12 Beaches That Will Make You Feel at Peace

What comes to mind when you picture a peaceful beach? The quiet lull of the waves, the gentle breeze of the palm trees, and maybe a small cocktail in hand? When the mood strikes, a crowded, festive beach with music beaming through the air can make for a memorable experience. 

But, for the most part, the soul-healing that we’re all searching for can only be found in quieter settings with fewer crowds and low-impact tourism. Together, let’s stroll down a few sandy shorelines that can offer you this type of peace. 

Ormond Beach | Florida, USA

We all know about the heavy hitters in Florida, from the Keys to Miami, to St. Petersburg and St. Augustine. Daytona Beach is another one. Yet, just about ten minutes north of Daytona, you’d be surprised about the tranquility that exists on Ormond Beach. You can drive your car right onto the beach – assuming you have a four-wheel drive – and settle in for a peaceful day beside the waves. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay a night, Home2 Suites by Hilton is a lovely option, and every room is ocean-facing. 

Tybee Island | Georgia, USA

Have you ever visited Savannah? Now, there’s a city that personifies a Southern Belle. When you need a reprieve from all the downtown hubbub, hop in your car and drive about 30 minutes to Tybee Island. Granted, it can be jam-packed in the summer, but there’s a secret: head all the way to the south end of the island and look for the Chatham Avenue Beach Access parking lot. There will still be crowds if you’re there on the weekend during the summer, but you’ll find it’s a lot quieter, and the waves are a lot gentler. 

Ocracoke | North Carolina, USA

There’s the peace of the Outer Banks, with its wild horses and beautiful shoreline homes. Then, there’s the peace that inhabits Ocracoke, a small village on Ocracoke Island, a less-trafficked area. When you make it to this doorstep to paradise, you’ll find miles of pristine, undeveloped, and uncrowded beaches. Truth be told, you’ll feel like you’re on your very own private island. This is the perfect place to bring a kayak, a book, and a few snacks as you let the rest of the world melt away. 

Woods Hole | Massachusetts, USA

Sure, you’ve heard of Cape Cod – a lovely, peaceful stretch of land all on its own. While most people love to nestle in for the summer, truthfully, it’s soul-healing any time of year. There’s one area of the Cape that sees slightly less traffic than the rest, and that’s Woods Hole. Be sure to stay a night at Woods Hole Inn for first-class treatment, wonderful harbor views, and easy access to some of the finest eateries on the Cape. 

To no surprise, Woods Hole is also a chart-topper on our list of 30 charming places to visit on the East Coast.