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The 24 Best Beach Towns In The US That Will Steal Your Heart

Ah, the beach! 

Where the sand tickles your toes, the waves crash against the shore and the sun warms your skin. 

But not all beaches are created equal. 

Some are hidden gems with charming boardwalks, while others are bustling hotspots perfect for family fun. 

In this article, we’re revealing the best beach towns in the US! 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a place to catch some waves or a town filled with history and culture, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to discover your next favorite seaside spot? 

1. Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a stunning barrier island known for its old Florida charm and breathtaking natural beauty. 

Picture white sandy beaches stretching for seven miles, kissed by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a true paradise!

The island is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, with no high-rise buildings and a commitment to preserving its serene environment.

It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Popular beaches like Bean Point and Coquina Beach are great for sunbathing, swimming and spotting dolphins.

2. Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is a beautiful hidden gem with rolling green hills, stunning beaches and dramatic ocean bluffs, including the breathtaking Mohegan Bluffs. 

Known for its historic lighthouses and 17 miles of free public beaches, it’s a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and exploring. 

The island is perfect for outdoor adventures like biking, hiking and bird-watching, and it’s home to unique shops and delicious seafood restaurants.

3. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a magical place with wide sandy shores and towering sea stacks that look like something out of a fairy tale. 

It’s particularly famous for Haystack Rock, a giant rock formation standing 235 feet tall rising from the ocean.

It’s also home to colorful seabirds and tide pools full of fascinating sea creatures. 

The beaches are perfect for beachcombing, surfing and watching the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see. 

The town itself has a charming small-town vibe as well as many cute shops and cozy cafes.

4. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea looks just like a storybook village with its charming cottages, cobblestone streets and lush gardens. 

Known for its stunning white-sand beaches and vibrant art scene, this coastal gem offers a magical experience for visitors. 

Carmel Beach is perfect for sunbathing and watching the sunset, while the town’s boutique shops, art galleries and cozy cafes are also fun to explore.

Whether you’re strolling along Scenic Bluff Path or exploring the historic Carmel Mission, every corner of Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like an adventure.

5. Destin, Florida

Destin is a picturesque beach town famous for its sugar-white sands and emerald green waters that look like they belong in a tropical paradise. 

The white sand is primarily made up of fine quartz crystals that have been washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over thousands of years. 

Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin offers fantastic fishing opportunities, thrilling water sports and mouth-watering seafood restaurants. 

The beaches, like Henderson Beach State Park and Crystal Sands Beach, are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and spotting dolphins.

6. Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a charming seaside town with picturesque streets, historic homes and stunning ocean views. 

Known for its beautiful beaches like Gooch’s Beach and Goose Rocks Beach, it’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. 

The town is also famous for its quaint Dock Square which is filled with unique shops, art galleries and delicious seafood restaurants. 

You can spend time exploring the rocky shores of Cape Arundel or even enjoy a scenic cruise.

7. Orange Beach, Alabama

Located along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Orange Beach is renowned for its soft, white sandy beaches and clear, blue waters that sparkle in the sun. 

Known for its exciting water activities, you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding and even dolphin cruises. 

The town is also famous for its delicious seafood restaurants and exciting nightlife, like at the Flora-Bama beach bar, making every evening an adventure. 

With friendly locals and breathtaking sunsets, Orange Beach is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing getaway!

8. Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key is a dreamy barrier island with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters that make it a top beach destination. 

Known for Siesta Beach, which is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the US and the world, it’s perfect for a lazy day of sunbathing or a fun swim in the gentle waves. 

The island also boasts other beautiful spots like Crescent Beach and Turtle Beach, each offering unique experiences like snorkeling and shell collecting as well as less crowds. 

With its charming village filled with cute shops and restaurants, Siesta Key is a true paradise that feels like a tropical getaway.

9. Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck is a picturesque town known for its arts scene as well as its scenic waterfront and lush landscapes. 

With charming streets that are lined with unique shops and cozy cafes, it feels like walking through a storybook town. 

Oval Beach is famous for its soft sands and clear waters, making it the perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

While the nearby Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers hikes through towering sand dunes and spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

10. Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach is a breathtaking seaside town that spans seven miles of coastline with beautiful beaches and hidden coves. 

Known for its exciting arts scene, Laguna Beach has numerous galleries and hosts many festivals such as the Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art Festival. 

The beaches, such as Main Beach and Thousand Steps Beach, are perfect for sunbathing, surfing and exploring tide pools. 

You can wander along scenic hiking trails, stay at a cozy beachfront hotel and even enjoy the lively festivals and events.

11. Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a charming coastal town with beautiful sandy beaches and the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. 

Known for its interesting history and the legend of shipwreckers using lanterns on ponies to trick ships, it offers a mix of history and adventure. 

The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and water sports, with plenty of public access points and amenities. 

Some of the best attractions include Jennette’s Pier, delicious local restaurants and opportunities for hang gliding and kite flying at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

12. South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island is a beach paradise with soft, white sands and sparkling blue waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

Known for its thrilling water sports like kiteboarding, windsurfing and jet skiing, it’s a top spot for adventure seekers. 

The island also boasts many other amazing attractions like the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, where you can see a variety of bird species. 

With its lively nightlife, delicious seafood and year-round sunshine, South Padre Island promises endless fun!

