USA Atlantic Coast Beaches, Resorts and Waterfront Towns
This lens has information on popular beaches, resorts and waterfront areas along the USA East Coast.
Table of Contents
- Assateague Island
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Top American Beaches
- Beach and Resort Books
- Chincoteague Island Gifts
- Chincoteague Island News
- Regional Lenses
- South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida
- Beach - Waterfront - Resort - Vacation Lenses
- Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut
- Moshup Beach on Martha's Vineyard
- Sea Shells
- The National Coastal Condition Report III
- Kiptopeake State Park in Virginia
- How to Swim in Rip Currents
- Visiting Atlantic Coast Beaches During the Fall
- Guide Offers Smart Growth Help for Coastal and Waterfront Planners & Developers
- USA Beaches Feedback
Assateague Island
Assateague Island is one of the most popular beaches along the mid-Atlantic region. The area is within a few hours of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC and Richmond.Much of the recreation around Assateague is water-related. There is swimming, sunbathing and exploring at the beaches. Fishing, clamming and crabbing are also popular activities. There is also kayaking, power boating, sailing, and nature cruises.
One of the most popular water activities is surf fishing on Assateague Island. Surf fishing is relatively inexpensive, peaceful, requires little in specialized tackle and no boat is needed. Anglers can reach the surf on foot from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, or drive on designated areas with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. A permit is required for over sand vehicles.
Collecting sea shells on Assateague Island is a relaxing activity for people of all ages. The beaches on the ocean side sometimes yield a wide range of shells, artifacts and unique treasures from the ocean. Local shells include knobby whelks, smooth whelks, moon snails, periwinkles, bay scallops, ocean quahogs, hard clams, jingles, limpets, cockles and others.
In addition to mollusks and shellfish, there are other items such as sand dollars, starfish, ray and shark egg cases, horsehoe crab egg cases, crab shells, sharks teeth and occasionally even gold or silver coins!
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland is primarily a tourist resort, with a population that swells from less than 10,000 winter residents to over 2 million in the summer months. The Ocean City Inlet did not exist until1933, when the Chesapeake Potomac Hurricane tore thru the narrow island, separating Ocean City from Assateague Island.
Top American Beaches
- Virginia Beach Virginia
- Virginia-Beach-Va.Net is your source for Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads and Tidewater VA vacation, travel and tourism information.
- Tidewater Virginia
- Tidewater Virginia business directory covering Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Chesapeake, Hampton, Virginia Beach and Suffolk.
- Chincoteague Island Virginia
- Information on tourist attractions and local businesses of Chincoteague Island Virginia.
Beach and Resort Books
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
PAT CONROY, America's preeminent storyteller, deli more...0 points
On the Beach by Nevil Shute
"The most shocking fiction I have read in yea more...0 points
Beach Road by James Patterson, Peter de Jonge
By the #1 bestselling author of Lifeguard, a gleam more...0 points
A Walk on the Beach: Tales of Wisdom From an Unconventional Woman by Joan Anderson
Shortly after arriving on Cape Cod to spend a year more...0 points
The Beach by Alex Garland
The Khao San Road, Bangkok--first stop for the hor more...0 points
Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber by Witherington; Dawn and Blair
Florida has 1200 miles of coastline, almost 700 mi more...0 points
Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages: At Home by the Sea by Mary Emmerling
beach house.The words alone have the hypnotic asso more...0 points
Beach Stones by Josie Iselin, Margaret Carruthers
Walking along the water's edge, who among us has n more...0 points
Chincoteague Island Gifts
I Heart Chincoteague Women's Pink T-Shirt
Price: 17.99 
Chincoteague Pony Women's T-Shirt
Price: 18.99
Chincoteague Island Calendar Wall Calendar
Price: 19.99
Chincoteague Pony Large Mug
Price: 14.99
Chincoteague Pony Hooded Sweatshirt
Price: 37.99
Chincoteague Island News
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byRegional Lenses
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Maryland
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This lens introduces Maryland, USA.
