Looking for a beach vacation where finding a spot on the sand won’t be a land rush? Look no further! These are our favorite beach towns in America that are big on charm but not so big on crowds. So pack up the swimsuits , sunscreen , and sunglasses, and head for one of these 20 beaches that are packed with family-friendly fun without being so, well, packed!
East Coast Beach Towns
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Assateague Island, MD
Located on a 37-mile stretch of preserved sandy wilderness, this barrier island off the Maryland and Virginia coastline is a little piece of equine heaven. Legend has it, the wild horses that populate the shores and marshes here arrived via shipwreck hundreds of years ago. Today, the island is home to nearly 200 horses (about 75 on the Maryland side and 100 on the Virginia side). Visitors can spot them while enjoying one of the island’s other activities, including kayaking, bird-watching, dolphin-watching, fishing, hunting, crab & clam-catching, and camping (you can pitch a tent right on the sand where the horses roam!). Or, take a dedicated Saltwater Boat Tour to ensure you spot a pony or two on your visit.
If you want more of a beach town vibe, head to Chincoteague , a small and bustling town located on the Virginia side of the island, where you’ll find quaint ice cream shops, mini golf courses, uncrowded beaches, and bustling shops.
Find out more: nps.gov/asis
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Lubec, ME
The easternmost town in the continental United States, Lubec Maine has been called the “ best alternative to Cape Cod ” for travelers looking for a quaint (yet remote) beach town. And while getting there may be a trek (it’s just across the border from Canada and about 2 1/2 hours from the Bangor, ME airport), the stark beauty and cozy New England charm of this nearly 240-year-old fishing village will make it all worth it. Take in sweeping coastal views at the iconic Quoddy Head Lighthouse (the actual easternmost point in the country). Then, head for the trails at Quoddy Head State Park, which offers amazing cliffside views of the shoreline. If it’s sandy beaches you want, the 48-acre Mowry Beach Preserve offers fine sand beaches, swimmable water, and clamming at low tide.
Find out more: Visitlubecmaine.com
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Gloucester, MA
Gloucester is one of the sleepy beach towns on Cape Ann. We suggest heading straight for Wingaersheek Beach, a kid-friendly spot known for low waves. There are lobstering tours, sailing tours, and kayak rentals. The St. Peter’s Fiesta is a five-day festival celebrating the patron saint of fishing—a perfect event for America’s oldest fishing port. If there’s time, be sure to check out the three(!) lighthouses, and the country’s oldest art colony .
Good to know: Starting in June, visitors can park at Stage Fort Park and take the free shuttle to the beaches on the weekends.
Find out more: Gloucester-ma.gov
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