From rugged cliffside hamlets to pastel-hued beach villages, America’s coastlines are sprinkled with small towns that seem plucked from postcards. These are places where salt air meets storybook charm, and every view looks like a screensaver. Whether you’re craving a romantic escape, a slow-paced beach break, or a scenic slice of Americana, here are 20 of the most beautiful coastal towns in the U.S. to explore.
1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel is pure West Coast enchantment. Nestled on the Monterey Peninsula, it’s known for fairytale cottages, white sand beaches, and an artsy, upscale vibe. Ocean Avenue is lined with boutiques, galleries, and wine bars, while the nearby 17-Mile Drive offers jaw-dropping coastal views.
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
Framed by the granite cliffs of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor blends rugged natural beauty with New England charm. Its historic harbor, lobster shacks, and colorful Victorian homes make it a top destination for leaf-peepers, hikers, and anyone looking to escape the ordinary.
3. Beaufort, South Carolina
With its antebellum mansions, moss-draped oaks, and riverside promenades, Beaufort oozes Southern charm. Set along the Intracoastal Waterway, it offers marshland views, quiet beaches, and a vibrant arts scene — all wrapped in historic elegance.
4. La Jolla, California
Just north of San Diego, La Jolla combines upscale living with cliff-top vistas and golden beaches. You’ll find sea lions lounging on rocks, surfers catching waves, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. The rugged coastline and Mediterranean-style architecture make it unforgettable.
5. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort, and it shows — in the best way. Its Victorian homes, colorful gingerbread cottages, and wide beaches are straight out of another era. The lively promenade and iconic lighthouse add extra seaside magic.
6. Saugatuck, Michigan
Sitting on Lake Michigan’s “freshwater coast,” Saugatuck feels like a beach town with an artsy soul. It boasts sand dunes, quirky shops, and fine galleries — all backed by sugar-sand Oval Beach and a postcard-worthy harbor.
7. Port Townsend, Washington
This Victorian-era port town on the Olympic Peninsula feels like a forgotten film set. With its historic downtown, misty harbor, and views of the Puget Sound, Port Townsend is the kind of place where time slows and creativity blooms.
8. Seaside, Florida
Famous for its pastel houses, picket fences, and beach cruiser culture, Seaside is the star of the Emerald Coast. It’s perfectly planned, photogenic, and designed for barefoot bliss. Bonus: it was the filming location for The Truman Show.
9. Nantucket, Massachusetts
This island town is pure New England: grey-shingled cottages, cobbled streets, and hydrangeas in full bloom. Only accessible by ferry or plane, Nantucket feels like a time capsule of maritime tradition and coastal luxury.
10. Tybee Island, Georgia
A laid-back escape from Savannah, Tybee Island offers five miles of beachy bliss. Colorful cottages, historic forts, and its iconic lighthouse make it ideal for a slow Southern getaway. The sunrise over the Atlantic? Unbeatable.
11. Laguna Beach, California
A former artist colony turned upscale surf town, Laguna Beach boasts dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and a golden light that seems made for painters. It’s a perfect blend of coastal glam and natural wonder, especially along the cliffside Heisler Park.
12. Provincetown, Massachusetts
At the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown dazzles with its bohemian spirit, vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, and windswept dunes. The beaches are endless, the art galleries are everywhere, and the light — famously captured by painters — is magical.
13. Mendocino, California
Perched on northern California’s craggy coastline, Mendocino is wild and poetic. With Victorian homes, wildflower-strewn cliffs, and mist rolling off the Pacific, it’s a favorite of writers, romantics, and anyone who loves dramatic ocean views.
14. Rockport, Massachusetts
This quintessential New England fishing village is pure charm: red lobster shacks, art galleries in converted barns, and salty sea breezes. Its star attraction, Motif No. 1, is said to be the most painted building in America.
15. Friday Harbor, Washington
Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is as peaceful as it gets. With views of snow-capped peaks across the Salish Sea, it’s the kind of town where kayakers paddle past orcas and time stands still.
16. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport’s rugged shoreline, clapboard houses, and iconic lobster boats make it an East Coast dream. It’s elegant but down-to-earth, with cozy inns, boutique shops, and some of the best seafood on the Atlantic coast.
17. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth combines classic boardwalk fun with a stylish edge. Known for its colorful beach homes, fun-loving vibe, and artsy downtown, it’s a favorite among families, couples, and weekend warriors from D.C. and Philly.
18. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Home to the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is one of the most photogenic towns on the Pacific. Foggy mornings, dramatic tides, and charming streets full of art galleries make this Oregon coast gem unforgettable.
19. St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine blends Spanish colonial charm with gorgeous ocean views. Stroll its cobblestone streets, explore the Castillo de San Marcos, or relax by the sea — history has never looked so good.
20. Chatham, Massachusetts
Located on Cape Cod’s elbow, Chatham is a polished version of classic New England coastal life. With a historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, and quaint Main Street, it’s both idyllic and sophisticated — a perfect summer retreat.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.