9 of the Most Charming Towns on the Atlantic Coast
The Eastern Seaboard, also called the Atlantic Coast of the United States, runs across the spectacular beaches of Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas, all the way up to the rocky coastline of New England. This region is known for its inviting warm summer months, and tourists love flocking to some of the most charming towns on its coast. They love soaking up the wistful, relaxing nature that accompanies the salt water, sun, and sand. Let’s explore some of the most popular towns on the Atlantic Coast for a fun-filled summer holiday!
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport in Rhode Island is a town that instantly brings up images of stunning architecture and breathtaking scenery. There’s much to do in this charming town, including taking tours of the famous Gilded Age mansions, sightseeing at Narragansett Bay, and indulging in all kinds of interesting activities that Newport is known for.
The Easton Beach in Newport, also referred to as the “First Beach” by the locals, is popular for its carousel. On the other hand, the “Second Beach,” or Sachuest Beach, is a hotspot for surfing. The neighboring Norman Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. It’s quite an adventure to tour the Cliff Walk, which is nearly 5.6 kilometers long and offers splendid views of the mansions and rocky coast. Some of the recommended places to stay in Newport include the Castle Hill Inn, The Chanler at Cliff Walk, and The Brenton Hotel.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Surrounded by water on three sides, Chatham is a charming town on Cape Cod and the ideal destination for a relaxed beach vacation. With its uninterrupted saltwater inlets, tidal shoals, pristine beaches, fleeting sandbars, and circular coves, Chatham is a sight to behold. On the one hand, tourists can enjoy interactive seal excursions, and on the other, they can dig deeper into marine life and learn more about sharks at the mesmerizing Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Chatham Shark Center.
South Beach is another favorite spot among the locals and visitors alike. It offers gorgeous views, an infinite stretch of golden sand, and gentle surf, making it the ideal relaxation and entertainment spot for families on vacation.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport and Kennebunk are close neighbors and are considered to be among the favorite holiday destinations in Maine. Both towns have several beautiful beaches, historic streets and excellent dining options. Spending summer in these towns means enjoying nice, warm days on multiple sandy beaches, including Parsons, Mothers, and Colony Beach. Tourists can expect to enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking at these rivers and beaches. Whale watching and deep sea fishing are some other fun adventures to look forward to.
As far as dining is concerned, the Boulangerie is the place to catch an amazing breakfast of delicious croissants, muffins, rolls, and much more. Kennebunkport has eating spots like The Boathouse for fresh seafood and Chez Rosa for some French delights.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is one of those towns known for its rich culture and heritage. At first sight, the windswept beaches will take your breath away. Some of the popular activities to enjoy in this charming Massachusetts town include boutique shopping, eating fresh seafood, surfing and swimming!
The Museum of African-American History is a must-visit for all history buffs. It dates back to the 1820s and has been restored in the most pristine manner. The coved ceiling reflects its beautiful maritime heritage, and the museum also includes the historic Florence Higginbotham House, which dates back to 1845.
Another place to visit in Nantucket is The Hadwen House, a Greek Revival residence constructed by silver retailer and whaling merchant William Hadwen in 1846. This one-of-a-kind mansion offers visitors the opportunity to see some elaborate illustrations of Greek architecture.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island in Georgia is known for its spectacular beaches, charter fishing, golfing, spas, fun events, and great restaurants. It offers the quintessential beach holiday experience to those looking for peace and relaxation.
Start your discovery of the island by taking a walk along the famous St. Simons Pier, located in the Pier Village. This iconic fishing pier is the ideal place to catch local fishermen in action and also watch ships traveling in and out through the inland waterways. Don’t leave the pier without experiencing the stunning sunset! Most people walk along the coastline and also visit the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, another historical gem of the island.
Duck, North Carolina
Located on the Outer Banks, Duck is a town in North Carolina that has a flourishing coastal community. The name of the town has an interesting story behind it; it was popular for duck hunting in the 20th century in the Albemarle and Currituck Sounds. Till date, the town has a beautiful one-mile broadwalk, which connects restaurants and shopping centers.
Duck’s main recreation spot is its beach, where one can enjoy activities like fishing, swimming, sea kayaking, surfing and so on. The Currituck Sound happens to be the hotspot for those who like paddling, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing and other such fun outdoor adventures.
For casual dining, Duck offers plenty of amazing options, including Cookshak Fried Chicken and Coastal Cantina.
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City in Maryland can easily be called the quintessential American beach town. With its family-friendly basecamp beach, the town has something to offer to every age group. From enjoying fresh seafood by the ocean side to golfing under the sun, this town is undeniably one of the most charming towns on the Atlantic Coast.
Lined with souvenir stores, restaurants and ice cream shops, the town’s historic boardwalk also has an arcade, a small amusement park, Trimper’s Rides and a Ferris wheel. Northside Park is the place to visit for all kinds of inland sports (Ocean Bowl Skatepark is also worth checking out). At the park, visitors can enjoy activities like paintball and paddle boarding. Another popular tourist destination is Ocean City’s Center for the Arts, which hosts regular exhibitions.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is located on Long Island and is a sought-after travel destination on the Atlantic Coast. Known for its beautiful beaches, such as Ditch Plains, Montauk has a huge palette of things to offer to its visitors. These include activities for kids, surfing, nature trails, fishing, art and music festivals, and seafood restaurants, to name a few.
The iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse resides in the Montauk Point State Park. It is New York state’s oldest lighthouse that houses gift shops and a museum (tourists can take guided tours of the lighthouse). A trip to the lighthouse would be incomplete without a lunch meal at the famed Inlet Seafood Restaurant, located on the beautiful Lake Montauk. It is known for serving the most delicious lobster rolls, sushi and burgers, among other things.
Some popular lodging options in Montauk include Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, the Breakers Montauk, and Hero Beach Club.
Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach in Florida is the ultimate holiday destination with its legendary resorts, historic landmarks and exquisite mansions. These include the former residence of Henry Flagler, which now stands as the Flagler Museum. Home to grand palm trees, Worth Avenue in Palm Beach is a shopping heaven and quite popular among tourists visiting from across the globe. Amongst other things, Palm Beach in Florida is extremely popular for its annual winter event- the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival.
The Breakers is an iconic hotel in Palm Beach, home to the oldest golf course in Florida. It continues to offer premier golfing facilities to its visitors alongside several dining options and other entertainment, all within the hotel. Other famed hotels in the town include the Colony Palm Beach and the Brazilian Court.
The towns in the Atlantic Coast are ideal for planning a summer vacation. The best part is that these towns have something that appeals to each and every traveler, whether families, couples, friends or beach groups wanting to enjoy nightlife. Also, a majority of these towns are quite close to big cities like Richmond, New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.
