When the Northeast’s swampy summer arrives, you know it’s time to make a hasty retreat for cooler, saltier climes. For those of discernment and taste, the East Coast’s sun-drenched shores are summer personified—an effervescent, timeless escape from the city’s swelter.
From Cape Cod’s windswept dunes to Florida’s sugar-sand strands, these beach resorts sizzle with dreamy summer vibes. Days slip into glorious successions of lounging on pristine private sands, nibbling lobster rolls dripping in lemon butter, and convivial clambakes as the sun slips below the horizon in sizzling oranges and reds. It’s a spectacular sensory treat only the seasoned beach connoisseur can truly appreciate.
Meanwhile, the sporting set finds their bliss along New England’s storied summer colonies: Newport, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, to name a few. One day it’s sailing regattas launched from gilt-edged yacht clubs, the next it’s polished lawn games like croquet presiding over manicured emerald expanses. Equestrians can explore miles of secluded trails, crisscrossing through enclaves from South Carolina to the Hamptons, winding through fragrant maritime forests straight out of a Wyeth painting.
Those seeking a delectably low-key scene head to the hideaway isles from Maine to the Florida Keys. These unpretentious East Coast beach towns are where seersucker and boat shoes reign, cocktail hours commence promptly at five, and quaint local traditions banish any whiff of Hamptons’ scene-iness. No matter where you drop anchor, the East Coast’s grande dames and escapist isles deliver summer’s eternal allure like nowhere else on earth. The shore-sculpted romance is palpable, from cozying up in breezy linen robes on your oceanview veranda to savoring the sublime simplicity of freshly shucked oysters chased with crisp rosé as twilight fades over beautiful beaches. This, fellow travelers, is the summer we deserve—and the definitive list of luxe hotels to book.
The Best Beach Resorts on the East Coast
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
2173 MA-28, Harwich, MA 02645
This idyllic 18th-century colonial mansion-turned-luxury resort is Cape Cod’s crown jewel, a Hamptons-esque retreat for Boston’s elite. Nestled in postcard-perfect Chatham, the eight-acre property seamlessly blends timeless New England elegance—think Nantucket seafoam hues and driftwood accents—with delightfully indulgent modern amenities. Cozy cottage rooms offer Molton Brown amenities and plush robes primed for lazy mornings, while newer accommodations flaunt balconies with views of Pleasant Bay’s shimmering waters. The seafood-centric dining spotlights hyper-local fare, from the buzzy tavern to the poolside breezy New England-style cookhouse. Trade the polo mallets for boat shoes to enjoy exclusive access to two prestigious public courses, plus the private beach, tennis oasis and all the sun-kissed water adventures this special peninsula affords.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club.
Wequassett
Congress Hall
200 Congress Pl, Cape May, NJ 08204
This canary-yellow grande dame doesn’t just occupy America’s oldest seaside resort town—it invented the concept in 1816. When competing historic properties surrendered period details to modernization, Congress Hall instead invested $25 million in historical authenticity, preserving architectural integrity while discreetly introducing contemporary necessities. Three generations of Bashaw family stewardship created more than accommodation—they built a self-sustaining ecosystem where Beach Plum Farm’s 100-plus varieties of produce and heritage livestock feed the East Coast beach hotel’s restaurants in literal farm-to-table execution. The Rusty Nail beach bar simultaneously preserves the authentic surf culture increasingly endangered along commercialized Atlantic shorelines. Throughout the year, themed weekend programming—from winter holiday markets to summer lawn concerts—transforms typical seasonal fluctuations into anticipated traditions, creating generational loyalty few coastal properties can claim.
Congress Hall.
Congress Hall
Chatham Bars Inn
297 Shore Rd, Chatham, MA 02633
Where Cape Cod’s elbow bends to create New England’s warmest Atlantic swimming, a 1914 hunting lodge evolved into oceanfront sophistication without surrendering its soul. Unlike neighboring Massachusetts properties requiring water shuttles for maritime adventure, Chatham Bars Inn maintains its own naval fleet—six custom vessels delivering everything from fly fishing to whale encounters steps from your accommodation. The Inn’s farm-to-table commitment transcends buzzwords with a dedicated multi-acre operation supplying five restaurants with morning-harvested ingredients that travel mere miles to plate. Historical authenticity remains intact through meticulous main building preservation, while 30 cottage structures deliver contemporary comforts without architectural anachronism. The property’s position orchestrates a perfect walking contradiction—oceanfront privacy with charming Main Street access—delivering quintessential Cape Cod without compromise.
