Stay Safe, Relax at These 10 Secluded Beaches

Published June 24, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo courtesy of GoldenIsles.com.

Looking for an uncrowded beach this summer where you can maintain social distancing, keeping you safe and virus free?

That’s not easy to do on the East Coast of the U.S. But according to the website Homes.com, these 10 secluded beaches — situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast from Maine down to Florida — will allow you to relax in or near a beach town in style, away from the tourist hordes.

“Some of these beaches are in state parks or owned by conservation trusts dedicated to preserving coastal land to provide habitat for threatened species. Others are simply local, out-of-the-way beaches untouched by development,” notes Homes.com.

So pack your swimsuit, beach towels, and sunscreen and get ready to stake out your place on the sand. It should be all yours.

Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, New Jersey

According to Homes.com, there are still a few beaches on the Jersey Shore “without arcades, Ferris wheels, commercial boardwalks, and a ton of people. Island Beach State Park on Barnegat Bay in New Jersey is probably the best of them.

“It’s the largest reserve of an undeveloped barrier island in the state and a sanctuary for ospreys, peregrine falcons, and other sea birds,” reports Homes.com. “The exceptional sandy beach has 300 feet of frontage for swimming and 700 feet of shoreline access, and is equipped with a bathhouse with public restrooms and 500 feet of boardwalk, with benches, lighting, and handicap access.”

Bound Brook Island Beach, Wellfleet, Massachusetts

“Accessible only by a narrow dirt road for more than a mile, this Wellfleet, Massachusetts beach is bursting with beauty,” according to Homes.com.

“If you bump into anyone at all at this remote beach, it will likely be a beach town local. At low tide, the massive stretch of sand is littered with aquatic life. At sunset, you’ll have the best seat on the Outer Cape. The view of Cape Cod Bay with the tip of Provincetown visible in the distance is spectacular.”

Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine

“White sandy beaches, stunning views of the Atlantic and the islands, harbor seals sunning themselves, and a place to soak up the sun are what make Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast,” the Homes.com report contends.

“Goose Rocks Beach is owned by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, which is dedicated to preserving land for use by current and future generations, and to managing properties in a way that reflects the natural and cultural heritage of Kennebunkport.”

Silver Sands State Park and Walnut Beach, Milford, Connecticut

“Milford, Connecticut is home to two of the best secret beaches in the state, and each offers a different outdoor experience,” notes Homes.com.

“Silver Sands State Park covers almost 300 acres and consists of marshes, woods, dunes, and vast stretches of sand. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and birding.

“Walnut Beach is conveniently located near Silver Sands State Park, making it possible to choose your beach experience – or choose to see both on the same day. Walnut Beach is a sandy public beach with a view of Charles Island, which can be reached on foot over a sandbar at low tide.

“Not only are Walnut Beach and Silver Sands Park close to each other, a boardwalk connects them.”

Colonial Beach, Virginia

“Colonial Beach — located in Coloinial Beach, Virginia — is one of the oldest, but still uncrowded, beaches in the nation,” according to Homes.com, “yet it’s just 90 minutes or so from Washington, DC or Richmond, VA.

“Both George Washington and James Monroe were born nearby, making this not just a beautiful vacation spot, but a historic one as well.”

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach, North Carolina

“Located in the city of Kure Beach, North Carolina are six miles of wide, pristine beach and trails through salt marsh brimming with wildlife,” Homes.com notes.

“The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is a park near Wilmington that touches both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. Visitors will also find a state aquarium and the ruins of a substantial Confederate fort that guarded the entrance to the river.

“Admission is free and registered vehicles with valid park-issued permits are allowed in the four-wheel-drive access area.”

Golden Isles, Georgia

“On the coast between Savannah and Jacksonville, Georgia, the Golden Isles are a group of offshore resort islands including St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island,” says the report.

“All feature scenic and unspoiled beaches facing the Atlantic. Two on Jekyll Island known for their beauty are Driftwood Beach and Glory Beach.

“As its name suggests, Driftwood Beach — voted one of America’s “Ten Most Romantic Beaches” — is a great place to beach comb as well as to swim and sun,” Homes.com notes.

Glory Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia. Photo courtesy of GoldenIsles.com

“Glory Beach was the site where much of the movie “Glory” was filmed. Access is by way of a long boardwalk built by the producers of the film, a comfortable walkway across dunes and freshwater pools. On a clear day, you can see Little Cumberland Island from the end of Glory Boardwalk.”

Gasparilla Island, Florida

“This offbeat and beautiful little island occupies an often-overlooked stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, north of Sanibel and south of Sarasota, where the quiet beaches are worth seeking out for their back-to-nature beauty alone,” according to Homes.com.

“Gasparilla State Park‘s one mile stretch of beach can be accessed from any of the five parking areas along the gulf and the Boca Grande Pass.

“Search for new shells, sunbathe, go swimming or walk along the beach. Dolphins can often be seen playing in the beautiful blue-green waters of the gulf and you might even catch a glimpse of a manatee or sea turtle swimming offshore.”