Find Your Ideal Beach Lifestyle
East Coast Beaches
NORTHEAST
MAINE
Goose Rocks Beach
The Vibe: Upscale, peaceful, and quietly exclusive.
Best For: Travelers looking to relax away from loud boardwalks and commercial strips.
Don’t Miss: Walking the 3 miles of soft white sand against a backdrop of beautiful, historic coastal homes.
Quick Tip: Parking passes are strictly required and limited, so buy one online or at the town kiosk early in the morning.
Ogunquit Beach
The Vibe: A picturesque, pristine slice of classic New England coast.
Best For: Couples, walkers, and scenery lovers.
Don’t Miss: Walking the Marginal Way, a breathtaking cliffside path that connects the beach to the historic Perkins Cove.
Quick Tip: It gets incredibly crowded in July and August; use the local open-air trolley to avoid parking headaches.
Old Orchard Beach
The Vibe: Nostalgic beach town with a lively carnival atmosphere and a hidden musical history.
Best For: Families with kids, teenagers, and crowd-lovers.
Don’t Miss: Walking the historic OOB Pier for oceanfront food and drinks, and visiting Palace Playland amusement park right on the sand.
Cultural Legacy: During the Big Band and swing eras, the OOB Pier was a critical northern New England stop for legendary African American musicians like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong, who drew massive crowds to the beachfront ballroom.
Quick Tip: Park a few blocks inland to save money; the beachfront lots charge a premium.
Sand Beach (Acadia National Park)
The Vibe: Dramatic, rugged, and breathtakingly wild.
Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
Don’t Miss: The Great Head Trail right off the beach for jaw-dropping cliffside views of the Atlantic.
Quick Tip: The water here rarely rises above 55°F (13°C), so it’s best suited for viewing, sunbathing, and quick dipping rather than long swims.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Hampton Beach
The Vibe: High-energy, classic boardwalk fun with a distinct carnival atmosphere.
Best For: Families, people-watching, live music, and foodies.
Don’t Miss: Seeing a show at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and trying iconic boardwalk snacks like fried dough or sea salt taffy.
Cultural Legacy: The beach’s historic Casino Ballroom served as an important cultural venue in the Northeast, breaking racial barriers by hosting iconic Black jazz, soul, and rock-and-roll icons including Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong.
Quick Tip: It is regularly voted one of the cleanest beaches in the country, but the main strip fills up fast. Arrive before 9:00 AM to secure a spot.
MASSACHUSETTS
Inkwell Beach (Martha’s Vineyard)
The Vibe: Culturally rich and deeply community-oriented with gentle bay-side waves.
Best For: Families, history buffs, and travelers looking for a proud landmark of Black heritage.
Don’t Miss: Exploring this stop on the African American Heritage Trail and seeing the historic Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bears swim club in action.
Quick Tip: It’s located very close to the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal, making it highly accessible and a short walk from the historic Flying Horses Carousel.
Oak Bluffs Town Beach (Martha’s Vineyard)
The Vibe: A charming, family-friendly island getaway surrounded by iconic architecture and vibrant cultural landmarks.
Best For: Families, history buffs, architecture lovers, and stroller-friendly walks.
Don’t Miss: Touring the whimsical Victorian “gingerbread cottages” in the nearby Campground, riding the historic 1876 Flying Horses Carousel (the oldest platform carousel in America), and walking the scenic lawns of Ocean Park.
Cultural Legacy: Serving as a premier anchor on the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs has been a beloved summer sanctuary for Black families, artists, and leaders since the late 19th century. It includes the famous Inkwell Beach stretch, celebrated for decades as a premier space of community and Black joy.
Quick Tip: Located just steps from the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal, this beach offers exceptionally calm waters and excellent public bathhouses. Skip the car reservation and walk straight onto the ferry from the mainland; the entire town is highly pedestrian-friendly.
