9 Adorable Small Towns In The Atlantic Coast
Closely hugging the vast expanse of the magnificent and sometimes unforgiving Atlantic Ocean is a massive stretch of equally gorgeous coastline. This is not surprising given the Atlantic is the world’s second-largest ocean, covering an area of 106.5 million square kilometers. Large cities dot the coast Atlantic coast, including New York. But, if you’re looking to truly explore the beaches and soak up the atmosphere that completes the sheer beauty of the Atlantic, the various adorable small towns lined up here is the perfect place to start.
St. Marys, Georgia
The sleepy but beautiful town of St. Marys lies within six miles of the lapping, shallow waters of the edge of the Atlantic. It is one of the oldest established towns in the US, established in 1787, and is located just north of the Florida state line. St. Marys was a strategic naval base during the War of 1812, and today visitors can explore the St. Mary Submarine Museum, which highlights the rich naval history here. Boasting around 18 500 permanent residents, St. Marys is home to the Crooked State Park, where bicycles and hikers love exploring the 500 acres of wide open spaces. Touring the rest of St. Mary is made easy with the Railroad Express, which dates to 1865.
Other attractions in this cute little town include the St. Marys Aquatic Center with its twister slide and lazy river and the historical McIntosh Sugarmill Ruin. If you ever find yourself in St. Marys, don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic ferry ride to Cumberland Island National Seashore, once home to the renowned Carnegie family.
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Fernandina Beach sits on the northern tip of Florida’s Amelia Island and is called the ‘gateway to Florida’ by the mariners traveling south via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Mile 716. The town holds the distinction of being the only place in America to have been under eight different flags. From French, Spanish, and British rule to its eventual incorporation into the US, Fernandina Beach’s history is nothing short of fascinating.
Here, you can stroll through the historic strict and take in the well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. While you’re at it, don’t forget to visit Fort Clinch State Park, which is a fort dating to the 19th century that played a crucial role during the Civil War. Around 13 100 residents call Fernandina Beach home, and with good reason. This adorable town offers a pristine coastline, monthly festivals, including the Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival, and catamaran sunset sails. For the adventurous, there are kayaking and boating adventures aplenty.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort, which happens to be the third-oldest town in North Carolina, brims with historical charm. Established in 1709, the town was once a bustling seaport and central location for shipbuilding. It sits on Beaufort Inlet, which is a water channel leading southwards to the Atlantic. Today, the town, with its 4,500 population, is infamous for its connection to Blackbeard, the notorious pirate known for his terrifyingly intimidating presence and daring acts. Apart from ‘shivering yer timbers’ in this cozy town, you can delve into its history at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, where artifacts from Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, are displayed.
Cape May, New Jersey
The 2,800-strong Cape May, also known as America’s first seaside resort, continues to captivate visitors with its exquisite Victorian architecture. Founded in 1620, Cape May became a vacation destination during the 18th century. Wealthy families took to building extravagant summer homes here to recline in during the hot months. The Emlen Physick Estate, a grand Victorian mansion-turned-museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into this cute little town’s opulent past.
Along the sometimes turbulent coastline, the Cape May Lighthouse stands tall. Completed in 1859, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the breathtaking Atlantic waters. If you want to get up close to the waves, you can take a whale and dolphin-watching cruise and learn more about the town’s local history to boot.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport, with its 7,000 inhabitants, looks like something from a historical picture book. The gorgeous town sits at the tip of the Cape and offers unmatched views of the wild Atlantic. Established in the early 17th century, the picturesque beauty of Rockport has drawn artists to its shores for generations. Motif No. 1, a famous red fishing shack, has become one of the town’s most iconic symbols and a favorite subject for both painters and photographers. The original shack was destroyed during the Blizzard of 1978, but an exact replica saw the light that same year.
If you’re something of an art connoisseur, you’ll find the streets of Bearskin Neck exceptionally charming. Here, art galleries, shops, and restaurants line up on both sides of the road, waiting to enchant and entertain. You should also take some time to wander along the Atlantic Path and take in the jaw-dropping views of the ocean and discover Rockport’s maritime heritage at the local marine park.
Lewes, Delaware
Lewes may be tiny (it only has 3 420 permanent inhabitants), but ‘the first town in the first state’ has a captivating history dating to 1631 when Dutch settlers first set up a trading post here. Immerse yourself in the town’s heritage at the Zwaanendael Museum, which commemorates Delaware’s first European colony, or visit the historic Lightship Overfalls – a floating lighthouse (lightship) that once guided ships into Delaware Bay. Lewes also offers stunning beach days at the Cape Henlopen State Park and some of the best seafood in Delaware in its many local restaurants.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is yet another charmer on the Atlantic Coast, with a population of around 3,600, and it holds a prominent place in American history. Originally settled in the early 1600s, the town soon became a shipbuilding center. It was also here that the infamous White House lobster tradition was born – Maine lobsters were first served at a Kennebunkport banquet during President Thomas Jefferson’s term. Explore the quaint Dock Square, filled with some of the most unique shops and art galleries on the coast, or enjoy a relaxing day at Goose Rocks Beach. For an encompassing experience with the outdoors, embark on a nature walk at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is the embodiment of a tranquil island town and barrier island. It is also known for its wild ponies that inhabit the open spaces. Legend has it that the ponies are descended from the survivors of a Spanish galleon shipwrecked offshore. You can marvel at these majestic animals in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge or witness the exhilarating annual Pony Penning during which the ponies make their way across the channel. Around 3 300 people live in Chincoteague year-round, so you can truly relax here during the off-peak season and take a leisurely stroll through the town, exploring the unique ecosystem.
St. Michaels, Maryland
The old-world town of St. Michaels exudes maritime ambiance. Founded in the mid-1600s, it played a pivotal role in the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster industry. Discover the nautical past of St. Michaels, which is home to around 1 000 residents, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, which holds an impressive collection of historic boats and artifacts. There is no better place to wander through charming streets dotted with boutique shops and eateries selling delicious Maryland crab cakes. At the end of a lazy day, you can sail out on the Chesapeake Bay or explore the nearby Tilghman Island, where historic vessels and excellent seafood awaits.
The Atlantic Coast harbors a network of enchanting small towns, each with its own place in history and boatloads of charm. These adorable towns will weave their unique stories into your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