13. Capitola, California

Capitola is a unique seaside town filled with colorful shops and historic homes, located along Soquel Creek. 

Known as the oldest beach resort on the West Coast dating back to 1874, it boasts beautiful beaches like Capitola City Beach which is perfect for swimming, surfing and beach volleyball. 

The town’s picturesque Esplanade is lined with many delightful restaurants and boutiques, offering stunning views of Monterey Bay. 

They also host the vibrant Capitola Art & Wine Festival each year.

14. Boca Raton, Florida

Boca Raton is a stunning coastal city with beautiful beaches and lush parks, known for its upscale vibe and Mediterranean Revival architecture.

The city has five miles of coastline and 49 parks covering 1,650 acres which means there’s plenty of space for everyone. 

The beaches, like Red Reef Park and South Beach Park, are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing, with clear blue waters and soft, white sands. 

With attractions like the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and the beautiful Mizner Park, Boca Raton is a true paradise.

15. Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is a lively beach town with a stunning 10-mile stretch of soft, sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Known for its bustling boardwalk, the town offers endless fun with amusement parks, arcades and delicious treats like saltwater taffy. 

The beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing and kayaking, plus they host free family activities like concerts and fireworks during the summer. 

16. Kailua, Hawaii

Kailua is a beautiful beach town on Oahu’s windward coast, surrounded by the Ko’olau mountain range, and clear blue waters. 

Known for its stunning beaches like Kailua Beach Park and Lanikai Beach, it’s a paradise for swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. 

Kailua Beach is famous for its soft, white sand and gentle waves, while Lanikai Beach is often rated as one of the best beaches globally​. 

The soft, white sands and turquoise waters make it perfect for relaxing or exploring tide pools. 

17. Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island is a picturesque barrier island located near the mouth of the Savannah River with over three miles of beautiful, sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. 

It’s known, in particular, for its laid-back vibe and rich history, dating back to its early settlement and involvement in the Civil War. 

The island’s beaches, like the bustling South Beach with its iconic pier and the serene North Beach, offer activities from sunbathing and swimming to dolphin watching and fishing. 

With attractions like the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and exciting local festivals, Tybee Island promises an unforgettable coastal getaway.

18. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Wrightsville Beach is a beautiful coastal town with pristine white sands and crystal blue waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

The beach is famous for its watersports, including surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. 

It also hosts events like the Carolina Cup which is a prestigious paddle boarding competition​. 

The iconic Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is a great spot for fishing and taking in stunning ocean views.

19. Pentwater, Michigan

Eli Duke / Flickr

Pentwater is a small village located along the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its charming small-town vibe and beautiful natural scenery. 

The town is particularly famous for Charles Mears State Park, where you can enjoy sandy beaches, swimming and picnicking with stunning lake views. 

Rachel Kramer / Flickr

The village itself has lots of boutique shops, art galleries and cozy restaurants, making every stroll through downtown a joy. 

With fun events like the annual Homecoming parade and summer concerts at the Village Green, Pentwater is a great place to visit.

20. Ogunquit, Maine

Ogunquit is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches and exciting arts scene. 

The town’s name literally means “beautiful place by the sea,” and it lives up to that with spots like Ogunquit Beach and Footbridge Beach, with their soft sands and clear waters.

Marginal Way, a scenic 1.25-mile cliff walk, offers breathtaking ocean views and leads to the charming Perkins Cove with its shops and restaurants. 

21. Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Wellfleet is a beautiful coastal town on Cape Cod, known for its stunning natural beauty and New England charm. 

The town has managed to maintain a picturesque and non-commercial atmosphere over the years.

Wellfleet is renowned for its delicious oysters which are celebrated annually at the Wellfleet OysterFest. 

It has also been recognized for its diverse art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local and national artists​. 

The town’s beautiful beaches, like Marconi Beach and Newcomb Hollow, are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and exploring tide pools. 

22. Dewey Beach, Delaware

Dewey Beach is a lively seaside town with gorgeous sandy beaches, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. 

Known for its exciting nightlife and rock-and-roll spirit, it’s the perfect spot to relax and have an adventure. 

The beaches are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and skimboarding, with plenty of fun activities like dolphin cruises and beach volleyball. 

23. Long Beach, Washington

A.Davey / Flickr

Long Beach is a scenic coastal town with a stunning 28-mile stretch of sandy beaches, perfect for long walks and beachcombing. 

Known for its exciting events like the Washington State International Kite Festival, the town comes alive with colorful kites and large crowds every August. 

Jason Taellious / Flickr

The beaches are great for swimming, picnicking and even driving, as parts of the beach are designated as a state highway! 

You’ll also find attractions like the historic Cape Disappointment State Park, which features historic lighthouses and a variety of outdoor activities.

24. Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a delightful town known for its stunning Victorian architecture and historic charm, making it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in New Jersey. 

The entire city is designated as a National Historic Landmark due to its large concentration of Victorian buildings. 

As one of the nation’s oldest seaside resorts, its beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming and soaking up the sun. 

The town is also famous for its unique shops, delicious seafood restaurants and friendly atmosphere.


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Sophie Davis

Born and raised in the Bay area of California, Sophie is a California native. She joined our team in 2023 to create travel guides on California and the rest of the states.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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