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This country is blessed with some incredible coast and shoreline, and lots of it — over 100,000 miles, by some counts. Within that context, the idea of the “hot spot” beach town, where you have to fight for a plot of sand barely big enough for your towel, or contend with crowds of spring breakers, seems a bit ridiculous. Leave the hordes behind and check out one of these alternative spots — similar beauty and amenities, but a lot less hassle.
Gearhart is home to a community of comfortable retirees, vacation cottage renters, and the occasional herd of elk passing through downtown, but its sleepy-yet-upscale vibe is appealing to everyone. Just ten miles from th...more
Located on Gasparilla Island, just north of the slightly better-known Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Boca Grande is the epitome of Old Florida charm. It’s got the turquoise waters and powdery white sands typical of Southwe...more
If you’ve ever wanted to reenact a scene from Jaws — the parts on the shore, of course — get yourself to Chatham. Situated along the “elbow” of Cape Cod, Chatham has wide white-sand shorelines, worn wooden fences, a rapi...more
If the name alone isn’t reason enough to visit, this town’s laid-back Pacific Northwest island vibe definitely is. Set on Washington’s stunning San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is surrounded by calm Pacific waters, dark gr...more
Located along the northern Outer Banks, the chain of barrier islands that sit offshore of North Carolina, Duck is still under the radar as far as popular beach destinations go. There are few downtown attractions and zero...more
The self-proclaimed “Paradise of the Midwest,” the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area encompasses three towns — Hart, Mears, and Pentwater — and is characterized by massive rolling sand dunes (read: mountains) that span over 2,...more
Tucked between Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Coast, Avila is home to vacationing families, local beach lovers, and, yes, okay, the occasional horde of college students.
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