10 Things Tourists Get Wrong In America's Friendliest Beach Town

Visiting America’s friendliest beach town? You’re in for a treat—think warm waves, charming locals, and that laid-back coastal vibe that makes you want to stay forever. But don’t let a few common missteps ruin your beachside bliss.

I’ve seen it too many times—sunburned tourists stuck in traffic, eating at the wrong places, or missing out on the town’s best-kept secrets just because they didn’t know better. Want to skip the rookie mistakes and soak up the real charm of this seaside haven?

From timing your beach visits to knowing where locals actually eat (hint: it’s not the place with the 3-hour wait), here’s your guide to doing it right. Ready to blend in, not stand out—and maybe even be mistaken for a local? Let’s get you beach-town ready.

1. Only visiting the main beach

Crowds pack our main beach from sunrise to sunset, but locals know it’s just the beginning of what our shoreline offers. The popular stretch gets all the attention in travel brochures, leaving our hidden gems blissfully uncrowded.

Families squeeze together on towels while fighting for parking spots when they could be enjoying peaceful stretches of sand just a mile away.

The water quality is often better at our lesser-known beaches too, with clearer views of marine life and fewer boats churning up the sand.

2. Eating at chain restaurants

I cringe watching visitors line up at Bubba Gump’s when we have family recipes passed down for generations right around the corner. Chain restaurants serve the same food you can get back home, missing the whole point of traveling somewhere new.

The seafood at these tourist traps was likely frozen and shipped from somewhere else entirely. Meanwhile, our local spots serve fish caught that morning just offshore, often for less money than those big-name establishments.

Plus, eating local means your dollars support families who’ve been part of our community for decades, not corporate headquarters in another state.

3. Ignoring local etiquette

Visitors sometimes blast music across our beaches without realizing we’re a community that values peaceful mornings and respectful noise levels. Our beach town has unwritten rules that might not be obvious at first glance.

Locals notice when tourists leave trash behind or drag beach chairs across protected dune grass. These small actions damage our natural environment and create friction with year-round residents.

Even simple things like shaking out sandy towels downwind rather than letting it blow onto others’ picnics show you understand beach courtesy. Small gestures of respect go remarkably far in making you welcome here.

4. Not tipping properly

Service staff in our town depend on tips to make ends meet, especially during the busy season when they’re working double shifts. Many tourists don’t realize our servers make below minimum wage because tips are expected to make up the difference.

When you leave 10% instead of the customary 18-20%, you’re essentially telling your server their hard work wasn’t valued. Remember that your server is likely a local who lives here year-round and helps maintain the friendly atmosphere you came to enjoy.

Bartenders especially remember good tippers—and they’re often your best source for insider tips about what’s happening around town.

5. Skipping sunrise walks

Half the magic of our beach town happens before most tourists roll out of bed. Early mornings bring dolphins swimming close to shore, shell collectors finding intact treasures, and a peaceful atmosphere you’ll never experience at midday.

The light at sunrise paints our coastline in colors that never appear in your afternoon photos. Plus, you’ll meet the true locals during dawn walks—the retirees who’ve lived here for decades, the fishermen heading out, and the dedicated surfers catching the morning sets.

Morning beach walks also mean cooler temperatures and no sunscreen needed yet—a natural, comfortable way to start your day.

6. Overplanning every hour

I’ve watched families rush from parasailing to dolphin cruises to mini-golf, checking activities off their list without actually enjoying any of them. Some tourists create such rigid schedules that they’re constantly checking watches instead of taking in the views.

Beach towns operate on their own relaxed timeline. Restaurant service might be slower than you’re used to, and that dolphin cruise might return to dock later than planned if they spot a pod worth following.

The best vacation memories often come from unplanned moments—striking up a conversation with a local artist or spending an extra hour building sandcastles because the light was perfect.

7. Driving everywhere instead of walking

Cars become rolling ovens in summer heat, yet tourists still drive three blocks to dinner, then circle for 20 minutes hunting for parking. Our town was designed for strolling, with shaded sidewalks connecting most attractions.

