14 Most Charming Beach Towns in the U.S.

With such diverse coastlines, from rugged stretches lined with gnarled driftwood to pristine white sands edging calm turquoise waters, it’s no surprise that U.S. beach towns each come with their own distinct vibe. Still, some things remain constant: the cry of seagulls overhead, the salty scent of the sea breeze and the timeless pleasure of feeling warm sand between your toes.

Picture a town with a laid-back atmosphere, stunning coastal scenery, mom-and-pop shops and art galleries, waterfront seafood joints and a full menu of activities from surfing to sunset strolls. With nearly 95,000 miles of shoreline, the U.S. has no shortage of these gems, but some stand out from the crowd. Having explored a significant portion—from Alaska to California, Maine to Florida, and beyond—any of these charming beach towns would be well worth planning your next trip around.

Alaska might be the last place you’d expect to find a beach town, but if you ever make it to Homer, you’ll understand why it’s landed on this list. It may not be for sunbathers, but if you enjoy watching wildlife and like your beaches wild, it’s hard to beat. This is a place for the adventurous at heart, where you can kayak, hike, fish in the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” and look for everything from whales, bald eagles and puffins to moose and bears. And it’s all surrounded by some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery, including Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains.

You can’t visit without strolling the 4.5-mile Spit, a sandbar that stretches into the bay. It’s ideal for beachcombing, bonfires and wildlife watching. This is also where you’ll find the famous Salty Dawg Saloon, a historic dive bar that’s a testament to Homer’s past with plenty of character. There are also plenty of fun shops and a booming art scene that includes some unique and quirky galleries.

Located at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is surrounded by water and mountains while offering long stretches of sandy beach for strolling, beachcombing, picnicking and more. Fort Worden State Park, just two miles from downtown, is a great place to spend the day, not only with plenty of sand but scenic hiking trails and kayak rentals. In the downtown area itself, you’ll find many grand Victorian homes and buildings. Today, many house a variety of businesses, from art galleries and boutiques to coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. Plus, there’s a history museum in the 1892 city hall building.

While Cannon Beach seems to be on about every list featuring the best beaches in the country, there’s a good reason for that. The town itself is overflowing with charm, filled with enticing shops and art galleries and home to a popular candy store and a community theater. Just behind it is the beach of the same name and its iconic Haystack Rock, which towers 235 feet above the shoreline. At low tide, you can peek into tide pools teeming with colorful creatures like starfish and sea anemones. If you visit in June, you can enjoy the most popular event of the year, the Sandcastle Contest, which attracts amateur groups and teams of professional sand sculpture artists.

A few hours north of San Francisco, Mendocino is known for its historic homes and buildings with Victorian and New England-style architecture (the reason it was used as the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, in the TV series Murder, She Wrote). A vibrant arts community, many of those historic structures are now home to bookstores, antique shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and romantic B&Bs. Set on a headland overlooking the wild Northern California coast, there are many beaches strewn with driftwood and tidepools filled with all sorts of marine creatures. On the other side of town, you’ll find redwood forests with scenic trails for hiking.

An incredibly charming coastal getaway, Capitola is just six miles east of its more famous neighbor, Santa Cruz, and known for its colorful beachfront homes, pastel-painted storefronts, unique boutiques, funky eateries and laid-back atmosphere. It also offers access to some of the most beautiful stretches of sand. Swim, surf, fly a kite, or enjoy one of many other beach activities while immersed in the breathtaking scenery. There are a lot of lively festivals held here too, including the mid-September Capitola Art & Wine Festival, with live music, street performances, a variety of works created by talented artists and wines from more than 20 different Santa Cruz Mountain wineries.

A treasure on California’s Central Coast, Morro Bay is known for massive Morro Rock lying at the entrance to the harbor, with a causeway connecting it to the shore. With the bay protected, countless sea otters can be seen floating around while sea lions lounge along the piers. There are miles of unspoiled sands and activities that can be enjoyed year-round, from fishing, kite flying, SUP, kayaking and surfing to hiking and biking. The seaside village itself has a bustling waterfront with numerous shops, excellent eateries, wine bars and casual spots for local craft brews.

