Oliver Travel Trailers

Find the Best Beach Towns in America – Top 10

best beach towns in america
By: Oliver
Updated: April 8, 2024

If you have done your research well, Greece, Mexico, Australia, and other world tourist destinations might have much more to offer, but make sure you have first explored your homeland, too! Most Americans make summers synonymous with visiting beaches in their camper trailers.

But if you want your beach experience to include more than just sand, sun, and swimming, here’s a list of the 10 coolest beach towns in the US, each with breathtaking sights. These are more than just beaches; they have fantastic museums, tantalizing culinary scenes, and trendy social spots.

America is a beach town behemoth!

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Wooden Beach Boardwalk leading to the white sandy Anna Maria Island, Florida
A seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches line the barrier island of Anna Maria Island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

Anna Maria Island has built an antithesis to Florida by strictly controlling development on its shoreline. The island administration has emphasized building parks ideal for bird watching, hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation. The best part is taking a boat tour of the whole island. You might spot manatees and dolphins.

Plan your trip: Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Waves at Asbury Park
Long known as a destination for music history buffs or as a backdrop of crumbling architecture, Asbury Park has become an unlikely cultural hub on the Jersey Shore.

Postcards on the cover of a Springsteen album can only be found in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This remains one of the US’s most underrated rock band-inspired beach towns. Art and design shops embedded in trendy bars and upscale restaurants are the specialty of this beach. This town was all but dilapidated only a decade ago, but the recent change is worth an excursion. Should you go, do not leave the city without trying their mini-hoagie at Hoagitos or a special Korean taco at MOGO. Also, attend the special band performances at the Stone Pony.

Plan your trip: Asbury Park RV Campsites

Beaufort, North Carolina

sunset beafort beach north carolina
Beaufort’s beautiful Front Street is not only incredibly picturesque, it’s full of fun boutiques and tasty restaurants, providing ample opportunity to shop and eat in between snapping dozens of photos.

Almost everyone has heard the story of the legendary pirate Blackbeard and how, in 1718, he ran a frigate aground. Now, does it come as a surprise that Beaufort was discovered by Blackbeard himself? You can go to the beach and see the shipwreck and artifacts from the wreck for yourself! Furthermore, you can visit three relatively uncrowded beaches, Atlantic Beach, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and Emerald Isle, and enjoy the Atlantic in all peace. Do not leave without having dinner with a view of the sinking sun. It is one of the most ethereal sights you could have beheld!

Plan your trip: Beaufort RV Resorts

Blue Hill, Maine

blue hill maine sunset
Architecturally it’s a collection of farm houses, small cabins, larger new homes, 100-year-old snug cottages and imposing sea captain’s homes.

You must have drooled over paintings in the museums that are worth more than your car and house combined? Do you fancy seeing the inspiration that caused these painters to paint them? You have to schedule a trip to Blue Hill, Maine. Blue Hill remains one of the country’s most unspoiled beaches. A county fair is held annually to showcase the native livestock galore and skillet toss. The music academy’s concerts in Blue Hill attract huge crowds nationwide. Barncastle pizza is a must-try at Blue Hill, Maine. Also, do not forget to visit the White family farm.

Plan your trip: RV Resorts

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon Coast, USA
The stunning coastline views and remarkable natural areas blend magically with our charming village by the sea where you can savor the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest, enjoy luxurious oceanfront lodging and explore one of the top art towns in America.

Cannon Beach in Oregon is the best seaside you have witnessed thus far. Do you remember the rocks from Point Break and The Goonies? Cannon Beach is home to all these rocks. They are called Haystack rocks and will most definitely bewilder you. It has some of America’s best beach bars, and you must hike in Ecola State Park while still in Oregon.

Plan your trip: Cannon Beach RV Resort

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May New Jersey
It’ll remind you of those Southern seaside havens straight out of a romance novel, where colorful Victorian homes line manicured streets, the locals are small-town friendly and there’s lots of gorgeous natural beauty, too.

With over 600 Victorian-era houses, Cape May is the most historic landmark- an attribute that probably no other beach in the US can claim. An impressive flag-lowering ceremony is held at Sunset Beach. Also, the landmark lighthouse on the beach is a breathtaking sight to behold. The best part about the hot dog you will have here is that your snack will be accompanied by friendly insults and jokes you would never have heard from a stranger. And I am sure you wouldn’t want to leave without a good laugh. Also, make sure that you not only look at a historic bed and breakfast but also schedule a stay there. You are definitely going to remember it for the rest of your life.

Plan your trip: Cape May RV Parks & Campgrounds

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater Beach, Florida at Sunset on the west coast of florida.
The Cleveland Street District, overlooking the beautiful Clearwater Harbor and Marina, provides a stunning backdrop for a variety of concerts, festivals, and exhibits that delight throughout the year.

Clearwater is not new to many of us. It is one of the best beaches, as certain magazines and travelogues describe. Not to mention, the sugary sand and clear turquoise water make it a sight from another world. But the best part is that you can meet the dolphin from Dolphin Tale here. Oh, and also remember to try the famous grouper sandwich from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. The sunset view with street performers and musicians should also be on your list before you decide to leave Clearwater.

Plan your trip: Clearwater RV Parks & Campgrounds

Falmouth, Massachusetts

Falmouth Beach on Cape Cod
Falmouth is one of the most desirable destination resort towns on the Cape. It has miles of shoreline and public beaches, ferries to Martha’s Vineyard, summer tropical gulf-stream waters for boating and beach recreation, and the town’s famous scenic Shining Sea Bike Path.

Falmouth has a large population, but it is also larger. It has several little villages that make it look like a little urban area of its own. The homes are historic and artistic to look at. Food lovers can go home satisfied because Falmouth has the best Moose-Drop ice cream and Lobster tacos in the whole of the US.

Plan your trip: Falmouth RV Parks & Campgrounds

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Fernandina Beach, Florida During Sunset.
One of Florida’s first tourist destinations in the late 1800s, Fernandina’s beautiful beaches, charming 50-block historic district, year-round cultural events, fabulous dining, and varied shops and galleries continue to enchant visitors.

Fernandina Beach is dominated by old-style architecture. Trees are dripping Spanish Moss, and old Victorian-era homes serve your aesthetic. The main beach is at the hotspot and is a must-visit in Florida.

Plan your trip: Fernandina Beach RV Parks & Campgrounds

Grand Haven, Michigan

A Beautiful Sunset At The Grand Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse Michigan USA
Named America’s Happiest Seaside Town for 2017, this Lake Michigan seaport is steeped in pleasures both on shore and on the water.

You lounge on the sand of Grand Haven, and all your worries are buried there. The softest sand on any beach in the US, Grand Haven, is everything a beach lover desires. Walk towards the historic lighthouse and enjoy a cocktail or pizza. This is unarguably one of the most serene beaches in Michigan. Also, stroll towards the dog beach with a friend or family member and enjoy your afternoon in complete silence. The serenity will speak for itself, so you won’t need to.

Plan your trip: Grand Haven RV Parks & Campgrounds

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