Stop Fighting the Crowds: The Best Alternatives to America’s Busiest Summer Beach Destinations

We all know that traveling to a busy summer beach destination comes with its pros and cons.

On the plus side, you know that the destination is well built-up for tourists. You’re going to be able to conveniently find anything you need. Entertainment and activities await around every corner. I’ve said it many a time—tourist-heavy destinations have become the way that they are for a reason. They have something great to offer. It’s no wonder they’ve attracted crowds.

But on the flip side, you have, obviously, the high crowds, as well as the demand that results in potentially higher prices for accommodations and activities. You could end up just fighting for your life trying to find beachside parking, not to mention a spot on the sand. 

Some of us can easily put up with these cons that come with a busy summer beach destination. However, others would rather leave all that behind and find a quieter locale. If you’re in that camp, you’re going to want to check out the below. These are the best alternatives to some of America’s busiest summer beach destinations.

Miami admittedly offers a lot (a lot!) to love. In addition to the beaches, you’ve got the nightlife, the art scene, the fashion, the luxury hotels, the history, the architecture, the food! Really, I could go on and on—but, I’ll be the first to admit that if you’re not into a fast-paced, busy, crowded environment, you may find Miami a little overwhelming.

As such, consider one of the alternatives to Miami: The Florida Keys.

I know what you’re thinking. The Florida Keys? One of the most popular beach destinations in the country?

We’re not talking about any Florida Key, though. No, you won’t want to visit Key West. You’re just going to find more crowds there. Instead, try Key Largo or Islamorada.

In the former, you’ll get that same, laid-back atmosphere, but the crowds will be lower and the prices cheaper. Plus, you’ll find some excellent diving.

In the latter, you’ll find surprisingly a lot to do. It’s sometimes called the sport-fishing capital of the world, but if you’re not into that, you can skip the charter and, instead, visit the Theater of the Sea for a dolphin encounter or take in the history at the History of Diving Museum. 

If you’re feeling adventurous enough to venture out, you can also head to Indian Key Historic State Park (home to early 1800s ruins) or explore nearby Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, which is accessible only via boat and dedicated to preserving the lignum vitae tree (and it’s where you’ll find one of the Florida Keys’ last old growth hardwood hammock forests.)

And if neither of these Keys fit your fancy, try another Florida destination instead. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Delray Beach are both great picks that don’t draw quite as big of crowds.

I grew up in Kentucky, which means that I know plenty of people who have made Myrtle Beach their beach vacation destination of choice. However, I also know that, due to its popularity with travelers seeking a budget-friendly beach locale within driving distance of states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia … Well, it can get pretty crowded and feel pretty tourist trap-y.

As such, if Myrtle Beach just doesn’t feel like your scene, you still have options—and they’re easily within equal driving distance for many.

First up, there’s Pawley’s Island. Also in South Carolina, this island is a lot more quiet, relaxed and low-key. It’s definitely not as commercialized and you’ll find outdoor adventure aplenty, such as fishing, kayaking, surfing, etc.

Then, there’s Ocean Isle Beach. While it’s in North Carolina, it’s still under an hour’s drive away from Myrtle Beach, and it gives you a more locals-only feel. It’s quiet and slow-paced, as well as family friendly. Plus, you’re not so far away that, if you do want to head into Myrtle Beach for all the bright lights and attractions, for just a day, you can do so with ease.

When I was living in Philadelphia for a short time, I could ask anyone where they planned to spend their summer beach days and, nine times out of ten, I’d probably hear about Cape May. This New Jersey hot spot is known throughout the region as a go-to for a family friendly beach vacation. However, when you have tons and tons of travelers coming in from the Mid-Atlantic region, things can feel a bit packed.

As such, head to one of New Jersey’s many other amazing, but less crowded, beach towns.

My personal favorite is Belmar, New Jersey. It’s a fully residential-feeling beach town that doesn’t come with the flashy boardwalk amusements or beach-side waterparks. However, it has enough going on that you’re sure not to be bored—especially if you’re like me and visit a beach town for just that: the beach. You’ll be able to spend your days lying in the sand, and then your nights at great restaurants and bars, before heading back to a cozy home rental.

Other options include Avalon and Stone Harbor, New Jersey. The former offers an upscale and exclusive vibe, with a lot of home rentals and, again, a beach focus. You’re not going to find a ton of tourist-geared activities or resorts here. As for the latter, expect a similar family focused and quiet atmosphere, with no boardwalk, but still plenty of fun to be had via the beach, watersports and bird watching at the Wetlands Institute.

When I booked my first trip to Cape Cod, my traveling friends who’d visited before me all said more or less the same thing, “Good luck with the traffic.” Thankfully, I’d planned for an early-September and post-Labor Day vacation, so the summer crowds had mostly vacated the premises, leaving me with little traffic to worry about. That said, if you plan your visit to this Massachusetts destination for any other time of the summer, you will admittedly probably be in for a stressful experience when it comes to driving around, navigating crowds, etc.

Accordingly, if you’re looking for an alternative New England destination within the general vicinity, you have a few options. First, there’s Block Island, Rhode Island. It gives Nantucket vibes, but it’s not quite as popular or publicized. It still has, though, beautiful scenery, from the bluffs to the beaches.

You can also, though, choose a destination on Cape Cod that’s not quite as busy. Cape Cod is, after all, a very big place. It can take you a few hours-plus, easily, to drive its entire length, on the best of days. You’ll pass a lot of villages and towns along the way. The most popular are going to be Provincetown, Chatham, Hyannis, Falmouth and Sandwich. So, instead of choosing one of these, go for something more low-key: like Truro or Wellfleet. 

Both of these are technically on the Cape, but they’re not as built up. You can enjoy proximity to all of the highlights of Cape Cod, and all the Cape Cod charm and beaches, but without sacrificing your sanity to dealing with the masses.

Of course, it’s not just the East Coast that has supremely busy beach towns. On the West Coast, you’ve got favorites like Laguna Beach that draw their own traveler crowds. While I’ll say that Laguna Beach is worth at least one visit, once you’ve seen it, you might just want to try something a little more relaxed.

In that case, Dana Point is a clear winner. It’s absolutely gorgeous, but the vibe is overall more residential. You can enjoy sailing and whale watching, surfing and exploring the shops and restaurants around the harbor. Try beaches like Salt Creek Beach and Doheny State Beach and if you’re looking for a luxury spot to stay, you can’t go wrong with the local Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria properties.

Another good alternative is San Clemente, aka the Spanish Village by the Sea, with its friendly and quieter feel, plus surfing scene and fewer crowds. Additionally, while, if you’re flying into LAX, you might have to drive a bit further to get to San Clemente, you’ll be well positioned for a side trip to San Diego.

Similarly, Santa Monica is a big-time Southern California coastal destination, but it can be both crowded and pricey.

Alternatives include Ventura, which provides more of a small-town environment. It’s also a great pick for those who want to spend their days doing something other than lying on the beach 24/7. You can easily enjoy the main street shopping and watering holes, as well as the local botanical gardens and even Channel Islands National Park. Another possible pick is Manhattan Beach, which provides an exclusive and upscale vibe that’s more relaxed.