The Best Little Beach Towns To Visit in Summer

It's the season of fishing, festivals, turtle-watching, and sipping a cold one on the shore. Beaches offer a warm-weather escape year-round, but absolutely nothing says vacation like a summer beach trip. We're talking seafood boils, mini golf, bodysurfing, and sandy toes. We'll even forgive the sunburn and light dusting of sand in the bottom of our beds, after all both are tell-tale signs of a seaside vacation well spent.

While there are plenty of places all over the country to find sand and sea, we're partial to all the coastal towns residing below the Mason-Dixon line and particularly those on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Here are the ultimate Southern beach towns that have it all.

01 of 20

Melbourne Beach, Florida

By day, the unspoiled shoreline and historic downtown keep things hopping in this happy little town on Florida's Space Coast. But it's by night that the real magic happens in Melbourne Beach, situated on a barrier island between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge hosts the largest nesting population of loggerhead and green sea turtles in the country, along 20.5 protected miles of sandy beach—and the best time to spot the nesting turtles is during June and July on guided, night-time sea turtle watch walks. Perhaps even more magical is seeing hatchlings emerge from their nest during turtle digs held here each August and early September.

02 of 20

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

There's more than salt in the breeze on summer weekend evenings in Rehoboth Beach. Just as quintessential as the taffy awaiting at Dolle's Candyland on the beach boardwalk, the sound of music in the air beginning in mid June signals summer's arrival each year with the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand's Summer Concert Series. Even better, it's one of those iconic pleasures of the season that's free—and has a sense of history, too: Since 1963, the classic open-air pavilion by the shore has drawn listeners to live music, and today the shows range from jazz to tribute bands, from orchestras to rock 'n' roll. More than 40 acts perform each season on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings until Labor Day. During select weekdays, the bandstand also serves as meeting place for The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society walking tours that explore downtown's roots as a Victorian beach retreat.

03 of 20

Galveston, Texas

Less than an hour's drive from Houston, Galveston is known for great saltwater fishing, and while just about any time of year provides good action, summertime's more stable weather and vacation spirit make it high time to cast your line. There are lots of desirable spots to try your luck around this gulf coast town, but the most beloved landmark for the sport may be the Galveston Fishing Pier. Built in 1971 and a favorite of fishermen ever since, it's the longest privately-owned pier between Texas and Maine. Not only a scenic spot on a stable platform (as opposed to a rocking boat for those who are seasick-prone), it's a perch away from the shoreline that's proven to yield impressive catch in deeper water, where the bigger fish may flow. Anglers find croaker, speckled trout, sand trout, sheepshead, bull reds, and more—and can recharge in place with a southern seafood meal at popular Jimmy's on the Pier. It's not summer without hitting the sand here, though, thanks to 32 miles of beaches, and there's a shore for everyone, including party-centric East Beach (alcohol is allowed) and family-friendly Stewart Beach (lifeguards; no alcohol).

04 of 20

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Carolina Beach with Kids — Laura Beach/EyeEm/Getty Images

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade—with a pedestrian-only boardwalk that features bars, restaurants, arcades, bike and surfboard rental shops, and even an amusement park—that beach-goers have been enjoying since the late 1800s. Take your time walking up and down the boardwalk, but whatever you do, you must stop for a donut at Britts Donuts, where the donuts have been made-to-order and fried-fresh since 1939. Even more entertainment can be found nearby at the Carolina Beach State Park, which offers a variety of hiking paths, including the Flytrap Trail where visitors can see the native Venus flytrap plant.

05 of 20

Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles Is The Best Little Beach Town in Virginia

Quieter than better-known Virginia Beach on the Atlantic, this beach town showcases the beauty of Chesapeake Bay. Spend the afternoon fishing from the Cape Charles Fishing Pier, or fancy a stroll along Bay Avenue, which offers beach access at every block. This Eastern Shore gem has slowly transformed itself into an enlivened, yet laidback, beach town with great seafood and charming historic homes. Average high temperatures from June through August hover around the mid-80s, so it's never too sweltering, and the sea breeze certainly helps in keeping things cool.

