12 Underrated American Beach Towns You’ll Want to Move to Right Now
When people think of beach towns in America, they often picture the crowded boardwalks of Miami, the glitz of Malibu, or the buzz of Myrtle Beach. But tucked away from the tourist crowds are hidden gems—charming, underrated beach towns where the sand feels softer, the vibe is more laid-back, and life moves at just the right pace.
If you’re dreaming of an escape where you can trade city noise for ocean waves, these 12 under-the-radar beach towns might just convince you to make the move. From sun-kissed shores to vibrant local communities, these spots offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach has a relaxed and quaint atmosphere and is largely overshadowed by more tourist-friendly neighboring city of Charleston. Famous for waves which attracted movie stars and others, picturesque pier, and full of life population, it is a perfect destination for those who like the sea but do not find themselves in the atmosphere of the Palm Beach. Houses in bright colors similar to the beach cottages and an active andhappy downtown, it allows for an interesting calm, active life by the sea. In addition, Charleston is only a 45-minute drive, if you ever need more of an urban feel.
Port Aransas, Texas
Nestled on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico, Port Aransas is a quiet little town teemed with endless sandy shores, excellent fishing opportunities and tropical climate all through the year. It offers all the bits and pieces of a beach holiday destination but with far fewer crowds. There are local seafood restaurants open-air small shops, and much more the outdoor activities include watching dolphins or using kayak to tour the waters. For somebody that wishes to have the sea winds and the Texas style it is a superb place.
Cape May, New Jersey
While New Jersey is well known for its coast line, Cape May is relatively less explored but you have the Victorian touch and beautiful beaches. This town has nothing in common with loud boardwalks any more; the streets are clean and peaceful, the houses are elegant, the shops are inviting, and the dining places are warm. The artistic atmosphere if small town, with festivals, farmer’s markets and local plays and theaters abound. You don’t have to rush through life while also having the Atlantic Ocean at your backyard as well.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores boasts of great sunny-white beaches, and the warm waters of the Gulf that many travelers shun to visit Florida for. For all the wonder of the Gulf Coast this town is a bit tamer – and much more affordable when it comes to the cost of living. Family-oriented entertainment, fishing and nature reserves are major concerns of the local population. It is perfect for those people who need a quiet but active town by the sea as the main place where they live.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island may be the best-kept secret of Georgia just a 20-minute drive from Savannah; it has that true to life vacation atmosphere. Naturally beautiful with white sand beaches, a stately lighthouse and some of the friendliest people you are likely to come across- Tybee is South Carolina’s coastal gem. Though the island is small and there’s no luxury in it, there are plenty of seafood shacks, art galleries, and possible outdoor activities. It’s perfectly situated for those who want to relax and get a true island experience without being cut off from everything.
Manzanita, Oregon
If you are thinking of having your dream home somewhere with a raw, dramatic coastline of the Pacific Northwest then Manzanita is for you. This is a charming town with breathtaking views of the ocean, fine sandy beaches which are often covered with mist during most of themorning, and people who are very friendly especially the artsy-bend. It’s not as commercialized as other Oregon coast towns, such as Cannon Beach but does contain cute shops and cafes + beautiful trails. Manzanita is perfect for those who would like to have an oceanfront property but in a small and quiet town perfect for nature lovers.
Pescadero, California
A tiny town tucked between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, Pescadero is mostly in the shadow of its more famous neighbors. This is a small farming community which has beautiful cliff-lined coast, beautiful sandy beaches and friendly atmosphere. You won’t find any overt energy hustle, on the other hand, fresh seafood, farm-to-table restaurants, and gorgeous views in all directions. For those who really need to get out of California but can not let go of sea breeze, Pescadero is the answer to your prayers.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Organized and quaint, Ocean Springs is one of the picture-perfect artistic beach towns in the Gulf Coastal region of Mississippi without the severity of metropolitan. Quite as if it had tree-lined streets, art galleries, and tasty local restaurants, it successfully conquers the spirit of a small town. Virtually all the beaches are cycles of white sand and azure water, they are deserted and perfect or those who want to find solace in the beaches and the blue waters. Also, it has a good community feel and there are always so many cultural activities in a year.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a island-country town most famous for its wild horses and picturesque landscapes. Sitting just a couple of miles away from the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, this is a perfect spot for the fans of wildlife and photography, fishing, kayaking plus leisurely strolls along the shore. The town also seems to be preserved from excessive tourism and offers simple seafood restaurants, shops and people. It’s the sort of place where, when you look for TV stations on your TV, there are four: two news channels, one showing a movie, and a Spanish channel.
Southport, North Carolina
Southport is a picturesque, old town on the southeastern coast of North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Lined with little roads, oak trees, historic buildings and even a creek frontage, Southport is the perfect slow town. It also became an important setting of several films and TV-shows, which, combined with the town’s atmosphere, creates the impression of the South. Tucked away out of site from the larger crowds and well known tourist spots in North Carolina Southport is the quaint little beach town that dreams are made of!
Pass Christian, Mississippi
Often referred to as “The Pass”, this is more a relax beach town with incredible long sandy stretch along the Gulf of Mexico. The town is great for any one who is interested in an active outdoor lifestyle, sunsets, boating and a laid back pace. Sea foods having a matchless taste native to the region it is quite cheaper than what one would expect in other sea side towns. That is why it is a gem to anyone seeking affordable, laid back beachfront lifestyle.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle exudes a separate-world feel that accompanies the coastal lifestyle. Preferred for its fishing, bird watching and great beach this region is ideal for those who like outdoor lifestyle. If you’re looking for a natural and serene residential living environment where the Gulf of Mexico is effectively your neighbor, then yes. If you really want to see a hometown feel along with the local beaches and natural resources of Grand Isle may be the perfect city for you.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