MID-ATLANTIC
NEW YORK
Sag Harbor – Foster Memorial Beach (Long Island)
The Vibe: A calm, scenic bay-side retreat nestled in an upscale, historic maritime village.
Best For: Families with young kids, dog owners, and village explorers.
Don’t Miss: Taking a break from the sand to explore the charming downtown whaling port, the Sag Harbor Cinema, and the nearby historic SANS residential communities.
Cultural Legacy: The waterfront area directly surrounding the beach includes the Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest, and Ninevah Subdivisions (SANS), which served as a premier mid-century oceanfront sanctuary for affluent African American families during segregation.
Quick Tip: Because it sits on Noyac Bay, the waters are remarkably quiet and gentle compared to the roaring ocean sides of Long Island. Daily parking passes are available.
NEW JERSEY
Chicken Bone Beach (Atlantic City)
The Vibe: A legendary jazz-era landmark turned vibrant heritage site.
Best For: Music enthusiasts, history lovers, and city beachgoers.
Don’t Miss: Catching local heritage events and honoring the legacy of jazz icons like Duke Ellington and Sammy Davis Jr., who famously performed here.
Quick Tip: Located officially at Missouri Avenue Beach, this stretch was a vital African American community hub during segregation and remains a powerful symbol of local cultural resilience.
PENNSYLVANIA
Crystal Pool at Woodside Park
The Vibe: A vanished, jazz-era amusement hub that became a major battleground for Philadelphia’s Civil Rights movement.
Best For: Civil Rights history enthusiasts and historians.
Don’t Miss: Learning about the legendary 1945 anti-segregation protests led by activist Arthur Huff Fauset to dismantle the pool’s strict, discriminatory Jim Crow policies.
Quick Tip: Opened in 1926, this massive 4-acre attraction featured a large artificial sand beach capable of hosting 5,000 visitors. Though the park permanently closed in 1955, its hard-fought integration by the city in 1952 stands as a landmark moment in Pennsylvania’s history.
Presque Isle State Park
The Vibe: A stunning, sweeping 3,200-acre sandy peninsula on Lake Erie with a powerful freedom legacy.
Best For: Swimmers, nature lovers, and history buffs.
Don’t Miss: Exploring the park’s miles of natural sandy shores and the nearby Erie waterfront, which historically served as a critical final gateway hub on the Underground Railroad for freedom seekers crossing the lake into Canada.
Quick Tip: This is Pennsylvania’s only true natural sandy beach destination. While it is a bustling park for modern travelers today, its unique geographic location makes it a highly significant site in early African American history.
DELAWARE
Bethany Beach
The Vibe: A quaint, peaceful, and slow-paced coastal haven proudly known as one of Delaware’s premier “Quiet Resorts.”
Best For: Families, multi-generational beach house gatherings, and travelers looking for a relaxing, low-key boardwalk experience.
Don’t Miss: Strolling the charming, half-mile wooden boardwalk lined with local boutiques, catching an open-air performance at the nearby Freeman Arts Pavilion, or touring the historic Dinker-Irvin Museum (the oldest public building in town).
Cultural Legacy: Originally founded in 1901 as a church campsite, Bethany Beach holds a unique place in mid-century African American travel history. It was formally listed in Grayson’s Guide—a prominent Black travel directory and motorist safety guide similar to The Green Book—during the 1950s, identifying it as a vital, safe coastal destination for African American families traveling down the Delmarva Peninsula during the Jim Crow era.
Quick Tip: Because the town intentionally preserves a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, it features far fewer high-energy bars or nightlife venues than neighboring beaches. Public parking near the boardwalk fills up fast on summer mornings, but you can easily utilize the local open-air town trolley to bypass the crowds.
Cape Henlopen State Park
The Vibe: Historic, scenic, and packed with outdoor adventure where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic.
Best For: Hikers, cyclists, history buffs, and fishers.
Don’t Miss: Climbing the historic WWII observation tower for panoramic views, exploring the Fort Miles Museum, and checking out the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse.
