Mansion Beach
Block Island, RI
Named for the Victorian era mansion that once stood above it and burned decades ago, leaving only the foundation stones as a landmark. It takes a ferry to get here at all, then a walk down a sandy path, which keeps it feeling like the island's own beach rather than a mainland day trip.
There is no shade and no facilities at the beach itself, so pack accordingly for the walk in.
More Atlantic Coast beaches
Coast Guard Beach
Eastham, MA · Atlantic Coast
A National Seashore beach backed by grassy dunes and a tidal marsh, with clean Atlantic surf and one of the Cape's most scenic approaches on foot from the parking area.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket, MA · Atlantic Coast
Open Atlantic swell and a wide sandy shoreline about three miles from Nantucket town, popular with locals for its bodysurfing waves and quieter, less commercial feel.
Jones Beach State Park
Wantagh, NY · Atlantic Coast
A classic Long Island beach with six and a half miles of shoreline, a landmark water tower, boardwalk, and a large outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts through the summer.