Top 7 Must-Visit Coastal Towns in the U.S. (That We’re Totally Obsessed With)

The U.S. coastline is full of gems—but let’s not kid ourselves: New England and New York do it differently. Here’s our (totally biased, totally fabulous) list of must-visit beach towns where lobster rolls meet linen shirts and preppy meets laid-back.

1. Sag Harbor, NY

Old whaling town turned Hamptons hideaway. You’ll find historic homes, indie bookstores, and a dock that’s basically a runway for linen jumpsuits. Pro tip: get the lobster BLT at Dockside and pretend you’re writing a novel.

2. Nantucket, MA

Gray-shingled homes, cobblestone streets, and the kind of quiet wealth that smells like salt and sunscreen. Grab a Fog Island breakfast and cruise ‘Sconset Bluff Walk like you’re scouting locations for a Nancy Meyers movie.

3. Watch Hill, RI

Yes, that Watch Hill (thanks, Taylor Swift). But this seaside enclave has charm way beyond the star power. Carousel rides, impeccable boutiques, and coastal mansions make it a must.

4. Kennebunkport, ME

Perfect lobster. Perfect sweaters. Perfect dogs in perfect sweaters. Summering here means art galleries, salty air, and a general sense that you should’ve taken up sailing sooner.

5. Montauk, NY

From fishing village to surf-chic paradise, Montauk blends beach-bum ease with NYC edge. Stay at a boutique hotel, order oysters at Duryea’s, and pack your best “I woke up like this” wardrobe.

6. Mystic, CT

Lobster in the rough. A surprisingly good aquarium. And yes, Mystic Pizza is real—and worth it. This is a cozy coastal stop that’s still under-the-radar enough to feel like a find.

7. Chatham, MA

Cape Cod class at its finest. Think saltbox homes, hydrangeas in full bloom, and ice cream you’ll remember forever. Park your car, walk the town, and browse bookstores like it’s a sport.