Best Coast Beaches

The Top 15 Beaches on the East Coast

The Top 15 Beaches on the East Coast

Here are America's best pieces of sand along the Atlantic Ocean.

While California and Hawaii often take credit for their beaches, most of the country's best sand is along the Atlantic Ocean. From coastal islands like Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard to the Art Deco playground of South Beach, here are the best beaches on the East Coast

Nantucket, Massachusetts

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Great Point, at the easternmost end of the island of Nantucket, is one of the most secluded beaches in the world. That's because you need a 4x4 and a beach permit to get there. Once you do, you'll find miles of beachfront, a historic lighthouse, and even piping plovers from time to time. Madaket Beach, on the opposite end of the island, is another good choice—especially for sunset-watching.

Accessible by ferry, Block Island oozes New England charm. It's worth the effort to get to Mohegan Bluffs, which is at the base of a set of 141 wooden steps leading down to the sand. With clay cliffs and a view that reaches Montauk at the eastern tip of Long Island, this beach is especially unique.

Named the best beach in the country in 2013, Main Beach in East Hampton is known for its wide stretch of sand plus a snack bar, bathrooms, and lockers. On-site parking is only available to village residents but there are free beach shuttles available.

Moshup Beach (also known as Aquinnah Beach) is at the coastal island's western end. The famous Gay Head Cliffs provide a backdrop for this stunning setting, an isolated destination that requires a 10-minute walk from the parking lot.

This Jersey Shore getaway's beaches have been declared the best in the state, and its collection of Victorian bed and breakfast destinations attract visitors from around the country. In fact, the entire city was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Located off the coast of Georgia, this 5,700-acre barrier island is famous for its nesting sea turtles and hermit crabs. Glory Beach got its name because the producers of the 1989 movie Glory, featuring Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington, built a long boardwalk to the beach that remains in place.

South Carolina's Myrtle Beach is crowded for a reason. Its amenities are popular with families, especially the 200-foot tall SkyWheel.

With some of the best golfing in the world and beaches that stretch for 10 miles, this island 15 miles south of Charleston has hosted notable names like Joe Biden, George Clooney, and George W. Bush. While the island is private, the five-star hotel The Sanctuary offers access to non-residents.