Walking lets you discover the charming cottage gardens, historic plaques, and quirky local shops that you’d zoom past in a car. You’ll also avoid the frustration of our limited parking, which can turn a quick errand into a major ordeal during peak season.

The sea breeze makes even warm days pleasant for walking, and you’ll burn off some of those seafood dinners while soaking in our town’s character up close.

8. Not booking reservations in advance

If you’ve spotted a restaurant in a travel magazine, chances are everyone else has too. During summer months, our popular eateries book solid weeks ahead, leaving walk-in hopefuls with growling stomachs and growing frustration.

The same goes for fishing charters, sunset cruises, and paddleboard rentals. Nothing ruins vacation vibes faster than telling disappointed kids an activity is fully booked when you arrive.

Many local businesses now offer online booking, making it easy to secure your spot before leaving home. Even a quick phone call a few days ahead can save your evening plans and ensure you don’t miss out on signature experiences.

9. Dressing too casually for nicer spots

Flip-flops are perfect for beach days, but showing up sandy and shirtless to our upscale restaurants shows a lack of respect for local establishments. While our town is laid-back, certain venues maintain standards that enhance the dining experience for everyone.

Men often forget to pack even a single collared shirt, then find themselves unable to enter our historic yacht club for their famous sunset dinners. Women similarly arrive with only beachwear, missing out on evenings at our more elegant establishments.

Many of our nicer restaurants have been family-owned for generations, and dressing appropriately honors their tradition of excellence and hospitality.

10. Expecting fast service everywhere

Visitors from big cities sometimes tap their watches and sigh loudly when their coffee takes more than three minutes to appear. Our relaxed pace isn’t inefficiency—it’s part of our coastal lifestyle and charm.

Restaurant servers here take time to chat because personal connections matter in small communities. Your hotel housekeeper might spend extra minutes creating a seashell arrangement on your pillow. These touches aren’t delays but expressions of our hospitality culture.

When you rush locals or demand big-city speed, you’re missing the very essence of what makes our beach town special. The slower pace is precisely what most people come here to experience, even if they forget that once they arrive.

11. Explore side streets and hidden coves

Just three blocks from the main beach lies Pelican Cove, where the water is crystal clear and you might have the whole stretch to yourself. Locals guard these secret spots jealously, but I’m letting you in on the treasure map.

The southern end of our coastline features tide pools teeming with starfish and sea anemones—perfect for curious kids and nature photographers alike. Ask a friendly shopkeeper or your B&B host about their favorite hidden beach spot, and they’ll likely share directions.

Early weekday mornings are ideal for exploring these lesser-known areas, as even the secret spots can get discovered by weekenders.

12. Support family-owned restaurants

Martha’s Seafood Shack doesn’t look impressive from outside, but her hush puppies recipe dates back to 1932 and her grandson catches the grouper fresh each morning. These multi-generational establishments form the backbone of our culinary heritage.

Family restaurants often serve portions twice the size of chain establishments at lower prices. They’re also where you’ll taste authentic regional specialties that haven’t been modified for national appeal.

The walls of these places tell stories through decades of photos—hurricane survival, fishing tournament winners, and celebrity visitors who discovered the same hidden gem you’ve found. Strike up a conversation with the owners, and you might even score a secret menu item.

13. Learn a bit of local history

Our lighthouse wasn’t just built for pretty sunset photos—it saved hundreds of lives during the hurricane of 1926. Taking 30 minutes to visit our small historical society reveals fascinating stories behind the buildings you’re photographing.

The colorful cottages along Harbor Street once housed fishing families who established our town long before tourism arrived. Their descendants often still live here and appreciate visitors who show interest in their heritage.

Understanding why our town layout looks the way it does or why certain traditions continue gives your vacation photos context and meaning. Plus, locals love sharing tales with visitors who show genuine curiosity about our community’s past.

14. Tip generously—it’s appreciated

Your server at the beachfront grill is likely a college student working three jobs to afford rent in our increasingly expensive town. That friendly bartender mixing your perfect margarita probably knows five different ways to help you have the best vacation day ever—if you treat them right.

