20 Underrated beach towns across America
Most Underrated Beach Towns in the US
Some of the most popular beach towns across America are favored for a reason. Not only are destinations like Panama City Beach, Florida and Laguna Beach, California beautiful, but they offer an endless number of activities for travelers of all ages.
That said, the most popular destinations for beach lovers tend to have one unfortunate trait in common. They’re in high demand, so they’re often crowded and expensive to visit as a result.
With that in mind, it may be time to consider some off-the-beaten-path beach destinations across the U.S. for your next summer getaway. Your options are nearly endless in this realm, and some of the most scenic and interesting beach towns are ones you may have never heard of.
Maybe you want to escape the crowds in Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Perhaps you want to see some whales during your trip, so you opt to head to Long Beach, Washington instead. Other underrated beach towns to check out are located in states you don’t automatically associate with beaches, such as Oregon, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Whatever your travel style, consider these 20 underrated beach towns across America for your next beach vacation.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores, Alabama offers stunning white sand and beautiful weather nearly year-round, but without all the crowds you find in nearby Panama City Beach or Pensacola. This family-friendly beach destination is also brimming with beachfront rental homes and vacation condos, which makes it ideal for planning a trip the entire family can enjoy.
In addition to the powder sand beaches, other Gulf Shores must-sees include the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and the Gulf State Park.
Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Edisto Beach, South Carolina is at least an hour from the nearest major airport, which means it’s not as convenient to visit as other nearby beach towns. This is to its benefit, however, since Edisto Beach maintains a quiet, family-friendly feel without all the crowds you’ll find elsewhere.
If you’re looking for a vacation home to rent on the beach, you’ll also love that Edisto Beach has a boatload. In fact, this beachfront town has more private homes to rent than it does condominium buildings.
Traverse City, Michigan
While Traverse City, Michigan is a lakefront beach town that’s far away from the sea, this popular vacation destination is a wonderland when it comes to hiking, biking, dining and wine tasting. Visitors will stare in awe at the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the area is dotted with microbreweries and fine dining restaurants galore.
When it comes to water activities, there’s no shortage there, either. Visitors to this Lake Michigan locale can swim, fish, sail and more.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon is simply stunning due to its unique rock formations and its abundance of natural areas. This beach was even named one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic magazine, yet it still boasts a number of luxury hotels and plenty of places to explore.
Foodies will also love the long list of fine dining restaurants in and around Cannon Beach, as well as the numerous regional wineries, taverns and brewhouses.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island, Rhode Island is literally an island off the coast of Rhode Island, so you will need to take a ferry to get there. When you do, you’ll find a range of stunning and nearly deserted beaches, two major lighthouses, and ample opportunities for boating, hiking and shopping.
The island also offers unique eateries to suit any tastes, from the Poor People’s Pub and endless beach bars to fine dining seafood restaurants like Aldo’s.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire may not necessarily be known for its beaches, yet Hampton Beach is definitely worth a visit. Not only does it have beautiful and expansive beaches that are perfect for summer swimming or sunbathing, but it boasts all kinds of activities for families with members of all ages.
As an example, Hampton Beach has its own casino, a popular aquarium and plenty of shops with clothing, knick-knacks and souvenirs to browse. Visitors can also visit the Hampton Historical Society to learn about the area’s earliest inhabitants.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida is just across the water from Ft. Myers, so it’s easy to visit whether you want to fly or drive. Amazingly, this small island (and the nearby island of Captiva) are home to 15 miles of beaches and 25 miles of bike paths you can explore.
Visitors who love nature are also in for a treat. Sanibel Island, Florida boasts 50 different types of fish, 230 types of birds and 250 kinds of shells that can easily be found on its white sand shores.
St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island, Georgia is a little over an hour’s drive from nearby Savannah, but it may as well be a world away. This beach destination is popular with the locals, yet it’s also a barrier island that is small enough to let you enjoy your vacation without a ton of crowds.
In addition to all the beautiful beaches found on St. Simons, there are also golf courses, museums and shops to keep you busy. If you love being outdoors, you can also go hiking, biking, kayaking, finishing and exploring.
Capitola, California
Capitola, California is a small seaside town that offers plenty of west coast beauty without all the fanfare and crowds.You can rent a beachfront villa or vacation condo for a lot less than you would pay in nearby California beach towns, and the shopping and dining options are to-die-for.
The town also boasts a gorgeous waterfront promenade, and the water is ideal for swimming, boogie boarding, surfing or stand up paddle boarding.
