These 4 surprising American beach towns are must-visit summer destinations

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You might be thinking, “Oh, great… another best beach list with no substance.”

That is not the case here.

If that were true, we’d be spinning a globe and rattling off every destination our finger lands on.

We buy the best of the best. As such, this is one of the most trusted names in the industry (other than Travel Off Path, of course). Time-out.

The popular publication just revealed the top 12 picks for epic beaches on the East Coast this summer.

We’ve picked our 4 favorites that are big surprises – not because they aren’t worth it, but for the simple reason that they are often overshadowed by places like Martha’s Vineyard and the entire Florida coastline.

For example, when you hear New Hampshire, you might imagine the White Mountains instead of paradise coasts, or when you see the word “Delaware,” you might imagine George Washington.

But hopefully not his teeth…

We dig deep and cover some of the least expected places you’d probably pass over, but are actually full of surprises as local favorite hideaways.

4) New Hampshire’s classic boardwalk beach with fewer crowds

Since New Hampshire is known more for its fall foliage than its paradise shores, this just goes to show that there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

We get it: This underrated state probably won’t be on your 2026 bingo card unless you’re early to the party for a scenic road trip with a PSL in hand.

But let’s not get too far ahead.

Portsmouth and Manchester have their own atmosphere, but Hampton Beach is the place to be this summer.

With a nice boardwalk that doesn’t feel overly touristy or cheesy, let’s just say you won’t find Snooki here.

The water tends to have a vibrant blue hue and it’s less crowded than other east coast hotspots, especially if you go there Hampton Beach State Park.

All in all, it’s well equipped for a bona fide holiday with an abundance of hotels and a retro atmosphere with ice cream vendors and seaside games.

3) Delaware’s Mom ‘n Pop Hideaway

Another state not often on sun seekers’ radar is Delaware, but this one is chock full of Atlantic beach towns, and not just riverside charmers.

For years, Delaware had no commercial airport. How wild is that?

Avelo Airlines has changed that, but it speaks to how pristine and local the beautiful beaches are.

Bethany Beach takes the top spot for its small-town hospitality and yet-to-be-destroyed coastline with vacation rentals in flashy resorts and Mom ‘n Pop stores and eateries instead of overpriced chains.

Don’t let anything stop you from vacationing in Delaware; it is truly one of America’s last frontiers for a less crowded beach vacation.

Time Out lists the following as absolute must-visits:

• Bethany Beach Books
• Tidepool toys and games
• Fish stories
• Blue Room gallery and gift shop
• Sandy Pony Donuts
• Kohr Brothers frozen custard
• Candy kitchen

2) Rhode Island’s blissful seaside resort

If you’ve been following America’s smallest state, you know that Block Island is the trendiest place going right now.

The downside to that is that trendiness sometimes equals hustle and bustle, and that’s what an unsung paradise resembles Charlestown comes in.

Less developed yet equally beautiful compared to the more striking Newport and Narragansett. If you are a resort type you might want to go elsewhere.

Charlestown is quieter and loaded with boutique stays and vacation rentals rather than fancy resorts with fancy names.

One of the best places to explore is Charlestown Breachway State Beach, known for its golden sandy beauty that has become a local favorite.

Time Out lists the following as absolute must-visits:

• Fantastic umbrella factory
• Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center annually
• Charlestown Seafood Festival

1) The seaside town that put Maine on the map

Long before Portland became trendy, there was Kennebunkport, a seaside village full of lobster rolls, boutique shops and some of the state’s best beaches.

It is known as a hideout for President George HW Bush. The secret has been known for a long time over the decades, but not much has changed – and that makes it special.

Not every corner has a Starbucks, nor do the famous beaches, like Geese rocksdotted with towering hotels.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Maine is the safest state in America, so be sure to check out our Safety Index tool before booking your next trip.

Time Out lists the following as absolute must-visits:

• Coastal Trolley Museum
• Goat Island Lighthouse On land
• Dock Square (my personal favorite!)
• Thompson & Company
• Dannah
• Beach grass
• The candy man
• Alisson’s

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.