Hitting the Beach: The Best Coastal Towns in the US
Hitting the beach is a must for summer vacations. Enjoy with your family and relax. But the question is whether to go to a crowded city or enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of small towns.
With so many beautiful beach towns across the country, you can plan a perfect getaway. The cozy environment is perfect to enjoy the beach experience without dealing with crowds of other tourists.
The Best Beach Towns in the Country
The US is home to a myriad of beach cities and towns, thanks to the long shoreline of 95,471 miles. So, you won’t have any issues with finding beautiful beach towns to visit with your loved ones. Here are some scenic beach towns you can visit this summer.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
When looking for the best beach towns in America, you can’t miss Cannon Beach in Oregon. Known for its Haystack Rock towers, the place offers scenic beach views.
Tourists can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, surfing, and swimming as well as bird-watching. Further, you can visit local art galleries and breweries to make your stay more enjoyable. The small town has several seafood restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy local cuisine and snacks. Also, don’t forget to check out Spring Arts Festival, Fat Bike Festival, Dog Shows, and Live Music events if you’re in town during event days.
Marblehead, Massachusetts
The historic town attracts history buffs throughout the year. Located just 18 miles away from Boston, the coastal town is a great vacation spot.
Aside from its calm and comforting beaches, you can explore colonial-era houses in neighborhoods, art galleries, and gift shops. Visit Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary to spot birds you may have never seen before. Then stop at local inns for meals or a drink.
For an awesome experience, you can take private sailing lessons, rent paddleboards, or charter yachts and fishing boats. If you are in the town between June and September, you can book a whale-watching tour too.
Nags Head, North Carolina
The large natural sand dunes on the Eastern shore are worth visiting once. The town is home to merely 3,168 people and is amongst the hidden gems across the country.
Temperatures remain moderate around the year. But April-June and mid-September to the end of November are perfect times to visit the beach town. Bodie Island lighthouse, Jennette’s fishing pier, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and Nags Head Golf Course are among the leading landmarks.
Visitors can enjoy their stay via fun activities like biking on trails, picnics in parks, swimming, and sunbathing. Also, with multiple hotels and lodges in the town, you can easily book comfortable accommodation that matches your needs.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit is, undoubtedly, one of the best coastal towns in the US. The romantic town gives access to white-sand beaches. Go to a kayaking rental spot or enjoy boating and swimming with your family.
When not spending time by the beach, get to know the town by taking a stroll or biking. You can shop in boutiques, meet locals, have lunch and dinner in a cozy eatery, and connect with nature in parks. The lively nightlife scene will keep you entertained.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is called one of the best coastal towns in America, and rightly so. The beautiful island is a great vacation destination. So, you can plan your trip to the island along with its neighboring Captiva Island to enjoy the tropical environment.
The island is home to resorts where you can engage in relaxing and fun activities. Or go to local shops and shopping stores to get souvenirs. Renting a bike, enjoying water sports, and indulging in fine dining experiences can keep you busy and entertained.
Both islands are known for their sandy beaches. You can search for shells along the long shoreline. After all, these islands in Florida boast 50 types of fish with 250 different types of seashells.
Chatham, Massachusetts
Despite becoming an upscale beach resort, Chatham, Massachusetts has retained its peaceful village vibes. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway spot or planning a month-long vacation, this place is perfect for solo travelers as well as families.
You can’t miss a visit to Lighthouse Beach, Chatham Shark Center, and Atwood Museum. Book accommodation at resorts or hotels that best suit your budget.
The town has some great restaurants, bars, and cafés that welcome tourists. You can check out the local fish market and attend baseball games too.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
South Carolina has some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. The town of Edisto Beach is one of these.
The best thing about this town is its quiet and peaceful environment. You won’t have to worry about big crowds and can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
It’s a good idea to book boat tours or fishing tours. Edisto Beach State Park is also a famous natural attraction for visitors. The park management offers overnight accommodation in cabins, but you need to reserve it beforehand. Further, you can attend festivals and events such as Shag Festival in September, Bar-B-Que Festival in October, and Juneteenth Family Fest.
Hampton, New Hampshire
The picturesque town of Hampton in New Hampshire is regarded as the top-rated beach by Forbes and many other publications. The laid back-town has a unique character and offers something for everyone. So, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with your partner, want to visit with your family, or planning a trip with friends, you won’t get bored.
The town has its own Ocean Gaming Casino, Smuttynose Brewing Company, and Ocean World Oceanarium that make your visit worth it.
Make sure you attend events when visiting the town. Annual Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic, Monday Night Beach Movies, and Talent Show are local favorites. Go deep sea fishing or whale watching and explore the town’s lifestyle when in Hampton.
So, which beach towns do you want to visit this summer vacation? Our list of the best coastal towns in the US can help you figure out your vacation destination without hassles.
