8 Magical US Beach Towns With Laid-back Vibes

When was the last time you visited a beach town?

The calling for sea breezes and saltwater rushing over your toes is strong during the summertime. When the pull of the beach is powerful, you may just adopt an “any beach will do” mentality.

Sadly, flying by the seat of your pants might just mean that you’ll be sharing the beach with crowds of rowdy people, making your leisure getaway a bust.

But there’s also a big case to be made for seeking out the US’s delightfully tiny beach towns, where an easygoing vibe and breathtaking coastal views make for an intoxicating blend. One thing’s for sure, our country’s shorelines merit some special attention.

So for the beach lovers who prefer quaint cottages, custard stands, and historic harbors, we’ve chosen 8 of the most charming beach towns the American shoreline has to offer.

Provincetown, MA

Sitting on the tip of Cape Cod, this charming little beach town with fewer than 3,000 year-round residents transforms into a full-blown art colony of 60,000 people during their high season.

Provincetown draws in its bohemian-type summer crowd with a winning combination of spectacular natural scenery, 19th-century homes, and a welcoming cultural scene.

Vacationers spend their days frolicking at commerce-free Race Point and Herring Cove beaches, biking through pine forests and dunes, or strolling the downtown area’s Commercial Street to visit its unique shops, galleries, and eateries.

Much of this picturesque beach town is also walkable, so consider hopping on a ferry, booking a bed and breakfast, and exploring it all week long!

Bandon, Oregon

If you’re looking for a soothing beach town vacation, Bandon is one of the most underrated Oregon coast beach towns. It delivers an idyllic escape with vast, uncrowded beaches and rock formations that rise from the crashing waves.

It’s the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts and beach bunnies, with lots of opportunities to just relax and enjoy the spectacular view. The scenery is awe-inspiring from Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.

While you’re there, you should keep an eye out for the ample wildlife. You may even spot some orca whales that are sometimes seen in the estuary, and gray whales can be spotted migrating along the shore.

Kayaking on Bandon Marsh and Bradley Lake fishing is also a popular activity. At the same time, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort draws in many golf enthusiasts to play a few rounds with the ocean views in the background.

The historic business district along the riverfront is also delightful to explore with its abundance of boutiques, galleries, bookstores, and restaurants.

Capitola, CA

California’s coastline is rightly acclaimed for its natural beauty, especially the stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles. But while places like Santa Barbara are a dream to visit, let’s skip the crowds because we found another little piece of heaven!

Throw in an enchanting little city like Capitola into the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a beautiful beach town getaway.

There are lots of pretty beaches around the city, like the more urban Capitola Beach, which is connected by the quirky Venetian Court, a brightly painted set of condos designed in a Mediterranean colonial revival style.

A bit further east, you’ll find New Brighton State Beach, a friendly and secluded stretch of coast offering picturesque views of Monterey Bay.

Newport, Rhode Island

If you can’t get enough of “The Gilded Age” series, THIS is the place for you! This beach town first shot to prominence when it became a summer playground for the early American titans of industry.

Think Vanderbilts, whose Newport “cabin” is The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance estate, and the Astors and Morgans.

You can take a stroll past the legendary homes and many other historic Gilded Age mansions on Newport’s Cliff Walk as it spirals over the coastal bluffs. Continue on your journey to Easton’s Beach.

It’s a family-friendly stretch of sand that goes by: First Beach with locals. And while you’re in the area, make sure you hit the lobster roll stand and the lemonade truck for some refreshments.

On the harbor side, you’ll be greeted by brick sidewalks and some darling colonial buildings on Bowen’s Wharf, where you can sit back and eat oysters to your heart’s content.

Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

When you think about Hawaii, you probably imagine Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, which is almost always filled with crowds of tourists. And while many of them lead to the small cove known as Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, we suggest driving just 30 minutes north to Kailua.

You can enjoy a more relaxing vibe, and you’ll have access to less crowded stretches of sand and many excellent snorkeling opportunities. Lanikai Beach is perfect for beginners, and you’ll also be close to a living coral reef, calm and shallow waters, and silky white sands.

When hunger hits you, pick up some fresh poke at Foodland and pamper yourself with the famous root beer milkshake at Teddy’s Bigger Burgers.

Chincoteague, VA

Wild horses…and feral ponies are one of the main reasons to visit this lovely Virginian island beach town.

You can get the feel of the rural vibe and learn all about Chincoteague ponies at the island’s history museum, and you can also visit the various breeders around the beach town.

This is the kind of place where you come to relax, grab an ice cream from the excellent Island Creamery, and rent a bike to check out the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which you’ll find just over the water on the outer bank between Chincoteague and the Atlantic.

Make sure you visit the old red and white Assateague Lighthouse, and you’ll undoubtedly encounter bands of horses trekking through the forest or wandering down the beaches.

Nags Head, NC

Even though this place sounds more like a pub overseas than a beach town, Nags Head is a thin settlement on North Carolina’s outer banks. Early explorers would have been surrounded by high dunes here.

But the outer banks are ever-changing, and now the only dunes remaining are at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, where you’ll find some leisurely hiking and hang-gliding possibilities.

Outdoor amusements are the main attraction in this beautiful area, with kayaking and dolphin spotting cruises being the most popular trips.

South of the beach town, you’ll find the gorgeous 155ft high Bodie Island Lighthouse, its 217-step climb to the top being open to the public. But while this trek might sound daunting, the view will be worth it!

Pentwater, MI

You don’t really have to be on the coast to enjoy the beach towns. North America’s Great Lakes also have beautiful shorelines, and it would be a shame to ignore some charming lakeside locations spattered around.

For those who’ve never visited the US’s Great Lakes, it might come as a surprise to learn that sandy beaches are the norm. Michigan’s Pentwater has Old Baldy, a dune located in Mears State Park that can be reached by a hiking trail.

Worth mentioning are the village’s residents, who are the key to Pentwater’s friendly, easy-going charm, as you’ll no doubt find out during a leisurely stroll along the quaint streets.

The primary reason you should visit, though, is the water, with the calm Pentwater Lake sheltered from the chaos of the more prominent Lake Michigan, making it a popular spot for kayaking.

During the wintertime, it often freezes over to be hijacked by ice anglers. Want to explore further? Boat charters are readily available for those who want to check out the area.

One thing you can be sure of is that no matter which of these stunning beach towns you choose, you’re sure to have a RELAXING time.

And if your looking for some more getaway ideas, we’ve got you covered. Check this out: The 5 Most Blissful Mountain Towns in America