• Introduction
• Best Family Beaches
• Best Natural Wonder Beaches
• Best Scene Beaches
• Best Romantic Beaches
• Best Secluded Beaches
• Best Beach Cities and Towns
• Best Vintage Beaches
• Best Beach Eats and Bars
• Best Beach Tunes and Movies

Best Beach Cities and Towns

Best Beach Cities
We found the best urban areas where you don’t have to sacrifice style for sand. Ditch the car and stay put in these great American beach cities.

Los Angeles L.A. County’s urban sprawl comes to a crisp end along this 72-mile coastline boasting over 30 miles of sun-drenched beaches. Other sands may be cleaner, and other waves more surfable, but where else could Beach Blanket Babylon and Baywatch have been shot?

Miami Like many Sunshine State cities, Miami was built around the beach. But unlike its siblings, the city has evolved into a stylish cosmopolitan hub favored by sun-seeking models, actors, and designers, and peppered with Latin American flair. Still, beach-centric Ocean Drive is an Art Deco haven of chic hotels, restaurants, and shops that offer a relaxing vibe without sacrificing style.

Honolulu Honolulu offers some of the finest Polynesian culture without losing its beach appeal. Though condos and hotels line Waikiki Beach, its allure is as strong as ever.

Chicago With 30 miles of shore along Lake Michigan and dozens of beaches, Chicago is the Midwest’s best bet for a city/beach combo trip. Visit during the late summer to take advantage of the best conditions.

Best Beach Towns
These beach town gems offer the complete package: crashing waves, cozy inns, and fresh seafood.

Duck, NC Duck is the perfect gateway to the Outer Banks (or OBX, as the stickers say). It remains quaint and neat, with superior food and nearby attractions to keep the kids happy.

Gulf Shores, AL Strikes a fine balance between natural beauty and southern charm with 80-degree Gulf waters to boot.

Mackinac Island, MI Reachable by ferry, the town teems with Victorian-style architecture, green parks, and sandy beaches. No cars allowed.

Provincetown, MA Long known for its thriving gay and art communities, laid-back Provincetown dangles at the end of Cape Cod’s sandy, windswept hook. If you think the town is bustling during the day, just check out the lively bar scene after sunset.

Cape May, NJ The antidote to the Jersey Shore’s tawdry charisma, verdant and Victorian Cape May offers a romantic escape you won’t find anywhere else between the sprawl of D.C. and New York.

Cannon Beach, OR Weather-worn salt boxes, charming art galleries, and organic veggie dogs for the kids make this Pacific-swept town (and renowned artists’ community), a dependable left coast favorite.

See Chicago Travel Guide | See Honolulu Travel Guide | See Kauai Travel Guide | See Los Angeles Travel Guide | See Miami Travel Guide | See Myrtle Beach Travel Guide | See New York Travel Guide | See Orlando Travel Guide | See Sanibel and Captiva Islands Travel Guide | See The Big Island Travel GuideSee U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Guide