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Discover the Best Beaches Along the USA's Southern Atlantic Coast

04/03/2024

THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST OF THE USA and its Best Beaches

The list of the most beautiful beaches along the USA's Atlantic Coast continues, with additional seaside locations that will surprise those unfamiliar with them, inviting them to discover new natural wonders and outdoor activity opportunities.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Some of these destinations are also highly popular with domestic tourists, so it's always advisable to book in advance, perhaps choosing a good refundable rate in case of cancellation.

THE BEACHES OF THE PACIFIC COAST

1) Carolina Beach (North Carolina) Located in North Carolina, this beach on the USA's east coast boasts golden sand and turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The ample space allows for relaxation and play, while coastal trails invite nature exploration. Sports enthusiasts can engage in beach volleyball, kayak in the calm ocean waters, or fish along the pier. With its natural beauty and sports opportunities, Carolina Beach (as well as the city of the same name) promises an unforgettable experience ideal for families.

2) Tybee Island Beach (Georgia) Tybee Island Beach welcomes visitors with its fine, golden sand that cradles the feet as one walks along the shore. Easily accessible for those visiting Savannah, being just about twenty minutes by car, it's considered one of the best beaches in the United States. The surrounding nature offers a display of biodiversity, with sand dunes and coastal vegetation serving as habitats for many marine species. Sports lovers can enjoy surfing the waves, playing beach volleyball on the soft sand, or kayaking along the coast, exploring hidden caves and coves.

3) Kiawah (South Carolina) Just 24 kilometers south of Charleston lies one of the most exclusive islands on the USA's east coast: Kiawah, with its spectacular beach stretching over 16 kilometers, featuring some of the world's top golf courses. Although the island is frequented by VIPs (having hosted notable figures like Joe Biden and George Clooney), the five-star hotel The Sanctuary allows access even to non-residents, who appreciate its fine white sand and calm waters suitable for swimming and kayaking.

4) Nags Head (North Carolina) Not everyone is familiar with Nags Head, in the picturesque seaside town of North Carolina, which offers 19 kilometers of coastal beauty in the so-called Outer Banks, with 30 access points to one of the best beaches in the United States. Besides the golden sand and calm waters, the beach is dog-friendly. Nags Head is also known for containing Jockey's Ridge State Park within its limits, where one can admire the tallest natural dunes on the entire east coast of the USA.

5) Hilton Head Island (South Carolina) The beaches of Hilton Head Island feature a wide variety of coastal landscapes, including the popular Folly Beach, though some are private. For those driving, it's useful to know that parking is free at Coligny and Mitchelville, while at many other places it's available for a fee. The warm, crystal-clear waters and white sand give these beaches an almost tropical atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing in the sun or taking walks along the shore, these beaches also offer numerous opportunities for water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

6) Jekyll Island (Georgia) On Jekyll Island beach, the fine, golden sand stretches as far as the eye can see, lapped by the warm waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, nature reigns supreme: sea turtles nest in the sandy dunes while hermit crabs venture among the rocks. A paradise for marine life lovers. The crystal-clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling, while the gentle currents are perfect for surfing and paddleboarding along the coast. The long pier built for the film "Glory" offers a spectacular view of the horizon, adding a touch of history and charm to one of the best beaches in the United States.

Cape Hatteras - North Carolina - Tybee Island Beach
SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST - PHOTO GALLERY

7) Cape Hatteras (North Carolina) On Cape Hatteras beach, the golden sand is perfect for wandering amidst the wild and pristine nature, with chances to spot migratory birds and sea turtles. The adventurous can climb the 257 steps to enjoy a spectacular view from the historic lighthouse. Shell collectors will find a paradise here, thanks to the abundance of unique shells scattered along the beach, a testament to the unique topography shaped by wind, waves, and its location on one of North Carolina's barrier islands off the east coast of the USA.

8) Key West (Florida) On the beaches of Key West, Florida, you're immersed in a Caribbean atmosphere thanks to its turquoise waters, white sand, and swaying palms. Here, the tropical nature offers a paradise for sea and sun lovers. Visitors can relax with beach life, swimming, and strolling. In Key West, it's recommended to go snorkeling: you can admire corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even spot the distant blacktip reef shark! The tropical climate makes Key West the ideal place to enjoy life, in a location rich with some of the best beaches in the United States.

9) Amelia Island (Florida) Amelia Island is a lesser-known yet enchanting seaside destination along the USA's east coast, where you can enjoy a unique charm and stunning beaches. Part of a chain of barrier islands, it's only 21 kilometers long but rich in history (having been a maritime trade landmark and a strategic location during the War of Independence). Perfect for relaxing and beach life, Amelia Island is much more, as it offers a diverse and interesting wildlife. In addition to tropical fish like barracuda, parrotfish, and angelfish, you can spot sea turtles and, in the distance, playful dolphins.

10) Palm Beach (Florida) The beaches of Palm Beach County, nestled in the enclave of the ultra-rich, boast some of the best-maintained coastlines on the USA's east coast. It's no surprise, then, that they are a coveted destination, suitable for various types of sports: surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and snorkeling (especially in MacArthur State Park). Palm Beach County offers over 75 kilometers of picturesque coastline to explore, characterized by great natural beauty and biodiversity. At Juno Beach, you can even witness the hatching of turtle eggs!

11) Cocoa Beach (Florida) The beaches of Cocoa Beach, Florida, attract visitors for their proximity to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, as well as for the excellent surfing conditions and popular beaches like Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park. For a break from the sea, you can head to the pier, filled with trendy restaurants and shops. The soft, golden sand invites you to lie in the sun or take relaxing walks along the coast. The crystal-clear sea waters offer the chance to swim and, above all, snorkel while admiring parrotfish, angelfish, butterfly fish, and barracuda. Definitely one of the best beaches in the United States.

12) South Beach (Florida) The beaches of South Beach provide an exceptional setting to enjoy the sun and sea. With soft, white sand and turquoise waters, they invite relaxation and bathing. Long stretches of beach provide space for playing frisbee or beach volleyball, and surfers can take advantage of the waves. Also great for snorkeling. It is one of the best beaches in the United States also for the amenities (rental of loungers and umbrellas), and safety, making the stay comfortable. The cool sea breezes and the warm tropical sun of South Beach create a perfect environment for a relaxing day at the sea.