The east coast of the U.S. is filled with seaside towns worth stopping for. All of the towns mentioned below are filled with beautiful scenery, important history, fun activities,  and yummy food!

Six Seaside Towns Worth Stopping For!

1. Jupiter, Florida

The underwater world of Jupiter photographed by Jeff Biege!

Once home to the Jega Indians, then just a small fishing town, now a popular spot for fisherman, divers, and beachgoers from all over the world. Jupiter is home to crystal clear waters that are perfect to dive, paddle, and fish. Anchorages are hard to come by here but the Jupiter Sandbar offers nice protection with good holding (beware of the crowds on the weekends). There is also an anchorage by Burt Reynolds boat ramp. There are many waterfront restaurants and bars you can dinghy to including U-tiki, Square Grouper, and Guanabanas. Before leaving the area, grab your snorkel gear and check out the amazing underwater world at Cato’s Bridge.

2.St. Augustine, Florida

Carriage rides in downtown St. Augustine.

St. Augustine has been home to a wide range of cultures from Native Americans, Spanish settlers, British soldiers and the occasional pirate, which are all still preserved through the city’s historical sites. The oldest city in the United States is a happening place! The town lines the ICW and is packed filled with museums, shopping, horse-drawn carriage rides, and five-star restaurants. The Municipal Marina has plenty of slips and moorings with a launch service available. There is also an anchorage but you will have to pay a fee to tie up the dinghy.  Enjoy a delicious dinner at Meehan’s Irish Pub and do not leave without visiting the Pirate and Treasure Museum!

3.Manteo, North Carolina

Aerial view of the historic Manteo, NC

Manteo sits on the eastern shore of Roanoke Island. If Roanoke Island sounds familiar it is probably because it was a hot topic in history class. Roanoke Island is known as one of the first English settlements in America and Manteo attracts visitors with its historical seaside vibe.  There is a beautiful marina just seconds from yummy food and shopping.  The town also offers free overnight tie up on a first come first serve basis. If the free dock is filled there is good holding in Shallowbag Bay.

Grab a bite to eat at Poor Richards Sandwich Shop and head over to The Lost Colony to watch a reenactment of import American history.

4.Fire Island, New York

Fire Island Lighthouse

You could be in the mood for nature hikes and beach walks or strong drinks and dancing all night. Fire Island has something for everyone. The island is filled with multiple marinas and a few anchorages where you are guaranteed to meet a few new friends.  Miles of sandy beaches, nightly entertainment, and great food are just a few of Fire Islands perks.

If planning to visit, check out a Rich Mahogany show for great music and do not leave without grabbing a slice from Town Pizza.

5.Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts:

Looking down at Cuttyhunk!

Cuttyhunk is a New England Island with Bahamian charm. This small island is a great place to fish, hike, bird watch, and surf (shhh). Multiple moorings and slips are available (May 15-October 15) in the extremely sheltered harbor. There are less than 60 year-round residents. If you are into a popping nightlife Cuttyhunk is not for you. If an extremely relaxed environment, delicious shellfish, and beautiful scenery is more your style then Cuttyhunk is the place to be!

Make sure you try the fresh oysters and stuffed scallops from Harbor Raw Bar.

6.Menemsha, Massachusetts

Menemsha fishing fleet.

Menemsha is on the northwest corner of Martha’s Vineyard. It is not what you would typically think of when you think Martha’s Vineyard. No mega mansions or high-priced shopping. Instead, you will be able to enjoy the feels (and smells) of a small town fishing village. Remember the movie Jaws? It was almost entirely filmed on Martha’s Vineyard with many scenes in Menemsha.  There are a select few moorings and transient slips available on a first come first serve basis with not much room for anchoring if the weather turns against you so plan accordingly. For the freshest fish and tastiest lobster roll you will ever eat make sure to grab a bite to eat at the Menemsha Fish Market. 

After reading this I hope you added a few new places to your must-visit list 🙂 This article includes just a few seaside towns worth stopping for. For more of our favorite seaside towns click here.

Tell us which seaside towns are your favorite.

Thanks for reading!

Sierra