VACATION RENTAL PICKS: 10 EAST COAST BEACHES MAKING A SPLASH

Grab the sunscreen, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your shades.

BEST EAST COAST BEACHES

In recent years, Eastern United States has become synonymous with “snowpocalypse” or “snowmageddon,” thanks to the harsh winters seen in New England. “Wicked bad staaaahms,” they’ll say. But don’t let the weatherman fool you; a trip to the Eastern border presents numerous warm-weather vacation destinations, from the Northeast down to the Carolinas.
Out of over 100 destinations, TripAdvisor Rentals has handpicked 10 East Coast beach vacations that rise above the rest. Known for their family-friendliness, natural beauty and top-notch attractions, these sandy getaways are perfect for the spring, summer, or fall. Popular spots like Myrtle Beach and Martha’s Vineyard are consistently traveler favorites, but up-and-comers like Cape May, New Jersey and South Carolina’s Kiawah Island are starting to make a splash.
Each of these coastal gems has affordable vacation homes for rent right here on TripAdvisor, with the amenities you’re used to at home, and then some! Large living spaces, private outdoor areas, a full chef’s kitchen, swimming pool or game room; and often located directly on the beach. When the sun-drenched day comes to an end, the family fun is just beginning.
Grab the sunscreen, pack the cooler, and don’t forget your shades. These 10 East Coast beaches are our top vacation rental picks.

TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA

sunset-at-the-pier-tybee-island
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.45/5.00
Nature lovers rejoice on Tybee Island, where Fort Screven, Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Lighthouse are scenic treasures with rich history. Live music permeates from the restaurants and bars. Fishermen throw a line off the Tybee Pier & Pavilion while beachgoers relish in the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views. The sunsets alone are worth a trip. For a livelier day pursuit, head just 20 miles west to Savannah, one of America’s most remarkable cities.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Tybee Beach is the reason we come back year after year…the best kept secret in Georgia!”
Recommended Activity
A private bike excursion through all of Tybee and Savannah’s top attractions. Click here for more info!
Tybee-Island-Vacation-Rentals

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

Myrtle-Beach-Home
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.35/5.00
The ultimate family vacation destination, Myrtle Beach boasts 60 miles of soft sands, amusement and water parks, live entertainment, world-class golfing, shopping and historical sites. Pleasant year-round weather means you can escape the winter doldrums of other East Coast areas. Known for having a vast selection of beautiful vacation homes for rent, Myrtle Beach is a safe bet for an enjoyable – and affordable – family trip.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Go with a child like attitude and you will have a blast!”
Recommended Activity
Group surf lessons perfect for the whole family, from Jack’s Surf Lessons & Board Rentals. Click here for more info!
Myrtle-Beach-Vacation-Rentals

REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE

the-delaware-seashore-rehoboth
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.62/5.00
Sun, sand and surf. What more do you want from a beach vacation? Rehoboth Beach is renowned for its prime dolphin watching excursions, where kids can witness the ocean’s smartest creatures up close as they glide alongside your pontoon boat. Similar to Myrtle Beach, the downtown center boasts amusement rides, mini golf, arcades and more. The beach itself is free to the public and a walkable boardwalk with restaurants, shops, live music and nightlife runs parallel.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Not your run-of-the-mill beach town. It’s several steps above other beach towns that have dozens of souvenir shops, tattoo parlors, junk food places, etc. There are extremely beautiful neighborhoods here with fantastic homes.”
Rehoboth-Beach-Vacation-Rentals

CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY

Cape-May-Beach
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.51/5.00
A charming seaside escape, Cape May sports a small-town vibe, quiet atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Tour the local wineries and craft breweries, shop at the Washington Street Mall, or check out the wildlife at the Cape May County Zoo. There’s a lighthouse, museums, and recreational activities galore like parasailing, surfing and paddle boarding. Higbee Beach and Poverty Beach (thankfully not representative of its name) are a few must-see gems.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Awesome panoramic views. Beautiful sand. Natural rocky shoreline. Great seashell collecting. Dolphins diving in the distant waves. Amazing sunsets. What more can I say? This is one of the best beaches on the Atlantic coast.”
Cape-May-Vacation-Rentals

HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA

Hilton-Head-Home
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.45/5.00
If paradise was ever lost, it’s been found in Hilton Head. Perfect for either a family getaway or romantic retreat, the boot-shaped island on South Carolina’s coast offers a laid-back yet swanky experience. The beaches sparkle and fabulous oceanfront homes line the sandy shores. Dine out at exceptional restaurants, grab a drink at the upscale bars and lounges, or pick up some wine and fresh catch-of-the-day seafood for a pleasant night in. Sunset views from your balcony offer the perfect backdrop for a family photo.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Having the whole family together, being able to make meals together, and the ease of home living made this the best vacation I’ve ever had.”
Hilton-Head-Vacation-Rentals

