Introduction
America’s coastlines stretch for thousands of miles, dotted with charming beach towns that offer everything from quiet retreats to bustling tourist destinations. Whether you’re searching for the best beach towns in America for your next family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, our comprehensive guide will help you discover the perfect coastal haven. From the rugged shores of New England to the sun-drenched beaches of California and the crystal-clear waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’ve researched and compiled the ultimate list of America’s finest beach communities.
Table of Contents
What makes a beach town truly special? Is it the quality of the sand, the clarity of the water, the local cuisine, or perhaps the warmth of the community? In this guide, we’ll explore all these factors and more as we take you on a journey through the Best Beach Towns in America our country has to offer. So grab your sunscreen, pack your beach towel, and let’s dive into discovering America’s coastal gems!
How We Selected the Best Beach Towns in America
Before we reveal our top picks, let’s explore the criteria we used to identify the best beach towns in America. Our comprehensive evaluation included:
- Beach Quality: Sand texture, cleanliness, water clarity, and safety
- Affordability: Cost of accommodations, dining, and activities
- Accessibility: Ease of reaching the destination and getting around
- Amenities: Availability of restrooms, showers, boardwalks, and parking
- Activities: Range of recreational opportunities, from water sports to cultural experiences
- Natural Beauty: Scenic landscapes, sunset views, and unique natural features
- Community Vibe: Local culture, friendliness, and authentic character
- Family-Friendliness: Safety, kid-focused activities, and educational opportunities
- Dining Options: Quality and variety of local restaurants and eateries
- Accommodations: Range of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets
We gathered data from local tourism boards, conducted extensive surveys with travelers, analyzed thousands of online reviews, and personally visited many of these destinations to ensure our recommendations are accurate and reliable.
The Best Beach Towns in America: East Coast Edition
Cape May, New Jersey
Overview: Cape May stands as one of America’s oldest and most charming beach towns, with its well-preserved Victorian architecture creating a unique seaside experience. This National Historic Landmark city offers pristine beaches alongside cultural richness.
Best Beaches :
- Cape May Beach – Wide, clean, and family-friendly with excellent lifeguard service
- Sunset Beach – Famous for its beautiful sunsets and Cape May diamonds (quartz pebbles)
- Higbee Beach – Perfect for nature lovers and bird watching
Top Activities and Attractions:
- Cape May Lighthouse climb for panoramic views
- Trolley tours through the historic district
- Whale and dolphin watching cruises
- Cape May Bird Observatory for nature enthusiasts
- Ghost tours exploring the town’s haunted history
Where to Eat:
- The Lobster House – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood
- Mad Batter Restaurant – Famous for its breakfast and brunch
- Ebbitt Room – Farm-to-table dining in an elegant Victorian setting
- Hot Dog Tommy’s – Iconic casual beachside eatery
Where to Stay:
- Congress Hall – Historic beachfront hotel dating back to 1816
- The Virginia Hotel – Boutique luxury in a restored 1879 building
- Carroll Villa Hotel – Home to the famous Mad Batter Restaurant
- Numerous Victorian B&Bs for a truly authentic experience
Insider Tips: Visit during the shoulder seasons (May/June or September/October) to enjoy perfect weather with smaller crowds. The Washington Street Mall offers excellent shopping without the typical chain stores. Best Beach Towns in America
Kennebunkport, Maine
Overview: Kennebunkport represents the quintessential New England beach town experience with its rocky coastline, historic shipbuilding heritage, and picturesque harbor filled with lobster boats.
Best Beaches :
- Goose Rocks Beach – Three miles of soft white sand and gentle surf
- Colony Beach – Small but scenic, with amazing views of the coast
- Mother’s Beach – Family-friendly with playground equipment and tide pools
Top Activities and Attractions:
- Scenic drives along Ocean Avenue
- Shopping in Dock Square’s boutiques and galleries
- Lobster boat tours and fishing charters
- Seashore Trolley Museum
- First Families Kennebunkport Museum (the Bush family’s summer residence)
Where to Eat:
- The Clam Shack – Award-winning lobster rolls
- Earth at Hidden Pond – Farm-to-fork dining in a magical forest setting
- Alisson’s Restaurant – Local favorite for seafood and pub fare
- Mabel’s Lobster Claw – Classic Maine lobster dinners
Where to Stay:
- White Barn Inn – Luxury accommodations with renowned restaurant
- Captain Lord Mansion – Historic B&B with period furnishings
- The Tides Beach Club – Boutique hotel right on Goose Rocks Beach
- Kennebunkport Inn – Centrally located in town
Insider Tips: Book accommodations well in advance, especially for summer visits. The Christmas Prelude in December transforms the town into a magical holiday destination worth experiencing.
