even try surfing. Add special opportunities to see incredible wildlife like dolphins, sand sharks, and whales at the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park, and a most photogenic outing is never far away.
The simple delights of small-town Delaware can be fully felt at the town's charming boardwalk area filled with local shops and seafood eateries. Browse through the goods at All About the Beach Souvenir Store, while the freshest catches of the day await at delightful spots such as the Bethany Boathouse, all set alongside some of the most fabulous views of the Atlantic!
Islamorada, Florida
The village of Islamorada is part of the famed Florida Keys series of islands, and it stands out as one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in the Sunshine State. Its name is Spanish for “Purple Island,” and it was only formally incorporated in the late 1990s, but it has been a popular vacation hot spot for decades. Today, around 7,300 inhabitants call this charming place home. Spend time along its stunning beaches, while enjoying opportunities for swimming, fishing, sailing, and sunbathing next to the pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are also a number of other fun activities and places to explore in Islamorada off the beaches. Enjoy family time at the Theatre of Sea Aquarium featuring live dolphin shows (and even chances to swim with them!). An afternoon at the History of Diving Museum sheds light on the evolution of deep-sea diving, the tools of the trade, and the pioneers of the field. Finally, do not forget about the charming assortment of seafood eateries in the area, including Lazy Days and Papa Joe’s Waterfront, while posing with the 30-foot-high Betsy the Lobster makes for quite the unique photo!
Spring Lake, New Jersey
Along the famed Jersey Shore, the town of Spring Lake is a picturesque wonder that any visitor to the “Garden State” of New Jersey will not want to miss. Incorporated in the 1890s, just under 2,800 residents call this appealing place home. A great spot for relaxation, guests will love Spring Lake’s beach attractions, its splendid Atlantic Ocean vistas, and its small town charm that will definitely leave the young and old alike with something to remember. Enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, sailing, and walking along the boardwalk, where a welcoming assortment of local businesses dot the landscape. Some of the best in Atlantic seafood can be enjoyed here, including the Sea Crest Grille and The Parker House, while cute shops like Artisan Spirit offer a nice selection of unique goods.
Do not forget about some of Spring Lake’s historic attractions, where a slice of the past comes to life. These include the Sea Girt Lighthouse (1896) and the Martin Maloney Cottage (1898) amongst others also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Allenhurst, New Jersey
Along the Jersey Shore, Allenhurst is bordered by Deal Lake and conveniently located about 57 miles from New York City. Established in the 1890s, today just under 500 inhabitants call this friendly and relaxing community home. Unwind with sailing, swimming, and old-fashioned sunbathing. Spa treatment awaits at the popular Allenhurst Beach Club. And strolling near the coastline and lakeside is a delight throughout the year.
Be sure to explore the Residential Historic District, where upwards of 400 homes on the National Register of Historic Places bring guests through centuries of varying architectural styles. From Victorian to the mid-20th century, the picturesque neighborhoods of Allenhurst are among the most expensive real estate properties in the State! At day’s end be sure to enjoy a fine meal at eateries like The Butcher’s Steakhouse while the Shore Antique Center sells cute gifts that only small-town Americana can offer.
Georgetown, South Carolina
One of the oldest colonial settlements in South Carolina, Georgetown was incorporated in the 1720s, though Spanish explorers had arrived as early as 200 years prior. Later a British settlement, the historic growth of Georgetown has given it a unique and charming character that guests can still feel palpably today. This lovely community of nearly 8,500 inhabitants lies in the Lowcountry Region along Winyah Bay, and guests will certainly never have a shortage of stunning vistas to marvel at. From the Atlantic Coast, the aforementioned Winyah Bay waters, local rivers, and a charming harbor boardwalk area, those who visit Georgetown should always be prepared to take plenty of photos and home videos!
As a historic colonial center, tourists can appreciate the special character of Georgetown. Visit the Historic District and walk along cobblestoned streets, while landmarks including the Arcadia Plantation (1794), the Battery White (1862), the Keithfield Plantation (1866), and the Rainey House (1760), among many more, bring guests back in time through the centuries and varying architectural styles. These properties are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beaufort, South Carolina
The second-oldest town in South Carolina (behind only Charleston), the beautiful Beaufort was founded back in 1711. With a modern population of around 13,800, this splendid town combines history and nature to create a most unforgettable experience. Also known as the “Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” Beaufort is situated along the Atlantic Coast on Port Royal Island, where a warm climate persists throughout the year. Take advantage of fun opportunities to go swimming and sailing, while lounging and sunbathing on its beaches is always recommended.
Meanwhile, for the history-minded tourist, be sure to explore Beaufort’s Historic District and its many antebellum-style landmarks spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. These include the Tabby Manse House (1796) and the Barnwell House (1816), among many others.
Coastal Gems of the East
America’s Atlantic Coast (or the East Coast) is one of the most beautiful destinations in the country, where splendid natural scenery, fascinating history, and charming cultural allure meet. Spanning from the northern New England states to the Southern United States, the Atlantic Coast destinations remain beautiful places of discovery that visitors of all ages can appreciate. Whether you are exploring the shores in Delaware and Connecticut or the southern humidity of South Carolina and Florida, these delightful stops are united in their proximity to the Ocean. Consider the towns on this list as a starting point when exploring the Atlantic Coast for a more intimate and quieter trip.
