In a world where anyone snaps and shares pictures on Instagram in a second, do you think that beautiful places can stay a secret?
However, there are some hidden coastal towns and underrated beach destinations in the US that are beneath the radar of Instagram and not crowded by tourists. They have got stellar views, mouthwatering food joints, and an interesting history. What they don’t have is a swarm of tourists that snatch away the mysteriousness and mystical nature of any place.
Of course, these 12 uncrowded coastal getaways in the US are not like Malibu or South Beach. They were not created to cater to luxury needs or 5-star accommodations. Rather, they are perfect for enjoying the scenery, kicking back, and losing yourself in the small-town coastal charm when you are running away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
From New England to the Pacific Northwest, these 12 beautiful coastal towns in the US are still not viral on Instagram, and that is what makes them so special!
12 Coastal Towns That Aren’t on Instagram (Yet)
1. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
With whimsical cobbled lanes, wind-swept cliffs, and tucked away quaint cottages, Carmel-by-the-Sea looks like a coastal village from a storybook.
This village is just one square mile in size and offers no boardwalks or luxurious beach parties.
However, the town is known for its cute coffee shops and upscale shopping. There are more restaurants than in other small US cities, per capita. Carmel-by-the-sea even offers Michelin-starred dining like Chez Noir and Aubergine. In this small and hidden coastal town in the US, you will also find over a dozen wine-tasting rooms.
This coastal town keeps a low profile online, and especially with limited cell service and a long list of local-only rules, we would like Carmel-by-the-sea to remain like this for as long as possible.
2. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine isn’t exactly a secret, but in front of the popular Florida spots like Miami or Clearwater, this small coastal town is still one of the most underrated beach destinations in the US. It is even better than the stunning hidden gems you can find in Miami.
It was founded in 1565 – the nation’s oldest city, which is continuously inhabited by cobblestone streets, unique shops, and major landmarks like Lightner Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and Fort Matanzas.
That history gives the town an Old World feel. Other recreational and sports facilities include Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, Spanish colonial architecture, fishing, diving, and golfing opportunities, and a real-deal fort (Castillo de San Marcos).
This beach town side of St. Augustine is quiet, relaxed, and free of a flock of tourists. You can find over 43 miles of diverse beaches that are dog and vehicle-friendly and offer stunning vistas over the Atlantic and the salt marshes.
3. Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Bald Head Island is one of the most beautiful hidden coastal towns in the US, where life moves slower than the rest of the world because no cars are allowed here.
It is located at the southernmost tip of North Carolina, accessible via only private boat and passenger ferry. A 20-minute ferry ride will take you from Deep Point Marina to the island, where most people get around by golf cart or bike.
That limited access helps keep things peaceful at Bald Head Island.
This town is surrounded by over 10,000 acres of preserved natural landscape, which includes maritime forests, 14 miles of beaches, and salt marshes. This is the best beach destination for kayaking, birdwatching, or turtle-spotting in the US, and with so much protected land, it makes sense that Bald Head Island is still not viral on social media feeds.
4. Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is famous among seashell collectors, but it is still surprisingly undiscovered when you compare it to other Gulf Coast destinations. Florida has plenty of tropical vacation spots, but in front of Sanibel Island, nothing looks exotic or mystical.
This hidden coastal town in the US has over 250 different types of seashells, and the credit goes to the east-west orientation of the island. The iconic Sanibel Stoop and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has managed to retain the nature of the island as a wildlife refuge.
Another thing that makes Sanibel Island feel cozy and intimate is the strict building height limit. You won’t find high-rise condos here; rather, pastel bungalows and family-owned businesses inhabit this land.
Furthermore, even though biking is one of the best ways to get around, with bike paths that wind through mangroves, neighborhoods, and along the coast, you can also explore the island by kayaking, guided trams, or on foot as well.
5. Friday Harbor, Washington
Friday Harbor, located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, is one of those underrated towns that feel like another world, even though they are just as far away as a ferry ride from the mainland.
It is a historic, walkable seaport town that has a salty harbor, small-town friendliness, seafood shacks, and stunning vistas of the Olympic Mountains. But what makes it really different is its peaceful pace.
There is no car needed to explore Friday Harbor. Everything, from the bookstores and kayak rentals to the tide pool excursions, is within walking distance. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities. However, you can even spot orcas from shore if you’re lucky.
Shuttle buses, mopeds, trolleys, and Scootcoupes are available to explore this beach destination in the US, which still remains quite low profile on social media.
6. Ocracoke, North Carolina
Ocracoke, which is a part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is only accessible by ferry. This isolated nature of the island is the reason many people come here to escape the populated tourist destinations.
There are no bridges or jets on this island, only wild ponies, quiet beaches, and a pirate past (Blackbeard once called this place a hideout). Walk, bike, or golf cart around – 80% of the island is protected by Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are no chain restaurants or high-rise hotels as well, so if you want to help yourself to lunch or dinner or stay for a bit, you will have to explore the charming independent shops, seafood spots, and historic inns. We recommend tailoring your stay with professional trip planning, as Ocracoke can be a tricky town to discover on your own.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Ocracoke, you can bike through sandy roads or kayak around the waters. The beaches are also perfect for long walks or surf fishing.