Chatham Bars Inn.
Chatham Bars Inn
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Amelia Island, FL 32034
Where Spanish moss meets sea spray, this northernmost Florida luxury outpost rewrites beach resort expectations. The property embraces its wild side through a resident naturalist program that transforms typical nature walks into immersive ecological revelations. Fresh from a 2024 transformation, all 446 rooms now showcase coastal-inspired design with obligatory private balconies—though the views are anything but standard. Beyond expected amenities lie genuine standouts: the “Hook, Line & Supper” program elevates typical fishing excursions by pairing deep-sea adventures with chef-prepared feasts of your catch. Tennis enthusiasts will soon experience Northeast Florida’s only professional-caliber instruction through a partnership with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Unlike hurricane-vulnerable southern counterparts, Amelia Island delivers year-round playability—winter golf among moss-draped oaks, uncrowded beach access, and Jacksonville’s cultural scene just a scenic drive away.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Ponte Vedra Inn and Club
200 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
This isn’t just Florida’s oldest beach resort—it’s a living institution where third-generation guests return to walk the same oceanfront paths their grandparents strolled. Since 1928, this 300-acre coastal enclave between Jacksonville and St. Augustine has functioned as both members-only sanctuary and luxury hotel. Ponte Vedra separates itself through uncommonly serious sports credentials—championship golf courses that consistently challenge PGA pros, tournament-ready tennis court facilities, and fitness amenities rivaling dedicated athletic clubs with a 30,000-square-foot spa. Four distinct pools create natural separation between boisterous family-friendly zones and tranquil adult retreats—a thoughtful division increasingly rare among luxury beach properties.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Beach Club at the Boca Raton
900 S Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
The January 2025 completion of a $130 million renovation established this property’s distinct position within The Boca Raton’s ecosystem—oceanfront satellite connected to the main 200-acre resort complex via water taxi across Lake Boca. This arrangement creates practical vacation calculus: beachfront isolation with on-demand access to comprehensive resort amenities. The 210 redesigned accommodations reflect deliberate material choices—natural marble, lime-wash plaster, frameless windows—that reject Florida’s typical coastal design vocabulary. Terrace and lanai suites introduce meaningful outdoor living space rather than token balconies. The Vilebrequin Cabana Club demonstrates targeted brand partnership that transcends typical licensing arrangements, with marine-inspired wallpaper and butler service transforming standard pool structures into designed environments. Two distinct dining venues—Caribbean-focused Onda and Mediterranean Marisol—complete the property’s dual identity as both standalone destination and gateway to The Boca Raton’s broader offerings.
Beach Club at the Boca Raton.
Beach Club at the Boca Raton
Sanderling Resort
1461 Duck Rd., Duck, NC 27949
Geography becomes competitive advantage at this Outer Banks property—the only local resort spanning the narrow landmass between Currituck Sound and Atlantic Ocean. This positioning creates the practical luxury of watching sunrise over ocean waves before ending your day with cocktails during sound-side sunset. Cedar-shake exteriors maintain architectural authenticity while the recent renovation introduced understated interiors with strategic fireplaces that extend high-season rates into more temperate months. The North Carolina resort’s dining program exploits its dual-water positioning: Kimball’s Kitchen delivers sound panoramas with upscale seafood while casual venues offer morning pastries and poolside service. Unlike most barrier island properties that treat wellness as afterthought, Sanderling’s comprehensively renovated spa features proper treatment rooms and luxury pedicure stations.
Sanderling Resort.
Courtesy Sanderling Resort
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
9011 Collins Ave, Surfside, FL 33154
In the narrow strip between Miami and Fort Lauderdale where celebrities historically dodged Prohibition, The Surf Club doesn’t just preserve history—the oceanfront resort resurrects glamour. The property’s signature cabanas—once hosting Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor—now offer air-conditioned luxury alongside Thomas Keller’s only Florida restaurant. Where other Miami hotels push boundaries with ultramodern design, this Four Seasons instead perfects understated sophistication with Italian marble, whisper-quiet rooms and Richard Meier’s architectural marvel of invisible balcony walls creating unbroken ocean panoramas. Unlike South Beach’s nightclub-adjacent properties, this 77-room hideaway delivers pristine beachfront without sacrificing proximity to Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping and Worth Avenue-caliber boutiques.
