You don’t have to travel overseas or to an exotic locale to enjoy a bucket-list-worthy beach vacation in the United States; our country is full of superlative sandy surf and shores, from sea to shining sea. Caladesi Island, Hilton Head Island, Currituck, Half Moon Bay, Laguna Beach, Lake Tahoe; these are all well-known beach towns for a classic coastal getaway. But guess what? These headliners are just the beginning of the beautiful, bucket-list-worthy beachside destinations in the country. And today we’re going to share some of the best beach towns in the U.S. that you probably didn’t know about.

Table of Contents

Best West Coast Beach Towns In America

For those who live on the west coast, there’s the saying, “The west coast is the best coast.” With mild summers and winters, beautiful weather, and gorgeous sandy beaches in many areas of the west coast, it’s a wonderful part of the country to enjoy a beach vacation year-round. Here are some of the best west coast beach towns in America:

1. Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach, WA 98631, USA
Bob Pool/Photographer's Choice RF
  • Location: Long Beach, WA
  • Known For: Home of the longest contiguous beach in the U.S., seafood harvests, home to the annual International Kite Festival
  • Where To Stay Nearby: We love this Charming Home Near the Beach.


Washingtonians know Long Beach as one of the state's top coastal locales, but it's time the rest of the country caught wind (pun intended) of this breathtaking beach town, too. This small, quaint town is complete with attractions for the whole family, a sky dotted with vibrant kites during the warmer seasons, and mile upon mile (28, to be exact) of heavenly beach scenery -- it is the "World's Longest Beach," after all -- along the Pacific Ocean. Each summer, the skies over Washington Beach come alive with color, with whimsical kites taking flight in perfect synchrony. In fact, each year, the International Kite Festival draws in visitors from all over the globe and features fanciful fun like kite flying and kite-making classes, amateur (and professional) competitions, and even lighted kite flying at night. Off-shore, the town of Long Beach is impossibly charming, with locally owned shops and restaurants, attractions (like the Marsh's Free Museum), lighthouses, and dreamy little seaside cottages.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Francesco Vaninetti Photo/Moment Collection via Getty Images
  • Location: Cannon Beach, OR
  • Known For: Massive rock formations including the 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock, a robust art community, cliffs, and tide pools
  • Where To Stay Nearby: The Stephanie Inn


Cannon Beach is arguably the most well-known spot on the Oregon Coast, famed for its stunning shores and iconic rock formations. But Cannon Beach isn’t just one of the Beaver State's most beautiful beaches, it’s also an idyllic seaside town that’s home to some of the most charming little shops and local businesses in the PNW. We're talking a coastal locale that's straight out of a Hallmark movie, with weather-worn buildings housing some of the most amazing little restaurants, retailers, and accommodations. For those with a sweet tooth, Bruce's Candy Kitchen is a perennial favorite, with its pink-and-white striped shop welcoming folks since 1963, while Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House is a quirky little spot that's got a bit of everything: hardware, wines, and even pub grub. And when looking for accommodations in Cannon Beach, the Stephanie Inn is known for having the best views in town.
3. Capitola, California
Capitola, CA, USA
Jonathan Clark/Moment Collection via Getty Images


A slice of Mediterranean magic in NorCal? No, it’s not too good to be true; this is the magic of Capitola, California. A small beach city in Santa Cruz County, Capitola is known for its trendy shops, top-notch restaurants, fishing wharf, and - most notably - its long, sandy beach. Simply put, it's the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of the NorCal coast. In addition, there’s an impossibly picture-perfect hotel located in town that is bound to transport you across the globe with its bold colored adobe and waterfront vistas. As the top-ranked hotel in town, the Capitola Venetian Hotel is an ideal spot to make the most of this slice of paradise. Tucked right along the beach, you definitely couldn't ask for a better setting. Capitola is one of the best vacation towns in the U.S.
4. San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Missing35mm/E+ Collection via Getty Images


A quiet town lauded as a great place to retire, San Luis Obispo is also a charming coastal locale that beckons visitors of all ages to stop and stay awhile. San Luis Obispo is situated within California’s Central Coast region, roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. This fantastic destination boasts a population of just under 50,000 residents, qualifying it as a medium-sized city that's, as Goldilocks would say, just right. There’s so much to appreciate in San Luis Obispo, from its scenic beauty to its charming local shops and restaurants. And as the city sits about 10 miles inland, it is somewhat protected from the cooler coastal weather and boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that, when combined with the SoCal sun and scenery, makes for a beautiful and quiet beach getaway sure to provide pure R&R.

