The 26 Best Beach Towns in America
Whether you’re looking for a quick spring getaway or you’re hunting for summer vacay options, we present the 26 best beach towns in America to consider. If the liquid feeling of sunlight doesn’t instantly lift your mood, then certainly their historical character, quality shopping and delicious grub—and many other pleasing attributes—will do the trick. And while these towns make for a great vacation any time of the year, certain months have less crowds and better weather, making your stay more enjoyable.
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1. KEY WEST, FL
- Why We Recommend It: Popular destination, crystal-blue water, LGBTQIA+ friendly
- Best Time to Go: Between March and May
- Where to Stay: Papaya Place Condo
If you’re looking for true relaxation in your accommodations, the Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a paradise all on its very own. It offers a full-service spa, as well as three on-site restaurants and is located directly on the beach. The hotel also has a world-renowned sand sculptor on staff who creates custom sculpture murals.
2. NEWPORT, RI
- Why We Recommend It: Historic mansions, sightseeing tours, shopping
- Best Time to Go: Between March and May
- Where to Stay: Castle Hill Inn
Apart from hitting the beach at Easton’s, Bailey’s, or King’s Park, taking a sailboat out for the day—or even better, opting for a luxury sightseeing tour—is a popular summertime activity away from the sand. The same is true for shopping Thames St., which is host to clothing, decor, fine food and other specialty shops. Giving “estate sale” a proper meaning, the local emporium of antiques, Aardvark Antiques, is another not-to-be-missed draw for fine, vintage finds in this seaside town.
Post up at the Castle Hill Inn at your very own beach cottage (which also happens to be one of their pet-friendly room types. It overlooks a stretch of private beach, and many of these rooms have private fireplaces and soaking tubs, too.
3. KENAI, AK
- Why We Recommend It: Stunning sunsets, cooler temperatures, great for fishing
- Best Time to Go: From May to September
- Where to Stay: Waterfront, Mountain-View Cabin
4. DEL MAR, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Tons of trails, small-town vibes, plenty of beaches
- Best Time to Go: From June to October
- Where to Stay: Olde Del Mar Hillside Bungalow
5. MONTEREY, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Scenic views, tons of shopping, self-guided tours
- Best Time to Go: Between April and May
- Where to Stay: Beautiful Monterey Bay Home
6. ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
- Why We Recommend It: Unique tours, historic, great architecture
- Best Time to Go: Between March and May
- Where to Stay: The Historic Hut
7. MONTAUK, NY
- Why We Recommend It: Several beaches, trendy restaurants, laid-back vibes
- Best Time to Go: October to November
- Where to Stay: Relaxing Lake Retreat
Another highlight in Montauk are the trendy restaurants and hotels such as La Fin Kitchen & Lounge (formerly Swallow East) which offers offer dining in a setting that is reminiscent of St. Barth’s and St. Tropez, ya know, dreamy places with major Frenchie vibes.
8. HILTON HEAD, SC
- Why We Recommend It: Golfing, dolphin-watching, boating
- Best Time to Go: April and May
- Where to Stay: Luxury Oceanview Villa
Those looking for a break from golf (or an escape from all of your friends who only want to play or talk about golf), should check out one of the stunning beaches (Hilton Head Island Beach, Coligny, Folly Field Beach Park) or rent a boat and spend a day on the water. You can also take a breathtaking sunset dolphin watching cruise. For a little retail therapy, the Main Street Village shopping corridor is a pleasant way to shop and stroll and bargain hunters will appreciate the area’s primo Tanger Outlets, too.
9. ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA
- Why We Recommend It: Trolley tours, lighthouses, multiple islands
- Best Time to Go: From June to August
- Where to stay: Grey Owl Inn
Kick back on one of the town’s stunning golf courses, or explore the eclectic downtown area by foot, but whatever you do, don’t forget to grab breakfast at the delish Palmer's Village Café and to book a St. Simons Trolley Tour!
10. CAPE MAY, NJ
- Why We Recommend It: Unique architecture, multiple beaches, great food
- Best Time to Go: From May to September
- Where to stay: Congress Hall
With plenty of beaches to choose from, including the walkable-from-town Cape May Public Beaches, and the further afar Poverty Beach, Higbee Beach and—our personal fave—Sunset Beach, you could easily spend a long weekend beach-hopping, but you should also partake in the town’s many cultural and culinary sites when here. These include the recently opened Harriet Tubman Museum, touring historic houses like the Emlen Physick estate and more, sipping a martini on the porch of the Ebbitt Room, or touring the farm grounds at Beach Plum Farm before a hosted dinner on the property.
11. SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, SC
- Why We Recommend It: Quiet, family-friendly, water activities
- Best Time to Go: Between October and November
- Where to Stay: Premium Sullivan's Island Beachfront Condo
Being so close to Charleston, fantastic restaurants are par for the course, with notable options including The Obstinate Daughter and Home Team BBQ.
12. SANTA BARBARA, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Popular destination, great food, tons of shopping
- Best Time to Go: From March to May
- Where to Stay: Remodeled Luxury Retreat
Stop by one of them, Parker Clay, a handsome leather shop where it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. Another shop that shouldn’t be missed is Plum Goods, a book-meets-gift-meets-home decor paradise. From there, grab dinner at Loquita, or Blue Agave or Bouchon. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
13. DELRAY BEACH, FL
- Why We Recommend It: Small-town vibes, artsy, luxurious
- Best Time to Go: Between November and April
- Where to Stay: 1926 Spanish Mission Style Cottage
What we love most about Delray Beach though is that it’s a casual beach town with luxe little details, all mirrored very well at The Seagate Hotel and Beach Club, which has comfortable, contemporary rooms (some with large soaking tubs!) and is located along the main Atlantic Avenue strip. All stays offer complimentary towel service, chairs and umbrellas at both the pool and the beach, and you’ll appreciate that. The Seagate is also connected to a membership-based Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Country Club with an 18-hole golf course and desirable Har-Tru tennis courts.
14. MAKAWAO, HI
- Why We Recommend It: Nature, farm tours, outdoor activities
- Best Time to Go: From December to February
- Where to Stay: Beautiful Cozy Cottage
15. NANTUCKET, MA
- Why We Recommend It: Laid-back vibes, great food, tons of shopping
- Best Time to Go: From March to April or September to October
- Where to Stay: Luxurious New Cottage
16. ALYS BEACH, FL
- Why We Recommend It: European feel, scenic views, fine dining
- Best Time to Go: Between April and May
- Where to Stay: Villas at Sunset Beach
17. DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SC
- Why We Recommend It: Relaxing, no cars allowed, wildlife
- Best Time to Go: Between April and December
- Where to Stay: Beautiful Loft with Porch and Dock
18. PETOSKEY, MI
- Why We Recommend It: Victorian architecture, water activities, quality shopping
- Best Time to Go: From June to August
- Where to Stay: Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection
19. CAMBRIA, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Small-town vibes, relaxing, farm-fresh dining
- Best Time to Go: Between September and October
- Where to Stay: Garden Cottage Retreat
20. AVILA BEACH, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Wildlife sightings, historic lighthouse, nature trails
- Best Time to Go: From May to October
- Where to Stay: Modern Spanish Casita
The town is also known for wildlife sightings—we’re talking seals and otters—and the ability to kayak to a historic lighthouse currently only accessible by water. A walkable pier and natural mineral soaking springs round this instant charmer out.
21. PACIFIC GROVE, CA
- Why We Recommend It: Historic, Queens Anne architecture, whale watching
- Best Time to Go: Between May and November
- Where to Stay: Charming Beautiful Inn
22. CANNON BEACH, OR
- Why We Recommend It: Rugged coastline, quaint town, serene
- Best Time to Go: From July through September
- Where to Stay: Peaceful Dog-Friendly Cottage
The quaint downtown of Cannon Beach can fill an afternoon with shopping and dining, but one of the best things to do here is just to relax and watch the waves crash against the coast.
23. PROVINCETOWN, MA
- Why We Recommend It: LGBTQIA+ scene, varying tours, fine dining
- Best Time to Go: Between April and May
- Where to Stay: Stowaway
Dune tours, whale watching tours, and seeing a show at one of the welcoming restaurants or entertainment venues in town is a good place to start. Reopening in spring of 2021, a meal at the Lobster Pot is ritualized for return visitors, and there’s plenty of restaurants (Helltown Kitchen, The Canteen and Mac’s Fish House) that fit every budget and palette.
24. SPRING LAKE, NJ
- Why We Recommend It: Laid-back, nature walks, charming downtown
- Best Time to Go: From June to August
- Where to Stay: Beautiful Family-friendly House
A short walk from the boardwalk and well taken care of beaches, charming downtown boasting shops, restaurants and galleries, and stately, manicured historical, and historical-inspired homes add to the luster of Spring Lake, as does Divine Park and the wooden pathway that connects over its main draw, the spring-fed lake for which the take is named after.
25. REHOBOTH BEACH, DE
- Why We Recommend It: Popular destination, bustling boardwalk, great eats
- Best Time to Go: Between May and September
- Where to Stay: Renovated Ocean Block Charmer
26. Ocean Springs, MS
- Why We Recommend It: Tons of museums, scenic views, quiet getaway
- Best Time to Go: Between January and March
- Where to Stay: Lighthouse Cottage
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