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Delaware
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Delaware is one of the smaller states on the USA east coast, known as the "first state". photo credit: NOAA image library
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Virginia USA
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This page has information on Virginia USA.
South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida
South Beach is a part of Miami Beach, Florida that runs from Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The area was first developed in 1910, but over the decades it has become one of the hottest sports to visit in Miami Beach.
It's hard to believe that South Beach started out as farm land in 1870. There were was a time when 165 acres of the beach was actually coconut farm and home to Henry and Charles Lum.
However, it wasn't long until someone else realized the potential of the area and in the 20s millionaires began flocking to the area to build homes and hotels.
In the decades to come, fabulous architecture would come as well as a variety of television shows and movies. Popular shows like The Jackie Gleason Show and movies like Scarface were all filmed in the area.
Today, South Beach is not only the beach to lie out on and enjoy the ocean, but there are hundreds of nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. People from all around the world come to South Beach to enjoy the sun and the surf.
The area is particularly popular with the Europeans as the beach tolerates topless sunbathing, although it is a public beach. If you're bringing children to the beach, beware!
Ocean Drive is perhaps the most well known drag in the area. It is a popular tourist area, especially during Spring Break and is a hot spot for prominent restaurants and hotels as well. When you visit South Beach, you'll find it's more than just a beach.
It's hard to believe that South Beach started out as farm land in 1870. There were was a time when 165 acres of the beach was actually coconut farm and home to Henry and Charles Lum.
However, it wasn't long until someone else realized the potential of the area and in the 20s millionaires began flocking to the area to build homes and hotels.
In the decades to come, fabulous architecture would come as well as a variety of television shows and movies. Popular shows like The Jackie Gleason Show and movies like Scarface were all filmed in the area.
Today, South Beach is not only the beach to lie out on and enjoy the ocean, but there are hundreds of nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. People from all around the world come to South Beach to enjoy the sun and the surf.
The area is particularly popular with the Europeans as the beach tolerates topless sunbathing, although it is a public beach. If you're bringing children to the beach, beware!
Ocean Drive is perhaps the most well known drag in the area. It is a popular tourist area, especially during Spring Break and is a hot spot for prominent restaurants and hotels as well. When you visit South Beach, you'll find it's more than just a beach.
Beach - Waterfront - Resort - Vacation Lenses
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Chincoteague Island
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This page describes Chincoteague Island Virginia, one of the premier family vacation spots on the USA East Coast. The Island is home of the wild Chincoteague ponies. The island is packed with adventures such as flounder fishing, deep sea fishing, cla...
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Assateague Island
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Assateague Island Virginia visitor information.
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Virginia Beach Virginia
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This page provides travel, recreation and vacation information for Virginia Beach Virginia. Please send us your suggestions, articles and links.
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Gloucester Massachusetts
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Gloucester Massachusetts is known as America's oldest fishing port.
Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut
One of the best beaches in Southern New England is Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut. Hammonasset Beach State Park is a gorgeous two-mile long public beach located in Madison, CT. It is a wonderful place to enjoy your favorite beach activities, plus take advantage of exceptional facilities and amenities.
At Hammonasset Beach, you can cool off in the ocean surf after sunbathing on the sandy beach. You can hunt for shells and build sand sculptures. You can also simply relax and enjoy your view of Long Island Sound. Bring your binoculars to spot ships while you lounge on the beach.
Canoe trips are also available at Hammonasset Beach, and you can fish off the impressive stone breakwater. If you are interested in birding, there are hundreds of different species on site at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
At Hammonasset Beach, you can cool off in the ocean surf after sunbathing on the sandy beach. You can hunt for shells and build sand sculptures. You can also simply relax and enjoy your view of Long Island Sound. Bring your binoculars to spot ships while you lounge on the beach.
Canoe trips are also available at Hammonasset Beach, and you can fish off the impressive stone breakwater. If you are interested in birding, there are hundreds of different species on site at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Moshup Beach on Martha's Vineyard
Martha's Vineyard has always been a popular destination for beach lovers, and it does have incredible beaches. Yet for some visitors (and many locals), the crowds do detract from the experience. Many people fail to realize there is an excellent alternative to the popular, crowded beaches. You can enjoy a spectacular beach on Martha's Vineyard without getting lost in the crowd if you travel just east to the "up-island" area.