The Best Beach Towns in America: West Coast Edition
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Overview: Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a fairy tale with its storybook cottages, art galleries, and dog-friendly white sand beach. This artistic community offers sophisticated charm in a natural setting.
Best Beaches:
- Carmel Beach – Pristine white sand with cypress trees and spectacular sunsets
- Carmel River State Beach – Quieter option with bird watching opportunities
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Not technically a swimming beach but offers incredible coastal views and hiking
Top Activities and Attractions:
- Art gallery hopping (over 100 galleries in one square mile)
- Scenic 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach
- Carmel Mission Basilica tours
- Wine tasting at nearby Carmel Valley vineyards
- Sunset beach fires (with permit)
Where to Eat: Best Beach Towns in America
- La Bicyclette – European bistro with wood-fired pizzas
- Casanova – Romantic Mediterranean cuisine
- Dametra Cafe – Beloved local Mediterranean spot
- Carmel Belle – Fresh, organic breakfast and lunch
Where to Stay: Best Beach Towns in America
- L’Auberge Carmel – Luxury Relais & Châteaux property
- Cypress Inn – Historic, pet-friendly boutique hotel co-owned by Doris Day
- Carmel Valley Ranch – Resort experience with golf and spa
- Numerous charming B&Bs hidden among the village streets
Insider Tips: Carmel has no street addresses, house numbers, or mail delivery! When asking for directions, locals refer to cross streets. Bring layers as the coastal fog can roll in quickly, even on sunny days.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Overview: Cannon Beach combines dramatic natural beauty with a sophisticated arts community. The iconic Haystack Rock rises from the shoreline, creating one of the most photographed seascapes in America.
Best Beaches:
- Cannon Beach – Wide, sandy beach with Haystack Rock as the centerpiece
- Arcadia Beach – Less crowded with fascinating tide pools
- Hug Point – Features sea caves and a seasonal waterfall
Top Activities and Attractions:
- Tidepooling around Haystack Rock (a protected marine garden)
- Ecola State Park’s hiking trails with stunning coastal views
- Icefire Glassworks and other art galleries
- Cannon Beach History Center and Museum
- Oswald West State Park for surfing and hiking
Where to Eat:
- Newmans at 988 – Intimate Italian and French cuisine
- Public Coast Brewing – Casual brewpub with excellent burgers
- EVOO Cooking School – Dinner shows combining dining and entertainment
- Sea Level Bakery – Artisan pastries and coffee
Where to Stay:
- Stephanie Inn – Luxury oceanfront hotel with exceptional service
- Surfsand Resort – Family-friendly with oceanfront rooms
- The Ocean Lodge – Mediterranean-inspired with ocean views
- Hallmark Resort – Reliable comfort with Haystack Rock views
Insider Tips: Visit during low tide to fully explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock. The best sunsets occur during winter months, and storm watching is a popular activity from November through February.
The Best Beach Towns in America: Gulf Coast Edition
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Overview: Rosemary Beach represents new urbanism at its finest, with a carefully planned community featuring cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and striking architecture. This upscale beach town on the Emerald Coast offers luxury without pretension.
Best Beaches:
- Rosemary Beach – Sugar-white sand and emerald waters with dune walkovers
- Inlet Beach – Nearby, less developed alternative
- Camp Helen State Park – Natural beach experience with historic buildings
Top Activities and Attractions:
- Biking the scenic 30A route
- Tennis at the Racquet Club
- The Rep Theatre performances
- Weekly farmers market
- Merchant Square for boutique shopping
Where to Eat:
- Restaurant Paradis – Fine dining with coastal cuisine
- Summer Kitchen Café – Casual fare for breakfast through dinner
- Edward’s Fine Food & Wine – Farm-to-table with courtyard dining
- La Crema Tapas & Chocolate – Spanish tapas and desserts
Where to Stay:
- The Pearl Hotel – Boutique luxury with rooftop pool
- Vacation rentals managed by Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company
- The Pointe – Nearby luxury condos with resort amenities
- Carillon Beach Resort Inn – Just minutes away
Insider Tips: Beach chair and umbrella service books up quickly in peak season; reserve early. The community frequently hosts cultural events and concerts in the town square—check the event calendar before your visit.
