9 America’s Best Beach Towns + 3 That Just Don’t Live Up To The Hype
Summer’s calling and the beach is answering with open arms. Across the country, sun-drenched towns invite you to kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes, and dive into coastal charm. From serene shores to vibrant boardwalks, these seaside escapes promise unforgettable days of salt air and endless horizons.
But not every beach town lives up to the postcard-perfect promise — while some deliver pure paradise, others might leave you second-guessing your getaway.
1. Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
Fairy-tale cottages and pristine white sand create a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the West Coast. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers art galleries galore and dog-friendly policies that make four-legged family members welcome everywhere.
Sunset strolls along the crescent-shaped beach reveal breathtaking views of Cyprus trees and crashing waves. No wonder this tiny one-square-mile haven has captivated artists and celebrities for generations.
2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Gray-shingled cottages line cobblestone streets that whisper tales from whaling days. The island maintains strict building codes preserving its historic charm, making modern chain stores virtually non-existent here.
Nantucket’s pristine beaches stretch for miles, with Surfside and Cisco offering perfect waves for board enthusiasts. Evening bonfires with permits create magical memories as stars twinkle above the Atlantic’s gentle waves.
3. Key West, Florida
Pastel-colored conch houses and free-roaming chickens set the quirky tone in this southernmost paradise. Sunsets at Mallory Square transform into nightly celebrations with street performers and applauding crowds marking day’s end.
The island’s laid-back motto “One Human Family” reflects Key West’s accepting atmosphere. Ernest Hemingway’s former home stands as a popular attraction where six-toed cats, descendants of the author’s pets, roam freely through tropical gardens.
4. Kennebunkport, Maine
Lobster traps stacked high and weathered fishing boats create authentic New England charm in this coastal gem. Summer visitors flock to Goose Rocks Beach for its powdery sand and gentle surf, perfect for families with young children.
The historic district showcases impeccably maintained sea captain homes. Kennebunkport’s farm-to-table restaurants serve up fresh-caught seafood, while the Christmas Prelude festival transforms the town into a winter wonderland that rivals its summer splendor.
5. Folly Beach, South Carolina
Surfers ride waves at “The Washout” while pelicans soar overhead at this laid-back island just minutes from Charleston’s refined elegance. Colorful beach cottages on stilts line sandy streets where golf carts often outnumber cars.
Folly’s eclectic mix of locals includes artists, surfers, and retirees creating a welcoming vibe. The Morris Island Lighthouse stands sentinel offshore, and dawn patrol surfers often spot dolphins playing in the waves beside their boards.
6. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Dramatic sea stacks rise from misty shores, creating nature’s sculpture garden along this magical stretch of Pacific coastline. Haystack Rock, the 235-foot monolith, hosts colorful tidepools and nesting puffins that delight wildlife enthusiasts.
The town itself maintains a deliberately small-town atmosphere with local boutiques and seafood restaurants. Cannon Beach’s artistic community thrives with galleries showcasing works inspired by the moody, magnificent landscape surrounding them.
7. Lahaina, Hawaii
Ancient banyan trees spread their massive canopies over historic Front Street, where Hawaiian royalty once walked. Crystal-clear waters offer glimpses of green sea turtles and tropical fish just steps from shore during snorkeling adventures.
Lahaina’s plantation-era buildings now house art galleries and restaurants. Winter months bring spectacular humpback whale watching as these magnificent creatures breach offshore. At sunset, traditional torch lighting ceremonies connect visitors to authentic Hawaiian culture.
8. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Wooden boardwalk planks stretch for a mile alongside golden sand beaches where families have vacationed for generations. Tax-free shopping draws visitors to boutiques and outlets, while Funland’s vintage amusement rides maintain their mid-century charm.
The town balances sophisticated dining with beach treats like Thrasher’s legendary fries. Rehoboth’s welcoming atmosphere earned it the nickname “The Nation’s Summer Capital” during an era when Washington DC residents escaped here to beat the heat.
9. Sanibel Island, Florida
Shell seekers perform the “Sanibel Stoop” along beaches where nature’s treasures wash ashore in astonishing abundance. The island’s east-west orientation (rare for Florida) creates a perfect shell-catching position in the Gulf currents.
No buildings rise higher than the tallest palm tree thanks to strict development rules. Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge protects mangrove forests where roseate spoonbills and alligators thrive, offering visitors glimpses of Florida’s wild heart.
10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Concrete high-rises cast long shadows over crowded shores where finding personal space requires early-morning determination. Traffic congestion along Ocean Boulevard can turn a quick trip into an hour-long ordeal during peak summer months.
The area suffers from water quality issues after heavy rains. While Myrtle Beach offers abundant mini-golf courses and all-you-can-eat buffets, the commercialized atmosphere lacks the authentic charm found in smaller coastal communities just a short drive away.
11. Santa Monica, California
Instagram-perfect pier photos hide the reality of overwhelming crowds and exorbitant parking fees that can reach $30 for a few hours. Street performers and vendors create constant commotion that contradicts the peaceful beach experience many visitors seek.
Homeless encampments present challenging social issues along some areas. Santa Monica’s proximity to Los Angeles brings big-city problems to its shores, with petty theft common enough that locals know never to leave valuables unattended even momentarily.
12. Panama City Beach, Florida
College students descend by the thousands during March, transforming this Gulf Coast destination into a chaotic party scene that family vacationers should absolutely avoid. Litter-strewn beaches and rowdy behavior create an atmosphere far from relaxing.
Outside spring break season, chain restaurants and souvenir shops dominate the commercial landscape. Panama City Beach struggles with identity issues, trying to balance wild party reputation with family-friendly aspirations, ultimately satisfying neither demographic particularly well.