I’m a connoisseur of beaches, much like other people are a connoisseur of wines. Sure, I don’t exactly taste the sand, but I can tell you its texture, color, what the locals are like, and the overall ambiance of the area. I just finished a six-month cross-country road trip through the USA, and I spent at least half that time driving down the entire east coast of the U.S. These are my favorite places on the U.S. east coast.
Acadia National Park
The most northeastern part of the North Atlantic Coast in the U.S. is Acadia National Park. It is called the “Crown Jewell” of the North Atlantic coast because it’s stunning!! High rocky cliffs meet with the vivid blue-gray water of the Atlantic Ocean dramatically. The shoreline changes from sandy to large flat rocks to sharp ridges, depending on where you are. It boasts a profusion of habitats and wildlife that attracts about 3.5 million visits a year to the park. No wonder it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Guests enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads and 158 miles of hiking trails. I never wanted to leave!
Cape Cod National Seashore
The Cape Cod National Seashore is one of those places that felt like home to me. With forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, wetlands, and a variety of little towns, I would have liked to stay longer, but it was just too expensive for my meager budget. By far, my favorite activity there was visiting the 22 majestic lighthouses scattered throughout the area, one of the highest concentrations of lighthouses anywhere in the world! Unfortunately, I couldn’t get them to all. Some of the lighthouses are at the end of jetties, which can be a dangerous endeavor, especially during stormy Fall weather!
Chincoteague Island, Virgina
My first glances at the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island made me squeal in joy like a young child! Wild ponies are everywhere, especially on the Wildlife Refuge. They have a unique beauty. The ponies are short and sturdy and don’t seem to be alarmed by the many visitors that journey to Chincoteague to see them. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is also a wonderfully unspoiled spot for birding, hiking, and biking. The towns are lively with lots of great seafood restaurants, shops, and the usual coastal tourist activities.
The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, shortened to OBX by the locals, are barrier islands of North Carolina. I loved the area so much that I rented a duplex and stayed for five weeks over the holidays. Strangely enough, I was there alone for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years’, but I didn’t struggle with loneliness. I made friends quickly, even during a pandemic. The OBX also felt a lot like my home on the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington State. I enjoyed the expansive dog-friendly beaches, numerous piers, lighthouses, charming little towns (and a couple of big ones), and hiking through the dunes of Jockey Ridge State Park.
The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys’ beauty reminded me a lot of the Caribbean Islands without the need for a passport. The clear turquoise waters with coral reefs and a plethora of marine life provided more than entertainment; it was invigorating! I stayed for ten days in Marathon and took the time to explore every town. Key West is the furthest point south and the largest of all the villages. My favorite place on the Florida Keys was Islamorada, a charming little town with a big personality! If you visit the area, make sure you explore all the State Parks and get out on the water. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see a sea turtle, some manatees, or even whales!
My time on the east coast went by entirely too fast! From Acadia’s cold, bitter winds to the hot sandy beaches of the Florida Keys, I’ll never forget that trip and all its majesty. The people, places, wildlife, and picturesque landscapes are forever etched in a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful that for a short while, I was part of it.