From Cape to Coast: America’s Loveliest Seaside Towns

There’s a certain magic to an American seaside town. You’ll find it in the clap of waves against old harbor walls, the scent of salt drifting through winding streets, and the glow of a sunset as it brushes across shingled cottages or weathered piers.

From the Atlantic’s rocky headlands to the gentle hush of the Gulf and the drama of the Pacific, these places are keepers of history, stories, mornings spent barefoot in the sand, and evenings wrapped in the glow of the sun.

Here are some of the most beautiful seaside towns in America, each offering its own way of slowing time beside the sea.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Thirty miles out to sea, Nantucket feels like a step into another century. Once the whaling capital of the world, it still carries echoes of its seafaring past. Cobblestone streets wind between gray-shingled houses, and lighthouses keep watch along windswept shorelines.

The Whaling Museum will tell you the story of sailors who once set out from this very harbor.

Today, you’ll find a quieter rhythm as you wander Main Street’s boutiques, sail into the Atlantic on a summer afternoon, and pedal along sandy trails.

For luxury by the sea, stay at the White Elephant before ending your day with some clam chowder at Sayle’s.

Cape May, New Jersey

At the southern tip of New Jersey, you’ll find a pretty little town dressed in pastel lace. Cape May’s Victorian homes, lovingly preserved, line shaded avenues that lead to wide beaches. And its lighthouse has guided sailors since 1859.

Life here is all about gentle pleasures. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride past gingerbread porches, browse the shops on Washington Street Mall, and sip a glass of local wine at Willow Creek Winery.

Stay at Congress Hall for a taste of history. Then, dine on seafood at The Lobster House as the tide rolls in quietly.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a city at the edge of the sea, where townhouses rise above cobbled streets and centuries of history linger in the harbor. The Battery promenade looks out toward Fort Sumter, while Rainbow Row’s painted facades are a postcard in themselves.

Here, the charm lies in the atmosphere as much as the architecture. Palm trees sway along the water, carriages clip-clop through the historic quarter, and the salt air carries endless stories.

If you can, stay at the French Quarter Inn, taste the shrimp and grits at Fleet Landing, and, beyond that, just let the city’s rhythm guide you.

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

On the Gulf Coast, you’ll find Bay St. Louis, a secret between two friends. Nearly washed away by Hurricane Katrina, it’s been rebuilt with a spirit of resilience and creativity. Its streets are lined with galleries, quirky little shops, and seafood cafés just steps from the water.

The beauty here is in the easygoing pace. You can kayak through the bayou, stroll the beach with a snowball in hand, or settle into a rocking chair at The Pearl Hotel. For a taste of the Gulf, savor the oysters and gumbo at Trapani’s Eatery. Once you’ve walked these sunlit streets, you’ll understand why Bay St. Louis lingers in every traveler’s memory.