You won't find much of the ambience most people associate with Martha's Vineyard in its eastern most areas, but you probably won't miss a thing. If you'd rather have a gorgeous sandy beach and some peace and quiet than white picket fences and charming cottages, you'll love Moshup Beach.
Moshup Beach is located beneath the towering and picturesque Gay Head Cliffs. Although many people tour the area to view the colorful red and tan cliffs, few stay to enjoy Moshup Beach. The beach is very rarely crowded. Usually you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Cliffs, the Gay Head Lighthouse, and the sand and warm surf in an atmosphere that's comfortable and relaxing.
Before you decide this is the ideal destination for your next beach holiday, consider a few of the amenities Moshup Beach lacks. There are no concession stands or boat rental areas. There is also no lifeguard on duty, so extra care must be taken if you are an inexperienced swimmer or if you bring children to play and swim there.
You can get to Moshup Beach by car hire directly from the Oaks Bluff or Vineyard Haven ferry terminals, or you can bike the distance of about 10 miles. If you drive to Moshup Beach, you access the shore by taking a 10-minute walk along a cleared trail from the parking area.
If you explore the area around Gay Head lighthouse, you will notice the unique "clay baths" located there. This is sacred land to Native Americans local to the area, and is also a delicate eco-sensitive area. Visitors to Moshup Beach should not enter or disturb the clay baths.
You won't find much of the ambience most people associate with Martha's Vineyard in its eastern most areas, but you probably won't miss a thing. If you'd rather have a gorgeous sandy beach and some peace and quiet than white picket fences and charming cottages, you'll love Moshup Beach.
Moshup Beach is located beneath the towering and picturesque Gay Head Cliffs. Although many people tour the area to view the colorful red and tan cliffs, few stay to enjoy Moshup Beach. The beach is very rarely crowded. Usually you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Cliffs, the Gay Head Lighthouse, and the sand and warm surf in an atmosphere that's comfortable and relaxing.
Before you decide this is the ideal destination for your next beach holiday, consider a few of the amenities Moshup Beach lacks. There are no concession stands or boat rental areas. There is also no lifeguard on duty, so extra care must be taken if you are an inexperienced swimmer or if you bring children to play and swim there.
You can get to Moshup Beach by car hire directly from the Oaks Bluff or Vineyard Haven ferry terminals, or you can bike the distance of about 10 miles. If you drive to Moshup Beach, you access the shore by taking a 10-minute walk along a cleared trail from the parking area.
If you explore the area around Gay Head lighthouse, you will notice the unique "clay baths" located there. This is sacred land to Native Americans local to the area, and is also a delicate eco-sensitive area. Visitors to Moshup Beach should not enter or disturb the clay baths.
Sea Shells
Collecting sea shells on the beach is a relaxing activity for people of all ages. Beaches along the USA East Coast yield a wide range of shells, artifacts and unique treasures from the ocean. Shells include knobby whelks, smooth whelks, moon snails, periwinkles, bay scallops, ocean quahogs, hard clams, jingles, limpets, cockles and others.
In addition to mollusks and shellfish, there are other items such as sand dollars, starfish, ray and shark egg cases, horsehoe crab egg cases, crab shells, sharks teeth and occasionally even gold or silver coins!
Time and location are important if success is priority for the shell collector. While the warm days of summer find most beach lovers on the island, the best shell collecting is actually in the cooler months. One good way to find shells is to look for low stretches of beach where the water can surge farther up on the sand. In these areas, small patches of beach can be covered with shell fragments and sometimes shells in excellent condition. These often occur during a strong storm from an easterly direction. Once the storm subsides and the waters recede, sea shell enthusiasts can explore in hopes of having a new crop of shells to choose from.
The National Coastal Condition Report III
The Environmental Protection Agency report entitled "The National Coastal Condition Report III" (NCCRIII) found that the overall condition of the nation's coastal waters has improved slightly. The NCCRIII is the third in a series of environmental assessments of US coastal and Great Lakes waters.
