There are few things I love more than historic coastal towns. Whether the New England charm of Newport Rhode Island, the southern paradise of Charleston or Savannah, or the California beach like Santa Cruz. Fishing boats, quaint shops, beachside rollercoasters, live oaks, I love them all. So naturally, this list drew me in. It’s USA Today’s “Best Coastal Small Towns”. We are lucky that coastal towns from both North and South Carolina town made the list.
This list is part of USA Today’s recently released “10 best” campaign. Readers were able to vote for their favorites in a wide variety of categories. One of those categories was “Best Coastal Small Towns”. I’ve only briefly been to the South Carolina location and I’ve never ventured to the Outer Banks, the home of North Carolinas mention. I guess I’ll have to add both of those coastal towns to my Carolina bucket list. But not just the Carolina towns drew me in. I’d honestly love to visit each town on this list. The picturesque views, calmness of the water, but also diversity of locales and experiences of every town are intriguing. You’ve got locations from the northeast, west coast, gulf, and the east coast.
View the full article here or keep reading for the list!
10. Cape May, New Jersey
This Jersey Cape seaside resort town is known for its beaches, grand Victorian homes, Washington Mall shopping area, and Cape May Lighthouse. The entire city is a National Historic District and it’s the oldest resort in the country!
9. Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island Bar Harbor serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The town is known for its classic beauty, lobster (of course!), yachts, and outdoor adventures.
8. Los Osos, California
There’s nothing like a California beach town. Los Osos sits on the central California coast near the Montana de Oro State Park.
7. Half Moon Bay, California
Our second California coastal town sits just south of San Fransisco. It features luxury hotels, golf, beaches and is only minutes aways from state parks and those northern California redwoods.
6. Bandon, Oregon
This Oregon coastal town features, stunning ocean vistas, wild woods, and streams making it a wonderful locale to enjoy fishing, beach-going, hiking, cycling, and golf.
5. Nags Head, North Carolina
Representing NC is Nags Head located on the northern Outer Banks. It’s right on the edge of Jockey’s Ridge State Park but that’s not all this coastal town has to offer. This town has everything a vacationer needs including places to stay: beach houses, seaside motels, and hotels with a view. Things to do: boutiques, surf shops, an outlet mall, and grocery stores. A wide array of restaurants including fine dining feasts, barbecue, casual bites, and of course exceptional seafood.
4. Rockport, Texas
You’ll find Rockport and Rockport Beach along the gulf coast of Texas. Highlights of this coastal town include fishing piers, rich birdlife, history, and the Texas Maritime Museum.
3. Georgetown, South Carolina
Just away from the hustle and bustle and tourism mecca of Myrtle Beach you’ll find a more relaxing Georgetown. It’s actually the 3rd oldest town in the Palmetto State. You’ll be greeted by oak-lined streets, waterfront shopping, dining, boating, fishing, historic tours, and ghost tours.
2. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
This quaint seaside town of Bay St. Louis offers white sand beaches, downtown art galleries and antique stores, history, golf, and charter fishing.
1. Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Both the one and two spots on this list are Mississippi. The top spot goes to Ocean Spring Mississippi just outside of Jackson. This historic coastal town boasts a rich history, artistic flair, lush landscape, and small-town appeal.
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10. Camden, Maine
Located on the mid-coast of Maine you’ll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.
9. New Hope, Pennsylvania
This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It’s known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!
8. Sedona, Arizona
The scenic red rocks aren’t the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you’re looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.
7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town’s hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.
6. Dahlonega, Georgia
The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!
5. Highlands, North Carolina
The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.
4. Cape May, New Jersey
This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.
3. Montpelier, Vermont
A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.
2. Rhinebeck, New York
You’ll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!
1. Frenchtown, New Jersey
The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I’ll have to check it out.
2 North Carolina Towns Voted As The Best Small Towns For Adventure
10. Gorham, New Hampshire
Gorham is tucked in the Androscoggin Valley of New Hampshire adjacent to the picturesque Presidential Mountain Range making it the perfect adventure destination.
9. Beaufort , North Carolina
This coastal town gives adventure lovers plenty of options on the water and off!
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It’s no surprise this mountain town near the Grand Tetons makes the list, the only shock is it’s not higher on the list!
7. Sheridan, Wyoming
Sheridan is halfway between Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore on the eastern side of Wyoming. Adventure lovers can roam the open range on horseback, backpack, or fish in the Wyoming waters.
6. Stowe, Vermont
Any season is the perfect time to take in all that this Vermont mountain town has to offer.
5. Boone, NC
This college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is just steps away from hiking, rafting, and more.
4. North Conway, New Hampshire
Its location at the base of Mt. Washington propelled North Conway to the 4th spot on this list.
3. Taos, New Mexico
Taos while home to rich history also has some of the best rafting in New Mexico!
2. Ellicottville, New York
The self-described Western New York playground for outdoor fun is Ellicottville. Activities include skiing and snowboarding, golf, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
1. Savanna, Illinois
Located along the Mississippi River is Savanna Illinois. It’s the beginning of the Great River Bike Trail, which is 60 miles of trails. It’s also home to the Mississippi Palisades State Park.