Beach towns seem to be a dime a dozen but they are not all created equal. Each one is unique and scratches that certain itch each traveler has. We’ve come up with some great options no matter what you are looking for! 

Atlantic Side: Living the beach life on the Eastern Coast 

Wrightsville Beach North Carolina may look familiar to a few; it was often the backdrop for the teen drama Dawson's Creek, but the town with 4 miles of beaches, an interior island, and packets of commercial development is a delight. Well’s Beach is secluded just in front of Ocean Front Road close to the pier with access via a steep pathway; perfect for those wanting to feel like a local or have a little romantic and private beach trip. Wrightsville Beach is also known as one of the best places to surf so try your hand at surfing or visit the Surfing Museum. 

There is a reason that Myrtle Beach is so well-known, it’s like a large amusement park on the Atlantic Ocean. With 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches, a boardwalk – don’t forget to visit the Sky Wheel, the biggest Ferris wheel on the East Coast- and much more Myrtle Beach is a playground set on the water. One of the really nice things about Myrtle Beach is the options for days when everyone needs a break from the sun and surf, like WonderWorks a science-based indoor theme park, or the Hollywood Wax Museum. Anytime spent here will not be dull. 

With over 16 spectacular miles of untouched coastline, Ocracoke, North Carolina is like a dream. Off the mainland, their unspoiled beaches are those of movies. Perfect for the nature lover, the food and fun are unlike anything travelers are used to experiencing. With a fun history containing pirates, shipwrecks, and battles there is no lacking in things to make your imagination and exploration run wild! Rumor has it that Ocracoke was once a favorite hideout of the infamous Blackbeard and was also the location of his death in the early 1700s. One of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in America any stay here will spoil a traveler.  

Gulf Coast, Baby: Dip those toes into that warm gulf water 

Naples Florida is ideal for those wanting a little bit chicer in their beach vacation. Known for its upscale lifestyle, there are resorts, spas, and excellent shopping along with delicious dining. Naples has a lovely way of having charm and uniqueness and the consistency and comfort of nationwide brands. The Escalante is an ideal boutique luxury hotel. With its excellent service and rooms that surround the pool, there is an elegant retro feel. For those wanting to get out a bit more into the nature of Naples, The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is 13,000 acres of protected wilderness that is stunning and full of anodon and mammals alike. For a gorgeous sunset or evening stroll try the Naples Pier that extends right into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Dauphin Island Alabama is one of Mobile's seemingly best-kept secrets. Reminiscent of beach towns before they were so overbuilt, they were no longer fun; this small southern beach town makes your heart happy. The Gulf Coast doesn’t get more quintessential than this. The Holiday Isle Resort will ensure the charm of Dauphin Island is met with the amenities modern travelers expect. Spend your day on the beach or get a little history lesson and head to Fort Gaines that dates back to the Civil War. 

Ocean Springs Mississippi is the perfect little beach town Set just a bit East of Biloxi, it’s out of the hustle-bustle but close enough to have all the fun things you want on the water in addition to being known for its arts community. Once voted as a top Happiest Seaside Town there is no shortage of feel-good vibes in this place. Unlike other beach communities, the main street is lined with lovely thick trees that help envelope every traveler just like their home in their town. With a stellar at the museum, Walter Anderson Museum of Art and murals all over town, take the time to explore the culture along with the beach.  

Apalachicola can’t be cuter. The perfect bright spot to hop to it’s a fishing town in Florida that feels a little more Cape Cod than Floridian and maybe a little easier to get to! A little more on the romantic side than most, it may be because Apalachicola supplies 90% of the state’s oysters! The Gibson Inn is the perfect place to park your bags and come back to after a day out and about. The historic hotel has all the modern amenities along with a ton of romantic charm. Since it is known for its supply of oysters throughout the state a stop at Oyster City Brewing Company will allow travelers to see locals adding local flair to hometown brews.  

Panama City Beach Florida is a popular place for a very good reason. The Emerald Coast as it's lovingly known is some of the most sensational and sparkling water in Florida. Set on the panhandle and an easy drive from most of the Southeastern United States and much of the Midwest; it is a destination. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, its viability of accommodations, and its reasonable prices, this town is the place to come. With Pier Park and St. Andrews State Park rounding out the top attractions in this bustling beach town, there are waterparks and zoological options if you don’t want to get sandy. Often overlooked the panhandle of Florida are some of the best beaches in Florida. 

It almost seems to be on the nose, but Key West is what all beach towns aim to be. Located at the very tippy, tip of the United States this town is where relaxation comes to catch a break. Interestingly this island only has one small beach, Smathers Beach¸, and it's man-made at that and next to one of the finest fishing piers around. The draw to Key West is the laid-back style and nightlife that comes with the warm air, the friendly locals, and the famous Jimmy Buffet moniker “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere”. Clocking in at 4 miles long and one mile wide, the island is a haven for those wanting to have everything close and feel like the world is just a bit cozier. Almost impossible to get wrong on the island, accommodations seem to be one paradise after another and often feel like bungalows yet they just happen to be an inn! The Orchid Key Inn is a fresh modern and chic bungalow set among the palms and beckoning travelers.  

Rd to believe that just 3 hours outside of San Antonio is an oasis-like Port Aransas or happily coined “Port A” by locals and Port A lovers, alike. Including the famed Mustang Island- which hasn’t always existed, there are 18 glorious miles of beachfront to explore. A cross between Florida and California, this Texas treasure has a vibe and current all its own. One of the more activity-friendly beaches, there is almost nothing that doesn't work here. While the beach and its expanse are what draws crowds, one unique must-do is the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. It will know anyone socks off.  

With a million beach towns, it's helpful to have a little direction and insider knowledge to make the difficult and fun decision a little easier.   

Links: 

Portaransas.org 
Oystercitybrewingco.com 
Gibsoninn.com 
holidayisle.nabrnetwork.com 
wbmuseumofhistory.com 
dauphinisland.org 
hotelescalante.com 
corkscrew.audubon.org 
naplespier.com 
wonderworksonline.com  
downtownoceansprings.com 
orchidkeyinn.com 
cityofkeywest-fl.gov 
hollywoodwaxentertainment.com