06 of 20

Fernandina Beach, Florida

The birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, Fernandina Beach, is a waterfront village nestled on the north end of Amelia Island. Celebrating pirate culture is a way of life, so it's not uncommon to see people dressed as swashbucklers just for the heck of it. Visit during the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in May for an early summer trip. During the festivities, the historic district bustles with parades, live music, lots of shrimp, and—you guessed it—pirates. You can spend many happy hours checking out the shops and restaurants around historic Main Street, or exploring the natural areas around nearby Fort Clinch State Park.

07 of 20

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The Gulf Coast has come a long way since being hammered into devastation by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with restoration and cleanup efforts slowly giving life back to this quaint coastal town. Locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants infuse your trip with the quirkiness and laidback attitude of the small town, while the warm ocean breeze calls for a relaxed mindset. Pay a visit to the The Shed Barbecue and Blues Joint, a rustic rickshaw of a restaurant that started with a shed made from dumpster-diving finds and expanded as the locals' love for the hometown joint increased. Spend evening taking a long walk on quiet Front Beach. You can even have a sunset picnic orchestrated by Coastal Picnic and Company.

08 of 20

Sarasota, Florida

Situated on the picturesque stretch of coastline known as Florida's Suncoast, Sarasota knows how to host fun in the sun. It offers 35 miles of beach at your fingertips, which is spread out across the mainland and six barrier islands. Thanks to robust deep-sea fishing in the area, you always have access to the freshest daily catch. For that, head to old-school joints like Owen's Fish Camp and Walt's Fish Market Restaurant & Tiki Bar. For a full-service stay, visit Longboat Key Resort with its private beach and striped cabanas.

09 of 20

Topsail Island, North Carolina

Topsail Island is a 26-mile long barrier island off the coast of North Carolina made up of the communities of Topsail Beach, Surf City, and North Topsail Beach. Its small population (only around 500 full-time residents) and no high-rise development rule helps maintain its natural beauty. If you love marine life, visit in summer when Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs along Topsail's beachfront from mid-May through August. And the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is a great place to learn about the island's preservation and conservation initiatives.

10 of 20

Seaside, Florida

A colorful coastal town full of pastel houses and funky local eateries, Seaside is a breathtaking nod to life on the beach. The town is so idyllic it served as a film set for The Truman Show. The best way to soak up stunning Gulf of Mexico views and explore this friendly community is by foot or bicycle. Shop the circuit of boutiques situated around the town green. There's live music, food trucks, and plenty of summer fun to go around.

11 of 20

Jekyll Island, Georgia

In a former life, Jekyll Island was the preferred winter retreat for some of America's wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers, Pulitzers, and Vanderbilts. Today, it's an everyman's beachside destination focusing on environmental education. Head to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center to see the endangered species up close. At Tidelands Nature Center, explore marshes, beaches, and maritime forests. Kayak tours of the island's many tidal creeks are also available. Round out your trip with a visit to iconic Driftwood Beach to see giant weathered trees preserved by the salty air.

12 of 20

Port Aransas, Texas

This sleepy fishing village has long been a nostalgic vacation spot for generations of Texas families. Perhaps the biggest draw of the are is its broad, walkable beachfronts with firm sand, gentle surf, and warm water that lasts well into the fall months. Beach activities range from sandcastle building to surfing lessons. And you can't forget what the town is best known for--fishing. Closer to the shore and in the bay, the daily catch could include redfish, flounder, black drum, and trout. Farther out in the Gulf waters, offshore trophies such as tuna, kingfish, sailfish, and marlin prove bountiful game.

