Top Beach Resorts on the East Coast

A town with a name like Kill Devil Hills doesn't sound like it would have a luxury resort inside it, but low and behold, the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront calls it home. And this, unequivocally, is a luxury resort.

Claiming to be "the ideal Outer Banks hotel for a relaxing getaway", the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront doesn't take those claims lightly. There are 171 rooms available, offering distinct views of the city, dunes, or Atlantic Ocean. While the rooms vary in size and amenities, all feature a microwave, refrigerator, private balcony, in-room movies and complimentary Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, the hotel's beach somehow manages to be both relaxing and exciting at the same time. Besides the refreshing water and soft sand, you'll love the abundance of chairs and umbrellas. All this, not to mention the indoor pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant!

Address

1701 S Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Getting there

The resort is off Highway 158 and 1.9 km from the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Fun facts

Kids 17 and under stay free (with an adult)!

The Islander's 12 miles of sun-drenched coastline make for an impressive sight. But step inside and you'll be utterly blown away!

Whether it's a family vacation or romantic outing, a stay at the Islander is filled with fun and relaxation from start to finish. Bogue Bank's plethora of ocean sights and sounds are as soothing as they are invigorating; spend a day in the surf or simply catching a tan on the beach! The supremely personable staff will do everything they can to make your stay an unforgettable one. From the expansive oceanfront pool to the adjacent park and volleyball courts, if you love the outdoors you'll adore the Islander!

Address

102 Islander Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594

Extra Stops

The hotel is a 6-minute walk from Water Boggan of Emerald Isle water park, 2 miles from the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier and 5 miles from Star Hill Golf Club.

Rich with history and longevity, Island Realty is the household name for thousands of families spending a vacation on the east coast.

Island Realty’s over 300 rentals span across Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes, Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant, and Goat Island. The fully furnished rentals range in size and style but are impeccably maintained. Fully-equipped kitchens and private balconies and decks separate them from your average hotel stay. Beautiful South Carolina beaches along the coast provide the perfect setup for a family picnic, while the Wild Dunes rentals are minutes away from some of the finest golf courses in the southeast. For fishing fanatics, the Isle of Palms area offers numerous fishing charters and excursions including Shark Fishing Trips.

Address

1304 Palm Blvd Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451

Related activities

For a break from the beach, head to the Charleston Fun Park where you’ll be able to ride go-karts, and mini-golf. If you’d rather see some entertainment, go catch a minor league baseball game and see the Charleston Riverdogs⁠—a New York Yankees Class A affiliate!

Related Onsite Offerings

For those looking to bring their furry friend, Island Realty offers over two dozen pet-friendly vacation rentals on the Charleston Islands. Dogs are permitted on the Isle of Palms beaches but must be on a leash.

Welcoming guests since 1935, Naswa Resort is perfect for your next New Hampshire lake vacation.

Over 1,000 feet of private beach will be at your disposal on beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. Take out a complimentary kayak or paddleboat, take a dip in the refreshing lake water, or lay out and take in some rays. In case you want to bring your own boat, Naswa offers complimentary dock space so you’ll be able to take your whole family out on a lake day. Just a few steps away is the NazBar & Grill where you’ll be able to enjoy a refreshing cold drink and have a perfect view of the kids as they play on the beach. It's time for you to discover the ideal Lake Winnipesaukee getaway!

Address

1086 Weirs Blvd. Laconia, New Hampshire 03246

Highlights

Enjoy a complimentary tour on the beautiful 34’ Sea Ray Amberjack Naswa boat where the captain will take you out on a 45-minute trip.

Related Onsite Offerings

Another dining option onsite is The Blue Bistro. They offer a chef-inspired menu using locally grown produce and the freshest ingredients possible.

Perched on the shores of Deep Creek Lake, Railey Vacations rentals will get you right on the water.

Railey Vacations features a wide variety of chalets, cabins, and cottages to choose from. Floor-to-ceiling windows, furnished decks, and outdoor hot tubs let you take in your surroundings to the fullest. When you're not relaxing comfortably, explore the local area! Deep Creek State Park offers hiking and biking trails for outdoor recreation and the Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park is a 6,000 square foot facility that is an interactive showcase designed to mix fun and learning in an environment where children are empowered to interact. Your vacation won't feel long enough here!

Address

5 Vacation Way McHenry, MD 21541

Extra Stops

Be sure when you visit not to miss out on the Cranesville Swamp, a boreal peat bog located at the state line between Maryland and West Virginia dating back to the last ice age!

Fun facts

Many of the homes come with free access to the local Community Aquatic Recreation Center which features a modern gym and a full-size indoor pool.

If you are looking for supreme beachside luxury, look no further than East Islands Rentals. Having palm trees landscaping the rental properties next to the ocean shores, you will escape to a tropical paradise that you may never want to leave.