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
9703 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Not just a beautiful beach hotel—a geometric marvel of mirrors and angles where even the building itself performs, reflecting ocean and sky in a constantly changing visual symphony. Inside, Yabu Pushelberg’s design transforms lobbies into galleries and corridors into exhibitions. Guest accommodations defy Florida norms—650-square-foot starting dimensions eclipse many local apartments, while the staggered layout of balconies avoid neighbor sightlines through precise positioning. Here, butlers don’t just respond to requests; they anticipate desires before they form, transforming service from transaction to invisible choreography.
St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort.
St. Regis Bal Harbor
White Elephant Nantucket
50 Easton St, Nantucket, MA 02554
White Elephant reigns supreme on Nantucket’s bustling harbor, an elegant anchor beckoning mariners in crisp whites and Sperry boat shoes. This classic New England grand dame masterfully blends breezy maritime charm with modern indulgences like the harbor-view spa’s restorative treatments and the Shoreline Suite for decadent lounging. Sunlit rooms evoke weathered captain’s quarters with rich mahogany accents and crisp navy fabrics—a sophisticated take on classic nautical style. Decompress at the private beach or book a sailing excursion—arriving by boat is practically mandatory. Between the port wine receptions with artisanal cheese plates, inventive locally-caught seafood at the restaurant and Nantucket’s inherent preppy sophistication, the island’s allure is utterly inescapable here.
White Elephant Nantucket.
White Elephant
The Dunes on the Waterfront
518 Main St, Ogunquit, ME 03907
Most beachfront hotels offer predictable shore access; The Dunes orchestrates a twice-daily adventure. Its placement along Ogunquit’s tidal river creates nature’s water taxi service—cross by vintage wooden boat at high tide or traverse exposed sandbars at low tide to reach powder-soft beaches that remain virtually private despite their central location. The 21 cottages reject Maine’s increasingly ubiquitous nautical-chic aesthetic. Instead, Portuguese hand-painted furniture and salvaged antiques create environments that feel inherited rather than designed. Where competing properties offer endless activity schedules, The Dunes embodies coastal simplicity: morning breakfast deliveries, afternoon champagne service and evening fire pit gatherings create rhythm without regimentation—the summer camp atmosphere discerning travelers secretly crave.
The Dunes on the Waterfront.
Katie Nielson
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
Montauk’s social geography changed permanently when this 1926 inn reinvented itself as the Hamptons’ only luxury hotel directly on private sand. Despite a reported loan hiccup (since resolved), Gurney’s reopened post-renovation in February with ambitious culinary plans. The property trades on calculated exclusivity—158 ocean-view rooms and suites serve as launching pads to the real attraction: a 2,000-foot private beach where Dolce & Gabbana-branded cabanas create Manhattan’s seasonal satellite office. The $20 million Seawater Spa houses North America’s only ocean-fed pool and sells memberships at $17,500 annually to non-guests. Spring brings Mediterranean-focused Gigi’s Montauk, replacing longtime tenant Scarpetta Beach, while Dune Café transforms from morning coffee counter to evening raw bar.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
The Pearl Hotel
63 Main St, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Black-and-white striped awnings signal this 55-room property’s dual function—both boutique hotel and architectural centerpiece of Rosemary Beach’s new urbanism experiment. The Pearl solves Florida’s typical beach access equation by anchoring a pedestrian-focused community where cobblestone streets eliminate car dependency between accommodations and Gulf shoreline. Inside, coastal design avoids predictable nautical clichés through calculated restraint and thoughtful additions—nightly mini cheesecakes indicate attention to detail beyond standard turndown service. The adults-only sloping pools create demographic separation increasingly rare on the family-dominated Emerald Coast. This deliberate positioning—sophisticated oasis within walkable planned community—attracts design-conscious travelers seeking Gulf access without sacrificing urban conveniences or surrendering to the region’s predominant family resort model.
The Pearl.
The Pearl
Beach Plum Farm
140 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Tucked on 62 acres of fertile farmland just far enough from the bustle of Cape May, Beach Plum Farm is elevating this overlooked corner to a gourmet agritourism destination. The working farm cultivates over 100 varieties of organic produce and raises both chickens and prized Berkshire hogs, with the ultra-fresh ingredients forming the backbone of their culinary offerings. Hungry visitors flock to the charming “Amish barn” cafe for remixed American classics like frittatas and salads bursting with just-picked flavors. But the most coveted experience is the acclaimed farm-to-table dinner series featuring multi-course menus spotlighting the seasonal harvest, like heirloom tomatoes, garden kale and open-fire roasted pork. Complementing the culinary experiences are six quaint cottage rentals, including the 1700s Whaler’s Cottage with exposed beams and a frontier-era fireplace, and the 1850s Plum Barn carriage house reborn with modern farmhouse flair like a screened porch. It’s an authentic taste of the Garden State’s agricultural heritage.
