Anna Maria Island, Florida
This barrier island found along the Gulf of Mexico is just a 20-minute drive from the town of Bradenton on Florida’s west coast.
Anna Maria’s idyllic sandy white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters highlight this laid-back coastal town with an Old Florida feel that has earned a spot on our list of the best coastal towns in the US.
You’re dreams about spending days building castles in the sand with the little ones or relaxing on the beach in this scenic seaside town will come true at this beautiful destination.
Be sure to keep an eye out because the wildlife is plentiful, with manatees, dolphins, and turtles nesting from May to October. Birding enthusiasts can appreciate the Bald Eagles, pelicans, osprey, and seagulls.
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.