Bar Harbor is the quintessential Maine beach town, located right in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. It’s home to quaint inns housed in historic homes, independent shops and quaint eateries—many of which are known for seafood delicacies like the state’s famous lobster and blueberry pie. It also offers easy access to several beaches, with a free shuttle available to get you there during the summer. Sand Beach is often considered the best, although its name is a bit of a misnomer as it’s made up of tiny shell fragments deposited over thousands of years. Tucked between two granite “walls” in a cove and edging turquoise water, it’s incredibly scenic. The water is chilly year-round, but on a hot summer’s day, a dip can feel good after a hike in the park. Sandcastle building is a popular pastime, too.

Located at the northern tip of hook-shaped Cape Cod, Provincetown claims to be the country’s oldest artist colony still in existence. It also offers some of the most spectacular beaches on the east coast, with 30 miles of powdery sands and vast dunes. Families with children can enjoy wading in the calm water at Herring Cove Beach, while Long Point Beach is renowned for its tranquil seclusion away from the thick crowds during the summer. The downtown area itself is not only artsy, but it’s quirky and fun. Commercial Street is a hub for shopping, food and entertainment, but there are enticing galleries, bookstores, candy shops, seafood shacks and fine dining restaurants throughout the area.

The barrier island town of Nags Head conjures up an image of the perfect North Carolina beach town, with its soaring dunes in Jockey’s Ridge State Park and more than 40 public beach access points offering miles and miles of sandy shores. It’s the perfect place to spend a day—or ideally more—flying kites, windsurfing, or just relaxing with a good book. The town is jam-packed with surf shops, boutiques and restaurants that serve everything from casual BBQ to fine dining on fresh seafood.

Nestled on Port Royal Island, Beaufort is steeped in history, having been established in 1711. Its downtown buildings are all well-preserved as a historic district while housing a variety of businesses that make it fun to explore. There are quaint shops, galleries and restaurants serving classic Southern fare, along with a wealth of outdoor activity options. You’ll find miles of pristine beaches in Hunting Island State Park, while Sands Beach has an observation tower and boardwalk. If you’re looking for seclusion and a great spot for dolphin watching, head to Lands End with its white sand and views of Port Royal Sound.

Jekyll Island has lots to love, with the Jekyll Island Historic District home to the famous Jekyll Island Club Resort, a grand historic hotel once an exclusive retreat for the wealthy—including notables like J.P. Morgan and William K. Vanderbilt. Millionaire’s Village is another popular spot, with charming homes and cottages that belonged to the Gilded Age elite. Learn more with a historic tram tour. It’s also home to the renowned Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can witness injured turtles being nursed back to health. Of course, the beaches are the star of the show, particularly iconic Driftwood Beach, with its ancient driftwood monuments providing a photographer’s dream.

Fernandina Beach is the waterfront downtown on Amelia Island, known for its 13 miles of unspoiled beaches. Boneyard Beach is renowned for its sun-bleached driftwood, while Main Beach offers the quintessential day at the beach with a variety of facilities. Fort Clinch State Park is the winner for wild and secluded. The town has an Old Florida vibe, with families still shrimping for a living, along with a historic district filled with an impressive mix of Victorian, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne architecture. Check out the quirky boutiques, indulge in a treat at the famous fudge shop and enjoy plenty of fresh seafood in the restaurants, from casual to fine dining.

Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida just a short drive from Sarasota, Siesta Key is famous for Siesta Beach, often ranked the country’s most beautiful, with white sand made of quartz that sparkles in the sun. The town itself offers a vibe that’s ideal for slowing down and soaking up the sunshine while offering a wide range of outdoor activities, and a myriad of shops, bars, and dining venues. There’s also a free trolley that makes it easy to get around the island and visit other beaches, like secluded Turtle Beach.

Venice offers 14 miles of coastline and is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” with fossilized shark teeth often found on its beautiful beaches with soft, white sand. Venice Beach is within a short stroll of the downtown area with its Mediterranean-style architecture. The historic buildings are reminiscent of its namesake city in Italy, with walking tours that reveal more about the stories behind them. You’ll find many charming boutiques, venues for theater and symphony performances, an art center and a museum. There’s a wealth of dining options too, with everything from enticing cafés to restaurants serving fresh-caught seafood and international fare.