1. Overview: Discover the best beach towns in the U.S. that offer a unique blend of charm, relaxation, and scenic beauty.
From coast to coast, these are the best beach towns in the U.S.
Fact checked by
Olivia Young
Come summertime, the longing for sea breezes and salt water rushing over your toes is powerful stuff. When the pull of the beach is strong, you may just adopt an “any beach will do” mentality. However, there’s a compelling case for seeking out the best beach towns in the U.S., where an easygoing vibe and stunning coastal views create an intoxicating combination. For beach lovers who prefer quaint cottages, custard stands, and historic wharves over beachfront go-karts and megaresorts, these are some of the best beach towns the American shoreline has to offer.
Block Island, Rhode Island
A one-hour ferry ride from mainland Rhode Island, Block Island combines a quaint downtown area with breathtaking coastal scenery and a rolling green interior crisscrossed with low fieldstone walls, reminiscent of a remote British Isle. The village-like Old Harbor features Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, quirky boutiques, and the island’s few grocery stores, offering all the simple pleasures: misty mornings, beach walks, ice cream on the front porch, bicycle rides, and afternoon hikes to mighty bluffs overlooking the Atlantic.
Ocracoke, North Carolina
Before it was permanently settled in the 1700s, this tiny island was a sanctuary for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. Today, the same seclusion that once enticed buccaneers welcomes tens of thousands of yearly visitors. Accessible solely by boat or ferry, Ocracoke is one of the Outer Banks’ most distant outposts, offering expansive sandy beaches harmonized with wild nature. The harbor area is replete with slushy stands, surf shops, family-friendly barbecue restaurants, oyster bars, and charming vintage hotels, with cottage rentals and beach camping serving as popular alternatives.
Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington
Catch the ferry or ride a seaplane into this charming island village near Seattle. This destination isn’t characterized by arcade games along the boardwalk; instead, it features natural beaches, independent bookstores, and restaurants, even including a lavender farm with views of the Olympic Mountains. Hike along the rocky coastline while looking for whales and other wildlife (like foxes, bald eagles, and dolphins) at Lime Kiln Point State Park, where a historic lighthouse stands watch since 1919. If witnessing an orca pod in the wild inspires you, a visit to The Whale Museum offers insights into the marine mammals inhabiting San Juan Islands’ waters.
Edisto, South Carolina
Edisto Island is perfect for a back-to-basics beach vacation. Activities on the itinerary include exploring Botany Bay, the island’s unique nature reserve covered in driftwood and seashells; hiking or biking through live oaks and palmettos to view a 4,000-year-old Native American shell mound; meeting turtles and gators at the serpentarium; and visiting roadside farmers markets to collect fresh produce, local Marsh Hen Mill grits, and delicious Key lime pie. (Dining at Whaley’s, a former gas station dishing out fried oysters and crab cakes since the ’40s is a must.)
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
By the early 1900s, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea became a preferred getaway for creative types. Even through decades of tourism and celebrity influence, this town has maintained its small-town charm. Its walkable downtown feels straight out of a fairy tale, with cobbled streets lined by shops, galleries, wine-focused restaurants, charming 1920s cottages, and hidden gardens. To admire Carmel’s stunning cliffs and lovely white-sand coves, visit its Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and Garrapata State Park.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico side, about 130 miles north of Key West, Sanibel Island is a coastal paradise for nature lovers. This enchanting island has an east-west orientation that makes it a prime spot for seashells, and collecting them on Bowman’s Beach is a favorite activity (officially known as the Sanibel Stoop). A large portion of the island is protected, including a wildlife refuge ideal for bird-watching, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. In terms of Sanibel’s offerings, a few local spots provide custard and seafood, along with a local farmers market in the summer months.
Port Aransas, Texas
On the southern Texas coast, Port Aransas is the self-proclaimed “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Fishing enthusiasts have access to 18 miles of beach and chartered deep-sea excursions. Beyond fishing, there’s plenty to enjoy, including swimming, kayaking, parasailing, golfing, dolphin watching, and birding. Port Aransas’ marshy nature preserves and estuaries serve as shelters for various bird species, including pelicans, ducks, and the enchanting roseate spoonbill, the town’s official flamingo-pink bird. Additionally, a side trip to Padre Island National Seashore is worth considering, offering 66 miles of unspoiled beach, rolling sand dunes, and tranquil waters.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is known for its distinctive Haystack Rock, a basalt tower that rises 235 feet from the water’s edge. With Haystack and other stacks scattered across the shoreline, Cannon Beach stands as one of Oregon’s most captivating and recognizable coastal towns. Its sprawling beaches provide a serene backdrop for swimming, walking, kayaking, and bird-watching. Be sure to visit Hug Point during low tide to discover caves and marine life. Furthermore, proactive regulations have successfully minimized overdevelopment and chain commercialization, allowing the town to retain its charming character.
