7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast

Close your eyes. You're in the salty breeze, gently rocking to the rhythmic surf with sun kisses on your face. From the soothing tide to the crashing waves, the Atlantic Coast of the US boasts bustling ports, historic forts, and quiet seashores. Each with its own natural soundtrack, these seven slow-paced towns to visit along the Atlantic Coast offer a cradle away from the daily hustle. The Atlantic Ocean wraps around Maine's rocky shores right down to Florida's famous sandy beaches, but along the way, you'll find Wellfleet in the outer Cape Cod region, Little Compton's cobblestone streets and rolling hills, and Kennebunkport, Maine, one of the oldest European settlements in the US.

Beverly Beach, Florida

Half an hour or so north of Daytona Beach, Beverly Beach offers an enviable escape from the hustle and bustle of much of Florida's Atlantic shoreline. Home to fewer than 500 people, it's not just a beachfront retirement community. Many enjoy the comforts at Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort year-round. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is just minutes south with ruins of an 1800s sugar and cotton plantation in a lush setting with trails and a boat ramp. For a quick hike right across the river, there's the top-rated Graham Swamp East Trailhead MTB and all-accessible Lehigh Trail Trailhead.

Founded by a prominent local attorney, Claude Varn made development contributions throughout Florida and named the town because he "thought it sounded pleasant." Between the Matanzas River and the ocean, stroll around Silver Lake and watch the sunset. The veterans-owned Java Joint Beachside Grill serves breakfast and lunch in a low-key spot with a spacious deck, while the Turtle Shack Cafe offers coastal fare like crab cakes plus picnic tables. Many enjoy an evening at nearby Flagler Beachfront Winery, and visitors can catch the beach and ocean views from the pier while planning a visit to historic St. Augustine, about 30 miles to the north.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport epitomizes New England seaside charm in southern Maine. Being among the oldest European settlements in the US, there's no shortage of history, with relaxed vibes in the air and old-fashioned pace back in style. Crossing the famous Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge, enjoy the "same old" view for centuries over the Kennebunk River, like a postcard sent from the deep past. The picture-perfect Goat Island Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1835, actively guides sailors.

Find modern establishments along incredible beaches, including iconic, sandy Goose Rocks Beach and Arundel Beach. The Cape Pier Chowder House boasts its own little island location as a seasonal eatery with a big deck overlooking the water, dishing out New England seafood favorites. The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel is next to the Dock Square Coffee House and the Clam Shack — all you need to start and end a memorable day. Not far north, Seashore Trolley Museum is a long-running indoor-outdoor museum featuring restored public transit vehicles and artifacts. You can also explore harbor islands like Stage Island Preserve.

Lewes, Delaware

Just up the shore from the lively Rehoboth Beach, Lewes exudes serenity. The Great Marsh Preserve is a tranquil nature preserve for birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking in an expansive marshland. Lewes Historical Society Main Campus welcomes you to browse local history with collections of photographs, artifacts, and archives. Attracting nature lovers and history fans among them, Fort Miles Historical Area features tours, interpretive programs, and a swing band within Cape Henlopen State Park. This peaceful nature preserve on a former military base houses the Seaside Nature Center, observation towers, and old batteries.

Gordons Pond Trail leads over a bridge to the pet-friendly namesake pond, perfect to spread a picnic. When it's time to eat, the "it" spot above all others is the big blue building of the Surfing Crab Restaurant and Bar, with picnic tables and barstools to savor steamed-to-order crab and other seafood. Nassau Valley Vineyards is great for a stroll and tastings in a coastal countryside setting. With a population of about 3,300, there's something enchanting about this town, with everything you need for a fun, memorable, and relaxing getaway, like quaint hotels and local eateries. Lewes will charm hard-nosed beach snobs from any coast with its crowd-free beaches, while Matt's Fish Camp and Heirloom, a farm-to-table spot, can rival any in Soho or Venice Beach without hurting your wallet.

Little Compton, Rhode Island

Where the rolling hills meet the Atlantic, Little Compton inspires an idyll on the southeastern tip of Rhode Island. Renowned as a farming community with a vibrant little downtown, "The Commons" is an open space with many historic landmarks, like the United Congregational Church and, not far away, the Wilbor House Museum, showcases a treasure trove of displays tracing colonial roots to the 17th century. Minutes north, the 750-acre Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve hosts diverse habitats to explore walking, horseback riding, or biking along the trails. Nearby farms provide agricultural bounty to the surrounding area. You can drive around and stock up on vegetables, herbs, fresh-cut flowers, and selected local delights. And don't miss Hope Alpaca Farm!

