19 Best Beach Towns Across the World

There is just something about the salty sea air and the ocean breeze that instantly relaxes and transforms. Therefore, visiting beaches and their surrounding towns has always been a favorite pastime for nearly every American.

When planning your next beach getaway, consider the best beach towns you will want to experience for yourself and what makes them so great:

San Diego

A modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows shows a stunning view of the bright blue ocean. Sunlight reflects off the water, filling the space with light. It’s a relaxing setting for enjoying the waves all day.

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San Diego is a fun beach town that ranges from classic surf vibes to upscale charm. Parking varies by location, with some being paid and others being free. The Port of San Diego does offer free parking throughout the Bay at Imperial Beach. San Diego beaches and the town as a whole are known for its coastal culture and excellent surfing opportunities. Lifeguards are on duty!

Carmel by the Sea

A quiet coastline with soft white sand sits below tall trees and natural green cliffs. Gentle waves roll in, giving the place a calm and peaceful charm. It’s a perfect spot for a scenic walk by the water.

Photo Credit: @Carmel by the Sea Tourism

This charming beach town is known for its quaint cottages, art galleries (over 80), and European-style architecture, which creates a fairy-tale-like ambience. The beach itself boasts white sand and local rivers and parks are ideal for birdwatching, kayaking, and hiking, especially at the Carmel River State Beach. Lifeguard services are not provided at Carmel by the Sea.

Hilton Head

Through large glass doors, you see a peaceful patio with tall pine trees and water beyond. Outdoor seating and a pool create a private, resort-like vibe. It’s a calm place to enjoy quiet mornings or sunset views.

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Hilton Head is a popular destination for various reasons, including their world-class golf courses. There are a few parking options that do not require payment, but most do. Lifeguards are provided for the island’s beaches. Hilton Head is known for its Lowcountry scenery, biking, and water sports, along with an abundant amount of shopping and dining options.

30A

A curved wooden boardwalk leads through tall beach grass to clear turquoise water. An outdoor shower stands nearby, giving the space a relaxed beach-day feel. The view feels bright, peaceful, and perfect for a slow walk to the shore.

Property Name: Soleil at Seagrove

The unique 30A beach town is replete with distinct architecture, and a focus on luxury. The area has unmatched natural beauty as well as boutique shopping and world-class dining options, all while being very walkable, all with a summer vibe all year long. Many 30A beaches have parking available and also employ seasonal lifeguards.

Newport Beach

A bright beach house living room opens right onto the sand, with big folding doors bringing in the ocean breeze. Soft neutral furniture and beach views make the room feel fresh and relaxing. It’s perfect for watching the action right outside on the beach.

Newport Beach Vacation Properties | Property Name:

Known for its immense boat-filled harbor, scenic views, and its "villages," Newport Beach is also beloved for its luxurious yachts, waterfront restaurants and the boardwalk. Parking is available, usually in the form of metered street spaces or paid lots. Lifeguards are on duty at Newport year round.

Cannon Beach

A warm, wood-paneled room with large windows showing a wide view of the ocean. The cozy chairs and simple dining setup make it feel like an easy place to unwind. The sunlight brings out the natural colors of the space.

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Cannon Beach, Oregon, is best known as a fabulous wildlife spotting beach. Wildlife that can be spotted when visiting Cannon Beach include tufted puffins, sea lions, and seals. You might even catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback and gray whales during certain seasons. There are several public parking areas near the beach, but they can fill up fast during the busy season. Public restrooms are also available. Lifeguards work the Cannon Beach area from mid-June through Labor Day and also patrol on weekends in May and September.

Provincetown

A narrow sandy path winds between green shrubs and dunes toward the ocean. The sky is bright blue, giving the whole scene a clean and open feel. It looks like a quiet trail perfect for a slow walk in Provincetown.

Photo Credit: @ptowntourism

Although Provincetown offers a variety of unique benefits, it is perhaps best known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. The town has a rich maritime history and exudes charm and character. The diverse beach environments also play into the appeal of Provincetown overall, offering calm waters as well as dune-backed scenery. Payment is required for parking near beaches, and lifeguards are on duty seasonally but end their service on Labor Day.

Gulf Shores

A wooden deck sits right above the dunes, with Adirondack chairs facing the blue Gulf waters. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy the breeze and watch the waves. The open sky makes the whole space feel endless.

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The pleasant, family-friendly beach town is known for its outdoor adventures like dolphin cruises, hiking, jet skiing, and snorkeling, as well as its fabulous seafood. Being in the south, it also exudes southern hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome. Most parking lots for Gulf Shore beaches do require a fee. Lifeguards are on duty from March to October.

Chincoteague

A bright coastal living room with soft gray sofas and big windows looking out over the water. Natural light fills the room, giving it a calm and airy feel. It’s a cozy spot to relax after spending time outside.

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Best known for its wild ponies, the Chincoteague beach town is also considered the gateway to Virginia. It has an overall relaxed atmosphere and activities like shopping, boating and fishing are popular draws. To get to Chinoteague means passing through Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which does come with a fee. Lifeguards are not always present as the area has experienced some staffing issues, but there are some posted during the summer seasons.

Tybee Island

Tybee Island is a small beach town that is internationally recognized for its cuisine, including restaurants, cafés, and eateries that serve famous flavors from around the world. Tybee Island is situated near Savannah, Georgia and boasts a lighthouse station, museum, and an incredible pier. There is no free parking on Tybee Island, but the public lots are easy to access. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally.

Key West

A golden sunset glows over the calm water while a palm tree leans gently toward the shoreline. The warm colors light up the sky and create a peaceful beach scene. It feels like the perfect end to a quiet day in Key West.

