Best beaches on East Coast USA to visit with friends or family

From Florida’s sun-drenched shores to New England’s rugged coastal gems, the East Coast is a treasure map of sandy escapes waiting to be uncovered. This journey will guide you through a mix of lively boardwalks, serene coves and family-friendly havens, helping you pinpoint the best beaches on the East Coast for unforgettable moments by the Atlantic.

Where the Atlantic shimmers under year-round sunshine, Florida’s southeast coast is a magnet for beach lovers chasing variety and vibrance. Miami Beach dazzles with its blend of cosmopolitan flair, pastel-hued Art Deco architecture and nightlife that keeps the city pulsing long after sunset. Head north to Fort Lauderdale for wide, golden sands, a network of scenic canals and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. For a dash of nostalgia and adrenaline, Daytona Beach offers the unique thrill of driving right on the sand, making it a hit for both families and groups of friends.

When the day winds down, extend that tropical energy into your stay at Casa Faena Miami Beach. Just steps from the ocean, this boutique gem blends Mediterranean-inspired elegance with a relaxed coastal spirit, creating the perfect bridge between Florida’s sunlit beaches and its lively evenings. Whether you’re unwinding in a bright, airy room or sipping cocktails on the terrace, it’s a stay that keeps you wrapped in the magic of one of the best Atlantic Coast beaches long after you’ve left the shore.

Along this captivating stretch of the southern seaboard, sandy shores meet timeless charm in a way that feels both refreshing and familiar. Tybee Island in Georgia is a peaceful hideaway where calm, shallow waters invite swimmers to linger and kayakers to explore marshes teeming with wildlife. The unspoiled coastline is dotted with lighthouses and fishing piers, and dolphins are a common sight just beyond the gentle waves. Crossing into South Carolina, Hilton Head Island welcomes visitors with immaculate golf courses, scenic cycling trails shaded by centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss and expansive beaches that seem to stretch endlessly. The island’s refined atmosphere blends seamlessly with a warm, welcoming spirit, making it an irresistible choice for travellers who value both relaxation and elegance.

For those seeking a livelier rhythm, Myrtle Beach delivers an energising mix of attractions and coastal beauty. The bustling boardwalk hums with live music, colourful arcades and seafood shacks serving the day’s freshest catch. Families find endless entertainment in the nearby theme parks and waterparks, while golfers can take their pick from an impressive selection of championship courses. Together, these destinations showcase some of the best beaches on the East Coast, offering a perfect balance of laid-back charm, outdoor adventure and vibrant coastal culture. It is a journey where every stop offers its own distinct flavour, creating memories that linger long after the tide rolls out.

North Carolina’s shoreline blends rustic beauty with unspoiled charm, perfect for travellers seeking a slower pace. The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands, offers sweeping dunes, historic lighthouses and wide beaches where the Atlantic breeze carries the scent of salt and adventure. It is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, from kiteboarders catching the wind to kayakers navigating peaceful inlets. Further south, Wrightsville Beach draws surfers and college students with its consistent waves and lively yet laid-back atmosphere, making it one of the most inviting East Coast beaches for those who crave both action and relaxation in equal measure.

If your journey takes you beyond the coast, the 21c Museum Hotel Durham offers an inspired base to experience another side of North Carolina. Located within driving distance of the state’s iconic shoreline, this boutique property combines the character of a historic building with the vibrancy of a contemporary art museum. It’s the ideal stop to recharge between beach adventures, giving families and culture lovers the chance to explore curated galleries, enjoy inventive cuisine and rest in stylish rooms before heading back to the best Atlantic Coast beaches. This inland interlude adds depth to your trip, blending coastal leisure with urban discovery in one memorable itinerary.

In the heart of the mid-Atlantic, three states share a coastline designed for unforgettable family getaways. Ocean City in Maryland bursts with energy thanks to its iconic boardwalk, lined with arcades, shops and a classic waterfront amusement park that keeps children and adults entertained for hours. In Delaware, Rehoboth Beach offers a more intimate, charming escape where colourful storefronts and a vibrant dining scene pair perfectly with a safe, sandy shore. Down in Virginia, Virginia Beach blends beach days with cultural attractions, scenic trails and a lively oceanfront that keeps the fun going from sunrise to evening strolls. Together, they showcase some of the best East Coast beaches for families, combining urban conveniences with natural beauty to please travellers of all ages.