Cultural Legacy: During World War II, Fort Miles (located on the park grounds) was fortified in part by segregated Black military units, including the historic 261st Coast Artillery Battalion, who served on the front lines of coastal defense.
Quick Tip: The park features fantastic bike trails, a great fishing pier, and dedicated surfing areas, but out-of-state vehicles will need to pay a daily park entrance fee.
Dewey Beach
The Vibe: High-energy, youthful, and legendary for its music scene and nightlife.
Best For: Live music fans, party-goers, watersport enthusiasts, and pet owners.
Don’t Miss: Catching a beachside concert, bar-hopping along the main strip, and trying out paddleboarding or skimboarding.
Quick Tip: Dewey is famously one of the most pet-friendly beaches on the East Coast, with highly relaxed dog rules during the summer months compared to its neighbors.
Fenwick Island
The Vibe: A quiet, unhurried, and deeply relaxing beach town perfect for escaping the crowds.
Best For: Families with young children and travelers looking for a peaceful retreat.
Don’t Miss: Visiting the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, splashing around at Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, and relaxing on the untouched dunes of Fenwick Island State Park.
Quick Tip: Situated right on the Maryland/Delaware border, it offers the perfect quiet sanctuary just minutes away from the high-energy action of Ocean City.
MARYLAND
Assateague Island National Seashore
The Vibe: Untamed, unique, and entirely natural.
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, campers, and outdoor adventurers.
Don’t Miss: Seeing the famous wild horses that roam freely right on the sandy beaches and salt marshes.
Quick Tip: Keep your distance from the horses—they are beautiful but entirely wild, and park rangers will fine visitors who get too close.
Ocean City
The Vibe: High-energy, classic American boardwalk action anchored by a rich, resilient past.
Best For: Groups of friends, families, and nightlife seekers.
Don’t Miss: Cruising the famous 3-mile wooden boardwalk for carnival rides, arcades, and iconic local boardwalk fries.
Cultural Legacy: Just blocks from the sand stands the historic Henry Hotel (“Henry’s Colored Hotel”), built in 1895 to serve Black tourists when boardwalk hotels were strictly segregated. It served as a safe haven for legendary entertainers like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie when they performed at the nearby Pier Ballroom.
Quick Tip: The beach is 100% free, but parking near the southern inlet lot fills up very early in the day.
VIRGINIA
Buckroe Beach/Historic Bay Shore Beach (Hampton)
The Vibe: A wide, beautiful stretch of the Chesapeake Bay blending endless family fun with monumental Civil Rights heritage.
Best For: Families, history lovers, swimmers, and live music fans.
Don’t Miss: Walking the expansive sandy shore, catching a summer concert at the pavilion (“Groovin’ by the Bay”), or checking out the historic Green Book Marker—the first of its kind in Virginia—commemorating its legendary history.
Cultural Legacy: Originally separated by a literal fence that extended straight out into the water during segregation, the adjacent Bay Shore Beach area was known as the “Vacation Paradise of the South.” It served as a critical cultural haven for Black travelers and a premier stop on the musical Chitlin’ Circuit, hosting icons like Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Ella Fitzgerald before desegregation integrated the shores in 1964.
Quick Tip: The beach features fantastic amenities including seasonal lifeguards, large playgrounds, outdoor showers, and rentals for both bicycles and beach wheelchairs. Parking is entirely free, but the beachfront lot fills up quickly on sunny weekend mornings.
Chincoteague Island
The Vibe: A charming, historic, and laid-back maritime village that serves as the gateway to untouched nature.
Best For: Wildlife lovers, outdoor adventurers, and cyclists.
Don’t Miss: Catching a scenic boat tour to view the famous wild ponies, climbing the historic brick Assateague Lighthouse, and renting a bicycle to cruise the winding island trails.
