Any kind of vacation is exciting whether it’s a cross-country road trip, a ski trip in Aspen, or a camping getaway in the Adirondacks. No matter how exciting and how novel a vacation might be, nothing seems to trump the appeal of a luxuriously lazy long weekend at the beach. Whether you’re tanning on the warm sands of a beach in a southern seaside city or draped in your white cardigan as you walk barefoot along the shores of the Hamptons, fewer things cure stress quite like sand between your toes, the scent of the sea air, and the sounds of the crashing waves. If you’re on the hunt for some of the best beaches on the East Coast, you have come to the right place. In today’s post, we’ll introduce you to a few East Coast beaches you should consider making your next vacation destination.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is accessible by ferry and boasts gorgeous beaches, incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, over 32 miles of nature trails, and 250-foot diving cliffs for the adventurous types interested in plunging into the ocean water. For outdoor activities, there is plenty of horseback riding, bird watching, parasailing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. In case of a rainy day, explore the many art galleries and boutique shops on Block Island before enjoying a seafood dinner with lovely wine pairings.
Ocean City, New Jersey
Ocean City is made up of an eight-mile stretch of beachfront along with a festive boardwalk. Day or night, you can take in the scenery of the boardwalk that includes a mammoth Ferris wheel, an endless array of seafood restaurants, grandiose hotels, and boutique shops. Ocean City is a great option for families, due in part to a bustling boardwalk with loads of entertaining attractions and an alcohol-free beach that will keep the chances of visits from bothersome partiers very low. There are plenty of family-friendly activities on the beach, along the boardwalk and throughout the rest of the town. Rent bikes and pedal down the boardwalk, go out on the town for a bit of karaoke or take the kids to a shop for some face-painting fun.
Montauk, New York
Just a 40-minute drive from the lush beaches of South Hampton is Montauk, New York which sits on the edge of Long Island. Pay a visit to Montauk Point State Park to watch the sunset over the lighthouse and wait for the sky to explode into a beautiful display of pink, purple, and orange. Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk is a great place to plan a day trip that includes plenty of walking trails on dryland and killer waves on the water (great for surfboarding). Finally, don’t leave Montauk without taking a guided tour by horseback at Deep Hollow Ranch. The ranch hosts a variety of tours, with over 3,000 acres to cover. Riders of all levels are welcome, from first-timers to experienced cowboys.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine is just one of those places that everyone should plan on visiting at least once in their lifetime, especially if it’s Bar Harbor, Maine. Aside from pristine beaches and the fresh sea air, there are countless historical landmarks and attractions worth visiting during your time in Bar Harbor. Make a point to check out Egg Rock Light, an 1875 lighthouse that is situated between the Schoodic Peninsula and the Mount Desert Island. If you’re in the mood for a really novel and family-friendly experience, plan a night at Diver Ed’s Dive-In Theater. Diver Ed and his scuba diving companion will take you out on a boat, dive underwater, and bring film and sound equipment with them so that you see and hear everything they see and hear on the ocean floor. After watching the footage on the boat, Diver Ed introduces guests to a variety of exotic creatures including eagles, porpoises, and seals. There are plenty of beautiful beaches around Bar Harbor, with Sand Beaches being one of the most popular. Nestled between the rocky edges of the coast, this small, public beach offers pristine sands and spectacular views of the Atlantic. Finally, a beach vacation in Bar Harbor wouldn’t be complete without some world-class lobsters! Both Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes and Stewman’s Lobster Pound are two popular restaurants, however, Bar Harbor is home to plenty of renowned seafood dining establishments.
Ready to start planning your upcoming beach trip? Start by buying a bus ticket today!
