Best East Coast Beaches

But if you're planning an East Coast getaway, the sheer length of the coastline and the abundance of choices makes nailing down a destination downright overwhelming. Here are some East Coast beach destinations ripe with fun and relaxation.

1. JAX Beaches

Jacksonville, Florida offers 22 miles of wide and sandy beaches in three distinctive communities: Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach. The surf and the sand are the same in each community. The main difference is lifestyle. All these locations are laid back, but the northernmost Atlantic Beach sees less traffic and more families, while Neptune and Jacksonville beaches boast vibrant nightlife and surfing communities for the younger crowd. Downtown Jacksonville’s big-city charm awaits just a short drive away. Part of what makes JAX so special is having the best of both worlds—great beaches and a vibrant city—right next to each other.

2. Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a barrier island along the picturesque Georgia coast, only about 20 minutes east of historic Savannah. Tybee Island features numerous miles of beach, several water sports and plenty of local attractions, like forts, lighthouses, museums and more. Your Savannah hotel is a short drive away even if you don't stay on Tybee, or you could leave the driving to someone else by hopping aboard the Tybee Beach Shuttle at the Savannah Visitor Center.

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Some people prefer sleepy beach towns for their seaside vacations. Others crave nightlife and endless action. If it's the latter you're looking for, look no further than Myrtle Beach. This is a place of neon lights, country music shows, amusement parks and arcades galore! Part of the Grand Strand; 60 miles of uninterrupted beach along the South Carolina coast—there really is something for everyone in and around Myrtle Beach.

4. Cape May, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore certainly has its share of classic seaside resort towns, but none is as continually enticing as Cape May. This southernmost point along that famed coastline boasts everything one could ask for on a trip to one of the best beaches on the East Coast: Victorian-era buildings, sea and harbor vistas, year-round events and numerous legendary restaurants serving fresh seafood. Then there's that white sand that squeaks beneath your bare feet as you walk on it. The entire city is a National Historic District.

5. Fire Island, New York

Of all the beaches on Long Island, Fire Island stands out! Here you'll find 32 miles of pristine shoreline, most of it protected as part of the Fire Island National Seashore and Robert Moses State Park. Quaint villages like Ocean Beach offer shopping, dining and nightlife options, but this is a quiet place accessible only by ferry. Fodor's calls Fire Island one of the best family beaches in the east, recognizing its low-key lifestyle and natural beauty.

Ready to hit the sand? Find your hotel in Jacksonville, Savannah, Myrtle Beach, Cape May, Fire Island.