USA TODAY 10Best
Maine is home to the Best Coastal Small Town in the USA!
Best Coastal Small Town (2021)
Forget about Miami and Los Angeles! These 10 small towns — each with a population of fewer than 25,000 people — were selected by our readers as the 10 Best Coastal Small Towns. Each offers uncrowded, unpretentious, and affordable seaside fun in small packages that prove bigger isn't always better.
- Cape May - New Jersey
- Beaufort - South Carolina
- Del Mar - California
- Nags Head - North Carolina
- Bay Saint Louis - Mississippi
- Ocean Springs - Mississippi
- Southport - North Carolina
- Rockport - Texas
- Georgetown - South Carolina
- Bucksport - Maine
Photo courtesy of iStock / Aneese
No. 10:
Known as “America’s Original Seaside Resort,” Cape May became a vacation destination since the idea of vacationing in a different location began. Initially settled by fishermen and whalers in America’s colonial days, the city was named a National Historic Landmark In 1976. 10Best Contributor Marla Cimini notes that this “southernmost point in New Jersey is filled with quaint architecture and offers a family-friendly vibe for your vacation!”
Photo courtesy of iStock / styxclick
No. 9:
Beaufort is more than a hidden Lowcountry South Carolina jewel – it’s a life-changing destination that has enchanted visitors since 1512. 10Best Contributors Cele & Lynn Seldon add: “The smell of the plough mud, the briny breezes, and the charming antebellum architecture makes for the perfect trifecta.” Enjoy the winding, historic streets with their moss-draped live oak trees, or learn about sea life on an educational boat tour of the Checheessee River. For the more adventurous, kayak tours offer paddling opportunities and perhaps even a chance for dolphin sighting!
Photo courtesy of Marcel Fuentes // Getty Images
No. 8:
Located just twenty miles north of San Diego, the quaint seaside village of Del Mar is rich in natural beauty and history, with a touch of European charm. Originally known as a retreat for Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, today Del Mar welcomes visitors from around the globe who enjoy the unique shops, breathtaking vistas, spectacular ocean views, and award-winning restaurants. The two-plus miles of Del Mar’s sandy beach offers a beautiful place to relax or walk, and the beaches are dog-friendly. 10Best Contributor Eric Grossman tells us: “I love the race track 'where the surf meets the turf,' but there’s a lot more to recommend about tiny Del Mar, including Dog Beach, where you’re always likely to see cute pups frolicking on the sand.”
Photo courtesy of Meinzahn // Getty Images
No. 7:
One of the Outer Banks’ most popular tourist destinations, Nags Head is popular with visitors for its wide variety of restaurants, natural and historical attractions, and magnificent ocean views. Nags Head beaches are pet-friendly, and water lovers will find outlets for many of their favorite sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The historic Jennette’s Pier offers exceptional “in-shore” fishing and is home to a small museum and educational research center. For those seeking more adventure, the Bodie Island Lighthouse gives visitors a spectacular ocean view from the top of the 156-foot tower during the summer months.
Photo courtesy of iStock / ArtistheJourney
No. 6:
The quaint seaside town of Bay St. Louis calls itself “a place apart,” and it’s easy to see why. The friendly community has everything you’d want from a small town seaside escape — a store-lined Main Street, restaurants serving fresh Gulf seafood, museums and an 8.5-mile canoe and kayak trail.
Photo courtesy of ArtistheJourney // Getty Images
No. 5:
Known as the “City of Discovery,” the historic coastal town of Ocean Springs is the perfect place for visitors to relax and enjoy. After exploring downtown with its quaint cottage-like Main Street, artistic flair, and small-town appeal, head to the beach for a day in the sun. Stroll along miles of soft white sand, and find more tranquil stretches of beach for romantic walks or moonlight picnics. Take a boat cruise and enjoy dinner and a magnificent sunset, or paddleboard, kayak, or canoe along river bayous and through constantly developing natural marshlands.
Photo courtesy of iStock / Rick Lanier
No. 4:
The historic maritime town of Southport has been a pitstop of seafarers — everyone from pirates to fishermen — since the 1500s. Today the historic streets are lined with boutique shops and seafood restaurants where visitors tuck into crab cakes and steamed shrimp on waterfront patios. The town is also the jumping off point for ferry trips to nearby Bald Head Island.
Photo courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce
No. 3:
Across the Aransas Bay from Corpus Christi, the streets of Rockport are lined with art galleries — the town claims to have the highest percentage of artists in Texas. The pedestrian-friendly downtown is filled with shops and restaurants, and more often than not, accommodation takes the form of old fashioned motel courts. Windswept oak trees and large swathes of protected coastal wetlands make this section of the Texas Gulf Coast one of the loveliest.
