Planning your summer vacation?
Then you might want to see this list compiled by Thrillist of the best small beach towns in America.
1. Anna Maria Island, FL
A close second for Florida’s new state nickname was “The Condo State.” As in big, ugly, towering condos, exactly none of which you’ll find on this pristine Old Florida beach island. No, there are nothing but bungalows, Cracker Farmhouses, and charming Floridian architecture on TripAdvisor’s third-highest-ranked island in America. Also, two of the best burger joints in the state — Skinny’s and Duffy’s.
2. Gulf Shores, AL
While most people associate Alabama with folks who take college football aliiiiiiiiiittle too seriously, the Gulf Coast beaches might be the state’s most underrated draw. And the best of the bunch is Gulf Shores, known for its bright pastel houses and annual Hangout Music Festival, which attracts rock-and-roll fans from all over the South (did somebody say Freeeeebirrrrd!?!?). If the music isn’t your jam, visit the Bon Secor National Wildlife refuge or plan your stay during the annual National Shrimp Festival.
3. Sanibel Island, FL
Just a short drive from the former foreclosure capital of the world (raise up, Fort Myers!) Sanibel is known to Floridians as THE beach to go to for spectacular sunsets and quiet relaxation. So much so that it missed our list of Florida’s most popular beaches pretty much because the editor didn’t want anyone else going there. Well, the “secret” is out — this tiny island known for its shelling and seafood might be the top weekend destination for Sunshine State residents.
4. Seaside, FL
People like to talk about places that have “character,” like that character is something you’ll absolutely love. And while most of the towns on this list have a certain, old-world charm, Seaside is instead perhaps the cleanest, most new-world charming beach town in America. How annoyingly clean and modern you ask? Ever see The Truman Show, that movie where Jim Carey’s whole world is a TV soundstage? It was filmed here.
5.Wrightsville Beach, NC
Picking the best beach city in North Carolina is kinda like trying to pick the most annoying fan at Duke — it’s an impossible task. But if we had to pick, it’d be this kid in the body paint/army helmet and Wrightsville Beach, the skinny little town next to Wilmington. The ultra-wide, fine sand beaches are lined with stilt houses, and if you’re lucky enough to own a boat (or really just know someone with a boat) you can head up the ICW to Masonboro for an afternoon of day drinking.
See the entire list by Thrillist here.
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