The report is a collaboration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, coastal states and the National Estuary Program. America's coastal conditions were judged using five indicators of condition: water quality, sediment quality, benthic community condition, coastal habitat loss, and fish tissue contaminants.
The report rated overall condition of America's coasts as "fair" with US coastal waters improved slightly since the 1990s. The next National Coastal Condition Report is expected to be released in 2011 and will provide an assessment of the status of U.S. coastal waters from 2003 to 2006. More information on the National Coastal Condition Report III (NCCRIII) is available at www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr.
The report is a collaboration of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, coastal states and the National Estuary Program. America's coastal conditions were judged using five indicators of condition: water quality, sediment quality, benthic community condition, coastal habitat loss, and fish tissue contaminants.
The report rated overall condition of America's coasts as "fair" with US coastal waters improved slightly since the 1990s. The next National Coastal Condition Report is expected to be released in 2011 and will provide an assessment of the status of U.S. coastal waters from 2003 to 2006. More information on the National Coastal Condition Report III (NCCRIII) is available at www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr.
Kiptopeake State Park in Virginia
Kiptopeake State Park in Virginia has one of nicest beaches in the area. The sand is excellent and the view looks out onto the Chesapeake Bay. The water is sheltered, shallow and perfect for kids.
How to Swim in Rip Currents
Rip currents and undertows can drag swimmers away from their boat or beach and lead to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted.
According to the United States Lifesaving Association rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States, more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods. More than 80 percent of rescues by beach lifeguards are due to rip currents totaling 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year.
The following are tips from the United States Coast Guard for swimmers on how to avoid and survive currents:
* Never swim alone.
* Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out!
* Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
* If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
* Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.
* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.
* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore or boat, waving your arms, and yelling for help.
* If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
source: USCG press release
According to the United States Lifesaving Association rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States, more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods. More than 80 percent of rescues by beach lifeguards are due to rip currents totaling 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year.
The following are tips from the United States Coast Guard for swimmers on how to avoid and survive currents:
* Never swim alone.
* Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don't go out!
* Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
* If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
* Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.
* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.
* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore or boat, waving your arms, and yelling for help.
* If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.
source: USCG press release
Visiting Atlantic Coast Beaches During the Fall
Visitors will find fall to be one of best times to visit most beaches of the Mid Atlantic. While it varies from year to year and by locations, Mid Atlantic coastal waters often remain warm enough for swimming thru September.
The trip from major metropolitan areas to a coastal beach can be extremely enjoyable during the fall. Traffic is much lighter and the highways are lined with wildflowers in bloom and maturing crops. Farmers markets along the way have a wealth of local produce in fall. Summer produce such as tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, melons and others are still available. In addition, fall harvests of apples, pumpkins, squash, greens, cabbage, honey, other produce and specialty foods are available.
Arriving at coastal beach resorts, visitors will notice seasonal changes. Gone is the heat and humidity and traffic is lighter. Visitors to wildlife refuges will find that birds of all kinds are on the move as the Atlantic Flyway begins to come to life. Experienced birdwatchers bring along cameras, spotting scopes, and their favorite field guide.
During the fall, beach lovers have the beaches more to themselves, and many decide to explore them more. A walk after one of the late summer hurricanes may reveal a new crop of shells along the shoreline. Several types of whelks, surf clams, scallops, cockles and other shells wash up, mixed in with mysteries of the ocean such as sand dollars, devil's purses, driftwood and sometimes even coins or other antiquities.
Surf fishermen also find fishing improved as local fish migrate down the beaches. In addition to smaller species, surf anglers begin to fish for the monsters of the beaches, as striped bass, red drum, black drum and sandbar sharks all make their way down the coastline.
Shoppers will be ecstatic while touring the shops of coastal towns. End of season sales offer some excellent bargains and most shops offer a unique variety of holiday-related gifts.
