These small beach towns are not only full of charm, they’re also pretty affordable!
This year, rather than visiting a hotspot everyone’s seen on Social Media, why not take a trip back in time?
Small-town America is blossoming and Must See Places has found some adorable small beach towns that prove why we’re a unique culture, full of history, and exciting people to meet. Maybe you want to experience the grand olden days of the Victorian era.
Or, you could wish to find a certain sense of nostalgia from a simpler time. Well, the good news is that across the country, many small beach towns retain their old-fashioned charm, from Mayberry-esque Main Streets to nautical villages.
We discovered 5 of these fun locales to visit if you’re looking for a hefty dose of sentimentality. So read on to explore the best small beach towns in the US that feel like stepping back in time.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Located in Lake Huron, Michigan’s Mackinac Island is an authentic old-timey small beach town. In 1898, all cars were banned, and the same modes of transportation remain today. So you’ll have to explore by bicycle, horse, and on foot.
In the early 20th century, the peaceful island became a huge summer destination for families from Detroit and Chicago, where Victorian-style hotels, cottages, and a small downtown area were built and flourished.
Once you get to the island by ferry, you can see these glorious old cottages high up on the island’s East and West Bluffs with the Fort Mackinac in the middle, built in 1715.
You can also check them out up close on a horse-drawn carriage tour while visiting this small beach town. One of its claims to fame is its historic fudge shops. According to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, downtown shops make 10,000 pounds of fudge a day in season.
So stop in to taste a few samples and see the fudge-making process in action. You’ll also want to see the American Fur Company Store. This general store seems to be stuck in time from the 1820s when Mackinac Island was a busy center of the North American fur trade.
And to step even further back in time, visit Colonial Michilimackinac, an 18th-century fort and fur trading village made up of 16 buildings that take you back to the days of the American Revolution.
Hammondsport, New York
If you’re a big fan of the Gilmore Girls, you already know that one of the most essential elements of the fictional small-town setting of Stars Hollow is its town square, gazebo included.
Well, that’s precisely the setup in Hammondsport, located on the southern tip of Keuka Lake. This “turn-of-the-century bandstand gazebo” even has live bands throughout the summer months.
The town square is surrounded by beautiful historic structures from the early 19th and 20th centuries. And visitors can stay and eat at The Park Inn, the oldest place on the square, initially constructed in 1828 and has served as a tavern and inn since 1861.
We also highly recommend having breakfast or ice cream at Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company, where you can still grab a cone at the historic wooden bar.
Once you’re done taking a stroll around the downtown area of this small beach town and wandering along side streets looking at Victorian-era homes, don’t miss what the Finger Lakes are genuinely famous for: Wine!
Hammondsport is the birthplace of growing grapes and winemaking throughout the Finger Lakes, where Reverend William Bostwick cultivated the first vineyard in 1829.
And Pleasant Valley Wine Company was the nation’s first bonded winery in 1863. It’s still in operation, and visitors to this small beach town can tour it and its remarkable historic buildings.
Bristol, Rhode Island
When most talk about historic Rhode Island, Newport tends to get all the attention. But nearby are several smaller towns that go back to the area’s old maritime days.
One of OUR favorites is Bristol, “the most patriotic town in America,” according to the communications director at Discover Newport.
This small beach town is home to the nation’s oldest 4th of July parade, for which the town’s dedicated volunteers spend a year getting ready. The festivities last three weeks and include a carnival, public concerts, and a pageant for Ms. 4th of July.
Locals decorate their homes in red, white, and blue, and let’s just say that owning a home on Hope Street, the parade route, is as alluring as having one along the waterfront. If you’re not able to travel in July, though, you’ll still get tons of old-time charm in Bristol.
While here, don’t forget to visit Coggeshall Farm, an 18th-century coastal tenant farm that has been turned into a museum, and touring the mansion and gorgeous grounds at Blithewold Museum and Arboretum.
Coupeville, Washington
This small beach town is located just a bit north of Seattle in Puget Sound. Many say that it’s an island that harkens back to a simpler nation, complete with seaside main streets, historic farms, ferries, and so much more.
One of the most charming spots on this island is Washington’s second-oldest town. Visit downtown Coupeville on Front Street, and you’ll find 100-year-old structures!
And since you’ll already be here, don’t miss the Coupeville Wharf on Penn Cove, where you’ll enjoy adorable stores, including gift shops, an ice cream shop, a bookstore, a wine-tasting room, and much more.
For more of that old-time feel, though, you might want to visit one of the local farm stands of this small beach town, where you can buy some fresh produce or pick your own during certain seasons, and the Coupeville Farmer’s Market.
You’ll even find a drive-in movie theater nearby. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are lots of historic options.
Get a room at the Compass Rose Bed and Breakfast. It’s a beautifully restored 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian. Or you can stay at the Anchorage Inn, another Victorian-style Bed and Breakfast that overlooks the majestic water.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Beaufort is a small beach town with lots of southern charm and maritime history. There are so many things to do here that visitors won’t have time to be bored.
From wandering around the historic downtown area to world-class fishing, any trip to Beaufort will be unforgettable.
It’s well-known for its historic homes and architecture, rich maritime history, charming coastal setting, stunning beaches, and fun events the small town puts on yearly.
Overall, this is the perfect place to go and feel that old-school Southern hospitality that has been lost in so many other places in our country! One of the best things to do while visiting Beaufort is to walk around the boardwalk.
Front Street is home to a waterfront boardwalk providing phenomenal views. Boats of all kinds have sought the refuge of the harbor here, and early morning walks along Front Street offer a unique look at sailors prepping for their day ahead.
North Carolina’s waters have witnessed many years of sailing history, and the North Carolina Maritime Museum is responsible for preserving these stories.
The museum houses lots of authentic artifacts and models of ancient boats throughout its corridors, highlighted by its collection of Queen Anne’s Revenge parts, a.k.a. the home of Blackbeard.
Have you ever been to any of these small beach towns? If so, be sure to share your experiences with our readers in the comments section below. And if not… Don’t forget to pack your camera and sunscreen!
And if you enjoyed this article, don’t leave yet! Must See Places has much more to share with you. For instance, if you love visiting America’s small towns, we highly recommend you also read: 6 Small Towns in the US With Incredible Christmas Vibes
