Spring has almost sprung in the 14 states on America's East Coast, known as the Atlantic Seaboard. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Virginia boast tranquil shorelines and charming coastal communities perfect for visiting at this time of year. But which should be top of your wish list and why?
Read on as we rank the 28 best East Coast seaside towns to visit this spring...
As the first colonial capital of North Carolina, there is a definite air of history as you walk around the alluring coastal town of Edenton. The shores of Edenton Bay are dotted with hundreds of 18th-century homes and historical landmarks, including churches and the oldest operating colonial courthouse in North America: the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse. These waterfront beauties together with Southern hospitality and mild temperatures make a springtime trip unforgettable.
Be sure to take a trolley tour through the town's 300-year history, where sights include the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse (pictured).
Ocean City's long stretches of sandy beach, iconic boardwalk and amusement park rides have been attracting families since 1875. Being a typical seaside town, it gets pretty overcrowded in summer, making spring an ideal time to visit. The boardwalk itself showcases incredible ocean views but you'll be distracted by its funfair rides, shops and century-old food stalls, including Dolles Candyland which has been dishing out saltwater taffy, caramel popcorn and homemade fudge since 1910.
Visit in May for its annual Springfest, a four-day celebration of fun featuring live music, tasty treats and stalls filled with fine arts and crafts to take home as souvenirs.
Surrounded on three sides by the Onancock Creek, this little town on Virginia's Eastern Shore is a big hit with boaters. And even if you don't have a vessel to dock, a stroll around the harbour in springtime is reason enough to visit.
Explore the creek by kayak or paddleboard, or head into the centre of town to learn about Onancock's long history at several sites including Hopkins and Bro Store, a landmark building on the waterfront; and Ker Place, a Federal period mansion restored to its original appearance in 1806.
Famous for fishing, surfing, hiking, horseback riding trails, six state parks, beach access and water sports aplenty, Montauk, at the east end of the Long Island peninsula, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the state's famous cities. People flock here all year round, but spring offers the chance to get back out on the water, as temperatures rise and crowds disperse.
Nature trails will lead you to Montauk Lighthouse (pictured) and the most eastern point in New York state, in Montauk Point State Park, while a trek up the bluffs to Shadmoor State Park will reward you with stunning views over the Atlantic.
Just 12 miles (19km) from the historic city of Charleston, Isle of Palms features a gorgeous beach, marina, top sports facilities on and off the water, and lots of bars and cafés offering classic seaside fare such as ice cream and seafood – be sure to check out Long Island Café, a local stalwart that's been dishing out shrimp and grits, crab soup and East Coast oysters for nearly 40 years.
Hotels and villa rentals are plentiful here, and if you come in spring, you'll get certain stretches of the seven-mile (11km) beach to yourself.
Exploring Solomons Island, located on the southern tip of Calvert County at the mouth of the Patuxent River, is easy if you love the great outdoors. Situated around a natural harbour, the scenic walks and shoreline strolls on offer here will not disappoint. Cruising on the river and bike rides are also popular – you'll be spoiled for choice on which route to take.
Absorb the town's maritime past at the Calvert Marine Museum and Drum Point Lighthouse; prepare to be wowed at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center, where springtime brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'bloomin' marvellous'; and if art and ceramics are your bag, head to Carmen's Gallery.
Beaches are the selling point of this picturesque coastal island-town, just off Cape Cod. And while beaches are synonymous with summer, a visit here in spring brings a whole new adventure. For a start, you'll have more of the sands to yourself, boutique-style shops are quieter, the unique island climate is fresher, and the parks, trails and scenic spots are easier to navigate with less people.
Drop by the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where a self-guided tour helps you learn about the demanding and dangerous trade of 18th-century whaling. A stroll along Sconset Bluff Walk provides incredible ocean views and even lets you into the back yards of residents' beautiful houses.
Originally called Sakonnet by the Indigenous Sakonnet people who inhabited the area in the 17th century, this coastal town in Newport County is packed with history and charm at every turn. A handful of 17th-century buildings still remain, including the museum complex Wilbor House.
But come spring, take advantage of being outside again with a walk along one of the state's most scenic spots, Goosewing Beach Preserve. The town's pretty Sakonnet Point Marina (pictured) makes for an ideal wander in the springtime sun.
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Once a winter retreat stomping ground for America's wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, nowadays anyone and everyone can enjoy Jekyll Island's rugged beauty. Marshes teeming with life, maritime forest featuring grand oaks draped in moss and 10 miles (16km) of white sands offer visitors a unique mix of experiences.
Perhaps the most famous site is Driftwood Beach (pictured), littered with weathered trees that make a perfect backdrop for a photo or two. The pleasant climate makes spring the ideal time to enjoy this barrier island.
Named after the city in southwest England, Rhode Island's version is also known for its maritime history. Among its boat building sites and beautiful beaches, Bristol also showcases manicured gardens in full bloom come spring, hiking trails, ancient stone walls and more at the sprawling 464-acre Colt State Park, a stark contrast to the compact seaport town.