The trip from major metropolitan areas to a coastal beach can be extremely enjoyable during the fall. Traffic is much lighter and the highways are lined with wildflowers in bloom and maturing crops. Farmers markets along the way have a wealth of local produce in fall. Summer produce such as tomatoes, peppers, corn, beans, melons and others are still available. In addition, fall harvests of apples, pumpkins, squash, greens, cabbage, honey, other produce and specialty foods are available.
Arriving at coastal beach resorts, visitors will notice seasonal changes. Gone is the heat and humidity and traffic is lighter. Visitors to wildlife refuges will find that birds of all kinds are on the move as the Atlantic Flyway begins to come to life. Experienced birdwatchers bring along cameras, spotting scopes, and their favorite field guide.
During the fall, beach lovers have the beaches more to themselves, and many decide to explore them more. A walk after one of the late summer hurricanes may reveal a new crop of shells along the shoreline. Several types of whelks, surf clams, scallops, cockles and other shells wash up, mixed in with mysteries of the ocean such as sand dollars, devil's purses, driftwood and sometimes even coins or other antiquities.
Surf fishermen also find fishing improved as local fish migrate down the beaches. In addition to smaller species, surf anglers begin to fish for the monsters of the beaches, as striped bass, red drum, black drum and sandbar sharks all make their way down the coastline.
Shoppers will be ecstatic while touring the shops of coastal towns. End of season sales offer some excellent bargains and most shops offer a unique variety of holiday-related gifts.
Guide Offers Smart Growth Help for Coastal and Waterfront Planners & Developers
NOAA, along with the Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association and Rhode Island Sea Grant, has released a guide to bring smart growth to coastal and waterfront communities.
"Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities" offers communities 10 coastal and waterfront-specific guidelines to help them balance development with the environment and the economy while maintaining the quality of life that makes these communities attractive.
Among its recommendations, the report suggests that communities:
* Plan for natural hazards;
* Use natural buffers to protect people and property from potential hazards;
* Preserve and restore critical environmental areas; and
* Plan for public access to waterfront and coastal waters.
"Coastal and waterfront communities face development pressures that could affect their economy, environment, and quality of life for decades to come," said John H. Dunnigan, NOAA assistant administrator of the National Ocean Service. "These coastal and waterfront smart growth guidelines will help communities plan for growth and development while protecting their natural and economic resources, maritime heritage, and traditional sense of place."
Sea level rise and other impacts of climate change are adding new challenges to waterfront community development. More than half the U.S. population lives in coastal counties, which cover less than 17 percent of U.S. land area. An additional 180 million people visit coastal areas every year and many others visit lake and riverfront communities.
The Smart Growth Network started in 1996 as a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency and several nonprofit and government organizations. It was a response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow while boosting the economy, protecting the environment, and enhancing community vitality. Today its partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests, and local and state government entities.
To download a copy of "Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities," see http://www.coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov or http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.
source: NOAA press release
"Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities" offers communities 10 coastal and waterfront-specific guidelines to help them balance development with the environment and the economy while maintaining the quality of life that makes these communities attractive.
Among its recommendations, the report suggests that communities:
* Plan for natural hazards;
* Use natural buffers to protect people and property from potential hazards;
* Preserve and restore critical environmental areas; and
* Plan for public access to waterfront and coastal waters.
"Coastal and waterfront communities face development pressures that could affect their economy, environment, and quality of life for decades to come," said John H. Dunnigan, NOAA assistant administrator of the National Ocean Service. "These coastal and waterfront smart growth guidelines will help communities plan for growth and development while protecting their natural and economic resources, maritime heritage, and traditional sense of place."
Sea level rise and other impacts of climate change are adding new challenges to waterfront community development. More than half the U.S. population lives in coastal counties, which cover less than 17 percent of U.S. land area. An additional 180 million people visit coastal areas every year and many others visit lake and riverfront communities.
The Smart Growth Network started in 1996 as a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency and several nonprofit and government organizations. It was a response to increasing community concerns about the need for new ways to grow while boosting the economy, protecting the environment, and enhancing community vitality. Today its partners include environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests, and local and state government entities.
To download a copy of "Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities," see http://www.coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov or http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.
source: NOAA press release
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