Photo by Robert Mullan at Shutterstock
Nothing says spring like a visit to an adorable seaside village, where you can enjoy rippling blue waters, sweeping dunes, and bobbing sailboats. And chowing down on some fresh seafood at a dockside restaurant could make you dream about settling into a simpler life.
As a matter of fact, there’s even some science behind why we find seaside escapes so calming. A 10-year study published in Nature found that living near blue water reduced risks for mental health disorders. In other words, the reason you feel so calm by the sea isn’t just because you took a vacation from everyday life.
And if you’re looking for a coastal getaway where time seems to slow down, there are plenty of options in our beautiful country. So stick with me as I present you with 9 adorable seaside villages that are worth adding to your bucket list ASAP!
Situated on California’s Central Coast, this adorable seaside village is one of the most picturesque places in the US. The Scenic Bluff Path is a lovely walking trail with sights of the rugged coastline and soft white sands of Carmel Beach below.
It’s also a major hot spot for surfers, and the vistas are even more sensational from the water extending from Pebble Beach to the north and Point Lobos to the south. Both locals and visitors can stroll through the streets lined with Mission-style architecture and English cottages in town.
And make sure you shop at some of the upscale international or locally-owned boutiques or visit one of the town’s renowned art galleries.
Found on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, this historic coastal area is famously known for the Wrights Brothers’ first flight on Kill Devil Hills. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Outer Banks, the original village has retained much of its magic and remains a laid-back vacation spot to this day.
Hotel options do exist, but many of the accommodations you’ll find are private rentals. When you’ve had enough of the sun and surf on the beach, head to Kitty Hawk Woods, a 1,824-acre maritime marsh, forest, and scrub swamp, to view the local wildlife and birds.
It’s a Must See Place for anyone who loves nature. This adorable seaside village would also be an excellent getaway for couples.
You can leave the bustling city behind and head south to Sanibel and her sister’s island, Captiva, for an unforgettable getaway. These low-key barrier islands are well-known for their immaculate beaches and abundance of sea shells.
In fact, it has been voted one of the 15 best beaches for seashells worldwide, and they’re committed to preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands. While visiting this adorable seaside village, take a sunset or dolphin cruise or explore the over 6,400 acres at the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
It offers tram tours, or you can drive, ride a bike, or take a kayak expedition. Afterward, head to Blind Pass Beach, where Sanibel and Captiva meet, to seize the best sunset.
Don’t leave the Sunshine State yet! This barrier island can be found along the Gulf of Mexico and is just 20 minutes from Bradenton on the west coast of the Sunshine State.
Anna Maria’s pristine sandy white beaches and sparkling waters highlight this laid-back destination with an old Florida feel that earned a spot on our list of the most adorable seaside villages in the US. If you’ve ever dreamt about building castles in the sand or relaxing on the beach, this picturesque town is THE place to be.
When you visit, keep an eye out as the wildlife is abundant, with dolphins, manatees, and turtles nesting between May and October. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy this adorable seaside village’s Bald Eagles, osprey, pelicans, and seagulls.
This adorable seaside village is an oceanfront master-planned community situated on central Washington’s Pacific Coast. The New England-style cottages and homes above Moclips Beach make for a picturesque setting.
Market Street is yet another Mut See Place on our list with its local boutiques, ice cream parlor, wine shop, and restaurants for an authentic slice of Americana. Then, you can spend some time relaxing by the firepit at Horseshoe Park.
And the best part is that the entire community is designed so that everything is just a quick walk or bike ride away. While here, you can rent one of the more than 200 homes and even bring your pup if you want because Seabrook is pet-friendly.
The peaceful coastal town of Jamestown is situated on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, about a mile west of Newport. The enclave has kept much of its original charm and feels more like a rural village with its windmill, farms, and cows grazing on dense green pastures.
Narragansett Avenue is the main shopping street you’ll want to explore. The adorable seaside village is known for outstanding food markets serving fresh meats and locally caught seafood like lobster and cod.
And as far as activities go, head over to the beach at Mackerel Cove, go paddleboarding at sunset and remember to enjoy the enchanted views of the sailboats moored in Narragansett Bay.
Cannon Beach is located 90 miles northwest of Portland on the famously beautiful Oregon coast. The vistas along this stretch of coastline are sensational, with Haystack Rock standing 235 feet beyond the sandy beach as one of the most recognizable landmarks.
Guests staying in one of the upscale oceanfront resorts can easily take a leisurely stroll to the village with its Cannon Beach Distillery, lively art scene, and chef-owned restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients from the Pacific Northwest.
This adorable seaside village is also close to Ecola State Park, an excellent destination for tide-pooling, surfing, and wildlife viewing. I recommend going there in winter or spring to witness the incredible migration of the gray whales.
This adorable seaside village is on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay. The charming small town is quite rich in maritime history, and one of the biggest highlights of your visit will be the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
This remarkable collection of vessels and artifacts includes a working shipyard and the Hooper Bay Lighthouse. While here, you can stroll along scenic Talbot Street with its Colonial-era structures and colorful storefronts.
I highly recommend splurging on a stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin, which is an iconic luxury resort, after you arrive by water from Annapolis onboard a Hinckley Talaria 55 yacht while sipping on champagne.
Situated on the eastern coast of South Carolina, this adorable seaside village is a small town with a very rich history entwined with the Old South’s past. The streets are lined with Civil War and antebellum homes and stately oak trees covered in moss.
Another favorite spot is the shop along Bay and Carteret streets and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. History fans will appreciate the Beaufort History Museum. If you plan on visiting, try to stay in one of the romantic B&Bs or inns.
The Rhett House Inn is a fan favorite. You can head over to Saltus River Grill for stunning waterfront views and Lowcountry specialties as the sun begins to set. Overall, Beaufort consistently ranks as the most charming small town in South Carolina. So make sure you pack a comfy pair of shoes to explore!
Have you ever been to any of these adorable seaside villages? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
And if you’re looking for some more fantastic ideas about which locations to to visit in our beautiful country, I also recommend reading about 7 Iconic Main Streets That Feel Like Hallmark Movies
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