East Coast Beaches: Hidden Gems in Each State

The heat index keeps on rising, and with it nearing 100 degrees this week, we can’t help fantasizing about an escape to the beach, cool water and summer breezes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to beaches up and down the East Coast with estimated travel time, and recommended places to stay and where to eat. We hope you feel inspired by this list, and please, do add your own hidden gem in the comments.

Maine - Goose Rocks Beach

Goose Rocks Beach

How Far: DCA to Portland is a ~1.5 hour flight + 43 min drive south to Goose Rocks Beach.

Where to Stay: 

Where to Eat: 

White Barn Inn

New Hampshire -  Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach

How far: Fly into Boston from DCA (~ 1.33 min) + 1 hour drive from Boston

Where to stay: Beachfront Airbnb

What to eat:

Massachusetts - Steps Beach Nantucket

How Far: Fly directly into Nantucket from DCA (~1H 32Min)  or if you want to drive your car onto Nobadeer beach, drive and take a ferry!

Where to Stay: Rent a house! 

Where to Eat: 

  • Breakfast: Island Kitchen

  • Lunch: Stop by Millie’s for a lobster roll or one of their famous quesadillas 

  • Dinner: Galley Beach (on the beach overlooking the Nantucket sound)

  • Ice cream: If you are willing to wait in line Juice Press has the BEST ice cream on the island. Soda Fountain also is a great sweet treat place inside of an old drug store.

Galley Beach

Rhode Island -  Watch Hill (East Beach)

How Far: 7 Hours via Amtrak from D.C. OR 1H 20 mins DCA to Providence plus 1 hour drive.

Where to Stay: Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn

Where to Eat:

Connecticut - Hammonasset Beach

How Far: 6.5 Hour drive from Alexandria, or 4 hour and 40 min train to New Haven + 26 min drive

Where To Stay: 

Madison Beach Hotel

Where To Eat:

New York -  Ditch Plains Beach (Montauk)

Ditch Plains Beach

How Far: DC To LGA - 1h 9min + LIRR (4hr 33 min) Or by Car ~ 2hr 41 min

Where to Stay: 

  • Marram : A truly unique oceanfront experience located in the heart of Montauk, MARRAM is a ninety-six-room boutique resort hotel, offering barefoot luxury and essential experiences that invite you to focus on life’s simple pleasures.

Marram Resort

Where to Eat:

New Jersey - Cape May NJ

How far: 4 hour drive from Alexandria or fly from DCA into Atlantic City National Airport, 45 minutes from Cape May

Where to stay: Congress Hall Hotel - seaside resort

Where to eat:

Delaware - Fenwick Island

How far: 3 hour drive from Alexandria

Where to stay: Airbnb

Where to eat:

Maryland - Ocean City

Ocean City

How far: 3 hour drive from Alexandria

Where to stay: Airbnb - luxurious private pool and 20 steps to the beach

Where to eat:

Virginia - Sandbridge Beach

How far: 3h 45 min drive from Alexandria

Where to stay: Private cottage

Where to eat: 

North Carolina - Figure 8 Island

How far: 5.5 hour drive from Alexandria

Where to stay: Rent a house!

Where to Eat: Figure 8 Island is a private island, the best bet for restaurants is going into the town of Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach which is only about a 10-20 min drive.

South Carolina - Pawley’s Island

How Far: Fly into Myrtle Beach from DCA ~1.5 hours + 1 hour drive

Where To Stay: Rent a vacation home or Airbnb on the Island

For example, this is a 6-bedroom, ocean front home available on Vrbo:

Where to Eat:

Georgia - Tybee Island

Tybee Island

How far: Fly into Hilton Head from DCA (~1H 45min) and drive 45 min to Tybee Island

Where to stay: Captains Cabana Airbnb with stunning views and just steps away from the beach

What to eat:

Florida - Little Palm Island Beach

Finishing off with the most secluded beach experience of all in Florida - Little Palm Island Resort!

How far: 

Fly into Key West International Airport (~3H from DCA) and take a seaplane or boat to the island! 

Where to stay: The stunning Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Where to eat:

  • The dining room is recognized as the best hotel restaurant in Florida for all meals, they also offer private dining experiences. They are also known for their unforgettable Sunday brunch.

See Also: When in Paris or Watching the Olympics in Paris…


Britt Patterson

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Born, raised, and bred in Alexandria, VA, Britt Patterson is a true product of the great state of Virginia. Britt attended Waynewood Elementary (Class of ’96), Carl Sandburg Middle School (Class of ’98) , and West Potomac High School (Class of ’02), she then went on to attend Virginia Tech (go Hokies!) where she majored in Business Marketing and Minored in Real Estate. Britt “officially” joined the family business as a licensed Realtor in 2008 after two years of working the political fundraising field and prides herself on her Alexandria real estate knowledge, alongside her integrity, loyalty, and professionalism as an agent and Vice President for the family business.

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