7. Port Aransas, Texas
Texans know Port Aransas (aka Port A) as a fishing paradise. But not many outsiders know that this hidden coastal town is one of the top beach destinations in the US, located on Mustang Island along the Gulf Coast. However, it is better that Port Aransas is still not viral on Instagram, cause that’s fine for those who want to keep this secret beach escape to themselves.
This laid-back town has colorful beach cottages and small eateries everywhere that cater to locals and tourists. You can either fish from the pier, or drive down to Padre Island National Seashore for a friendly beach-town feel.
While it can get busy during spring break, most of the year, Port Aransas offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, mostly the relaxing vibes that come with a mellow, fish-and-surf kind of town.
8. Solana Beach, California
Among the best beach towns in San Diego is Solana Beach, which is appreciated for its lack of pretension even though it is an affluent coastal enclave.
The natural beauty of this underrated coastal town in the US is attributed to the pristine public beaches that are easily accessible via stairways and a ramp at Fletcher Cove.
The activities span beyond surfing and bodyboarding. You can explore the rugged hiking areas with ocean and lagoon views, such as Annie’s Canyon Trail, or if you have a sweet tooth, try out the homemade tamales and chocolate halvah at the farmer’s market.
The relaxed vibe of this town isn’t just due to the seaside ambiance but because the locals walk barefoot and offer coffee with a smile after surfing. The cliffs and coves offer a more intimate experience than the beaches. Solana also has a Coaster train station, which makes it one of the only coastal towns in California that offers car-free access from bigger cities like San Diego.
9. Block Island, Rhode Island
Nature and nostalgia go hand in hand at Block Island, which is still under the radar for global tourists. It is far less glamorized on Instagram than other towns in Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard.
This island off the coast of Rhode Island still retains the historic charm of New England, a reflection of which is seen in the white bluffs, lighthouses, and tiny coastal roads that are ideal for biking.
The 1661 Inn Farm & Garden offers family fun, and local art and coastal finds are available on Water Street. With a year-round population of less than 1,000, Block Island is never densely populated, even during high season.
In addition to Mohegan Bluffs, the island is known for the North Light Lighthouse and the Southeast Light. They are both perched high on cliffs. Over 40% of conservation land protects the island, which is why high-rise hotels or franchise restaurants are not accepted here. Instead, the island is inhabited by simple inns, family-run seafood shacks, and cozy cafes. Block Island is raw and honest and makes you feel like nature has transported you to another historical era.
10. Edisto, South Carolina
Edisto Island is another unspoiled and scenic hidden coastal town in the US. It is also one of the least commercialized stretches of beach in South Carolina and beneath the radar of tourists on Instagram.
Located about an hour from Charleston, you must drive under moss-covered oaks on Highway 174 to reach Edisto, or you can cruise in via the wildlife-rich ACE Basin.
Edisto is nothing but 4.5 miles of quiet coastline. It is a laid-back town with strict development rules that don’t allow chain hotels or nightlife hotspots to disturb its peace.
Beachgoers can spot dolphins, bald eagles, sea otters, and even loggerhead turtles that are nesting between May and August. The driftwood-covered shores also add to the ethereal beauty of the coastal town.
The nearby Native American shell mound dates back 4,000 years, and even though it deserves all the praise, it is fairly underrated and unexplored on Instagram.
11. Capitola, California
Just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola was founded in 1874 by Captain John Pope, and this “Venice of America” still offers a beach town experience like nothing else in the world.
The pastel-colored cottages and stunning scenery along Esplanade Street look like a painting. We still wonder how this place hasn’t blown up on social media yet. The Esplanade Street runs parallel to the coastline and features a boardwalk that offers stunning ocean and lush green hillside views.
The nearby parks, like New Brighton State Beach and Manresa State Beach, offer swimming and sunbathing opportunities, but if you are after a panoramic view, head to the Capitola Wharf, where you’ll find local fishermen and maybe even a seal or two.
12. Lubec, Maine
Lubec is the easternmost town in the continental US, across the bay from Canada’s Campobello Island. Located right near the Canadian border, this small coastal village is an underrated gem in the US, with fewer than 1,500 residents spread over 90 miles of shoreline. Even the downtown area isn’t crowded, neither by locals nor definitely by tourists and it looks like a storybook scene. You can witness Greek Revival architecture and seaside buildings everywhere you look.
The isolation of Lubec is what makes it so charming. And there is plenty to do here if you are a lighthouse lover. Lubec Channel Lighthouse, the East Quoddy and Mulholland Point Lighthouses, and the Little River Lighthouse in Cutler are some of the best things to see here. If you are after nature, Mowry Beach Preserve, Jasper Beach, and Maine Sculpture Trail are some of the best activities in Lubec.
There are no resorts or busy boardwalks here. However, you can indulge in kayaking or whale watching and even spot seals, whales, puffins, and Old Sow, which is the biggest whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere.