Photo Credit: @johnhank

The beach town of Key West is known for its nightlife, unique Bohemian atmosphere, and beautiful beaches and ocean water. The Old Town portion boasts charming architecture and is home to Duval Street and Mallory Square, which are made famous by its street performers. Key West is also part of the rich history of Key Lime Pie. Parking is limited on the small island and what is available does require a fee. There are no lifeguards on duty at Key West beaches.

Miami

Photo Credit: @antoniocuellar

Known for its art deco architecture and iconic Ocean Drive, Miami is a desirable beach town, attracting millions of people each and every year. Its Latin vibe, foodie scene, and beaches are a big draw of this sparkling city. Parking is available at various garages or on the street via metered parking. There is some limited free parking, but it is rare to find. Miami employs over 130 full and part-time lifeguards to provide additional safety for its guests.

Folly Beach

A bright dining room filled with windows looks out over the ocean and dunes. The white table and woven chairs give the space a warm, coastal feel. Sunlight fills every corner, making it a cheerful spot for meals and ocean views.

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The 12 miles of Folly Beach encompass a wide variety of things to do and experience. It is known as being the “edge of America” due to it being a barrier island located on the edge of the continent. It is also considered Charleston South Carolina’s “favorite summer playground” due to the fact that it boasts scenic marshland, laid-back vibes, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities. The Washout surf area has also become a vibrant community for musicians and artists and there are many dining options available as well. Its welcoming, chill nature has even earned it the nickname of “Mayberry by the Sea.” There are both free and paid parking options for Folly Beach and there are seasonal lifeguards stationed.

Sullivan's Island

A sunny backyard with a private pool sits surrounded by palm trees and bright green landscaping. The lounge chairs, outdoor sofa, and dining table make the space perfect for relaxing or sharing meals outside. It feels calm, clean, and made for slow afternoons in the sun.

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Known as a relaxing beach that is dog-friendly as well as being near Charleston and the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island is ideal for biking and paddleboarding. It is a close-knit, residential community that encompasses 3.5 miles of shoreline and is also home to the iconic Charleston Lighthouse. Parking is usually free and available via public right-of-way parking. Guests are encouraged to look for no parking signs and to never block paths or driveways. There are no lifeguards posted on Sullivan’s Island beaches.

Kauai

A stone patio with red lounge chairs sits right beside a small pool and the rocky ocean shoreline. Palm trees sway in the breeze, and the bright blue sky brings out the rich colors of the water. It feels like a private tropical escape made for slow mornings and ocean views.

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The beach town of Kauai is nicknamed the “garden isle” due to its immense natural beauty. It is known for its luxurious amenities, beach boardwalk, and world-famous Poipu Beach and beautiful Hanalei Bay. Overall, it is a more laid-back and less touristy spot to visit. When it comes to parking and lifeguard presence, it depends on the beach. More popular beaches on Kauai do have parking lots available and lifeguards on duty; other more remote beaches might not. Swimming and snorkeling are popular in Kauai.

Wrightsville Beach

A modern living room with soft gray furniture sits beside large windows looking out at the ocean. The sunlight reflects on the waves, filling the room with a calm, coastal feel. It’s a simple and peaceful space made for relaxing by the beach.

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Known for being the ideal spot to enjoy world-class watersports, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect spot for stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing. It has also gained notoriety as being a filming location of uber-popular shows Outer Banks and The Summer I Turned Pretty. Wrightsville Beach also has the only concrete fishing pier in the state. Lifeguard services are seasonal on Wrightsville Beaches and parking is primarily paid at varying rates.

Tamarindo

A bright oceanfront view shows the blue water, white-sand shoreline, and lush green palm trees around a large resort pool. You can see boats floating in the water and mountains in the distance. The whole scene looks sunny, tropical, and full of life.

Even though it has grown into a mini metropolis, the beach town of Tamarindo is still most famous for its spectacular surfing. It is also a culturally diverse town that attracts thousands yearly. Officially, there are many free street parking options in Taramrindo, but be aware that unofficial individuals referred to as “guachimans” may approach individuals for a payment to watch over their car. Look for official parking lots for paid, protected parking. Lifeguards are employed on all beaches daily from 9am to 5pm.

Los Cabos

A glowing hillside pool sits under tall palm trees with a soft sunset over the ocean. Warm lights highlight the terraces and gardens, creating a dreamy, peaceful mood. The ocean views stretch all the way to the horizon, making the whole scene feel luxurious and calm.

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This amazing destination offers a unique mixture of desert and ocean landscapes. Los Cabos is known for its iconic Arch at Land’s End along with being a prime location for whale-watching, deep sea fishing, golf, and it also boasts a vibrant nightlife. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular in Los Cabos. Parking can be found in public lots or street parking. There are usually parking lots near major beaches. There are lifeguards present on some Los Cabos beaches, with El Medano Beach being considered the safest due to its calm waters and consistent lifeguard patrols.

Bahamas

A peaceful seating area overlooks bright turquoise water as a boat cruises by in the distance. The striped cushions and wooden furniture make the space feel relaxed and beachy. It’s the perfect spot to watch the calm Bahamian water sparkle in the sun.

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The Bahamas is a beach destination best known for its vibrant culture, beautiful, clear water, white sand beaches and unique activities like swimming with the pigs at Big Major Cay. It was once described by NASA astronaut Scott Kelly as “the most beautiful place from space.” Many guests also enjoy snorkeling and diving, visiting, or simply exploring the towns and enjoying some famous Bahamian cuisine, such as Bahamian rum and conch fritters. Parking is usually available at the big tourist areas like Atlantis or Nassau Airport. Lifeguards are present on the more popular beaches in the area.

Best Beach Towns

Choose any of the above options for a great experience when visiting a beach town. Each one of them offers a different experience but all unique and inviting. When making plans to make new memories or visit uncharted regions, considered one of the best beach towns, explore the list outlined above.