These Are the 14 Earliest Beach Towns in the U.S.

The idea of a beach vacation in the U.S. is nothing new. Long before high-rise resorts and Instagram-worthy boardwalks, early American settlers and city dwellers sought coastal escapes. Some of these towns started as fishing villages, while others were deliberately developed as seaside retreats for the wealthy. Over time, these towns became the foundation for the modern beach destinations we know today.

Many of them still retain their old-world charm, offering a glimpse into a time when summer vacations meant grand Victorian hotels, saltwater taffy, and moonlit strolls along the pier. So, if you’re a fan of sun, sand, and a little bit of nostalgia, let’s take a trip through some of the earliest beach towns in the U.S.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May isn’t just an old beach town; it’s one of the oldest seaside resorts in the country. By the 18th century, wealthy Philadelphians were already flocking here for a little oceanfront relaxation. The town is packed with colorful Victorian homes, giving it a fairytale feel. Plus, if you love a good ghost story, Cape May has plenty of those, too. Some say the spirits of past vacationers never quite checked out.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport has been drawing visitors to its shores since the 1600s. While it’s now famous for its Gilded Age mansions, it started as a busy colonial seaport. By the 19th century, wealthy families were building summer homes here, turning it into an elite coastal retreat. Today, you can still walk along the Cliff Walk and imagine what it was like when the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts ruled the scene.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Originally a whaling hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, Nantucket has since transformed into a picturesque summer getaway. Its gray-shingled cottages, cobblestone streets, and salty ocean breeze make it feel frozen in time. Back in the day, whalers spent years at sea hunting for fortune. Now, visitors spend lazy afternoons biking around the island and devouring lobster rolls—quite the upgrade.

Charleston’s Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

Sullivan’s Island has been a beach retreat outside of Charleston for centuries. Early settlers and soldiers spent time here, and by the 1800s, it became a go-to spot for those looking to escape the city heat. Edgar Allan Poe even lived here briefly, and you can find nods to him all over the island, including a namesake tavern. With its quiet beaches and historic charm, it’s no wonder people have been coming here for generations.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach was a quiet coastal escape long before it became a bustling tourist hub. English settlers landed nearby at Cape Henry in 1607 before moving inland to establish Jamestown. Over the years, the area grew into a popular beach destination, and by the late 19th century, a railway made it even easier for visitors to dip their toes in the Atlantic.

St. Augustine Beach, Florida

St. Augustine is often called the oldest city in the U.S., and its beach has been a retreat since the Spanish settled here in the 1500s. Pirates once roamed these waters, and the historic fort nearby is a reminder of those swashbuckling days. These shores have seen it all, from early explorers to modern-day sunbathers.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Savannah’s favorite beach getaway, Tybee Island, has been a vacation spot since the 1800s. People would take steamships down the Savannah River for a day at the beach, much like we hop in the car for a weekend trip now. The historic lighthouse, one of the oldest in the U.S., has guided sailors since 1736. It’s seen shipwrecks, hurricanes, and countless sunrises over the Atlantic.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Nestled along Maine’s rocky coastline, Bar Harbor has been welcoming visitors since the early 19th century. Originally a fishing and shipbuilding town, it became a favorite summer retreat for wealthy city dwellers looking to escape the heat. The nearby Acadia National Park adds to its rugged beauty, making it a dream destination for anyone who loves the ocean and the great outdoors.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Founded in the 19th century as a Methodist camp meeting ground, Rehoboth Beach has come a long way from its religious retreat days. By the early 20th century, it had transformed into a classic beach town with a boardwalk, saltwater taffy shops, and oceanfront fun. Even today, it keeps that nostalgic, small-town charm that makes beach vacations feel like a step back.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston has been a major coastal destination since the 1800s, though it has a dramatic history. It was once the richest city in Texas, but a devastating hurricane in 1900 changed everything. Despite that, it bounced back, and today, its historic districts and beachfront attractions keep visitors coming back for more. Moody Gardens and the old-school Pleasure Pier bring a mix of history and fun to this Gulf Coast gem.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City started as a quiet fishing village but quickly became a seaside resort in the late 19th century. The construction of a railway made it more accessible, and by the 20th century, it was packed with boardwalk amusements, arcades, and classic beachside eats. It’s still a go-to summer spot, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern-day excitement.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod has been a coastal retreat for centuries, with its fishing villages and sweeping sand dunes making it a picture-perfect getaway. By the 19th century, artists and writers began flocking here, inspired by its windswept beauty. Even today, its lighthouses, seafood shacks, and charming towns make it one of the most beloved beach destinations in the country.

Beaufort, North Carolina

Beaufort has been a seaside gem since the early 1700s. Once a pirate hideout (yes, Blackbeard himself hung around these waters), it became a fishing village and a quiet coastal retreat. Today, it still has that old-world charm, with waterfront homes, a maritime museum, and wild horses roaming nearby islands. It’s the kind of place where history and relaxation go hand in hand.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi has been a Gulf Coast getaway since the French settled there in the 1700s. Its warm waters and long sandy beaches made it a popular vacation spot by the 19th century. While it has faced hurricanes over the years, it has always rebuilt, keeping its casinos, seafood restaurants, and beachside charm alive. It’s a town that knows how to weather the storms and keep the fun going.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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