Quick Tip: While famous for the historic annual Pony Swim every July, it is a fantastic, quiet escape all summer long and serves as the perfect base camp directly adjacent to Assateague Island.
Tyler’s Beach (Smithfield)
The Vibe: A tranquil riverfront escape and a historic centerpiece of a proud, multi-generational African American community.
Best For: Peaceful walks, paddling, fishing, and exploring hidden Black maritime history.
Don’t Miss: Launching a kayak to explore the quiet, winding waters of Jones Creek or enjoying a sunset picnic along the sandy James River shoreline.
Cultural Legacy: Originally owned by Nettie Tyler in the 1920s, this waterfront haven and its harbor have served as a foundational sanctuary for local African American families and watermen for generations.
Quick Tip: Managed by Isle of Wight County since 1967, it features a great public boat ramp and shaded picnic areas. It is an ideal, uncrowded alternative to the bustling oceanfront strips.
Virginia Beach
The Vibe: A bustling coastal city meets a massive oceanfront resort.
Best For: Active travelers, bikers, and military history buffs.
Don’t Miss: Taking a photo with the giant, 34-foot King Neptune statue along the 3-mile paved boardwalk.
Cultural Legacy: During the mid-20th century, affluent Black professionals gathered nearby at the historic “Seaview Beach and Amusement Park” along the Chesapeake Bay. Built by Black businessmen to bypass segregation, it hosted legendary performers like Fats Domino before desegregation opened all public shores.
Quick Tip: If the main resort strip is too crowded, head to First Landing State Park for quieter, nature-filled beaches.
SOUTHEAST
NORTH CAROLINA
Freeman Beach/Seabreeze (Wilmington Beach)
The Vibe: A historic, sacred sanctuary of Black joy, cultural resilience, and coastal heritage.
Best For: Heritage travelers, history buffs, and peaceful beachgoers.
Don’t Miss: Honoring the legacy of Alexander and Charity Freeman, free African Americans who bought this land in 1855, which their descendants built into a bustling 1920s–1950s resort complete with hotels, restaurants, and legendary jazz juke joints.
Quick Tip: While Hurricane Hazel destroyed many of the original structures in 1954, the northern section is proudly preserved today as Freeman Park (famous for 4WD beach driving and coastal camping). A state highway historical marker was recently dedicated here to ensure this pioneering story is never forgotten.
Hammocks Beach State Park (Bear Island)
The Vibe: A completely untouched, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful 4-mile barrier island paradise.
Best For: Nature enthusiasts, kayakers, campers, and beachcombers.
Don’t Miss: Taking the passenger ferry or renting a kayak to get out to Bear Island, which features massive sand dunes, nesting sea turtles, and primitive beach camping.
Quick Tip: In 1950, this stunning island was deeded to the North Carolina Teachers Association—a group of Black educators—creating a private beach sanctuary for African Americans who were barred from other shores during Jim Crow. It officially opened as a dedicated state park for Black visitors in 1961 before integrating in 1964.
Ocean City Beach (Topsail Island)
The Vibe: A quiet, historic, and tight-knit residential beach community with deep historic roots.
Best For: Families, history lovers, and travelers seeking a peaceful, uncrowded shoreline.
Don’t Miss: Visiting the Wade H. Chestnut Memorial Chapel or viewing the historic Operation Bumblebee Tower 6, an old Navy missile observation tower that was converted into a popular local restaurant in the 1950s.
Quick Tip: Established in 1949, this was the very first residential beach community with Black homeownership in North Carolina. In 1958, it opened a 700-foot lighted fishing pier, making it the only ocean pier on the South Atlantic coast welcome to Black patrons during segregation. Today, it is a proud stop on the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Atlantic Beach
The Vibe: A culturally vibrant haven proudly known as “The Black Pearl” of the Grand Strand.
Best For: Heritage travelers, festival-goers, and supporting historic Black-owned businesses.