The Best Beach Towns for Families in America
Finding the perfect beach town for a family vacation requires special consideration. These destinations offer safe beaches, kid-friendly activities, and amenities that make family travel easier:
| Beach Town | Region | Family Highlights | Ideal Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean City, MD | East Coast | Boardwalk, amusement parks, shallow waters | All ages |
| Hilton Head, SC | East Coast | Bicycle paths, nature programs, calm waters | School-age children |
| Gulf Shores, AL | Gulf Coast | Wildlife center, water park, educational dolphin cruises | Toddlers to teens |
| Carlsbad, CA | West Coast | LEGOLAND proximity, protected beaches, kid-friendly museums | Preschool to pre-teen |
| Traverse City, MI | Great Lakes | Cherry festivals, dune climbing, freshwater beaches | All ages |
Spotlight: Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City stands out as one of the Best Beach Towns in America for families with its 10-mile long beach and 3-mile boardwalk filled with amusements, arcade games, and classic treats like Fisher’s Popcorn and Thrasher’s French Fries. The shallow Atlantic waters are perfect for young swimmers, while older kids enjoy water sports and miniature golf courses throughout town.
“We’ve been coming to Ocean City since our kids were infants. Now they’re teenagers, and there’s still something new to discover every summer. The beach is clean, the lifeguards are attentive, and there’s enough variety to keep everyone happy.” — The Johnson Family, annual visitors for 15 years
The Best Quiet Beach Towns in America
For travelers seeking peaceful coastal retreats away from crowds, these best quiet beach towns offer tranquility without sacrificing beauty or comfort:
Bandon, Oregon
This remote southern Oregon coast gem features dramatic sea stacks, miles of nearly empty beaches, and a small downtown with excellent dining options. Wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the bird watching at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, while photographers capture the iconic Face Rock and other natural sculptures along the shoreline. Best Beach Towns in America
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Accessible only by passenger ferry and with no cars allowed on the island, Bald Head Island represents the ultimate escape. Golf carts and bicycles provide transportation around this secluded paradise, where 14 miles of beaches remain uncrowded even during peak season. The maritime forest, salt marsh creeks, and historic lighthouse add natural and cultural dimensions to your beach experience.
Matlacha, Florida
Technically a fishing village rather than a beach town, this tiny artistic community on Pine Island offers a colorful Old Florida experience without high-rises or chain stores. The nearby beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are easily accessible, while Matlacha itself provides a quirky, peaceful home base for exploring the region. Best Beach Towns in America
Planning Your Beach Town Getaway
When planning your visit to one of America’s Best Beach Towns in America, consider these practical tips:
- Timing is everything: Shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) often provide perfect weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Accommodation options: Vacation rentals typically offer more space and kitchen facilities than hotels, which can be particularly valuable for family trips or longer stays.
- Local transportation: Many beach towns have limited parking. Research public transportation options, bike rentals, or walking distances before deciding where to stay.
- Beach essentials: Beyond sunscreen and towels, consider renting or bringing beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and toys appropriate for your destination’s particular beach environment.
- Environmental responsibility: Many of Best Beach Towns in America maintain their beauty through conservation efforts. Respect local regulations regarding protected areas, wildlife, and beach cleanliness.
Conclusion
From the historic charm of New England’s coastal villages to the laid-back vibes of California’s surf towns, Best Beach Towns in America’s shorelines offer an incredible variety of beach town experiences. Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic seclusion, outdoor adventure, or cultural immersion, there’s a perfect stretch of sand waiting for you.
This guide has introduced you to some of the best beach towns in America, but each coastal community has its own unique character waiting to be discovered. The perfect beach town is ultimately the one that resonates with your personal travel style and creates lasting memories.
We’d love to hear about your favorite beach towns in the comments below! Share your experiences, hidden gems, and tips to help fellow travelers discover Best Beach Towns in America’s coastal treasures.
