Most Underrated Beach Towns in America
Miami, Santa Monica, Maui… You’ll find some of the world’s most pristine sands (IOHO) all over the United States. If you’ve passed the big names, consider the country’s less crowded coastlines. Here are beach towns that are arguably the best in America, from sea to sea. Let exploce These Most Underrated Beach Towns in America below.
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Most Underrated Beach Towns in America
Jacksonville, Florida
Sure, Panama City and Miami may be beach spots to visit in the Sunshine State, but Jacksonville is having a renaissance not to be missed. The city had 22 miles of sugar soft beaches to spend your days and more than 30 reefs off the Atlantic for divers to explore. Ladies can even take a girls’ windsurfing class with companies like Saltwater Cowgirls run by two women, one a marine veterinarian.
When you want to experience city life, head inland to the Doro District, a revitalized downtown that has converted 20th century industrial warehouses into craft beer distilleries Manifest Works Distilling and Intuition Ale are among the favorites.
In addition, Jackson Jaguars owner Shad Khan is developing the North Shore neighborhood into a $2.5 billion waterfront recreation area with a hotel, marina, mingling venue, music, convention centers and retail spaces all surrounding the football stadium.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Just a quick half hours drive from Savannah, Tybee Island has all the attractions of an American island. There is a historic lighthouse from the 18th century, wide, romantic beaches as seen in Nicholas Sparks’ chick movie, The Last Song and Tybee Pier in 1891. That is once of These America’s Most Underrated Beach Towns.
Nature lovers should make time for the Tybee National Wildlife Refuge, a 400 acre sanctuary opened by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the late 30s. Then, enjoy a seafood feast we’re talking lowland shrimp boil and blue crab stew at Crab Shack before taking refuge in the usual crocodiles under the riverside deck.
Block Island, Rhode Island
There’s no better place than The Block for a family friendly summer break. A far cry from Nantucket’s sceney shores, this low key spot off the coast of Rhode Island claims 17 miles of free public beaches, punctuated by rugged ocean bluffs and historic 18th century lighthouses. Most Underrated Beach Towns in America.
You wouldn’t mistake it for any quaint inn or B&B, but we were part of Hotel Manisses, a stunning Victorian construction with a foot bath and sweeping views of the Beach, famous Ballard beach. For a quieter stretch of sand, skip town and follow the local surf boys to Mansion Beach to catch some waves.
When on a hunger strike, seafood is the way to go. Choose between fresh shredded oysters at Dead Eye Dick’s, lobster rolls in butter at The Beachhead or clam chowder in clear broth at Kimberly’s. Just make sure to reserve a spot for a mud slide master at The Oar.
Traverse City, Michigan
The landlocked state of Michigan has a beautiful lakefront that allows Midwesterners to have an easy beach trip without having to catch a flight. Make Traverse City your base as it has amazing vineyards under the radar. Most Underrated Beach Towns in America.
Start your wine weekend along the Old Mission Peninsula with a Water to Wine kayaking tour in Grand Traverse Bay, then join a wine tasting session at Brys Estate and Left Foot Charley before a meal Seaside gourmet picnic with pan seared white fish or asiago polenta topped with asparagus and pan fried Prawn Pinot Grigio.
There are more than 50 other vineyards nearby to continue drinking during the day one of which is owned by the Madonna family. We especially love the Italian style villas Mari Vineyards and Rove Estate, known for their unique Rieslings, live music and sweeping sunset views over the Leelanau Peninsula.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
If Seaside is Oregon’s Atlantic City think posh boardwalks and souvenir shops, Cannon Beach, just 15 minutes south, is its Cape Cod. Charming tiled shops line the main street: The White Bird Gallery is the town’s oldest art studio and features Pacific Northwest artists. The Cannon Beach Book Company sells beach books and Dragonfire displays blown glass jewelry. Most Underrated Beach Towns in America.
The five miles stretch of beach is home to Haystack Rock, a 235 foot outcrop often surrounded by lowland fog. Here, children splash around in tidal pools looking for sea creatures as the waves roll in. On sunny days and join the locals for a pint of pale ale at Public Coast Brewery, then in the evening curl up by the library fireplace at the Stephanie Inn for a cozy, row inspired stay sea farther below the coast.
