9 best coastal small towns across the United States

Long Beach, Washington

Washington's Long Beach is just as laid-back as Southern California's, but with a distinct attitude and colder winters. You can people-watch on the promenade, bird or bike along their nature paths.

Washington Island, Wisconsin

Take the automobile ferry to Wisconsin's Washington Island and start your journey! Whether you bike and hike, visit the local history museums, or smell the lavender at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm.

Cape May, New Jersey

This calmer, cleaner beach hamlet in the southernmost portion of the Cape May Peninsula is a favorite getaway. A sunset cruise, wandering around the gardens and parks.

Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point, one of the nation's best roller coaster amusement parks, located in Sandusky, Ohio, but there's more to the area. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Shoreline Park.

Newport, Rhode Island

Breweries, vineyards, regattas, Gilded Age mansions, and more await visitors to this Rhode Island town. Try paddleboarding or sailing, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, trek the Cliff Walk with seaside vistas.

Pismo Beach, California

California's Central Coast's Pismo Beach attracts travelers with its calm beaches, vineyards, and outlet shopping. Dinosaur Caves Park, Monarch Butterfly Grove, and the award-winning boardwalk are all worth seeing.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Alabama's greatest beaches, Gulf Shores, are an hour west of Pensacola, Florida. After swimming, surfing, and sunbathing by the shore, visit Waterville USA, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and Gulf State Park.

Key West, Florida

Key West, the southernmost point in the contiguous US, has conch train excursions, six-toed cats, clubs, and festivals. With white-sand beaches and palm-tree avenues, this small Florida town is historic and coastal.

Saugatuck, Michigan

Award-winning beaches, spas, breweries, art galleries, and more await in this lakeside resort. Saugatuck is a great area to be married, have a wine tasting, or spend a family vacation with plenty of outdoor time.