 

Best East Coast Beach Towns In America

East Coast beaches are abundant. With 2,000 miles of coastline that includes a variety of beaches including flat and sandy to beaches with tall sand dunes, rocky shorelines, tidepools, and more. There is a wide variety of beach towns and cities on the east coast as well. Here are the best east coast beach towns in America:

5. Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA
Michael Milner/Moment Collection via Getty Images


While Georgia is perhaps best known for its overhanging oak trees, immense history, and Southern flair, it's also a bit of a dark horse when it comes to beautiful beaches and islands. Tybee Island is a prime example of the state's paradisiacal prowess, boasting wide, sandy beaches, clear-blue waters, and warm, gentle waves. The Tybee Island town proper offers guests the quintessential "beach" experience, too, complete with waterfront restaurants, luxurious resorts, bucket-list-worthy adventures, iconic attractions, and charming shops.
6. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Michael Warren/E+ Collection via Getty Images


St. Augustine often gets overshadowed by Florida's big names like Miami and Orlando, but this town really does deserve your attention. The epitome of Old Florida charm, St. Augustine is a place of fascinating history and culture. Dating back 450 years, St. Augustine is one of the country's oldest and most historic cities and places like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument celebrate its legacy. But the town is more than just historical sites and museums; its downtown district along Aviles Street -- the oldest street in the country, in fact -- has amazing local shops, incredible restaurants, and top-rated distilleries, making for a wholly delightful experience.
7. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Ryan Bengford/iStock via Getty Images Plus


Just 25 miles south of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is an under-the-radar slice of paradise that's regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the state. The beach is technically a part of The Outer Banks, a little-known fact made apparent when you notice its perfect and pristine seclusion. A small and serene little seaside town, you won't find much in Sandbridge apart from its beach, some weather-worn rental cottages, a few kayaking outfitters, and local sea shacks. But you know what? That's precisely what makes it such a charming treasure for anyone looking to "get away from it all."
8. Block Island, Rhode Island
New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
Peter Johansky/Photodisc Collection via Getty Images
  • Location: Block Island, RI
  • Known For: Mohegan Bluffs, boutiques, art galleries, hiking trails
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Cozy Bungalow


Off the sublime shores of Rhode Island, Block Island is 17 miles of pristine beaches protected by lighthouses and extraordinary bluffs and surrounded by rolling roads and winding paths. It's a picture-perfect island that's peak New England vibes, offering an experience that's wholly unique to the region. The village-like Old Harbor is peaceful and quiet, home to a handful of Victorian bed-and-breakfasts, quirky boutiques, and one local grocery. But Block Island doesn't need any glitz or gimmicks; with its crashing waves, rocky outcrops, startling blue waters, and moody skies; this Rhode Island gem is a natural beauty and picture-perfect coastal escape on the Atlantic.
9. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May, NJ 08204, USA
Walter Bibikow/DigitalVision Collection via Getty Images
  • Location: Cape May, NJ
  • Known For: Boardwalk with amusements, movies on the beach, outdoor summer concerts
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Congress Hall


Easily one of the best beaches on the Mid-Atlantic coast, Cape May is a postcard-perfect place to kick back and enjoy a good, old-fashioned vacation. An island comprised of several small regions, the beaches of Cape May are all beautiful and family-friendly, with most easily walkable to charming accommodations, attractions, and dining venues in town. Affectionally referred to as "America's Original Seaside Resort," the town of Cape May is itself noteworthy, too; it's a designated National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of well-preserved Victorian buildings. In fact, the town's Congress Hall opened in 1816 as the first seaside resort in the country. Today, this historic hotel offers vacationers a completely unique and charming place to stay in Cape May.
10. Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit, ME, USA
Thomas H. Mitchell/500px Collection via Getty Images


For a true taste of classic coastal Maine, Ogunquit is a beguiling beach town sure to make you swoon. There's no shortage of things to do here: for a dreamy experience in nature, walk the clifftop Marginal Way, which boasts incredible sights and sounds of the almighty Atlantic. Back in the town proper, Ogunquit is extremely walkable and pedestrian-friendly; and in the summer, there's a whimsical trolley that runs through its streets. Local theaters, art galleries, antique shops, lobster shacks, wine bars, and breakfast cafes dot the downtown, making for a wholly immersive beach town experience that's so delightfully Maine.

