9 Of The Quietest Atlantic Coast Towns
Coastal towns are arguably the best destinations for quiet, relaxing retreats, and the reasons are not far-fetched. With their beautiful beaches, expansive water views, and easy access to a wide range of water adventures, there is so much relaxation to enjoy at such destinations. Thankfully, the United States is a great place to enjoy this experience as it borders two of the world's greatest oceans, the Atlantic and Pacific.
While the Pacific Coast is home to many popular tourist hubs, the Atlantic Coast hosts some of the best towns for relaxation in the world. These coastal towns are steeped in history and blessed with enchanting coastal scenery and diverse cultures. They also have low populations, making them peaceful places to relax even in summer when the population of other towns swells rapidly. From South Carolina's Folly Beach to the beautiful town of Cape May, New Jersey, uncover the quietest destinations on the Atlantic Coast where you can really unwind and enjoy serenity.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island is an uncrowded paradise on the easternmost point of Georgia, full of scenery and serenity. This town is home to five miles of pristine public beaches, where visitors can relax, sunbathe, people-watch, or engage in adventures like surfing. North Beach and South Beach are some popular ones to visit, and others include the Back River and Mid Beach.
For history buffs, the island is home to Tybee Island Lighthouse, the tallest and oldest in Georgia, dating to 1736 when the first tower was built. Visit this historic lighthouse and check out its museum to learn about the island's history, from its Native Americans to its involvement in the Civil War and World War II. Meanwhile, the Tybee Island Pier and Pavilion is a great place to enjoy the ocean breeze while fishing.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Isle of Palms is a gorgeous town and barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, perfect for a tranquil retreat in nature. Visit this seven-mile-long destination and head to Front Beach to relax on the soft sand or patronize food establishments along Ocean Boulevard.
Proceed to Isle of Palms County Beach Park to surf, swim safely, play volleyball, and picnic with the views. Fishing enthusiasts can get on a fishing charter or rent a boat at the Isle of Palms Marina to enjoy some of the finest reef fishing experiences ever. For more nature-inclined adventures, explore the Intercoastal Waterway on a kayak to see dolphins, sea turtles, ospreys, and other species in the area.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach is a laid-back island town on the Atlantic Ocean with a small population, making it the perfect escape from larger cities like the nearby Charleston. In addition to its relaxing atmosphere, visitors to this town will be met with attractions like the Folly Beach Pier, which juts 1,045 feet into the ocean and makes for the perfect spot for saltwater fishing and evening walks with sunset views.
On the island's west end, the Folly Beach County Park is also a delightful spot where visitors can relax on a beach, swim in designated areas, and fish in the Folly River. Furthermore, the towering 161-foot Morris Island Lighthouse is near town, and although it is not open to the public, visitors can admire or take photos of the historic structure, especially as it is the tallest of its kind in South Carolina.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
Rhode Island has always been one of the most beloved destinations for quiet retreats on the Atlantic Ocean, especially as it is home to laid-back towns like Narragansett. Named after a Native American tribe, this town is a peaceful destination where history and nature blend perfectly to create unforgettable memories. Narragansett is home to beautiful beaches like Scarborough State Beach and Roger Wheeler State Beach, both of which are perfect spots to swim and picnic with ocean views.
For lovers of history, the town's South County Museum has numerous exhibits, including Native American artifacts and a Victorian kitchen, reflecting the rich history and culture of Rhode Island. Narragansett is also home to The Towers, an iconic structure representing the last section of the once-famous Narragansett Pier Casino, which was built in the 1880s and destroyed in a fire in 1900. Today, The Towers is a venue for events year-round and is a must-visit as it is the town's most famous landmark.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is renowned as one of America’s oldest vacation destinations, welcoming vacationers since the 18th century. Despite its popularity, this town remains a laid-back place where retreat seekers can always find peace. Visit this town and head to one of its beaches, like Poverty Beach or Cove Beach, to swim, surf, and relax with incredible views.
The town also invites visitors to the Cape May Lighthouse to climb 199 steps and enjoy amazing views of the ocean from the top. For something more relaxing, visitors can head to one of the town's top wineries, like the Cape May Winery & Vineyard, to enjoy fine wines with scenic views.
Westerly, Rhode Island
Westerly is one of the larger towns on the Atlantic Coast that still maintains a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing retreat. Here, visitors have the Napatree Point Conservation Area to enjoy beach walks, climb sand dunes, and watch birds. Wilcox Park is another tranquil place in town to enjoy strolls and picnics.
For similar experiences, visitors can head to East Beach to watch the sunset or walk to the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum to catch gorgeous ocean views and also learn about the coastal structure, which was completed in 1808. Meanwhile, the Living Sharks Museum is in town and invites curious visitors to learn about the history of sharks through prehistoric shark fossils and other exhibits.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is one of the most charming destinations on the Atlantic Coast. Populated by just around 4,000 people as of 2020, this quaint small town is surprisingly full of amazing things to do. Here, visitors will be met with Ditch Plains, a picturesque beach with designated swimming areas and excellent surf conditions. The town's Hither Hills State Park and Camp Hero State Park also have beautiful sandy beaches, multi-use trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for fishing.
Furthermore, Montauk hosts the Montauk Point State Park, where the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse has stood since 1796 as the state's first lighthouse. This park also has coastal trails, an oceanfront restaurant, a gift shop, a museum, and a beach for surfing and fishing.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Edisto Beach is a lesser-known town on Edisto Island, perfect for a peaceful getaway. Located around 50 miles from Charleston, this island town is home to the Edisto Beach State Park, a 1,255-acre oceanfront area with nature trails, a 1.5-mile beach, and fascinating wildlife such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, loggerhead sea turtles. Activities offered in the park include surfing, fishing, hiking, biking, bird watching, picnicking, and learning about the island's flora and fauna at the Environment Learning Center. Additionally, the park has tent and RV campsites and cabins, making it excellent for a coastal retreat.
For nature enthusiasts, Edisto Beach is near the 4,600-acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area, home to pristine beaches, nature trails, coastal wetlands, and wildlife such as loggerhead sea turtles. Additionally, the nearby Edisto Island Museum is a great place to learn about the island's history, while the Edisto Island Serpentarium offers a detailed look into the world of reptiles.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a small fishing town in Virginia best known as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Located on Virginia's part of the Assateague Island, this 14,000-acre refuge is home to dunes, maritime forests, 15 miles of hiking trails, and wildlife such as the famous Assateague's Wild Horses. Even more exciting, the refuge is home to the 142-foot Assateague Lighthouse and a beautiful mile-long beach where visitors can relax on soft sand and watch sunsets.
Besides the refuge, Chincoteague has many in-town attractions like the Veteran's Memorial Park, which has tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, a fishing pier, and boat ramps for those looking to explore the waters. For history buffs, the Museum of Chincoteague Island features several exhibits covering the island’s history from prehistoric times to date. For visiting families, the Maui Jack's Waterpark is a super exciting attraction worth visiting as it has a lazy river, slides, waterfalls, and cabanas, among other fun attractions.
The Atlantic Coast is one of the most exciting destinations in the US to visit. While many destinations in this part of the country are often crowded, these towns on the coast remain tranquil, making them the perfect getaways from the hustle and bustle. In addition to their relaxing atmospheres, these towns naturally have beautiful beaches and plenty of other attractions to keep travelers exploring. From Montauk to Cape May, these towns are excellent destinations for a peaceful coastal vacation full of adventures and ocean scenery.
