Running on the beach or alongside the ocean is one of the great summer pleasures. Great Runs has compiled a comprehensive guide to the best places to run in top coastal vacation destinations in the northeast U.S., including more than 15 distinct destinations, from Maine to the Outer Banks. This is our list of the best beaches for running from New York to North Carolina, either a runnable beach (wide, with firm sand), boardwalk, or good adjacent running road. This includes the New York boroughs, the Hamptons, Jersey Shore, Ocean City/Rehoboth Beach, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks.
Coney Island is the quintessential New York attraction, from the beach to the boardwalk to the rides at Luna Park. The boardwalk is approximately 2.5 miles from end to end.