Best Great Lakes Beach Towns In The U.S.

While we all seem to believe that the best beaches in the U.S. are along the East or West Coast, that’s not always the case. There are numerous incredible beaches in the landlocked states, and some of the best are near or on the Great Lakes. Here are some of the best Great Lakes beach towns in the U.S.:

11. Washington Island, Wisconsin
Washington, WI 54246, USA
Douglas Rissing/iStock via Getty Images Plus


Wisconsin's Door County is a beloved beach destination for Midwesterners, who flock to this region to spend time in charming towns like Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek, and Egg Harbor. In the middle of this coastal locale, Schoolhouse Beach is an island oasis that will take surely your breath away. A geological wonder, Schoolhouse Beach has a white shoreline, but no sand. Instead, the shore is covered in a layer of white limestone rocks that have literally been there for hundreds of thousands of years. The pebbles are silky smooth, having been buffed by millennia of waves and glacial movement. These rocks are so treasured, in fact, that there's a federal law prohibiting their removal from this beautiful beach. You'll have to travel to the very tip of Door County and then take a ferry to reach Washington Island, but these pictures should convince you that getting to discover this unique and one-of-a-kind island is well worth the effort from wherever your Door County beachside "base" is.
12. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City Tourism/Facebook


While Mackinac Island tends to steal the show in Michigan, Traverse City is our pick for the Great Lakes State's best beach town. In addition to being breathtakingly beautiful, Traverse City is home to some of the country's best wineries -- who knew? For oenophiles, the opportunity to enjoy a beach vacation with a side of epic wine-centric adventures is something that shouldn't be passed up. From embarking on a Water to Wine kayak tour of Grand Traverse Bay to tastings at Brys Estate and Left Foot Charley, Traverse City is home to some 50 vineyards for an epic vacation of vino and vistas for days. Definitely put Mari Vineyards and Rove Estate on your list; known for their knockout Rieslings, Old Country charm, live music, and sweeping sunset views over the Leelanau Peninsula, there's no better exclamation point for your trip. Come to Traverse City and see why it's one of the Great Lakes' best vacation towns.
13. Michigan City, Indiana
Michigan City, IN, USA
Focqus, LLC/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images


Located on Lake Michigan's south shore just an hour away from Chicago, Michigan City is an extraordinary beach town with an endless supply of things to do. In fact, it's one of the best vacation towns in the U.S.! Visit the Michigan City Lighthouse & Pier if you're looking to learn some history in the area. This lighthouse was built in 1904 and is the only public lighthouse still operating in Indiana. This beach town is also known for its zoo, botanic gardens, and, of course, its beaches. Washington Park Beach is the largest and most popular in town and offers amenities like a restaurant and marina. If you'd rather opt for a quiet beach, hit the sand at Sheridan Beach or Long Beach instead. Michigan City is absolutely picture-perfect and watching the sunset here alone is worth visiting this town.

 

Best Gulf Coast Beach Towns In The U.S.

The Gulf Coast encompasses around 1,600 miles of shoreline between five states. And some of the beaches and beach towns here are just wonderful! Here are some of the best Gulf Coast towns in the U.S. you may want to visit or consider moving to:

14. Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas, TX, USA
Olga Melhiser Photography/Moment Open Collection via Getty Images
  • Location: Port Aransas, TX
  • Known For: The "Fishing Capital of Texas," nightlife, public piers
  • Where To Stay Nearby: Gone Coastal Beachfront Home