Capitola, California
Escape the crowds of Santa Cruz and venture to this vibrant village, which boasts a beautiful bay and inviting waterfront. The town is lively and colorful, featuring brightly painted houses, a historic wharf, and delightful shops. Culinary options range from local pubs and taco establishments to the multi-level Shadowbrook Restaurant, a wine-centric spot built into the hillside overlooking Soquel Creek.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
The marshy coastlines of the Carolinas and Georgia are dotted with charming, serene beach communities. North Carolina’s Bald Head Island qualifies as one of the dreamiest. It is the East Coast’s northernmost subtropical island, characterized by protected maritime forests, beach rentals, nature trails, and miles of stunning, unspoiled beaches. Cars are prohibited, and visitors traverse the island using golf carts, biking, kayaking, or simply walking. Between beach strolls, biking, and enjoying board games on the porch, travelers can explore the state’s oldest working lighthouse, named Old Baldy, or learn about native loggerhead sea turtles at Bald Head Island Conservancy.
St. Augustine, Florida
Not every beach vacation features an Old World ambiance. In centuries-old St. Augustine, culture and coastal nature coexist beautifully. This Spanish-founded town boasts peaceful beaches alongside historic landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos (the oldest enduring masonry fort in the U.S.), along with quaint, European-style shopping streets such as St. George and Aviles. Must-see attractions include the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, a local alligator zoo, and St. Augustine Distillery, which invites visitors for tours and tastings daily. After a day filled with exploration, unwind at one of St. Augustine’s best hotels.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit, translating to “beautiful place by the sea,” lives up to its name. The town boasts wide, white-sand beaches that starkly contrast with the typical rocky Maine coastline. For a taste of classic coastal Maine, traverse the clifftop Marginal Way, which offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic’s power. Explore the charming town by foot or aboard a summer trolley, visiting theaters, art galleries, antique shops, lobster shacks, wine bars, and breakfast cafes. Don’t miss out on indulging in a stack of fluffy Maine blueberry pancakes!
Cape May, New Jersey
Situated at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is an ideal spot for beach aficionados who appreciate history and architecture. The town is filled with stunning Victorian architecture, including beautiful cottages, hotels, and summer homes, all contributing to a vintage atmosphere. Stroll along the brick sidewalks (or opt for a horse-drawn carriage tour) to admire colorful gingerbread houses, and explore the mom-and-pop shops selling saltwater taffy and local souvenirs. Even if you don’t stay at the historic The Chalfonte Hotel, plan on enjoying a fried-chicken dinner on the wraparound porch complete with live music.
San Clemente, California
San Clemente, located in Orange County, captivates with its stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, sandy beaches framed by cliffs, and coastal trails. This captivating San Clemente coast is renowned among swimmers, longboarders, campers, and hikers. The town itself hosts farmers markets, breweries, casual eateries, and a laid-back vibe that offers a refreshing contrast to numerous neighboring Southern California beach towns.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, a historic New England seaport, became the summer playground for early American industrial moguls (like the Astors, Morgans, and Vanderbilts). A stroll past these legendary homes, including The Breakers — a colossal 70-room Italian Renaissance estate — can be experienced along Newport’s Cliff Walk, which traverses coastal bluffs. Continue to Easton’s Beach, a family-friendly sandy stretch often referred to as First Beach by locals (don’t miss the lobster roll stand and lemonade truck for refreshments). Along the harbor, brick sidewalks and historic merchant buildings characterize Bowen’s Wharf, where you can indulge in oysters to your heart’s content. Newport is also famous for its vibrant music scene, anchored by the annual Newport Jazz and Newport Folk festivals.
Solana Beach, California
While California is dotted with remarkable beach towns, Solana Beach is renowned for its lack of pretension. Natural beauty reigns supreme in this laid-back San Diego County town, where beach activities include sunning, hiking along rugged areas with ocean and lagoon views (Annie’s Canyon Trail is a favorite), and sampling delectable tamales and chocolate halvah at the farmers market. Dining options range from casual seafood restaurants to cozy pancake houses and wineries.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Perched beautifully at the tip of Cape Cod, the quaint town of Provincetown, featuring a population of only around 3,500 year-round residents, swells to six times its size during peak season. It attracts a vibrant bohemian summer crowd, offering stunning natural scenery, 19th-century residences, and a culture of inclusivity. Vacationers spend their days frolicking at commerce-free Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, biking through scenic pine forests and dunes, or leisurely strolling down Commercial Street, filled with eclectic shops, galleries, and eateries. Provincetown’s lively LGBTQ+ scene is highlighted by cabarets and drag shows—often featuring Broadway and RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni—and plenty of dancing.
