Provincetown, MA
Provincetown is a must-see for beachgoers and fans of quaint New England communities. Beautiful seaside views and lush woodlands are only two examples of the wide variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here. Travel & Leisure writes, "Situated on the edge of Cape Cod, this tranquil town, home to approximately 3,500 permanent residents, welcomes six times the population during the peak season." The town attracts a bohemian summer crowd thanks to its appealing combination of beautiful scenery, antique 19th-century homes, and a diverse, welcoming attitude.
Provincetown, at the very tip of Cape Cod, is surrounded by stunning beauty, including vast sand dunes and more than 30 miles of beaches, as stated by Trips to Discover. It's well-known for its welcoming atmosphere, which welcomes individuals of all backgrounds. Relax in the sun at Herring Cove or Race Point Beach, or explore the town's lively center, which is home to excellent seafood restaurants, fudge shops, art galleries, grand mansions, and fine dining establishments, not to mention bookstores and coffee shops. The best whale watching in Cape Cod can be had right here.
Provincetown's pivotal role in American history is sure to excite history buffs. According to Travelocity: "In what is now known as Provincetown Harbor, the Mayflower's passengers signed the Mayflower Compact in November 1620. The laws of Plymouth and Cape Cod would develop from this arrangement. In honor of this significant occasion, the towering Pilgrim Monument stands at a height of 252 feet (77 meters).
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Rehoboth Beach is the quintessential summer resort town, complete with a lively boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and magnificent sunsets. The summer months in Rehoboth Beach are jam-packed with fun things to do for the whole family. PureWow thinks this town is a wonderful symbol of America because it is loved by both families from Washington, DC and the LGBTQ community. The bustling promenade, full of food, games, and fireworks on holidays like the 4th of July, contributes to the city's reputation as the "Nation's Summer Capital." Rehoboth is a must-see due to its extensive sandy beaches, attractive summer cottages, varied retail routes, wonderful dining options, and plenty of parks.
"Rehoboth Beach, along with Dewey Beach to the south, is the heart of Delaware's beach scene. The beaches to the north of the city are so beautiful that in 1682, William Penn made them public, as explained by TravelMag. The boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach is among the best on the East Coast, and it's the main gathering area for several of the town's annual festivals, including the jazz, independent film, and Sea Witch celebrations, which feature parades, costumes, and dancing.
No matter who you're traveling with, you'll have a good time in Rehoboth Beach. "Rehoboth Beach has long been cherished by locals, but recently, its popularity has surged as more people discover its charm," writes Travel Awaits. Uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, a charming (and bustling) boardwalk, and wonderful shopping for all ages make Rehoboth Beach an undeniable jewel. Visit the adjacent Delaware Seashore State Park for a one-of-a-kind adventure. The boating and fishing community will love this park's 2,825 acres.
Oregon's Cannon Beach
You've probably seen photos of Cannon Beach before, even if you didn't know it. Residents and visitors alike are captivated by the spectacular Haystack Rock in this lovely hamlet. According to Travel & Leisure, "Cannon Beach is one of the most visually stunning and instantly recognizable destinations in the state, thanks to its distinctive Haystack Rock and numerous other stacks dotting the shoreline." The long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for relaxing activities like swimming, strolling, kayaking, and observing birds. Hug Point, located in the midst of cliffs and foggy ancient forests, is best explored at low tide, when the sea recedes to reveal caves and marine life. The town's undiscovered allure has been preserved in part due to the town's progressive rules that have discouraged overdevelopment and chain companies.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a popular tourist destination and the site of the state landmark Haystack Rock, which rises majestically from the Pacific Ocean like a massive rock garden centerpiece. Although this iconic location from the film The Goonies is featured on many postcards, Cannon is home to many other attractions, including dog-friendly beaches, a wide range of restaurants, a plethora of breweries, and a wealth of art galleries. The beachfront cabin rentals and chic hotels in this West Coast town make it ideal for extended visits. You'll quickly adjust to life here and feel at home.
If you're looking for a coastal getaway that offers the best of both forests and oceans, go no further than Cannon Beach. According to PureWow, "Cannon Beach has all the charm of the fictional forested Pacific Northwest town of Forks, Washington, from the Twilight series." In addition to its many other attractions, this town is known for its rough shoreline. Tide pool exploring on the expansive beach and staying up late for a beach campfire are two of the most popular things to do there. Cannon Beach's little center is a lovely place to spend an afternoon shopping and dining, but relaxing on the beach and watching the waves crash is one of the best ways to spend time here.
New Jersey's Cape May
Wish you could be transported to a bygone era? Cape May, New Jersey, is a great destination. Cape May, New Jersey, is a perfect getaway for those who love the ocean and also appreciate history and old buildings. Cottages, hotels, and summer homes abound in classic Victorian architecture in this town, giving it a genuine vintage vibe, as noted by Travel + Leisure. Walk the brick streets (or take a horse-drawn carriage ride) to see the colorful gingerbread houses and stop in the little stores to get some salty taffy and some souvenirs.
Cape May is a well-known beach resort because of its two miles of pristine shoreline. Washington Street Mall (a hub for shopping and dining), Cape May Point State Park (home to the famous Cape May Lighthouse), South Cape May Meadows (a coastal nature preserve and favorite bird-watching spot), and the nostalgic Cape May Promenade (adorned with vintage-inspired establishments like candy shops and arcades) are all recommended stops for tourists, as listed by TripSavvy. The variety of elaborate Victorian-style homes will certainly appeal to architecture aficionados. The historic Congress Hall, with its cheery yellow facade, is the ideal place to stay.
Cape May is a paradise for anyone who get a kick out of gazing at magnificent mansions and other works of architecture. Cape May, as described by PureWow, is "a charming town, rich in Victorian-era heritage," and it is located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. But that's not all: this beach town is an architectural lover's paradise, with buildings in styles as diverse as Eclectic, Queen Anne, Colonial, Italianate, Gothic Revival, and French Second Empire.
California's Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming seaside community that, while being surrounded by the rapid growth of Southern California, has managed to retain its historic charm. Thrillist describes this picture-perfect village, which retains many of the characteristics of its Spanish colonial past, down to the elaborate Spanish tilework and the quaint, storybook-like houses. Explore the charming and walkable community where Clint Eastwood was mayor for two years in the 1980s, and take in the stunning natural beauty of the California coast with its winding hiking paths, cypress trees, and pristine white sand beaches.
According to Travel + Leisure, the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea has been a haven for artists and writers since the early 20th century. The town's small-town charm has persisted through decades of tourism and celebrity exposure (Jack London was an early fan, and Clint Eastwood is just one of several former actor mayors). The downtown area's narrow alleys are dotted with shops, galleries, wine-centric restaurants, charming 1920s houses, and hidden gardens and courtyards, creating an enchanted, fairy tale atmosphere. Visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach, and Garrapata State Park to see the wind-sculpted cliffs and gorgeous white-sand coves that give Carmel its name.
Planning a romantic weekend getaway? It's imperative that you go to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea, a historic artists' colony on Monterey Bay, may be the ideal beach town for romance, claims the travel guidebook Trips to Discover. Relax to the sounds of waves smashing on rocks and enjoy a romantic evening by a beach bonfire before heading downtown to sample the wines. In addition, there are a number of fine restaurants with ocean views and gourmet menus, as well as posh boutiques and jewelry stores like Tiffany & Co. The L'Auberge Carmel, a chateau-style hotel, and Mission Ranch, a converted dairy farm saved from development by the city's most famous former mayor, Clint Eastwood, are just two examples of the many hotels in Carmel that are ideal for couples.
