With over 2,000 miles of shoreline stretching from the rocky cliffs of Maine to the powder-fine sand of the Florida Keys, the historic beach towns lining the East Coast come in many shapes and sizes.
Between the wind-swept dunes of Cape Cod and the world-class nightlife of Miami, there’s a “perfect beach” out there for everyone. So which beach town checks all the boxes for your next vacation? Luckily for you, we’ve done the legwork to bring you the ultimate list of the best beach towns on the East Coast for a relaxing getaway.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
With its iconic cedar-shingled homes perched atop perfectly manicured cobblestone streets, calling Nantucket a historic beach town is an understatement. Known as one of the most walkable beach towns on the East Coast, Nantucket is a dreamy, all-American getaway where historic buildings, farm-to-table restaurants, and upscale boutiques are always within arm’s reach. Stay in Inspirato’s quaint homes like Whitesail, Wayfarer, or Shearwater just walking distance from Nantucket Historic District’s charming shops and restaurants.
Children will love the calm waters at Jetties Beach, while those with a more adventurous side can enjoy the breaks and swells of Cisco Beach. Escaping the crowds is easy with a quick jaunt to Siasconset on the east side of the island.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
A barrier island outside of Charleston, Kiawah Island is a golfer’s paradise and is heralded as one of the most bike-friendly beach towns on the East Coast. In addition to its 10+ miles of pristine shoreline, the island is home to perfectly preserved maritime forests and an impressive array of wildlife including bobcats, sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds.
The Lowcountry isle offers miles of biking paths, making it easy to pedal from your home to the beach and everywhere in-between! With six picturesque golf courses to choose from, there’s never a dull moment on Kiawah Island. Stay just a few minutes from the tee boxes and the coast at stunning Inspirato homes like Driftwood Dunes, Tupelo, and Azalea.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Art, culture, nightlife and natural beauty are on constant display in Fort Lauderdale, making it one of the hottest East Coast Florida beach towns. Enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway from your own private terrace at Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach while taking advantage of their world-class spa.
The vibrant restaurant scene is second-to-none, and fine-dining establishments like Takato and the Spinnaker Pool Grill are favorites for locals and visitors alike. With over seven miles of pristine beaches to explore, you’re fully emerged in paradise.
Florida Keys, Florida
Miles away from the stresses of everyday life, the archipelago of the Florida Keys is home to some of the best quiet beach towns on the East Coast, and in the entire world. Powdery-white sand, gently swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise water are the norm in the Keys and can put any beachgoer at ease.
The healthy barrier coral reef that parallels the islands welcomes snorkelers and scuba divers while the warm waters and gentle breezes create the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. Take all of this in at the private, oceanfront villas at Islands of Islamorada where the simple island life is elevated with the comforts and amenities you’ve come to expect from Inspirato.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Rich in history, natural beauty, art, and culture, Cape Cod has been a vacation destination for centuries and maintains its reputation as one of the best East Coast beach towns for family vacations.
Nestled on the south end of the cape and overlooking Chatham Bay, the accommodations at Chatham Bars Inn offer seaside sophistication just miles away from Tern Island Sanctuary and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Traveling with a bigger group? Our Shorebird residence is a quick walk to Menauhant Beach, a thin strip of shoreline known for shell collecting, and its stunning views of Martha’s Vineyard.
