Top 5 Secret Beaches Along the East Coast

If you are heading east for the summer and are already have in mind some ultra-popular destinations like Myrtle Beach, Miami or Ocean city, then this might be your chance to reconsider your options. Although these famous resorts are able to host and entertain millions of tourist every summer, fighting for a piece of beach or queuing in front of an over-crowded theater house and hoping you’ll get a seat  don’t actually sound like vacation. There are plenty of smaller beaches along the Atlantic Coast that offer surprising possibilities, from all kinds of water sports and fun parks, to historical monuments and unspoiled habitats. 

Cape May, New Jersey

With top-notch beaches and a cultural life that would make even a city that is 10 times bigger blush, Cape May is widely recognized as one of the best summer destinations in the whole country. Don’t let yourself dishearten by New Jersey legislation, requiring all visitors to pay a fee for accessing the beach – it’s only aimed at keeping the crowds away, while you’ll be able to enjoy as much sun and ocean as your heart desires. Remember that Cape May is definitely worth the price, if not for the sake of its beaches, then at least for its colorful Victorian houses and fine restaurants.

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

With its wide beach dominated by the ancient Ferris wheel, Old Orchard Beach represents an ideal family destination. Despite the fact that Old Orchard is a legendary beach resort (first visitors arrived here in the 17th century), it somehow managed to preserve its quaint atmosphere. A historical pier and hotel add  their own share of charm to this beautiful resort which looks more like a waterfront amusement park than a typical beach resort.

Ocracoke, North Carolina

In you ever traveled to the two Carolinas, then you most probably know that the whole seaside area is packed with pirate stories and spooky folk tales. The small community of Ocracoke is no exception: this is where the feared pirate Blackbeard found his end. Just a short ferry ride from Hatteras Islands, Ocracoke is nothing but a nice little village, surrounded by kilometers of sand dunes and wild beaches.

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Also known as “Florida’s Secret Pearl”, the town of New Smyrna is what Al Capone and John Travolta have in common. Here you will be able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities, from scuba diving to surfing, about 13 miles of white sand beaches along with a laid back, welcoming community and a picturesque historic district.

East Beach at Charlestown, Rhode Island

Rhode Island might not be the first thing the crosses your mind when thinking of a beach vacation – which is also the reason why this tiny state has some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches on the East Coast. If you are looking for small town atmosphere, old fashioned carousels and delicious sea food, then Charlestown is the place you want. Stretching between the waters of the Atlantic and the town’s Ninigret Pond you will find a nice strip of beach, home to a cheerful windsurfer community.

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