For those planning to pair their beach escape with a cultural journey, the Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown offers a luxurious yet family-friendly retreat within reach of the capital’s iconic landmarks. After days spent enjoying coastal sunshine, you can transition to the tree-lined streets and historic charm of Georgetown, where the hotel’s spacious rooms, indoor pool and exceptional service provide a restful pause between sightseeing adventures. It is an inspired way to experience two distinct sides of the mid-Atlantic, the relaxed allure of the shore and the rich heritage of the nation’s capital, in a single and unforgettable itinerary.

In New Jersey, the shoreline delivers a mix of energy and ease. Atlantic City invites visitors with its famous boardwalk, where sandy beaches meet the buzz of casinos, headline shows and oceanfront dining that stretches late into the evening. Northward, Asbury Park offers a retro-inspired coastal escape with vibrant street art, live music venues and an eclectic boardwalk lined with indie shops and cafés. Across the river in New York, Rockaway Beach stands out as a rare urban oasis: a broad, inviting stretch of sand just a short train ride from Manhattan, making it an ideal day trip for travellers eager to pair city exploration with the Atlantic’s refreshing waves. Collectively, they reveal how the region’s shoreline can offer as much excitement as it does tranquillity, blending cultural flair with the simple pleasure of a day by the sea.

For those ready to combine these shoreline adventures with the unmatched allure of New York City, The Plaza – A Fairmont Managed Hotel offers an iconic home base in the heart of Manhattan. After a morning on the sand at Rockaway, return to elegant suites, afternoon tea in the Palm Court and the city’s legendary attractions just steps from the door. This blend of coastal relaxation and urban sophistication turns a simple beach trip into a complete East Coast experience, with every day offering a new way to enjoy the best of both worlds.

New England’s coastline is a tapestry of historic charm, scenic beauty and summer bliss. Cape Cod in Massachusetts is the quintessential postcard come to life, where weathered lighthouses stand watch over sandy dunes, oyster shacks serve their catch fresh from the sea and clapboard houses are framed by blooming hydrangeas. In Rhode Island, Narragansett offers a more tranquil experience, with clean, quiet beaches that feel worlds away from city life. Farther north, Maine’s Old Orchard Beach welcomes visitors with a nostalgic pier, an oceanside amusement park and a laid-back spirit that invites long afternoons of sea breeze and simple pleasures. This region’s milder climate and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect escape for travellers seeking both coastal relaxation and a taste of New England tradition.

To complement a seaside journey with an urban touch, Raffles Boston offers a sophisticated haven in the heart of the city. Just a scenic drive from many of these shorelines, the hotel blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, providing a serene retreat after days of exploring lighthouses, indulging in fresh seafood and wandering through quaint villages. Guests can unwind in beautifully designed rooms, savour refined cuisine or enjoy a moment of quiet in the rooftop sanctuary while reflecting on adventures along some of the most picturesque stretches of the Atlantic. It is the perfect way to end a New England escape, where the romance of the coast meets the cultural richness of one of America’s most storied cities.

From sun-soaked shores to lively boardwalks, the East Coast is a playground of coastal experiences waiting to be explored. This curated itinerary pairs some of the most iconic beaches with the comfort and style of Accor stays, ensuring that every stop offers not only breathtaking ocean views but also a welcoming place to relax after the day’s adventures.

Miami Beach is the kind of destination that seduces you from the first moment, with powdery white sands that meet turquoise waves under year-round sunshine. By day, the city invites slow strolls along Ocean Drive, where pastel Art Deco facades frame swaying palms, or leisurely shopping on Lincoln Road, lined with boutiques, galleries and cafés. The Art Deco Historic District reveals the city’s glamorous heritage, while the vibrant energy of the beachfront keeps every corner alive with music, art and ocean breeze. As the sun dips, Miami Beach transforms into a playground of nightlife, where rooftop lounges and oceanfront bars create unforgettable evenings by the Atlantic.

To elevate the experience, Faena Hotel Miami Beach offers a stay as striking as the city itself. This oceanfront masterpiece blends bold design with refined luxury, from art-filled interiors to its iconic red-and-white striped beach service. Guests can spend the morning exploring cultural landmarks, return for a dip in the turquoise pool, then enjoy a gourmet dinner with the ocean as backdrop. It is more than a place to sleep — it’s an extension of Miami Beach’s vibrant personality, where every detail echoes the allure of one of the best beaches on the East Coast.

Virginia Beach delivers the perfect balance of oceanfront energy and natural beauty, with a shoreline that stretches for miles and a lively boardwalk that’s the heart of the action. Here, families, friends and solo travellers alike can soak up the sun while enjoying the constant rhythm of street performers, seaside cafés and shops overlooking the Atlantic. The area’s pristine sands and calm waters make it easy to spend the day relaxing, before wandering over to the vibrant three-mile boardwalk, where bike lanes and open views create an inviting path for exploration.

