The clock is ticking on summer — but it’s not over yet! ☀️ If you’ve been dreaming of saltwater breezes, sandy toes, and sunset strolls, now’s the time to book that beach escape.
These 10 dreamy U.S. beach towns still have sunshine, good vibes, and plenty of summer left to enjoy. Pack your shades and go chase the tide.
1. 🐚 Cannon Beach, Oregon
With its dramatic sea stacks and misty mornings, Cannon Beach is pure west coast magic. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for bonfires and barefoot walks.
✨ Don’t miss: Haystack Rock and tidepooling at low tide
2. 🏖️ Cape May, New Jersey
A charming Victorian town with pastel B&Bs and a timeless boardwalk feel. Cape May is East Coast nostalgia done right.
✨ Don’t miss: A sunset dolphin cruise and fresh saltwater taffy
3. 🌅 Santa Barbara, California
Palm-lined beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and wine tasting all within a few blocks. Santa Barbara is luxury-meets-laid-back.
✨ Don’t miss: Paddleboarding at Butterfly Beach
4. 🐬 Gulf Shores, Alabama
Soft white sand + warm Gulf water = a Southern beach lover’s dream. It’s less crowded than Florida and full of friendly charm.
✨ Don’t miss: Kayaking in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
5. 🌴 Tybee Island, Georgia
Just 20 minutes from Savannah, this beach town offers easygoing vibes, dolphin sightings, and perfect picnic spots.
✨ Don’t miss: Riding bikes to the lighthouse and catching a sunrise
6. 🎣 Rockport, Texas
Colorful fishing shacks, calm bay waters, and fresh-off-the-boat seafood make Rockport a Texas Gulf Coast treasure.
✨ Don’t miss: A stroll through Fulton Mansion and local art galleries
7. 🌊 Newport, Rhode Island
Sailboats, sea breezes, and Gilded Age mansions? Newport is fancy without trying too hard — and perfect for late-summer coastal walks.
✨ Don’t miss: Cliff Walk and a lobster roll with harbor views
8. 🍍 Lahaina, Maui (Hawaii)
Though quieter after recent events, Lahaina is steadily recovering and still radiates that Maui magic. Support local, soak up aloha, and swim in crystal waters.
✨ Don’t miss: Snorkeling at Baby Beach and fresh poke by the ocean
9. 🚲 Santa Cruz, California
Surf culture, funky shops, and that classic boardwalk energy. Santa Cruz feels like summer personified, with a cool breeze.
✨ Don’t miss: A ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster
10. 🐳 Bar Harbor, Maine
Cooler weather, rugged shores, and lobster for days — Bar Harbor is a New England coastal escape where you can hike and dip your toes in the Atlantic.
✨ Don’t miss: Whale watching tours and a visit to Acadia National Park
🐾 Beach Days Aren’t Over Yet
Summer’s final stretch still holds plenty of sun-drenched memories. Whether you’re into hammocks and hush or surfboards and sunsets, these beach towns are begging for a last-minute escape.
Where are you headed before summer signs off?