13 of 20

Dunedin, Florida

Dunedin's Honeymoon Island — Honeymoon Island State Park is known for its white-sand beaches, nature trails, and wildlife.
Robbie Caponetto

When it comes to the Sunshine State’s countless beaches, you’ll likely hear about 30A’s powdery stretches of shore or Miami’s coast, with its pastel-hued lifeguard stands, long before anyone mentions this Gulf coast town about 25 miles from Tampa. But that’s just the beauty of Dunedin. Here, you’ll skip the crowds and instead enjoy its many riches in relative peace, from its colorful downtown storefronts to its ample breweries to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, with its four miles of pristine beaches and A+ birdwatching.

14 of 20

Folly Beach, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a California-cool, surf-town atmosphere without the cross-country flight, this salty island hamlet just 12 miles outside of Charleston delivers. There are six miles of beachfront to stretch out on if that’s your main pursuit for the weekend, but when you’re ready to shake off just a little bit of the sand, the town’s main drag will keep you busy. It’s lined with surf shops (including McKevlin’s, South Caroline’s oldest surf outfitter) and colorful local eateries, like Chico Feo, where Vietnamese and Mexican flavors seamlessly mingle, and Rita’s Seaside Grille, where the boozy Signature Crushes invite you to linger over a long, leisurely lunch or dinner.

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Tybee Island, Georgia

For a beach weekend with a dress code that leans more casual, less resort, head to this barrier island just 18 miles from downtown Savannah. This is a flip-flop kind of town, where the best itinerary is the one that requires getting outside and enjoying the scenery. Climb the state’s oldest and tallest lighthouse; take bikes for a spin down the shore; or head out on a sunset boat cruise, where you may even spot wild bottlenose dolphins. Plus, the proximity to Savannah means your crew is just a short drive away from the city’s many lauded restaurants and shops.

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Grayton Beach, Florida

As paper-white town squares and pastel cottages grew up just down the road along Highway 30A, Grayton Beach kept its shell-speckled roads, sea-weathered homes, and groovy attitude. And The Red Bar, of course. (The famed dive restaurant-bar made a rowdy comeback in 2020 after tragically burning down the year prior.) Start each day with freshly baked pastries at Black Bear Bread Co., and feel free to explore nearby Seaside and Alys Beach when you're not relaxing on the sand.

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Lauderdale By The Sea, Florida

There are more turtle nests per capita at this tiny beach town than anywhere else in the U.S., and summer is the perfect time to see the new babies hatch. Tucked between Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale By The Sea is a walkable, colorful retreat of around 5,000. Ride your bike along El Mar Boulevard and you'll see folks sipping drinks and listening to live music on restaurant patios, all leading up to the gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach and crystal-clear water.

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St. Simons Island, Georgia

One of Georgia's largest barrier islands, St. Simons Island, is known for its wide variety of things to do. In addition to typical water activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking, there's also plenty to explore in town, including art and antique shops, farmer's markets, wine tastings, live music, and great restaurants. The Pier Village downtown is great for spending an afternoon shopping, strolling, and sipping. Learn more about the island's history at Fort Frederica National Monument, the WWII museum, and the historic St. Simons Island Lighthouse.

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Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Located at the western end of Bogue Banks, a barrier island, Emerald Isle gives visitors 12 miles of shoreline and views of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Crystal Coast. The town's only oceanfront hotel, the Islander Hotel & Resort, is a great place to consider for a weekend getaway; but there are plenty of quaint rentals and condos that are just perfect for a family vacation. Make sure to stop by Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q for its amazing shrimp burger and old-fashioned style. Whether you want to fish from the pier, relax on the sand, or explore the antique shops, there's something for every member of the family.

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Delray Beach, Florida

Cruise down Atlantic Avenue, the main drag in Delray Beach, and you'll end up at one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida's east coast. A haven for beachcombers and art lovers, you'll find more than 20 galleries and iconic public art pieces in downtown and in the Pineapple Grove Arts District. Go for one of the popular Friday gallery nights and browse local art, listen to live music, and dine at one of the eclectic eateries on the "Ave."

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