Photo courtesy of iStock / michaelgatewood
No. 2:
The small community of Georgetown on the Carolina coast is what Charleston used to be — 200-year-old homes (more than Charleston in fact), lots of Southern charm and none of the crowds. Local restaurants serve up Low Country specialties, and outdoor adventures might include kayaking, fishing or paddleboarding.
Photo courtesy of Florania Medeiros // Getty Images
No. 1:
Located by the Penobscot River, Bucksport’s downtown waterfront area draws visitors to enjoy its recreation and other amenities. 10Best Contributor Deborah Fallows suggests that you “stop for a craft beer (made by real friars) at the Friar’s Brewhouse, visit the history museum, or try a glass of wine at Verona Wine and Design.” Local bodies of water such as Silver Lake and Jacob Buck Pond offer opportunities for fishing (including a winter fishing derby), kayaking, and canoeing. Recreational boaters seeking saltwater activities can utilize a public dock located directly off Main Street.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels... Read More
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
Cele and Lynn Seldon
Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is... Read More
Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is Seldon Ink and have spent more than 35 years covering all aspects of travel writing. With a keen focus on the Southeast, culinary travel, food and wine festivals and cruise travel, they have written dozens of magazine, newspaper, and online stories about their tasty passions and have become experts along the way. Their work has appeared in Garden & Gun, Southern Flavor, South Carolina Living, Porthole, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, various in-flight publications, and many AAA magazines. Follow along on their adventures at www.seldonink.com or @seldonink.
Cele and Lynn Seldon
Lynn and Cele Seldon make up the team that is Seldon Ink and have spent more than 35 years covering all aspects of travel writing. With a keen focus on the Southeast, culinary travel, food and wine festivals and cruise travel, they have written dozens of magazine, newspaper, and online stories about their tasty passions and have become experts along the way. Their work has appeared in Garden & Gun, Southern Flavor, South Carolina Living, Porthole, TrailBlazer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, various in-flight publications, and many AAA magazines. Follow along on their adventures at www.seldonink.com or @seldonink.
Chelle Koster Walton
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for... Read More
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for Caribbean Travel & Life for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes; has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.
Chelle Koster Walton
Chelle Koster Walton — the Local Expert for Naples, Florida and the Caribbean — has been covering the destination for 30 years. Her top-selling Sarasota, Sanibel Island, and Naples guidebook (Countryman Press) is in its sixth edition. She was contributing editor for Caribbean Travel & Life for 12 years and has written guidebooks on the Bahamas. A veteran travel writer, Chelle has published thousands of articles for Miami Herald, USA TODAY, Latitudes; has written/contributed to a dozen guidebooks, and produces travel shows for the local PBS station.
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is... Read More
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Deborah Fallows
Deborah Fallows is a writer and a linguist. She is the co-author with her husband, James Fallows, of the national best-selling book, Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, published in May, 2018. Our Towns, the HBO documentary based on the book was released in April, 2021. They recently launched the Our Towns Civic Foundation to support renewal efforts of communities across America. Deb has written extensively on language, culture, travel, and China for The Atlantic, National Geographic, Slate, The New York Times and The Washington Monthly. Her previous book, Dreaming in Chinese: Mandarin Lessons in Life, Love, and Language, is based on her 3-year experience living and working in China.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer... Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer who has visited more than 60 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food/drink writer who has visited more than 60 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Gerrish Lopez
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel... Read More
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer whose adventures have taken her from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, including smoked pork jowl in Thailand and whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.
Gerrish Lopez
Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer whose adventures have taken her from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, including smoked pork jowl in Thailand and whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Sherel Purcell
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes... Read More
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes in golf, Montreal and Quebec, contemporary art, cycling and food and wine. Her articles appear on USA Today's 10Best, About.com, Aol, Matador, Vacay, Travel+Escape and other large sites as well as print magazines including Dreamscapes (The Globe and Mail) and Frommer's Budget Travel. Her travel photos have appeared in the video, "A New York Minute" on the Smithsonian website and Brand USA. She has received an editorial award from Parenting Publications of America and a nomination from "See America".
Sherel Purcell
Sherel Purcell is a travel writer who specializes in golf, Montreal and Quebec, contemporary art, cycling and food and wine. Her articles appear on USA Today's 10Best, About.com, Aol, Matador, Vacay, Travel+Escape and other large sites as well as print magazines including Dreamscapes (The Globe and Mail) and Frommer's Budget Travel. Her travel photos have appeared in the video, "A New York Minute" on the Smithsonian website and Brand USA. She has received an editorial award from Parenting Publications of America and a nomination from "See America".
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