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Virginia-Beach-Home
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.26/5.00
What’s the perfect compliment to a world-class beach? A world-class boardwalk. Virginia Beach has one of America’s best. The three-mile stretch has a carnival-like atmosphere, with rides, arcade games, live music venues, restaurants, gift shops and more. All just steps from the beach and your rental property.
What Travelers Are Saying
“All kinds of things happening on Atlantic Avenue! Side shows, music, jugglers, local bands…in a safe family environment. And the shops: anything you could want from basic surf shops to high end jewelry and clothing.”
Recommended Activity
Take a break from the sand and spend a few hours on the Virginia Beach Guided Craft Brewery Tour. Click here for more info!
Virginia-Beach-Vacation-Rentals

NAGS HEAD, NORTH CAROLINA

Nags-Head-Home
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.61/5.00
Nags Head gets bragging rights as the only Outer Banks island destination to make this list. It’s all about the water here. Snorkel around famous shipwrecks, take sailing lessons, go dolphin watching or cast a line. Though if you’re looking for inland activities aside from the beach, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a no brainer. The tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, the park offers unparalleled views of Nags Head from its heights. Another Nags Head advantage? It’s the largest town on the Outer Banks, meaning it also boasts the longest oceanfront stretch at 11 miles. Cozy cottages line the sands for the perfect home base during your relaxing vacation.
What Travelers Are Saying
“The water is literally 100 feet from the house. We sat on the deck and watched the sunrise in the morning…saw dolphins during the afternoon. This property gave me a great opportunity to propose to my girlfriend and she said YES! We will always remember this place and look forward to re-booking in the future.”
Nags-Head-Vacation-Rentals

BETHANY BEACH, DELAWARE

blue-bridge-bethany-beach
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.25/5.00
This quaint, family-friendly beach town offers a classy seaside vacation without all the tourists. Not as crazy as the nearby Rehoboth or Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach is relaxing, clean and well-maintained.
What Travelers Are Saying
“The beach is not too overdeveloped or spoiled. There are so many places these days where people don’t appreciate the right balance of development, infrastructure and conservation and that makes a place like this really rare and wonderful.”
Recommended Activity
Private surf lessons from Farmdog Surf School. Click here for more info!
Bethany-Beach-Vacation-Rentals

KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA

AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.45/5.00
Escape the hustle and bustle of other Charleston-area beaches at Kiawah Island. Stunning, serene, and peaceful are just a few adjectives used to describe this hidden gem.
What Travelers Are Saying
“Rare intact coastal dunes, beautiful marshes, and 10 miles of dog-friendly beach. We watched wading birds and dolphins, found loads of seashells, and talked to plenty of friendly people. We enjoyed it so much that we are renting a condo for another week!”
Kiawah-Island-Vacation-Rentals

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS

Marthas-Vineyard
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.64/5.00
Nicknamed “Hollywood East,” Martha’s Vineyard is one of the more fashionable East Coast beaches. Situated just south of Cape Cod, the Vineyard has played host to famous visitors like Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, David Letterman, Bill Murray, Diane Sawyer and Spike Lee. Check out the views from atop the Edgartown Lighthouse, shop at chic boutiques or take a private yacht cruise. Many areas are “dry” but restaurants let you bring your own beer and wine. Plus, you can always enjoy fine spirits from the comforts of your vacation rental.
What Travelers Are Saying
“I come stay here every year and cannot get enough. The home is so centrally located – on the main street in Oak Bluffs, near the ferry, fishing charters, beaches, running trails, and all our favorite restaurants! We love sitting up on the balcony BBQing the daily catch, enjoying a meal with our family, watching people walk by, or just smelling the delicious Back Door Doughnuts apple fritters…”

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ADD TO  WATCHLIST F 11.35   -0.53% JCP 4.89   +1.24% M 23.81   -1.12% ANF 13.42   -2.40% AMZN 1,006.73   +1.08% U.S. job growth slowed in May and employment gains in the prior two months were not as strong as previously reported, suggesting the labor market was losing momentum despite the unemployment rate falling to a 16-year low of 4.3 percent. Nonfarm payrolls increased 138,000 last month as the manufacturing, government and retail sectors lost jobs, the Labor Department said on Friday. The economy created 66,000 fewer jobs than previously reported in March and April. Last month's job gains could still be sufficient for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates at its June 13-14 policy meeting. The economy needs to create 75,000 to 100,000 jobs per month to keep up with growth in the working-age population. "While the message was a little muddied today, the evidence generally suggests the labor market is cyclically tightening, and the Fed will need to ...
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