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 25+ coastal destinations in the eastern North America. This is our list of the best beaches for running from New York to Alabama, 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, the Outer Banks, Charleston/Kiawah Island, Hilton Head, Savannah, Golden Isles, and the Gulf Shores area of Alabama. Organized north-to-south. See also our Best Beaches in New England guide.
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. For a longer run, extend east along the water to Sheepshead Bay.
Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!