11 Forgotten Beach Towns You'll Fall In Love With, Outside Of Florida

Filled with incredibly well-preserved Victorian homes in rainbow hues, all of Cape May has been designated a National Historic Landmark, making it the only town in American with the designation. In addition to the golden sand beach and shimmering Atlantic Ocean that turn this town of 4,000 permanent residents into a bustling 40,000-strong summer destination, there’s a year-round range of activities that make this more than just a one-season surf-and-sand stop. In fact, Cape May is one of the few Jersey Shore towns with year-round appeal, offering events, attractions, dining, and shopping that changes with the seasons and always offers something new to see and explore.

A seaside town, once the center of Rhode Island summer for long vacationers, Narragansett is now home to daytrippers, beachgoers, and weekend getaway adventurers. Known to the locals as ’gansett, the beautiful, historic village has a wild past. Since the late 1800s, the town has come to life each summer as tourists swarm to the beautiful beaches, warm waters, and friendly atmosphere.

Sometimes being surrounded by rugged, natural beauty makes for the perfect weekend recharge, and there’s no better place to get that sort of fix than Cannon Beach, Oregon. This charming coastal enclave in northwest Oregon has it all: incredible hiking trails, varied wildlife, an incredible arts scene, and one of the most dramatic beaches we’ve ever seen, anywhere in the world!

Just across the Golden Gate Strait lies Sausalito, California. This seaside community in San Francisco’s backyard has an abundance of shops and dining opportunities, scenic views, charming houseboat enclaves, and plenty of space for strolls along the water.

With fewer than 1,500 full-time residents and a beautiful, unspoiled view of the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, would have almost all the ingredients of a sleepy, seaside town -- except that the word has been out on this gorgeous spot for years. Now a family-favorite beach town, Rehoboth Beach isn’t likely to slide back into obscurity any time soon. In fact, a whole new generation of visitors is making the vacation destination their own.

Newport, the jewel of Rhode Island’s coastline, shines like a polished diamond. Newport’s history is rooted in sailing and the bygone Gilded Age. Once a playground for the rich and famous, it can now be enjoyed by everyone. The beauty of Narragansett Bay, with its sailing ships and yachts, will have you dreaming of seafaring stories of wealth and adventure.

Today, you can wander the island, enjoying lush lawns and ancient oak trees, all still maintained around the vacation homes of the richest Americans. The area is now a National Landmark Historic District. Here you’ll find popular guided tours that will take you back in time and explain more of the inside story of the island’s history. But Jekyll Island is more than a history lesson; it’s a growing year-round vacation wonderland.

Kona, the district comprising most of the Big Island’s western shore, is known for its incredible seascapes, dry climate, and its role as host to the annual (and grueling!) Ironman Triathlon. There’s so much to see, do, and experience in this area, from exploring the charming city of Kailua-Kona to sampling some of the world’s best coffee to getting up close and personal with marine residents.

Part quaint oceanside village, part gorgeous white-sand beach, and part stunning hiking trail, Stinson Beach in northern California ticks plenty of boxes when it comes to scenic and entertaining seaside towns.