Don’t Miss: Immersing yourself in the rich Gullah Geechee culture during the annual Gullah Geechee Festival or the famous regional BikeFest.
Quick Tip: Established in the 1930s by Gullah Geechee families during segregation, this independent enclave offers an authentic, community-driven contrast to neighboring Myrtle Beach.
Hilton Head Island
The Vibe: Eco-friendly, upscale, and deeply relaxing beach destination layered with foundational heritage.
Best For: Golfers, tennis players, and family bike rides.
Don’t Miss: Renting a beach cruiser bicycle to ride along the hard-packed sand and exploring the island’s coastal paths.
Cultural Legacy: The island is home to historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, established in 1862 as the very first self-governing village for formerly enslaved people in the United States, keeping the island’s Gullah Geechee heritage alive.
Quick Tip: The island has strict “dark sky” ordinances to protect sea turtles, so the beaches will be completely dark after sunset.
Myrtle Beach
The Vibe: The ultimate high-energy mega-resort playground balanced with landmark musical history.
Best For: Families, golfers, and entertainment seekers.
Don’t Miss: Riding the SkyWheel for a panoramic view of the massive 60-mile “Grand Strand” coastline.
Cultural Legacy: Myrtle Beach is home to Charlie’s Place, a legendary mid-century oceanfront nightclub on the Chitlin’ Circuit where Black and white musicians played together, serving as an early beacon of musical collaboration and racial integration.
Quick Tip: Look into “Broadway at the Beach” for your evening plans—it’s a massive entertainment complex just a few minutes inland.
GEORGIA
St. Andrews Beach (Jekyll Island)
The Vibe: A deeply historic, tranquil beach park surrounded by maritime forests and rich coastal legacy.
Best For: History buffs, nature walk enthusiasts, and birdwatchers.
Don’t Miss: Walking the Wanderer Memory Trail, a UNESCO “Site of Memory” that honors the survivors of The Wanderer, one of the last known illegal slave ships to arrive in America, which came ashore right on this beach in 1858.
Quick Tip: In 1950, St. Andrews became the very first public beach in Georgia open to African Americans. It quickly grew into a bustling Black-owned resort hub known as the Dolphin Club, hosting iconic “Chitlin’ Circuit” musical legends like B.B. King and Otis Redding.
Tybee Island (Savannah Beach)
The Vibe: A lively, colorful, and highly popular classic Southern beach town just minutes from historic Savannah.
Best For: Energetic beachgoers, families, dolphin-watching tours, and history lovers.
Don’t Miss: Visiting the Savannah Beach Wade-In Historical Markers near the pier, which honor the brave NAACP youth activists who staged historic ocean protests from 1960 to 1963 to successfully desegregate Georgia’s public shores.
Quick Tip: Long before it became a focal point of the Civil Rights movement, Tybee Island served as an 18th-century quarantine station for enslaved West Africans arriving via the Middle Passage. Today, it proudly celebrates this enduring heritage with annual Juneteenth “Wade-In” cultural ceremonies right on the sand.
FLORIDA
American Beach (Amelia Island)
The Vibe: An untouched, historic sanctuary filled with massive dunes and profound Civil Rights history.
Best For: Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a peaceful escape near Jacksonville.
Don’t Miss: Visiting the historic “Evans Rendezvous” site where legendary figures like Zora Neale Hurston, Ray Charles, and Hank Aaron once gathered.
Quick Tip: Founded in 1935 as a premier Black-owned resort, part of this stunning coast is now proudly conserved by the National Park Service. Beach-driving permits are also available!
Clearwater Beach
The Vibe: Tropical paradise with exceptionally calm, turquoise water and a legacy of civil rights courage.
Best For: Swimmers, families with small children, and sunset lovers.
Don’t Miss: The nightly sunset festival at Pier 60, which features local crafters, street performers, and live music.
Cultural Legacy: During the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, local activists staged bold “wade-in” protests along the shores of Clearwater Beach and surrounding Pinellas County waterfronts to challenge segregation and open the Gulf Coast to all visitors.