Guests will be able to choose where they stay. That can be between a luxury villa or mansion that sleeps up to 25 people; East Island Rentals can accommodate you. Some rentals being beachside means you will just have to open the backdoor and take a few steps before you’re on the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The Isle of Palms also has enough activities to keep you and your group busy 24/7, whether you take an Eco-Tour of the Isle of Palms, a guided fishing trip in the ocean, or just dine at the mouth-watering restaurants nearby. There is always something to do.

Address

29 JC Long Blvd. - Suite 104 Isle of Palms, SC 29451

Number of resorts

There are 21 rentals to choose from.

Related activities

Some of the more fun events that occur over the course of the year are: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (February), Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March), Spoleto Festival USA (May & June), Megadock Billfishing Tournament (July), Taste of Charleston (September).

"Kick off your shoes, toss your keys on the table, breathe in that ocean air, and delight in the beauty of your Outer Banks vacation!" The Sea Ranch Resort doesn't pull any punches when it comes to beachside luxury. Come for a weekend and find out for yourself.

Accommodations are as comfortable as they come, and were just renovated in the spring of 2012. You'll go bananas for the modern furnishing, including a flat screen TV, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, mini refrigerator and microwave, not to mention the private balconies, each of which offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile, the beach (as apparent from being on this list) is sizable and comfortable. It speaks to the quality of the beach that dozens of couples get married on it every year. The Atlantic ocean is a stunning backdrop.

Address

1731 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Getting there

Just a block from Highway 158 and 1.2 miles from the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include an indoor pool, an exercise room, and an oceanfront restaurant serving American coastal cuisine.

Grab your coffee and head to your balcony to breathe the oceanfront breeze and greet the morning; it sounds like paradise, and it very well might be- it's the Periwinkle Inn.

As the premier hotel on the beachfront in Victorian Cape May, the Periwinkle Inn's reputation for luxury and service precedes it. From it's incredible customer service to the glorious surroundings, you'll be blown away by nigh-every aspect. Listen to the waves breaking on the oceanfront, glimpse the first rays of sunshine and watch the gulls soar overhead- just don't forget the sunscreen, as you'll be spending a lot of time on the beach!

Address

1039 Beach Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204

Related activities

The Inn is within one mile of downtown and 3.8 miles from popular birding destination Cape May Point State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

There's an outdoor pool and shuffleboard court, plus a baby pool, life-sized dollhouse and sandbox for kids.

As the largest beach resort and hotel on Jekyll Island, Villas by the Sea Resort & Conference Center has a lot to live up to. Families, couples, and businesses come expecting beautiful rooms and beautiful beaches, and on both accounts Villas passes with flying colors.

First things first: if you’re a company looking for somewhere that excels at mixing business and pleasure, look no further. Villas newly renovated 9,000-square foot conference center is spacious and full of every amenity you could possibly want for a business retreat. When you aren’t working, however, you’ll be joining all the other guests in beachtime fun. You’ll want to tour the beautiful Jekyll Island Beach Village, where you’ll find the famous Jekyll Island merchants. Then head over to the beach itself for water sports, swimming, beach volleyball, or just relax and catch a tan. End you day watching a striking sunset, then get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

Address

1175 Beachview Dr N, Jekyll Island, GA 31527

Related activities

The resort is only an 8-minute drive from Jekyll Island Golf Course!

Related Onsite Offerings

In addition to an outdoor pool with a hot tub, there's also a beach boardwalk, a fitness center, basketball courts and bike rentals.

If a resort called “The Winds” doesn’t immediately make you think luxury, after you spend a weekend here it undoubtedly will. Come to Ocean Isle Beach for leisure, fun, and an incredibly memorable experience.

Self-described as “a sanctuary to escape from the real world as if time has stood still”, The Winds is opulence incarnate. Featuring a huge variety of rooms, suites, and cottages, all with access to a host of free amenities, the Wind’s accommodations somehow manage to match the surroundings in quality. And once you arrive, you’ll realize that’s no small feat! Ocean Isle Beach is known throughout the Carolina's for its grandeur and majesty. Palms and banana trees, hibiscus flowers and, of course, the breathtaking island beach will enchant you, body and soul. If the rooms don’t offer enough room, you can always upgrade to one of the well-appointed resort cottages, each of which has multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and large living rooms.

Address

310 E 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

Related activities

The resort is 1.5 miles from the Museum of Coastal Carolina.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include a tiki bar, 3 pools, a hot tub, and an on-site golf course

With a list of amenities as long as their client list, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, the perfect destination for your next romantic getaway or family vacation. While the golf course is in the name, the beach is truly what stays in the hearts of Ocean Edge's guests.

