How Many U.S. States Have Atlantic Coastline Access?

The Atlantic Ocean borders 14 U.S. states, providing them with coastal access ranging from Maine in the north to Florida in the south. This article explores these states, their capitals, and the unique characteristics they possess.

The States with Atlantic Coastline Access

The 14 states that have direct access to the Atlantic Ocean are: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The states are listed in descending order from the northernmost to southernmost points along the U.S. coastline.

While Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine all have coastlines directly facing the Atlantic, Maryland is often included due to its border with the Chesapeake Bay. However, this inclusion also extends to any states along the Gulf of Mexico, making the list more inclusive.

Unique Characteristics of Atlantic Coast States

Let's delve into the states that border the Atlantic Ocean, examining their capitals and some unique features:

Maine

Capital: Augusta Known for: Penobscot Bay and East Coast lobsters

New Hampshire

Capital: Concord Features: Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston Notable for: Freedom Trail, iconic universities, and busy commercial ports

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence Renowned for: older architectural structures and proximity to the grassy Narragansett Bay

Connecticut

Capital: Hartford Characterized by: rural landscapes and vibrant urban centers

New York

Capital: Albany (note: this is the state capital, New York City is a major metropolis) Iconic for: Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and cultural landmarks

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton Known for: suburban and industrial areas, expiration of the New Jersey Turnpike's toll

Delaware

Capital: Dover Involved in: numerous corporate headquarter locations, and duPont family wealth

Maryland

Capital: Annapolis Center for: Naval Academy, aquatic life, and ecotourism

Virginia

Capital: Richmond Associated with: the historic National Battlefield Park and numerous historic sites

North Carolina

Capital: Raleigh Recognized for: scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and research parks

South Carolina

Capital: Charleston Renowned for: Carolinas' rich Old South culture and historic architecture

Georgia

Capital: Atlanta Distinctive for: civil rights movement venues, and central role in the U.S. technology and space industries

Florida

Capital: Tallahassee Characterized by: beaches, theme parks, and the Kennedy Space Center

These states not only share a common geographic feature but also contribute to the unique fabric of the United States. Each state offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and economic activity.

Additional Information About Coastal States

Interestingly, there are other map contents of independent states bordering the Eastern Atlantic from North to South:

Norway Scotland Ireland England France Spain Portugal Morocco Western Sahara Senegal The Gambia Guinea Sierra Leone Liberia Adjacent to Ivory Coast Ghana Togo Benin Nigeria Cameroon Equatorial Guinea Gabon The Republic of the Congo Angola Democratic Republic of Congo Angola (another region) Namibia South Africa

This extensive list showcases the diverse geographical and cultural regions bordering the Eastern Atlantic. It highlights the vastness and diversity of countries and regions that share this unique body of water.