Beach Plum Farm.
Beach Plum Farm
Wanderer Cottages
195 Sea Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043
These 17 chic white clapboard cottages channel an effortlessly cool surf shack vibe—think Martha’s Vineyard meets Malibu. East Coast creatives and Faherty-clad preppies flock here to lounge by the saltwater swimming pool, play lawn games like bocce and bike to Kennebunkport’s iconic lobster shacks, craft breweries and upscale boutiques. Interiors blend vintage surf photography with custom-made rope-wrapped boards for a nostalgic yet elevated ambiance. No on-site restaurant, but staff happily guides you to local haunts like the founder’s hip Batson River brewpub. Complimentary breakfast bags are a seamless touch. It’s the Vacationland getaway without the stuffiness or summertime sticker shock.
Wanderer Cottages’ one bedroom.
Amy Fronczkiewicz
Ocean House
1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, RI 02891
How best to describe Ocean House? As an exquisitely revived early 1900s seaside mansion transcends eras while retaining impeccable New England exuberance. Guests are transported to Watch Hill’s Gilded Age glory, from the airy Victorian interiors with soaring ceilings and intimate parlor salons to the groomed Impressionist-worthy croquet lawns and civilized seaside rituals like beach bonfires and gourmet lobster boils. The 49 renovated guest rooms pair period flourishes like mahogany accent tables with modern indulgences like Bluetooth speakers. Coast restaurant redefines New England farm-to-table fare, ingeniously incorporating Native foraged ingredients, while the Bistro serves creatively refined comfort fare. For those seeking a rarified yet relaxed respite, it’s here that contemporary luxury coexists seamlessly with yesteryear’s salty refinement.
Ocean House.
Ocean House
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Most resorts offer glimpses of ocean life through snorkeling excursions; this barrier island innovator brings the reef directly to guests. Its revolutionary 350,000-gallon underwater lagoon creates guaranteed stingray encounters without boat charters or weather concerns—marine biology controlled to perfection. Beyond typical beach isolation, Longboat Key’s slender geography on the Gulf Coast places guests minutes from Sarasota’s improbable cultural density—world-class opera, ballet and the circus-baron Ringling museum complex await between sunbathing sessions. The property itself nods to this circus heritage through subtle carnival-inspired motifs woven into contemporary luxury. Seven distinct dining venues create a culinary ecosystem rendering off-property meals unnecessary, while butler service follows St. Regis collection’s century-old traditions with modern interpretation.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
28500 Overseas Hwy, Little Torch Key, FL
This ultra-exclusive four-acre private islet resort in the Florida Keys is quite literally a world apart—accessible solely via private yacht transfer. It’s the unplugged tropical paradise A-listers crave for decompressing off the grid. Just 30 sumptuous thatched-roof bungalow suites epitomize a dreamy South Seas aesthetic with colonial decor like canopied beds, indulgent outdoor showers/tubs and no televisions—just swaying palms, secluded hammocks poised for spectacular ocean sunsets and sworn-to-silence staff. This is an adults-only property, and with no children permitted, the beach vacation vibe is uniquely serene, revolving around adventuring by kayak or paddleboard, fishing for your dinner and then savoring inventive Florida Straits cuisine by romantic candlelight. The attentive staff will cater to your every whim, whether that’s a private beach picnic or sailing the vintage wooden Truman boat.
Little Palm Island Resort and Spa.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Argentine visionary Alan Faena didn’t just launch a Miami hotel—he transformed an entire neighborhood into the surrealist-inspired Faena District, alongside starchitects like Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu. The Faena Hotel dazzles with its gilded cathedral entrance, fever-dream murals and retro Old Hollywood glam interiors crafted in a collaboration between filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin, while the holistic Tierra Santa Healing House spa takes a uniquely indigenous South American approach to wellness. Set up camp on the beach under one of the hotel’s signature striped umbrellas. Dining spans trendsetting Asian stunner Pao by Paul Qui to rustic open-fire Argentine sorcery at Los Fuegos from culinary wizard Francis Mallmann.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach’s Penthouse suite.