Siesta Key, Florida
Despite the fact Siesta Key, Florida was ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, there are plenty of people who have never heard of it. However, this beach is definitely worth a visit due to its striking white sand and the sheer number of activities to take part in nearby.
For example, visitors to Siesta Key can golf the day away at any of the area’s award-winning golf courses, or they can shop til they drop at local shops or malls. Visitors can also head to nearby Sarasota, which is home to a range of art galleries and art museums.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
A 20-minute ferry ride from Southport, North Carolina will get you to Bald Head Island, a beautiful beach town nobody has ever heard of. This island is known for its ample selection of beachfront vacation rentals, as well as its marinas, clubs and outdoor adventures.
Bald Head Island is also known for its haunted past, and opportunities for ghost tours abound as a result. Visitors can also climb Old Baldy — North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse — and visit the Smith Island Museum.
Cayucos, California
With a stunning location along the Central California coast, Cayucos, California is a popular destination for residents who want to escape the hustle and bustle of other California beach destinations. This resort town offers vacation rentals, hotels and motels galore, as well as an array of quaint bed-n-breakfasts run by local residents.
Activities in Cayucos include hiking, biking, and fishing. Wine tasting tours are also popular, and Hearst Castle is just a short drive away.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The state of Idaho is wild and wide open, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho lets you get a taste of it in a beautiful lakefront setting. This part of Idaho is ideal for winter or summer getaways due to the plethora of outdoor recreation options available in all seasons.
For example, tourists in spring, summer and fall can hike and enjoy water sports on the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. In winter, on the other hand, guests can ski and snowboard the days away.
Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas, Texas may not come to mind when you think of American beach towns, yet it’s actually quite popular with local people who know where to find it. This area has several stunning beaches you can visit, all of which feature beautiful sand dunes, powder white sand and nesting sea turtles during part of the year.
In addition to spending time on the beach, other things to do in Port Aransas include bird watching, diving, fishing and dining at the area’s many seafood restaurants.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island, Georgia offers pretty much everything you need to have an awesome summer getaway, including a water park, 22 miles of biking trails and a historic district that’s well worth a visit on its own. There are also an endless number of places to stay in relative peace and quiet on the island, including several RV parks as well as vacation rentals and family-friendly hotels.
Jekyll Island is even home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, which is the only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility in the state.
Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach, Washington is a vibrant resort community that is located in the southwest corner of the state. Locals head to this beach town to unplug and unwind, as well as to spend time exploring the many beautiful and unspoiled beaches located in the area.
Long Beach is also popular for lovers of wildlife, and it’s a popular destination for bird watching and whale watching all year long. The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is even located here, which makes Long Beach an ideal spot for walking old growth forests or spotting bears, beavers, elk and other amazing animals.
Perdido Key, Florida
Perdido Key, Florida is a narrow strip of land located between Pensacola, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama. While relatively small in size, this beach town features incredibly white sand that’s made of fine powder, crystal clear waters and a beach vibe that’s both quirky and fun.
Visitors love watching boats come and go from the local marina, and the area is just as popular for fishing as it is for sunbathing and enjoying nature. While Perdido Key is only around 16 miles long, 60 percent of its land mass is located in federal or state parks.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is the second largest city in the state of Mississippi, yet many people forget that it’s an unbelievable travel destination for beach lovers. There are all kinds of fun things to do and see with or without kids, ranging from visits to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center to swimming with dolphins.
Visitors can also check out the Gulf Islands Water Park and the Zip’N Fun Adventure Park when they’re not sunbathing and relaxing in the gentle surf.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas is a popular cruise port destination, but you can also head here for a vacation on land. Some of the best attractions in all of Texas are located here, including the popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Moody Gardens and the Kemah Boardwalk.
The Galveston area is also home to a ton of vacation homes, condos for rent, and resorts that can make your stay unbelievable. Consider staying in the Casa Del Mar beachfront suites, which offer rooms with kitchenettes and separate living areas that make them perfect for families.
Ogunquit, Maine
While the state of Maine may not be known for having an abundance of swimming beaches, the town of Ogunquit has stunning beaches that many locals visit. Not only do the local beaches feature powdery soft sand and water you can swim in during summer months, but visitors will also find dramatic rocky cliffs and incredible scenery in every direction.
When you’re not spending time at the beach, take the time to check out Ogunquit’s shopping boutiques, art galleries, and quaint colonial architecture.