Tipping 20% minimum shows respect for the hard work that makes your leisure possible. During peak season, service staff rarely get days off and deal with demanding tourists for 12+ hours straight.

Beyond good karma, generous tipping creates connections that might lead to insider recommendations. Your bartender might mention the unadvertised jazz night happening on the pier, or your fishing guide might take you to his personal favorite spot.

15. Catch both sunrise and sunset

Our eastern shore offers spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic, while the bay side provides front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets. Experiencing both in one day gives you the full spectrum of our natural beauty.

Sunrise brings pelicans diving for breakfast and fishermen casting their first lines. The beach feels like it belongs just to you, with footprints from night creatures still visible in the sand.

For sunset, head to Osprey Point where locals gather with wine and cheese to applaud as the sun dips below the horizon. The changing colors reflect off both the water and the historic buildings along our waterfront, creating a 360-degree light show that no photograph fully captures.

16. Leave time for spontaneous fun

Wednesday afternoons sometimes bring impromptu steel drum performances to our main square. Last summer, a pod of dolphins played in the harbor for three hours straight, delighting everyone who happened to be strolling by.

Our town’s charm lies in unexpected moments—the street artist who lets your kids help with a sidewalk mural, or the fishing boat captain offering discount sunset cruises when the weather turns perfect. These opportunities appear when you have flexibility built into your schedule.

Keep at least half your days open for whatever comes along. Some of our best local events aren’t even advertised online but spread through word-of-mouth among people already here enjoying our community.

17. Rent bikes to get around

Biking lets you cover more ground than walking while still noticing details you’d miss from a car—like the osprey nest atop the old lighthouse or the hidden courtyard gardens behind historic homes. Our town’s flat terrain makes cycling effortless for all ages and fitness levels.

Most rental shops offer baskets or saddlebags for carrying beach gear or shopping finds. They’ll also provide maps of our extensive bike paths that connect major attractions while avoiding busy roads.

Evening bike rides along the shoreline path offer cool breezes and spectacular views without parking hassles. You’ll join locals in our nightly tradition of pedaling to the pier for ice cream, creating vacation memories along routes cars can’t access.

18. Book ahead for popular activities

Our legendary sunset dolphin cruise sells out weeks in advance during summer, yet I still see disappointed families at the dock hoping for last-minute tickets. The same happens with our deep-sea fishing charters and guided kayak tours through the mangroves.

Many activities offer online booking with free cancellation policies, giving you both security and flexibility. Even restaurant reservations can be made before your trip—especially important for waterfront tables during sunset hours.

If your heart is set on specific experiences, securing spots ahead means you won’t waste precious vacation time on backup plans. This is particularly true for holiday weekends when our small town’s population triples overnight.

19. Pack one polished outfit

Our historic lighthouse restaurant celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and you’ll want to look appropriate for dinner there. One collared shirt or simple sundress takes minimal suitcase space but opens doors to memorable evenings at our heritage establishments.

Summer weddings frequently happen on our beaches, and you might receive a spontaneous invitation from friendly locals you meet. Having something slightly dressier saves you from missing these opportunities or feeling out of place.

Even our casual seafood joints have “Captain’s Tables” where local fishing legends gather on weekend evenings, often welcoming visitors who show respect through appropriate attire. These authentic cultural exchanges become the stories you’ll tell for years.

20. Slow down and embrace the vibe

Racing through attractions means missing the blue heron that visits our harbor each afternoon or the way sunlight filters through ancient oak trees along our historic district. Our town’s charm exists in unhurried moments between scheduled activities.

Try sitting on a bench watching pelicans dive for 15 minutes. Notice how locals greet each other by name as they pass. These quiet observations connect you to the authentic rhythm of our community.

The couple who’s owned the corner ice cream shop for 40 years has stories that won’t emerge during a rushed transaction. When you slow your pace to match ours, you’ll discover the soul of our town that keeps families returning for generations.