15 Hidden East Coast Beaches Worth Discovering

Are you more of an East Coast or West Coast aficionado? And, when in Florida, are you more of an Atlantic lover or a Gulf seeker? In truth, you can’t go wrong with either of these insatiable shorelines. 

If you find yourself with a desire to stroll along the Atlantic someday, these 15 beaches will not only offer you stunning views, but also a more soulful respite, given their quieter, calmer atmospheres. 

South Beach, Florida

The moment someone says “Key West,” do you hear the Beach Boys ringing in your ears? The Florida Keys are home to some of the state’s, if not the world’s, prettiest beaches. About 50 of the Keys are connected by the Overseas Highway, your highway to happiness. But, with that many options, it can be hard to know where the best-kept secret lies. 

It’s still in the ever-famous Key West. You just want to make your way over to South Beach. As one of the smallest public beaches in this stretch of paradise, it offers the feeling of a private beach. For a romantic getaway, all you have to do is set up camp beneath one of the swaying palm trees, lay back, and watch the clouds roll by. 

Round Island Beach, Florida

Vero Beach is a renowned Atlantic Beach. However, if you head eight miles south, you’ll stumble upon Round Island Beach. While it’s a quieter spot to sunbathe, it’s by no means lacking in life. With walking trails, a playground, showers, restrooms, and picnic pavilions, there are plenty of ways to fill your day. 

You can also rent a kayak and do some gentle sea kayaking, and if you’re curious, hop across State Road A1A to visit the Round Island Riverside Park, complete with a boardwalk and fishing pier overlooking the Indian River. 

Ormond Beach, Florida

Like Round Island Beach, Ormond Beach has a compadre – Daytona Beach. While beach, car, and motorcycle enthusiasts flock to Daytona year after year, just six miles north, you’ll find the quieter shorelines of Ormond Beach. 

The secret here is to book a few nights at Home2 Suites by Hilton. As you may already know, this chain offers delightful little suites with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchenette. 

Every room here is oceanfront. So, from sun up to sun down, you’ll have easy access to the beach, whether you want to dip your toes in the sand, enjoy the hotel’s pool, or perch on your balcony with a good book in hand. 

Amelia Island, Florida

It’s said that when Kenny Chesney is looking for a beach retreat, he heads to Amelia Island. For a man who can vacation anywhere in the world, surely this must mean something. 

With over 13 miles of uncrowded, clean beaches, there are many ways to get out and play when you’re here. If you’ve ever wanted to horseback ride on the beach, this is the place to do it. It’s also easy to rent a kayak and ride the waves until you greet a dolphin or two. 

For a bit of a splurge, the place to stay when you’re here is the Omni Amelia Island Resort. At the tip of the island, you’ll have easy access to white sands, personalized spa treatments, a championship golf course, and, of course, oceanfront views right from your room.