The historic Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (pictured) has stood watch over Narragansett Bay since 1855. It retired in 1927 when construction started on Mount Hope Bridge nearby, and is now available to rent on Airbnb.
Known for its quaint Victorian houses dotted on the beach, the small resort town of Ocean Grove enjoys a slow pace of life. The Great Auditorium, built in 90 days by shipbuilders back in 1894, is still going today. Although it attracts regular worshippers, it's also open to the public with plenty of reviews stating the organ music and acoustics are spectacular.
A stroll down Main Avenue might be bad news for your bank balance with local art, jewellery and ceramics all vying for your attention, particularly at Main Avenue Galleria. The beautiful beach here reopens for the season on Memorial Day Weekend.
Despite its nickname, 'the nation's summer capital', if you come to this charming coastal town in spring, you won't be disappointed. It has a lot to offer including Funland, a cute family-owned amusement park with a variety of rides, family-style games and a bustling arcade situated just off the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. While there are many glorious stretches of sand in the area, secluded Deauville Beach is probably the best for its clean, golden dunes.
Nature enthusiasts should head to Gordons Pond for scenic walking and biking trails among the marsh areas, pine forests and freshwater lakes, with birdwatching opportunities aplenty. The 900-acre saltwater lagoon boasts some of the area's most stunning views.
One of the oldest towns in the state, whose history dates right back to 1635 when it was an independent colony, Old Saybrook is as pretty as it is historic. It's located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound, and its coastal charm is evident in the beaches, forests and eclectic neighbourhood. Both the main beach and Harvey's Beach reopen on Memorial Day weekend, offering fishing, boating and swimming.
However, you can soak up the springtime climes with a wander along the many paths and trails, including a stroll to Fort Saybrook Monument Park, which commemorates the first military fort in Connecticut. Don't leave without sampling fresh oysters from Liv's Oyster Bar on Main Street.
This former shipbuilding and whaling town is now one of the most popular destinations on Long Island's North Fork. Although the whaling ships have long gone, the nautical charm of Greenport is still evident in its vast display of boats bobbing in the harbour, themed shops and seafood-heavy restaurants. Spring marks the start of alfresco dining as temperatures start to rise.
Claudio's, a venue that houses four restaurants in premier position on the waterfront, specialises in generous portions of caught-that-day seafood. The Tavern and Grill's lobster crispy rice is an obvious choice among loyal customers.
It may be a small town but Stonington is loaded with nautical history. The pace here is slower than most coastal communities, and a stroll down the aptly named Water Street, which offers a quaint selection of boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants, leads you to a breathtaking sunset perfectly aligned with the route.
Harbour cruises start again in spring, while garden tours, parades and farmers' markets happen all year round. DuBois Beach on the southern tip of Water Street has a gentle surf, jetties for crabbing and an anchored dock. Walks here (from Memorial Day weekend onwards) are as tranquil as it gets.
Having the longest coastline (17 miles/27km) in New Hampshire is reason enough to visit Rye all year round, but come in spring to enjoy the historic town at a slower pace. There are several public beaches here but the favourite among locals is Wallis Sands State Beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing when the weather starts to warm up.
The Seacoast Science Center, within Odiorne State Park, connects visitors to the wonders of the water through live exhibits, touch tanks and outdoor experiences, while the 330-acre state park itself offers water sports, hiking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas. Away from the ocean, there's plenty of nature to see in the marshes and wetlands that make up half of Rye's footprint.
The golden sands and warm waters of Carolina Beach only add to the allure of what this coastal town offers its visitors. Its vintage boardwalk is packed with carnival rides including a carousel and Ferris wheel, amusements, arcades, ice cream shops and restaurants. The town is a great surfing destination, and each spring (mid-May), the Carolina Beach Longboard Club hosts a surf contest for all abilities.
As the temperatures rise, sunset cruises and self-guided kayak tours are popular activities on the water.
A quiet yet quaint beach town on the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles combines history with seaside charm. You can access the beach at the end of every block, and it's the only public stretch of sand on the Eastern Shore that doesn't require an entrance fee. Further inland, you can learn about the former agricultural community's past and how it transformed into a bustling railroad town in the historic district and Cape Charles Museum (open April-November).
But when spring has sprung, venture outdoors and take part in water sports, indulge in fresh oysters down by the sea and take a stroll in the wildlife refuge, where you'll spot songbirds, raptors and Monarch butterflies, before they begin their migration at the end of summer.
What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Rockport is considered the most picturesque coastal town in Maine and its stunning harbour, usually filled with bobbing yachts and schooners, is one of many reasons why visitors return again and again. Rockport thrives off its reputation as an artists' community, with plenty of galleries to welcome like-minded people. Outside, the pristine beaches and waterfront walks entice visitors, with a stop at Marine Park (pictured) high on most people's agendas.
Spring is the perfect time to picnic here, without the crowds, where schooner trips, sunset cruises and, quite often, free jazz concerts are the order of the day. Look out for local resident Andre the (marble) seal, who will pose for a selfie with you.
