The best beach days aren’t always about palm trees and faraway shores—they’re about the feeling you get when the breeze picks up and the world smells like salt and sunscreen. Stretching from New York to Virginia, these charming coastal spots have everything you need for a shoreline kind of happy: soft sand, breezy strolls, and memories waiting to happen.
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Jones Beach State Park
Location: Long Island, NY
Via: New York State Parks
A classic Long Island gem, Jones Beach State Park offers wide sandy stretches perfect for sunbathing, plus a lively boardwalk packed with food, games, and music. Whether you’re looking to relax with your toes in the sand or enjoy a little people-watching and fun, this beach has the perfect mix of chill and energy.
Coopers Beach
Location: Southampton, NY
Via: DiscoverLongIsland.com
With soft white sand, clear waters, and a laid-back luxury vibe, Coopers Beach is a Hamptons gem that feels straight out of a postcard. It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds, soak up the sun, and let the sound of the waves do the rest. A dreamy beach day, guaranteed.
Cape May Beaches
Location: Cape May, NJ
Via: CapeMay.com
The epitome of seaside charm, Cape May Beaches offer soft sand, gentle waves, and a backdrop of Victorian elegance. Think colorful beach cottages, historic beauty, and that timeless, sun-kissed feeling. Perfect for a slow, scenic day by the shore—with major postcard vibes.
Ocean City, NJ
Location: Ocean City, NJ
Via: City of Ocean City
Fun, laughter, and a hint of nostalgia fill the air in Ocean City. Its iconic 3-mile boardwalk is lined with thrilling rides, arcade games, and classic treats like saltwater taffy and funnel cake. Whether you’re here for family fun or a carefree beach day, this spot delivers summer memories on repeat.
Island Beach State Park
Location: Seaside Park, NJ
Via: New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry
If you’re craving serenity, Island Beach State Park delivers. This preserved stretch of coastline is all about untouched beauty—dunes, salt marshes, and peaceful surf. It’s the perfect place to slow down, tune into nature, and enjoy the beach in its most natural, crowd-free form.
Rehoboth Beach
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
Via: City of Rehoboth Beach
A perfect blend of charm and energy, Rehoboth Beach welcomes you with a lively boardwalk, eclectic shops, and just the right amount of nostalgia. Whether you’re savoring an ice cream by the sea or browsing quirky boutiques, this hometown-feel escape is all about soaking up the good vibes and salty air.
Bethany Beach
Location: Bethany Beach, DE
Via: Town of Bethany Beach
Peaceful, charming, and effortlessly relaxing, Bethany Beach is the little beach town that could. Known for its friendly atmosphere and calm shores, it’s the perfect place to unplug. Kick back with a good book, sip something cold, and let the soft waves work their magic at your feet.
Ocean City, MD
Location: Ocean City, MD
Via: Ocean City Tourism
Ocean City, MD is where the energy’s always high and the fun never stops. Ride the Ferris wheel, stroll the iconic boardwalk, or just soak in the sunshine by the surf. This beach town is all about creating bold, bright, unforgettable summer memories—one scoop of ice cream and wave crash at a time.
Assateague Island National Seashore
Location: Maryland & Virginia
Via: National Park Service
Assateague Island National Seashore is a wild, windswept escape where nature takes center stage. Picture pristine beaches, the gentle crash of waves, and wild ponies roaming freely along the shore. Peaceful, untouched, and totally magical—it’s like stepping into a dream you didn’t know you needed.
Virginia Beach
Web Link: Virginia Beach Official Site
Via: City of Virginia Beach
The perfect mix of city buzz and beachside relaxation, Virginia Beach has it all—sun, surf, and endless fun. Whether you’re strolling the long boardwalk, trying out watersports, or dining with a view, this beach offers all the best things about summer in one vibrant place.
Sandbridge, Virginia Beach – Quiet Coastal Getaway
Web Link: Sandbridge, Virginia Beach
Via: VisitVirginiaBeach.com
Quiet, charming, and a bit off the beaten path, Sandbridge is a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Think cozy beach houses, wide open sands, and plenty of room to spread out and let the ocean breeze work its magic.
Chincoteague Beach
Web Link: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
Via: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
Home to wild ponies, unspoiled sand dunes, and nature trails, Chincoteague feels like a quiet adventure waiting to unfold. The only thing more serene than the sunsets here is the tranquil sound of the surf—nature at its finest.
Shae Torres
A Scorpio with a restless spirit and a student of International Business at Towson, learning, growing, and finding her way. Dreaming not just of becoming a businesswoman, but of building something meaningful.
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