Faena Hotel
Sea Island Resort
100 Cloister Dr, Sea Island, GA 31561
This legendary, award-winning resort exudes timeless European sporting estate grandeur amid Georgia’s maritime forests. The stately Lodge features hardwood floors, exposed beams and private balconies overlooking rolling fairways or the Atlantic’s restless waves. Oceanfront cottages provide expansive living rooms to luxuriate in after indulging in the incredible recreational facilities—three championship golf courses redesigned by dynamic duo Davis Love III and brother Mark, equestrian stables fit for a Kentucky Derby contender and a rejuvenating spa. In the evenings, bagpipers serenade guests on the shoreline at sunset, a tradition as entrenched as the century-old maritime oaks. Multigenerational travelers are spoiled with family-friendly activities, from tennis and archery to fishing primers and kid-focused treatments. It’s decidedly Gatsby-era chic, so pack your seersucker.
Sea Island.
Sea Island
1 Hotel South Beach
2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Occupying a full city block along Collins Avenue, this LEED-certified refuge was developed for the environmentally-conscious luxury traveler. Brazilian architect Debora Aguiar’s elegant, nature-inspired design permeates every corner, from the living green walls and grotto garden to the reclaimed wood and poured concrete accents. The 425 guest rooms are cocoons of mindful luxury, kitted out with hemp mattresses, organic linens, shower water filters and even terrariums. For the ultimate indulgence, the 3,600-square-foot Oceanfront Presidential Suite dazzles with its pool table, media room and sweeping Atlantic views. With its prime beachside setting, four pools including a gorgeous rooftop, an 18,000-square-foot wellness and fitness center and a kids camp, 1 Hotel delivers an unrivaled eco-escape in South Beach’s most desirable nook.
1 Hotel South Beach’s rooftop pool.
ERIC LAIGNEL
The Rockaway Hotel
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Queens, NY 11694
The Rockaway Hotel brings stylish yet unpretentious city-cool to the laid-back Queens beach town of the Rockaways. Designed by the acclaimed firm behind Brooklyn’s beloved Wythe Hotel, the light-filled accommodations blend breezy sophistication with nostalgic surf culture touches like blond wood accents and vintage photography. The show-stopping panoramic rooftop bar boasts sweeping vistas of the Manhattan skyline across Jamaica Bay—an ideal perch for trendsetters sipping craft cocktails and snacking on shared plates like smoky eggplant dip or the whipped ricotta with spicy hot honey. On the ground floor, Margie’s pays homage to local matriarchs with upscale comfort classics like lobster rolls and linguine brimming with fresh-shucked clams. Beyond the buzzy dining spots, complimentary fitness classes and close beach access, with reservable cabanas, epitomize the hotel’s low-key beach town spirit. No Hamptons attitude at this Rockaway Beach hotel—just an authentic taste of summertime New York City cool.
The Rockaway Hotel.
Kyle Knodell
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
The quintessential Lowcountry experience awaits at this plantation-style resort, set on a lush private sea island just 21 miles from Charleston’s cobblestones. Upon arrival, bellhops in knickers and argyle await to whisk you past soaring murals of sun-dappled marshes into your modern-meets-Old South chamber. Cloudlike featherbeds, breezy floral drapes, mahogany furnishings and aromatic British toiletries create a genteel yet sumptuous ambiance. This unhurried natural sanctuary offers myriad diversions beyond lounging—30 miles of paved trails winding through maritime forests, 10 miles of uncrowded white sand beachfront, acclaimed golf courses designed by legends like Pete Dye and exquisite dining options. It’s utter Lowcountry serenity, from picnicking in blooming meadows to dolphin-spotting by kayak on tranquil marshes.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Casey/Let It Fly Photos
The Breakers Palm Beach
1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
Favored by the jet-set since 1896, the Breakers Palm Beach epitomizes Florida’s Golden Age glamour like no other. The Renaissance-inspired main building makes a grand first impression even prior to check-in, with its 200-foot loggia-flanked lobby dripping in Murano glass chandeliers. But beyond the opulent Italianate architecture lies a modern, dynamic 140-acre beachfront oasis. Accommodations channel breezy coastal elegance, while the exclusive 21-room Flagler Club adds luxe perks like a dedicated concierge and private lounge. Days are spent indulging in seemingly endless amenities, from the oceanfront beach club, with four outdoor pools, and rejuvenating spa to acclaimed golf and tennis facilities. When hunger strikes, guests have their pick of diverse dining experiences headlined by Flagler Steakhouse and Echo.
The Breakers Palm Beach lobby.
Courtesy of The Breakers Palm Beach.