Galveston and South Padre Island are arguably the most famous beach towns in Texas, but as much as we love them, they shouldn't take the entire spotlight. Much lesser-known, yet equally worthy of visiting, Port Aransas is an unspoiled island community that's earned numerous accolades over the years, including a recent nod from Travel + Leisure‘s list of the 17 best beach towns in the U.S., yet remains stubbornly under-the-radar. That is, unless you're an avid fisher; with 18 miles of pristine coastline, Port Aransas is aptly known as the "Fishing Capital of Texas" and has long been a favorite spot to cast a line! But Port Aransas is so much more than an ideal spot to fish; with pearly white sands, crystal-clear waters, and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy, Port Aransas truly is one of the best beach towns in America.
15. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA
The City of Bay Saint Louis, "A Place Apart"/Facebook


In terms of charming coastal towns, Bay Saint Louis wins. This Mississippi city marches to the beat of its own drum; it's an old-fashioned Southern town with a flair for the fun and funky, boasting quirky storefronts, an enviable art scene, unique fests, and more. The Depot District and Old Town are must-visits in Bay Saint Louis, offering a true taste of this Southern iconoclast with spots like Bay St. Louis Little Theatre and the Second Saturday Artwalk. Of course, this artistic little coastal commune is also big on scenic beauty, boasting dramatic, wide-open Gulf views for days. If it's a unique and art-filled getaway you're seeking, you'll find it -- and so much more -- in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.
16. Marco Island, Florida
Marco Island, FL 34145, USA
Pola Damonte via Getty Images/Moment via Getty Images


You can find Marco Island just south of the more popular Naples. This barrier island has been the site of many archaeological digs over the years that have wielded important artifacts and discoveries including burial mounds and inland marinas. Aside from archaeology, Marco Island's Tigertail Beach is a popular spot for beach combing for shells and sand dollars. The town also boasts fantastic shopping opportunities as well as exquisite seafood restaurants. You'll just have to find out for yourself why this is one of the best beach towns in the U.S.

Take a look at this drone footage of Marco Island by @CinematikDrone:
17. Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island, AL, USA
Barry Winiker/The Image Bank via Getty Images


While its pristine beaches are a huge draw to Dauphin Island, there's so much more than hitting the sand here. The southernmost point in Alabama feels far removed from the rest of the state offering residents and vacationers a place to both play outside and relax. For history buffs, Fort Morgan State Historic Site is a must-see attraction in town. Home to the 19th-century Morgan Fort, learn about Civil War history as you explore the grounds. If you're someone who enjoys hiking and birdwatching, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary is a must along with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab which features hands-on exhibits about the fourth-largest estuary in the country. Of course, you can always take a walk or lay out on one of the island's sandy beaches. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

Craving surf and sand? Skip the well-known (and, well, crowded) locales and instead plan an adventure at one of the country’s myriad best, most beautiful, and under-the-radar beach towns.

So, what’s your favorite beach town? Would you agree that these are some of the best beach towns in the U.S.? Let us know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Beaches In The U.S.

Melissa M. | July 24, 2023

Where is the best beach town to vacation in the U.S.?

If you ask several people what the best beach town to vacation in the U.S. is, there’d be quite a few different answers. However, St. George Island, Florida may have the top spot. This town is home to one of the top-rated beaches in the country, St. George Island State Park Beach. This barrier island beach along the Sunshine State's Gulf Shores boasts clear and pristine water, stunning white sand, and unspoiled beauty making it an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.

Where is the best place to live by the beach?

Living by the beach is a dream come true for many. Here are some of the best places to live by the beach in the U.S.:

  • Encinitas, California: Located in San Diego County, you’ll find 6 miles of coast plus gorgeous beaches, shops, plenty of dining options, and the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.
  • Manhattan Beach, California: I used to live here and can attest to the fact that it's an excellent place to live. With a gorgeous beach to play beach volleyball on or sunbathe, a bike path running alongside the beach, and an array of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops, it's beach living at its finest.
  • Key Biscayne, Florida: Gorgeous scenery, a historic lighthouse, and a picturesque state park are only the beginning of what you can experience living in Key Biscayne. This paradise near Miami also offers shops, restaurants, and a laid-back feel.

 

Where is the cheapest beach town in the U.S.? 

Living by the beach doesn’t always have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are several affordable beach towns around the country to check out. One of the least expensive beach towns in the U.S. is Port Arthur, Texas. With housing prices well below the national average, you may be able to afford a slice of beachy paradise.

Related Articles