4 Small Beach Towns That Might Be America’s Best-Kept Secrets

Beach vacations are tailor-made for family memories. This year, why not skip the hustle and bustle of overtouristed towns in favor of smaller beach towns? What they lack in size, they more than make up for in natural beauty and fun-loving local culture.

Over the years, my family and I have visited many of these lesser-known coastal gems. Here are four of our favorite beach getaways across the US.

 

Avila Beach, California

Avila Beach is a world all its own. Nestled on San Luis Obispo Bay—about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles—this beachside hamlet of 1,500 permanent residents has a small-town vibe that sets it apart from other California coastal communities. Its setting—framed by the sea, rolling hills, and vineyard-covered countryside—adds to its distinctive feel.

Avila Beach’s protected bay is perfect for paddle boarding; I’ve spotted playful otters and other sea life gliding alongside and beneath my paddle board. The main beach is wide and pristine, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

My husband and I enjoy strolling through Avila Beach’s walkable downtown, browsing the farmer’s market and quaint shops. Sometimes, we wander onto Avila Beach Pier to watch the fishermen, and then dine at Blue Moon Over Avila, savoring the sunset beneath strings of twinkling lights. Several wineries and tasting rooms dot the surrounding hillsides. For us, it’s the perfect place for a romantic beach getaway.

Tybee Island, Georgia

You may not immediately associate Georgia with islands, but Tybee Island is a beach destination just brimming with small-town charm. Located 18 miles from historic downtown Savannah, Tybee is laid-back and unassuming.

Unlike the high-rise hotels and polished resorts of nearby Hilton Head, South Carolina, Tybee Island is filled with beach cottages, white picket fences, and quiet, tree-lined streets. The whole place gives off a nostalgic, almost storybook atmosphere. One of the island’s quirkiest traditions is the Annual Tybee Beach Bum Parade in mid-May, when the entire community arms itself with squirt guns for a good-natured, island-wide water fight.

On a family trip to Tybee Island, my kids quickly discovered they could explore the whole island by bike; this small barrier island is only 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. We took a sunset dolphin tour, feasted on fresh seafood at quirky local restaurants, and spent long, sunny hours at the beach. Tybee has five public white-sand beaches, each worth a visit.

Po’ipū, Kaua’i

Hawai’i has many beautiful beach towns, but Po'ipū—on Kauai’s sunny south shore—is one of our family favorites. Known for its golden beaches and the Spouting Horn blowhole, it’s near Old Kōloa Town, with its fun restaurants and cute shops.

We spend most of our time at Poʻipū Beach Park, which is perfect for snorkeling and features a protected bay ideal for little ones. There’s ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty. Our favorite part of any beach day in Po‘ipū is watching the Hawaiian green sea turtles that come ashore to bask in the afternoon sun. These large creatures—called honu in Hawaiian—are among the islands’ most beloved residents. Great care is taken to protect them and ensure they have space to rest undisturbed.

Right next to Poʻipū Beach Park is Brennecke's Beach, where stronger waves attract bodyboarders and more adventurous swimmers. We often pack a picnic or grab Hawaiian-style hot dogs from Puka Dog, located just steps from the sand.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Only two miles wide, Anna Maria is a tiny barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This charming beach town is about a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando, 45 minutes from Sarasota, and an hour from Tampa—but it feels like a world apart.

Old Florida lives on here, with vintage fishing piers, family-run restaurants, and independent local shops. On a recent visit, my husband and I went kayaking with a local outfitter. The water was so clear that we could see horseshoe crabs and oyster beds beneath us. Our guide even pointed out a baby great blue heron nestled in a large bird rookery.  

As a beach destination, Anna Maria shines, with several stretches of shoreline from which to choose. Our favorite was Manatee Public Beach, which offers a concession stand, picnic tables, grills, showers, and lifeguards on duty.

. . . . . 

Some of my favorite beach vacations have been in these small beach towns. While they may not be big in size, they offer a wealth of memorable experiences.