7 U.S. Beach Towns You Need to Visit

When you think of “beach vacation,” you may picture yourself relaxing on a Greek island or sipping a piña colada in the Bahamas. But you don’t have to leave the continental U.S. to enjoy a fantastic trip to the beach. There are tons of options that might only be a road trip away. Here are seven to get you started.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

In 2013, National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it certainly deserves the title. The beach is famous for Haystack Rock, which sits 235 feet above sea level and is a protected Marine Garden, teeming with all kinds of wildlife. However, it’s not just its gorgeous shoreline that makes this beach town special; it’s home to a number of resorts and spas, such as the Surfsand Resort, which is nestled right on the shore and gives you a fantastic view of Haystack Rock. Those looking for activities in Cannon Beach can take a stroll into town to enjoy art galleries and quirky kite shops on the windy coast. And, if you are a traveler who won’t go anywhere without your beloved pup, you’re in luck: Cannon Beach prides itself on being a very dog-friendly town.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island is about 30 minutes off the coast of Rhode Island by ferry, and well worth the journey. It’s full of cute bed and breakfasts to make your home base while you explore all the activities of the quaint town. While you’re there, you can check out the Southeast Light lighthouse, eat at one of the more than 40 restaurants, and take a bike or moped to explore the coastline.

Pacific Grove, California

Photo by Alexander Demyanenko/Shutterstock.

Sure, Santa Barbara and Big Sur get all the love, but Pacific Grove is one beach town to visit for scenic beauty alone. It’s not quite as developed as many of the beach towns surrounding it, and many visitors marvel that the views on Ocean View Boulevard and Sunset Drive are unobstructed. Turn to Pacific Grove’s historic downtown area for shopping and dining, taste test at the local farmer’s market, or check out Point Pinos lighthouse — it’s the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. For those excited to get outdoors, kayaking, scuba diving and even Segway tours are all on the table.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Wild horses won’t keep you away from this east coast gem — in fact, they are Chincoteague Island’s main attraction. While Virginia Beach may be popular for those looking for a coastal party town, Chincoteague Island is where families go to relax and enjoy activities like boating, fishing, clamming, and crabbing. Naturally, seafood is huge on the island — and you won’t have to catch it all yourself, thanks to restaurants like Steamers and the Ropewalk. Make sure to visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, where you can witness nature in unspoiled splendor. You’ll see the island’s famous wild ponies as well as animals like the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrels.

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

If you’re seeking east coast boardwalk vibes, sans intense crowds, head to this low-key New Jersey beach town, which is a 20-minute drive from the party-heavy Seaside Heights made famous on MTV’s Jersey Shore. Ideal for families, this enclave — which is situated on a white sand beach—features art festivals, sidewalk sales, and lots of small businesses to explore. Hit the boardwalk to enjoy amusement park rides, an aquarium, and plenty of oceanside restaurants.