Located in historic Brewster, Massachusetts this AAA Four Diamond Rated Mansion overlooks their famous Jack Nicklaus Designed golf course. The lodge itself has 338 guest rooms and multi-bedroom villas. But wait- that's just the beginning! There are nine tennis courts, three restaurants, five pools, a fitness center, saunas, hot tubs, and a spa treatment room. Meanwhile, the glorious beach is completely exclusive to guests and allows easy access to a multitude of other local beaches.

Address

2907 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

Related activities

The hotel is 1.3 miles from Nickerson State Park and 3.7 miles from Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities include a designer golf course, spa, private beach, tennis courts, and five(!) pools.

Coral Sands Oceanfront Resort is an ideal destination for anyone interested in beach-related exceptionalism!

Coral Sands makes for the perfect home base from which to make forays out to spectacular Ormond Beach. Here you'll spend afternoons tanning or swimming in the Gulf, and nights relaxing in your insanely cozy quarters. Inside each and every spacious room is a microwave, refrigerator, and air-conditioning so as to escape the oft-brutal Florida heat. After a day at the beach, guests can enjoy a meal at the barbecue facilities or head out for some shopping and dining on Daytona's Main Street. Come and see why Coral Sands Oceanfront Resort is often rated as the best value in Ormond Beach- it'll be as apparent as the area's natural beauty!

Address

1009 Ocean Shore Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32176

Related activities

The resort is 3.9 miles from Daytona Beach and 8.8 miles from Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include an outdoor pool and a sundeck, as well as gazebos and picnic tables on the beach.

When you come to Maine for a vacation, you expect a few things. Among them, untouched natural splendor, delicious food, and incredible. Come to Point Lookout with your checklist in hand, then get ready to start checking those expectations off.

Situated on 387 acres of picturesque mountainside terrain overlooking Penobscot Bay, Point Lookout has something to excite and inspire each and every guest. While its beaches aren’t of the tropical-variety, they nonetheless are majestic and just as full of fun as its southern cousins. Activities are plentiful, ranging from photography, hiking, and biking to tennis, kayaking, and even bowling! Just make sure you keep an eye open for local wildlife, like wild turkeys, porcupines, and even the occasional moose. Take a kayak out on the water for some natural relaxation, and reflect on how lucky you are to be at Point Lookout.

Address

67 Atlantic Hwy, Northport, ME 04849

Related activities

The cabins are 5.3 miles from Camden Hills State Park.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include a private beach, hiking trails, a fitness center, a bowling alley, and a casual restaurant.

Surfbreak Oceanfront Hotel is the pride and joy of Virginia Beach, offering a stunning backdrop with incredible personal service.

Free wireless internet, an outdoor swimming pool, and 24-hour front desk service are just some of the fantastic things you can expect when staying at Surfbreak. Rooms are spacious and feature private balconies and ocean views, but perhaps the biggest draw of the hotel is its premium location. The beautiful beach is just a short stroll away, and there's an unreal amount of activities nearby. From the Virginia Beach Amusement Park to fishing, sailing and jet skiing, you're going to have a memorable time.

Address

1101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Related activities

The Virginia Beach Amusement Park along with a number of shopping centers and local restaurants are within walking distance!

Related Onsite Offerings

There's an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour front desk service!

Come to a resort that's fit for royalty!

St. Simons Island is known coast-to-coast for its beautiful weather, relaxed atmosphere, and incomparable beaches. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort seeks to take full advantage of this, and offer a wealth of activities, comforts, and rooms on and near the beach. Of course there's the golf course, if that's what you're into, but picture yourself waking up in a spacious villas and walking out onto the ocean-view balcony to greet the sunrise. With dozens of watersports, activities and eco-adventures to take part in, you certainly won't be starved for something to do- just make sure you take a little "you-time" and relax on the beach at some point!

Address

201 Arnold Rd, Saint Simons Island, GA 31522

Fun facts

This historic property opened in 1941!

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also a spa, golf course, oceanfront restaurant, poolside grill and meeting facilities.

Icona Resorts is exactly that: iconic. As they say on their website, "We strive to provide a level of service unmatched in coastal vacation resorts". With their glorious Diamond Beach resort and the promise of even more when their Golden Inn and Cape May properties open in the summer of 2016.

While it's technically their oldest resort, Diamond Beach is by no means an antiquated commodity. It's one of the finest resort on the east coast. Featuring 425-feet of white sand beach and luxurious rooms (with interiors by celebrity designer Blanche Garcia). Lay out on the beach and work on your tan while beach attendants serve you signature cocktails, then pay a visit to one of the many onsite restaurants and treat yourself to an incredibly scrumptious meal. Afterwards you'll drift off to sleep to the distant sound of waves gently washing against the shore.

Address

9701 Atlantic Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260

Related activities

The hotel is 2.8 miles from the amusement piers at the Wildwoods and 5.6 miles from the shops and dining in Cape May's historic Washington Street Mall.

Related Onsite Offerings

Amenities include a 425-foot private beach, free on-site parking and an outdoor pool.