The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beach towns in the us"
Named by 2 of 81. South Padre IslandThe only barrier island in Texas, popular as a spring break spot for students.Described as having 277 days of annual sunshine and frequent dolphin sightings.
Named by 2 of 82. CoronadoSits across the bay from San Diego with a walkable downtown centered on Orange Avenue.Pitched for families, couples and classic beach vacations.
Named by 2 of 83. ChincoteagueA quiet island with no high rises or boardwalks, known for wild ponies.Seven miles long, and Virginia's only resort island.
Named by 2 of 84. LubecThe easternmost town in the continental U.S., calm compared with the rest of coastal Maine.Offers almost 100 miles of coastline, two lighthouses and a Victorian old center.
5. Cannon BeachA popular resort town stretching four miles along the Pacific Ocean, decorated with flowers.Seen as a top art and escape spot in the Northwest, with odd rock formations.
6. Clearwater BeachFrequently listed among the most beautiful beaches, by USA Today in 2023.About a 45 minute drive from Tampa.
7. Anna Maria IslandSeven miles of sandy beaches, with eco-tours, kayaking and dolphin watching.A laid-back island with bungalows and Floridian architecture.
8. ChathamOuter Beach can only be reached by boat or oversand vehicle.Seal tours are popular because great white sharks appear offshore.
9. Tybee IslandAbout 18 miles from Savannah, with five miles of public beach.Art and music events are scheduled almost every day.
10. Outer BanksA barrier island chain over 175 miles long with wide, uncommercialized shorelines.Offers wild Spanish Mustangs, hang-gliding in Nags Head and Cape Hatteras lighthouse views.Best time to visit Outer BanksBest beaches in Outer BanksBest places to visit in Outer Banks
11. Cape MayMade USA Today's list of coastal small towns, alongside Newport, Rhode Island.
12. Traverse CityNear Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan, with hiking trails.
13. St. Simons IslandThe largest barrier island of Georgia's Golden Isles, known for quiet beaches.
14. Dauphin IslandKid-friendly and remote, with a bird sanctuary and historical sites nearby.15. Key WestRanked third by USA Today, with an arts scene, nightlife and the Fantasy Fest street festival.Best time to visit Key WestBest beaches in Key WestBest places to visit in Key West
16. StuartRanked the No. 1 coastal small town by USA Today, on Florida's Treasure Coast.
17. Boca GrandeLong, quiet Gulf beaches and a lighthouse in a quaint town.
18. Rehoboth BeachA classic beach town that has changed little in decades, with galleries and a boardwalk feel.
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Questions people ask
- What are some of the best kept secret vacation spots on the East Coast?
- Lubec, Maine, the easternmost town in the continental U.S., is described as calm and serene compared with the busy eastern seaboard.