Quick Tip: Traffic over the main bridge can get backed up; consider taking the Clearwater Ferry from the mainland to skip the gridlock.
Destin
The Vibe: Upscale, vibrant, and famously beautiful.
Best For: Boaters, fishers, and luxury beachgoers.
Don’t Miss: Renting a pontoon boat to hang out at Crab Island, a massive underwater sandbar gathering spot.
Quick Tip: The sand is pure Appalachian quartz and doesn’t absorb heat, meaning you can comfortably walk barefoot even in midday July heat.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (Miami)
The Vibe: A lush, tropical island sanctuary steeped in foundational Civil Rights history just minutes from downtown Miami.
Best For: Families, nature lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking a quiet retreat.
Don’t Miss: Riding the antique carousel and mini-train, hiking the nature trails through the coastal hammock forests, or exploring the historic mid-century bathhouse structure.
Cultural Legacy: Following a brave 1945 “wade-in” protest at a strictly segregated white-only beach led by civil rights activist Lawson E. Thomas, Virginia Key was officially opened on August 1, 1945, as the very first and only beach for African Americans in Miami-Dade County. It grew into a legendary oasis where Black residents could safely enjoy the ocean, swim, and build a vibrant community hub during segregation.
Quick Tip: This one-mile shoreline features extensive natural shade from sea grape trees, expansive picnic shelters, and convenient boat launches. A vehicle parking fee applies at the gate, offering a wonderful, history-filled, and uncrowded alternative to the chaotic South Beach strip.
Siesta Key
The Vibe: Trendy, laid-back, and consistently ranked among the top beaches in the US.
Best For: Sunbathers, beach volleyball players, and wellness seekers.
Don’t Miss: The Siesta Key Drum Circle, a massive local tradition that takes place every Sunday evening on the sand at sunset.
Quick Tip: The sand is 99% pure quartz and feels like powdered sugar, but public parking after 10:00 AM can be highly competitive.
OTHER NOTABLE BEACHES
Bruce’s Beach (Manhattan Beach), CA
The Vibe: A peaceful, hillside ocean-view park with a monumental history of justice, resilience, and restitution.
Best For: History buffs, picnickers, and travelers looking for beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t Miss: Viewing the updated, historically accurate commemorative bronze plaque that honors the legacy of Willa and Charles Bruce.
Cultural Legacy: Purchased in 1912 by the Bruces, this land became the first thriving West Coast oceanfront resort for African Americans during segregation. Despite facing intense racial harassment and Ku Klux Klan threats, it stood proudly until it was wrongfully seized by the city via racially motivated eminent domain in 1924. Its formal return to the family heirs in 2022 stands as a landmark moment in American civil rights history.
Quick Tip: The park sits on a steep slope just blocks from the actual sand and features a local lifeguard station. Street parking in Manhattan Beach is highly competitive, so look for public metered lots along Highland Avenue.
63rd Street Beach (Chicago), IL
The Vibe: A vibrant, historic lakefront pavilion and a legendary cultural anchor for Chicago’s South Side.
Best For: Families, cyclists, foodies, and history enthusiasts.
Don’t Miss: Exploring the majestic Classical Revival beach house (established in 1871 and redesigned in 1919), playing in the interactive water fountains, or grabbing authentic Jamaican food at Belly Up right in the pavilion.
Cultural Legacy: Situated in historic Jackson Park, this beach served as a monumental mid-century haven for Black Chicagoans. It stood as a vital space for community organizing, live music, and unrestricted recreation during eras of intense urban segregation, cementing it as a foundational landmark of Black joy and resilience in the Midwest.
Quick Tip: The beach connects directly to Chicago’s famous 18-mile Lakefront Trail, making it incredibly accessible by bicycle. If you are driving, the parking lots along South Lake Shore Drive fill up very early on summer weekends.