It may be a playground for the rich and famous but this south Florida town welcomes visitors with palm tree-lined roads and scenery that looks too good to be true. Exquisite mansions and historic landmarks sit side by side, with Gilded Age architecture vying for your attention. In spring especially, the beaches here are spectacular, with the usual hordes of tourists flocking in summer and winter instead.
Be sure to experience the grandeur of the Flagler Museum, and no visit to Palm Beach is complete without a stroll down Worth Avenue, an upmarket shopping district featuring luxury boutiques and alfresco dining.
Founded in 1623, this vibrant seaside town sits pretty along the Piscataqua River. And we're not just talking about the colourful houses. In spring, Portsmouth's public gardens, bike trails and parks come alive. The glorious display of tulips at Prescott Park, overlooking the harbour, will feature heavily on your camera roll, while the scent of lilac, the state flower, will fill the air as they continue to bloom until the end of May.
Pop inside the Strawbery Banke Museum (open from April) to learn about the port town's evolution over the last four centuries and take a harbour trail tour to delve deeper into the maritime past.
This bustling seaside resort sits at the very tip of its namesake peninsula in southern New Jersey. You'll spot Victorian architecture at every turn as colourful ornate homes, restaurants and shops line Washington Street, the area's main thoroughfare. The shopping mall is one draw to the area (and will be less busy in spring) but visitors come for the idyllic beaches and boardwalks.
Summer can be overcrowded, so make the most of the earlier season and relax on the sands, or get your culture on at Cape May's many historic sites, including the 19th-century lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park. Climb the 199 steps to the top and you'll be rewarded with epic views across Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Not many beach towns can boast about having a state park right next door. But Fenwick Island on the east coast of Delaware has its namesake offering plenty of its own attractions to visitors such as sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding off the shores of Little Assawoman Bay. However, the resort town has a typical easy-going vibe where kids and adults alike are catered for.
The Shipwreck Museum and Seaside Country Store (the homemade fudge makes a great gift) are must-visits, while youngsters can go wild on go-karts, crazy golf and the water slides of Thunder Lagoon Waterpark. If relaxing is more your thing, the three-mile (4.8km) sandy stretch is a huge draw and will be much quieter in spring.
Rural seaside charm abounds in this little town, which mostly sits in the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. Known for its famous oysters, Wellfleet has miles of ocean and bay-side beaches, spring-fed ponds, a beautiful harbour with an ever-changing vista of sailboats, yachts and trawlers bobbing off shore, plus shops, restaurants and galleries ready to welcome locals and tourists alike.
The population of the two-mile (3.2km) fishing town quadruples in summer, making the allure of a springtime break even more tempting.
One of the biggest barrier islands in Georgia, St Simons Island is renowned for its water sports from fishing to kayaking. The town is also a hub for creativity where art galleries, antiques shops and live music appeal to visitors, especially come spring when the weather starts to warm up.
St Simons' storied past is unveiled in historical landmarks such as the World War II Home Front Museum, the site of a coast guard station during the Second World War; and Fort Frederica National Monument, an archaeological site dating back to 1736. A trolley tour will delve further into the island's 400-year history. The beaches here are stunning, while 20 miles (32km) of cycle paths make getting around a breeze.
Natural beauty is everywhere you turn in Hilton Head Island, situated on a boot-shaped barrier island of the same name on the eastern coast of South Carolina. There are 12 miles (19km) of pristine white-sand beaches, picturesque tidal creeks, wildlife in abundance and a mild climate all year round, resulting in a mix of classic small-town charm and coastal elegance.
Families are drawn here thanks to the many child-friendly activities on offer, such as whale watching, an interactive children's museum, parks and playgrounds. Its foodie scene is also a worthy pull; the town boasts more than 250 restaurants dishing up fine dining, home-cooked favourites and plenty of the state's famous shrimp.
Just an hour away from Boston, this beautiful seaside location is particularly pretty in spring thanks to its fragrant aromas and vibrant blooms that dot the coastal paths and hiking trails across the area. Want some quiet beach time before the crowds turn up? Head to Ogunquit's namesake sands – 3.5 miles (6km) long and dubbed the 'loveliest beach in New England' by visitors.
Boutique shops, art galleries and top-notch cafés and restaurants make up Ogunquit's walkable downtown, while Perkins Cove (pictured), a small fishing village in the south, offers picture-postcard views at every turn.
Although technically a city, Clearwater in Florida's Tampa Bay area has a small-town feel and tops our ranking for the best on the East Coast. Its stunning white-sand beach is repeatedly voted the best in the US, and once you set foot on it, you'll see why. Flanked by beautiful hotels and apartments, incredible restaurants and beachfront bars serving up grouper tacos washed down with white sangria, there is a definite vacation vibe even in spring, when it's quieter.
Clearwater's famous Pier 60 is a real highlight. Wander down to bag souvenirs, drinks and snacks before witnessing one of the best sunsets you'll ever see.