America boasts 95,471 miles of shoreline, dotted with thousands of towns and cities. Its seaside towns attract millions of visitors from around the world annually with their natural landscapes and historic charm. Here are 18 of the best coastal towns in America.
Key West, Florida
This island in the Straits of Florida is known for its serene beaches and waterfronts. It lies in the southernmost part of the Sunshine State and is home to the French Colonial-style Ernest Hemingway House.
Newport, Rhode Island
This seaside city is famed for its annual Newport Jazz and Folk festivals and for the opulent mansions that line its Cliff Walk. Visit Rhode Island notes that it was “once referred to as ‘America’s First Resort’” and “has been welcoming visitors from around the world for nearly 400 years.”
Charleston, South Carolina
Visitors to Charleston, South Carolina, can walk through cobblestone streets and explore historic homes and gardens downtown. The city is also home to America’s oldest museum, the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773.
Monterey, California
This charming city on the edge of California’s Monterey Bay attracts tourists from across the world who come to whale watch in the bay. Monterey also offers a famous aquarium and its annual Jazz Festival.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
This coastal resort town on the tip of Cape Cod is a wildly popular summer destination for the LGBTQ+ community, attracting thousands of tourists annually. Visitors often visit Provincetown for its whale tours, excited by the opportunity to see these majestic species up close.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah boasts 22 historic squares, each offering a unique glimpse into its history. Tourists come to shop and dine along the bustling waterfront of River Street, which is famed for its 19th-century architecture.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is prized for its fairly-tale cottages that line the streets and for its high-end boutiques. The Los Angeles Times explains that it maintains “its quaint atmosphere by resisting city features like parking meters, street lights, and sidewalks beyond downtown” and boasts Clint Eastwood as a former mayor.
Rockport, Texas
Rockport is a birdwatching hotspot known for the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a prime spot for whooping crane sightings. It also has abundant fishing opportunities, with piers and guided tours attracting thousands of tourists annually.
Bar Harbor, Maine
This idyllic town on Mount Desert Island is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of neighboring Acadia National Park. Visitors can hike on trails on Cadillac Mountain, which offers views of the bay, town, and the Cranberry Islands.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine claims to be America’s oldest city and is renowned for its sandy beaches and Spanish colonial architecture. The City of St. Augustine explains that it was founded in 1565, “forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown,” and that it’s “the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African American origin in the United States.”
Half Moon Bay, California
Half Moon Bay offers visitors extensive trails along its cliffs and beaches that boast stunning views of the Pacific. It’s also known for its annual Pumpkin Festival, which celebrates local agriculture and crafts.
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is known for its Pageant of the Masters, one of the nation’s top art festivals, which has been held since 1933. Thousands of tourists visit annually to snorkel or dive in its crystal clear waters, which are home to vibrant marine life.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Ocean Springs is famed for its arts community, with a range of local artisan shops and the renowned Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Tourists can also explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore, known for its sandy, white beaches and emerald waters.
Camden, Maine
Camden is famous for its charming harbor and Camden Hills State Park, which boasts stunning views of Penobscot Bay. WCYY argues that “Camden is unquestionably charming,” with a “stunning harbor filled with old schooners, fishing boats, pleasure cruisers, and windjammers.”
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is celebrated for its well-preserved antebellum architecture. Visitors can tour historic homes and plantations dating back to the Civil War era and paddle through its intricate network of marshes and waterways.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is the oldest city in the Beaver State. It’s known for its historic riverfront and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Visitors also flock to the city for its numerous craft breweries, which offer a range of unique flavors.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is known for its over 600 well-preserved, colorful Victorian buildings, sandy beaches, and excellent birdwatching spots. Visit the USA notes that it is “often cited as the country’s first seaside resort” and that “the whole town is a National Historic Landmark.”
Port Townsend, Washington
Visitors to Port Townsend can wander through its historic seaport, lined with well-preserved Victorian buildings. The city also offers ample maritime activities, with boating and sailing opportunities in Puget Sound.
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