Chincoteague, Virginia
With two nationally protected zones right on its doorstep, it’s no wonder that this coastal town has become a sanctuary for nature lovers. The 14,000 acres of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers you plenty of birdwatching, fishing, and wildlife photography chances.
At the same time, the Assateague Island National Seashore just outside of town is home to many herds of wild horses.
World-renowned for its clam shoals and oyster beds, a host of local seafood restaurants, and the annual Chincoteague Seafood Festival, this is where you go to celebrate island produce.
But for history buffs, there’s the Museum of Chincoteague Island, a mecca to local culture and history, and the Captain Timothy Hill House, which is the island’s longest-standing structure.
9 thoughts on “The US’s 16 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns”
I grew up in Old Greenwich, CT with Tod’s Pt., now called Greenwich Pt. It’s about 64 acres of beautiful beaches, hiking trails, picnic areas & a lovely view of the New York City skyline. No place could be better.
Went there in the 1980’s. Too expensive!
Where is Charleston, SC on the list ?
Visited 17 years in a row…July 4th week is great!….found a great inn 4 miles south of town…great seafood, shops. As a veteran loved the July 4th parade. Go back every year.
I love Cape May and their lovely “Painted Ladies”. The Victorian homes are beautiful; so glad to see them preserved. The beach is wide and not as crowded as other NJ beaches. My favorite beach town. Enjoyed the most in off-season without crowds.
There are a lot more coastal places on the east coast that are so beautiful, and not mentioned. Kennebunkport, Maine. Hampton Beach, NH. Boston.
I absolutely agree with Sanibel and Carmel! I love both of these locations and I hope to visit each of them again.
This is not the list I would have created. You entirely miss all the charming MA costal towns with the exception of Edgartown. Not one town in CT and only 2 towns in ME. Looks to me like the author has spent very little time in New England.
Coastal towns are the most beautiful, and the most desired places to live—-BUT, in a few decades these coastal areas will be taken back into the seas, even the cliff places.