What do you associate the East Coast of the United States with? Did you know that there are some serene stretches of shoreline where you can ‘chillax’? That’s why we’ve put together this list of the quietest east coast beaches.
The hidden gems in this guide offer tranquility and natural beauty without the noise and commotion of more commercial beaches.
Here are seven of the quietest beaches along the Atlantic seaboard, perfect for travelers seeking solitude by the sea.
Skip to:
- Cumberland Island, Georgia
- Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
- Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
- Bound Brook Island, Massachusetts
- Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
- Nobles Island, Maine
- Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
1. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore is perhaps the epitome of East Coast solitude. As Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, it remains largely undeveloped, with access limited to ferry service that brings a maximum of 300 visitors per day.
What makes it quiet: The National Park Service strictly controls visitor numbers, and there are no paved roads, stores, or restaurants on the island. The limited transportation options naturally restrict crowds.
Attractions
- Wild horses roaming freely across maritime forests and pristine beaches
- Ruins of Dungeness, a mansion once owned by the Carnegie family
- 17 miles of uninterrupted sandy shoreline
- Extensive hiking trails through diverse ecosystems
Things to do
- Photography of wildlife and historic structures
- Bird watching with over 300 documented species
- Camping under the stars (permits required)
- Kayaking through salt marshes
Cumberland Island’s remoteness requires planning, but the reward is one of the most untouched coastal environments on the East Coast.
2. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
Often called “the Outer Banks of Virginia,” Sandbridge Beach sits just 15 miles south of Virginia Beach’s busy boardwalk but feels worlds away from its commercial neighbor.
What makes it quiet: Limited public parking, a residential atmosphere, and distance from major tourist attractions keep this five-mile stretch peaceful, especially during weekdays.
Attractions
- Little Island Park with fishing pier and picnic areas
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge bordering the southern end
- False Cape State Park accessible through Back Bay
- Pristine dunes and sea oat landscapes
Things to do
- Surf fishing with fewer competitors for prime spots
- Kayaking in Back Bay’s protected waters
- Biking along residential roads with ocean views
- Dolphin watching during morning hours
Sandbridge represents the perfect compromise – accessible enough for convenience but removed enough to remain tranquil, even during peak summer months.
3. Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
Famous for its wild horses, Assateague Island National Seashore spans both Maryland and Virginia, offering different experiences on each side of the state line.
What makes it quiet: The island requires a drive from nearby towns, has limited amenities, and its Virginia portion can only be accessed by boat or by foot through trails.
Attractions
- Wild horses descended from colonial-era domesticated horses
- Extensive salt marshes teeming with birds and marine life
- Over 37 miles of pristine beach
- Dark skies perfect for stargazing
Things to do
- Camping on designated beach campsites (Maryland side)
- Clamming and crabbing in the bay waters
- Horse watching (from a respectful distance)
- Hiking through maritime forests and dune ecosystems
The Maryland side offers more services while still maintaining a quiet atmosphere, but for true solitude, the Virginia portion of Assateague remains one of the most isolated beaches in the Mid-Atlantic region.
4. Bound Brook Island, Massachusetts
Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet offers a tranquil alternative to the Cape’s more populated shores.
What makes it quiet: A lengthy dirt road approach, limited parking, and lack of facilities naturally restrict visitation. Most tourists stick to the more accessible beaches.
Attractions
- Historic Atwood-Higgins House nearby
- Panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay
- Ancient dunes and maritime forest
- Crystal clear, calm bay waters
Things to do
- Shell collecting along the wrack line
- Watching for seals in the bay waters
- Sunset viewing in remarkable solitude
- Exploring tidal pools during low tide
This hidden gem requires extra effort to reach but offers a glimpse of Cape Cod as it might have appeared centuries ago, before tourism transformed the peninsula.
5. Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
Stretching for 24 miles between New Smyrna Beach and Kennedy Space Center, Canaveral National Seashore represents the longest undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida.
What makes it quiet: Limited access points, distance from major tourist destinations, and protected status keep development at bay and visitors moderate even during peak seasons.
Attractions
- Turtle Mound, a prehistoric Native American shell mound
- Eldora State House, a remnant of a historic settlement
- Lagoons and backwaters of Mosquito Lagoon
- Occasional rocket launches visible from the beach
Things to do
- Sea turtle nesting observation (during season with permits)
- Backcountry camping on designated sites
- Kayaking through mangrove tunnels
- Fishing in surf zones rich with pompano and whiting
The northern beaches (Apollo Beach) tend to be more developed with basic facilities, while the southern areas (Playalinda Beach) offer increasing solitude the further you travel.
6. Nobles Island, Maine
Part of Maine’s dramatic Acadia region but far less visited than the park’s primary sections, Nobles Island combines rocky coastline with small sandy coves.
What makes it quiet: Located on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, it lacks the name recognition of Sand Beach in the main park and requires local knowledge to find.
Attractions
- Tide pools rich with marine invertebrates
- Spruce-covered headlands with coastal views
- Harbor seals frequently visible offshore
- Dramatic sunset vistas across the bay
Things to do
- Exploring geological formations sculpted by waves
- Picnicking on isolated stone outcroppings
- Cold-water swimming for the brave
- Nature photography of unique coastal ecosystems
Maine’s cooler waters naturally limit beach crowds, but Nobles Island remains peaceful even during the height of summer when other Acadia destinations reach capacity.
7. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
The southernmost island of the Outer Banks chain, Ocracoke requires commitment to reach—accessible only by ferry, private boat, or small aircraft.
What makes it quiet: The transportation logistics naturally limit day-trippers, and 16 miles of undeveloped shoreline managed by the National Park Service ensure plenty of room for solitude.
Attractions
- Historic Ocracoke Village with maritime character
- Ocracoke Lighthouse, North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse
- British Cemetery honoring WWII sailors
- Pristine shoreline consistently rated among America’s best beaches
Things to do
- Shelling along beaches frequently refreshed by storms
- Fishing from shore or chartered boats
- Exploring the village’s narrow lanes by bicycle
- Learning about the island’s pirate history, including Blackbeard
Even during summer, visitors willing to walk half a mile from parking areas can find stretches of beach with few other people in sight, particularly on weekdays.