Beyond the beach, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers an immersive experience into the region’s rich marine life, from sea turtles to stingrays. Adventurers can rent paddleboards, try surfing lessons or join a kayak tour for a chance to spot dolphins gliding alongside. Whether you come for the simple pleasure of a morning stroll by the water or to fill your itinerary with outdoor activities, Virginia Beach brings together everything that makes the East Coast’s seaside towns so enticing, all framed by the welcoming charm of a community that thrives on its connection to the ocean.

Ocean City embodies the classic American beach escape, with its three-mile-long boardwalk alive with the sound of carousel music, the scent of saltwater taffy and the hum of arcades in full swing. Families flock here for the wide sandy beaches, where lifeguard towers stand watch over calm waters ideal for swimming and sandcastle building. The Jolly Roger Amusement Park adds a burst of excitement with rides and water slides, while fishing off the pier offers a more laid-back way to enjoy the view. Local seafood shacks tempt with Maryland crab cakes and fresh-from-the-bay oysters, making it a destination that easily earns its place among the best Atlantic Coast beaches.

If your road trip to Ocean City includes a detour through the capital, the Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown offers a refined pause between the bustle of travel and the serenity of the shore. Located in one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, it blends timeless elegance with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for recharging before another day by the ocean. Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations, an inviting courtyard and easy access to D.C.’s landmarks, creating a seamless journey from cultural exploration to coastal relaxation. This pairing of city sophistication and seaside charm turns a beach getaway into a well-rounded East Coast adventure.

Myrtle Beach is a coastal playground where wide, golden sands meet a skyline dotted with resorts, piers and attractions for every kind of traveller. The area’s renowned golf courses challenge enthusiasts with scenic fairways and ocean views, while water parks keep families cool and entertained. Strolling along Broadway at the Beach reveals a lively mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, and as the day winds down, live shows and concerts keep the atmosphere buzzing. It is no surprise that Myrtle Beach stands proudly among the best East Coast beaches, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.

If your journey to or from Myrtle Beach takes you through North Carolina, consider a stay at 21c Museum Hotel Durham to enrich your trip. This boutique property combines contemporary art with historic charm, creating an experience that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable. It is an ideal stop to recharge after hours of beachside fun or to set the tone before arriving on the coast. Guests can explore curated exhibitions, enjoy inventive dining and relax in elegant rooms, ensuring that both the road and the destination become memorable parts of the adventure. This thoughtful detour transforms a simple beach getaway into a multi-layered East Coast experience.

Timing your East Coast beach escape can make all the difference. From May through September, the region enjoys its warmest weather, ideal for long days in the sun and ocean swims. These months also bring lively local events, from seafood festivals to outdoor concerts, adding extra flavour to your trip. If you prefer quieter sands and fewer crowds, aim for late spring or early autumn, when the sea is still inviting but the atmosphere is more relaxed. No matter when you go, pack a mix of beachwear and casual layers, as coastal evenings can cool down after sunset.

To make the most of your journey, consider renting a car for the flexibility to hop between different beaches and explore nearby towns at your own pace. Some of the most scenic stretches and hidden gems are off the main routes, and having your own wheels makes them easy to reach. Keep in mind that the most popular spots can book up quickly during holidays and school vacations, so securing your accommodations and activities in advance is essential. This way, you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey, from the first sunrise over the ocean to the last stroll along the shore.

Your East Coast journey does not need to end when the waves recede and the sand slips from your toes. The region is a mosaic of culture, cuisine and unforgettable experiences, Accor hotels across the United States are ready to make every stop as comfortable and inspiring as the last. Whether you are unwinding after a sun-filled day, pausing in a vibrant city on your route or indulging in the refined charm of a historic destination, you will find a stay that blends impeccable service with a sense of place. These properties do more than offer a bed for the night — they elevate the trip, turning each beach getaway into a richer and more complete adventure.

Make your travels even more rewarding by joining ALL – Accor Live Limitless, our loyalty programme. Membership unlocks exclusive benefits from discounted rates and early check-ins to points you can earn and redeem at thousands of hotels worldwide. Whether your next escape leads you back to the best East Coast beaches or somewhere entirely new, ALL ensures that every moment counts and every journey feels special from the very first booking. Sign up today for free and start turning your beach dreams into limitless possibilities.