After a peaceful morning stroll through Sakonnet Garden, spend a day at the intimate South Shore Beach, with rocks and smooth sand, quiet ripples of water, and seasonal lifeguards. To the north, Simmons Mill Pond Management Area offers incredible hiking trails and waterside recreation by the scenic Simmons Pond. Just a stroll west, unwind at the beautiful lakefront Sakonnet Vineyard on a leisurely stroll around vineyard. Lloyds Beach may be rocky but it's often crowd-free, and visitors can enjoy fishing and the breathtaking Sakonnet Lighthouse, one of the two lighthouses in the area. Little Compton Adventures is a great little bike store to get equipped and pedal the 2.5 miles to Small World Farm's orchard and flower fields. This family-owned and operated USDA-certified organic apple orchard features about 700 trees, rows of produce, and adorable roaming chickens.

Sea Bright, New Jersey

Sea Bright, New Jersey, is flanked by the Navesink River and the Atlantic Ocean. Drenched in seafaring history and scenery, you can discover its past in an authentic atmosphere, as if strolling back in time along a thin barrier island. Many come for beachcombing, with a top selection of Jersey Shore beaches, and get a small-town atmosphere, with none quite like Sea Bright's. Without the overwhelming tourist kitsch, the seaside retreat boasts over a mile of popular bars and beaches for locals and visitors alike. Donovan's Reef is a chill hangout by the beach with a pub-style menu, an outdoor tiki bar and patio, plus a lineup of live bands. Boaters can explore Gunning Island, dock at the marina, and stroll along Ocean Avenue.

Home to some 1,500 locals living life in what feels like a paradise, with easy access to and from New York City, visitors can escape the city life with savory shenanigans along its shore, like South Beach-Area B Sandy Hook, among others. It's a short drive north to Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, but many opt to reach it through the top-rated Hartshorne Woods Park, a forested parkland home to World War II-era bunkers, plus 14 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Good eats can be found at the Drifthouse by David Burke, the Rum Runner, and Tommy's Tavern + Tap. No visit is complete without a drive to the Twin Lights State Historic Site next door in Highlands. This beacon is a former lighthouse with two towers to climb plus wonderful ocean and harbor views.

Swansboro, North Carolina

Welcome to "The Friendly City by the Sea," a little gem not far from Hammocks Beach State Park. Swansboro is surrounded by nature, with its riverfront landscapes near the White Oak River and the natural retreats accessible via seasonal ferry service. The significantly historic town center on the National Register of Historic Places depicts a storied past, and its quaint appeal is evident throughout town. Swansboro hosts regular events and gatherings that unite residents and tourists, lending an all-inclusive feel the town is proud of. Mirroring the region's fishing past and community spirit, visitors can see its quirky side during the local favorite Mullet Festival. Bike along Hammocks Beach Road, heading into the state park, with a stop for a relaxing and fully immersive Hammocks Beach StoryWalk.

Afterwards, enjoy surf and turf at Jordan's Smokehouse & Seafood, next to the dog-friendly Riverview Park with boardwalks, observation shelters, and picnic tables. Among the many BBQ and steakhouse options, travelers can also dine on world cuisine, like at Olea Mediterranean Kitchen. The Bamboo Asian House serves sushi, tempura, hibachi, and more. By the Bridge is a waterfront American restaurant on the doorstep of the harborside Bicentennial Park, which sports a statue of Captain Otway Burns, famed American privateer and state senator.

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Ending with one of the slowest-paced towns along the state's Atlantic Coast, Wellfleet is Cape Cod's hidden gem, known for world-famous oysters and a thriving arts scene. Scenically tucked along Cape Cod National Seashore, defined by miles of unspoiled coastline and hiking trails on the outer reaches of Cape Cod, many never reach Wellfleet, and that's a shame. From Cornhill Beach and Ballston Beach in the north to Marconi Beach in the south, all stay quiet for serene beachcombing in the morning or close gatherings until sunset. On the east side, Wellfleet's own White Crest Beach is a popular stretch with dune cliffs topped by grasslands and favorable surfing conditions on strong swells. Right below, Lecount Hollow Beach is spacious and often crowd-free to watch the big waves roll in.

The Great Island Trail runs through a natural paradise with spellbinding views on the way to the Great Island itself, a beautiful getaway spot with sand dunes, beaches, plus both harbor and bay vistas. The historic red and white Nauset Lighthouse is open for seasonal tours. There's also Long Pond Swimming Beach and visitors to the city can cross Uncle Tim's Bridge. Having attracted creative types for generations, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre is one of the US' last remaining drive-in movie theaters to watch a film under the stars with the sound of the ocean in the far background.

Final Thoughts

Exuding timeless vibes, these towns are as much about the pace as it is about a place. Each offers all the components necessary for a relaxing getaway. Feel the stress melt away at the endless ocean vistas, on the hunt for antiques or good food. Among the East Coast's incredible array of towns, each with its own unique charm and character, these seven slow-paced towns to visit on the Atlantic Coast will enchant visitors from the moment they catch a glimpse of the sea. Full of memorable moments with your loved ones, just pick a vibe, a state, or a wild card. The salty breeze hits your nose, and, well, the world is your oyster.