Best Coastal Towns | A Breath of Fresh Air
Each coast has its own feeling – or vibe- and travelers are very particular about which of those they want to envelop themselves in. Spending time at any coastal town is a good choice and it’s hard to go wrong. We’ve narrowed down a few of the best and more unique spots.
Atlantic Side:
Nags Head in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a great coastal vacation spot. Cape Hatteras National Seashore located at the end of Nags Head is a bit slower-paced and has a delightful National Park that is home to the Bodie Island Lighthouse that is celebrating its 150th year! Looking for a little more? Look for further than Jennette’s Pier, owned by the state aquarium they offer fishing and all your needs for it, educational items, and some shopping. With more than enough options for hotels and private rentals, Nags Head will be part of your permeant rotation.
Once just a fishing village Murrells Inlet, South Carolina has modernized with the rest of its neighbors but with grace. Just a little over 10 miles south of Myrtle Beach, this haven has been untouched by the expansive growth of its neighboring towns and holds the small-town appeal of its former fishing village days. Perfect for naturalists and those seeking to protect the original beauty of the inlet. A must for a true Murrells Inlet experience is a Marsh Walk, the best experience you didn’t know you needed. There is also an Intracoastal Multipurpose path that connects the inlet to the intercoastal waterway at Wacca Wacca Marina.
Brunswick Georgia is a small tucked away town between St Simon and Jekyll Islands. A relatively secret coastal wonderland, Brunswick moves at an even more relaxed and lovely place than its neighboring islands. One of its draws is the Marshes of Glynn which are spectacular for anything from photographing to birding to simply enjoying. Waters Hill Bed and Breakfast is the perfect combination of coastal charm and southern hospitality. Inviting and relaxing with one of Brunswick’s best restaurants, Indigo Coastal Shanty, nearby.
One of the places you can't believe people aren't flocking to and talking all about is Chincoteague Virginia. Famous for the beautiful wild ponies. This island is rural and a true step into Coastal bliss. There are pony breeders to visit and the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge to visit on the outer banks. And in true coastal cliché, grabbing an ice cream cone in town is a must. A visit to the water's edge will leave you marveling over the oysters' beds and clam shoals. With any number of lovely places to stay the hotels seem to max out at three stories and there are vacation rentals or bed and breakfasts for whatever type of beach vacation you prefer.
Right south of Wilmington North Carolina you can stumble upon the Town of Kure Beach. Home to one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic Coast, the pier was originally built in 1923 and has undergone many improvements since. The architecture and lovely balconies characterizing the homes will have any travelers ready to set down roots. Set almost in a movie, you can head down the waters of Cape Fear River. There is also a very rare albino alligator if you are lucky enough to meet her, named Luna. A rare spot, Kure Beach is sure to expand thoughts of what a beach town is.
There is something unique about a town that is both a beach town and a river town, a sweet combination that marries the best of both types. Colonial Beach on the coast of Virginia is known as the Playground of the Potomac, is incredibly close to not Washington DC but Raleigh and Chesapeake alike. The perfect getaway or place to hub out of Colonial Beach is on the peninsula of the Potomac River and Monroe Bay, the perfect coastal sailing spot the marinas are happy to see guest slips fill up like Bayside Marina and Cottages. And, while it's assumed, it must be said, don't forget to get some local seafood.
Known for its waves, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to try your hand at some surf lessons as well, or simply relax and watch the professional have at it. On the Atlantic Ocean, it's the perfect place to grab a ride through the mangroves, walk down the pier, or hit up the famous Riki Tiki Tavern; the open-air drinks spot at the end of the pier. Set the tone for the whole trip and book a room at The Resort on Cocoa Beach and let the staff take it from there. With excellent views and multiple room options, serenity and relaxation await at Cocoa Beach.
Gulf Side:
St Marks Florida, just outside of Tallahassee is set against the St Marks National Wildlife Refuge with its 80,000 acres and is such a special coastal treat. The activities are endless: birding, hunting, fishing, trails, wildlife viewing, and any other activity you can think of! One of the oldest settlements in America, St Marks is believed to be the third oldest in the world. Stay in Tallahassee or immerse yourself in the sanctuary that is St Marks at Sweet Magnolia Inn with its hardwood floors, ten-foot ceilings, and homemade breakfasts.
Biloxi Mississippi is known as part of the Secret Coast, formerly the "Seafood Capital of the World", this coastal town is delightfully relaxing. There are multiple entertainment districts for travelers to wander around and imbibe food, drink, and fun while being only steps from the beach. One of the most unique attractions to Biloxi is the opportunities to partake in shrimping expeditions through The Biloxi Shrimping Trip. After a long day, there is no nice hotel to come back to than The White House Hotel with its stunning black and white façade, the historic hotel is located beachfront.
Grand Isle Louisiana is a Sportsman oasis not many know to exist. The only one of Louisiana’s barrier islands that are inhabited this fisherman's delight is a gem. With some of the freshest seafood, you've ever had the restaurants and cafes are sure to delight, and Lighthouse Restaurant will make your mouth water with their stuffed crab and seafood pasta. There are seven wonderful miles of beaches and plenty of places to stay. Hurricane Hole may have a daunting name but it’s a wonderful resort-style marina and hotel sure to make any traveler happy. Spending time on Grand Isle is like living on the beach as a tourist, almost all vacation homes and other traveler accommodations have their beach access. Want to catch your dinner, no worries, there is a 400-foot fishing pier to grab it or go crabbing one of the more popular pastimes. While sea fare is often the draw don’t forget to try the onion rings at Starfish Restaurant. Strangely this seaside town is known for its birding as much as it is its deep-sea fishing; there are 60 acres of marsh and habitat.
Sanibel Island right outside of Fort Myers, Florida seems to be the wonder people keep talking about but no one listens. The perfectly paced town, the traffic getting on and off during a weekend is a bit tight but after that, it is smoothing sailing for the foreseeable future. With most of the island belonging to Ding Darling Preserve locals and tourists alike are happy to leisurely get where they are going- one of the two grocery stores or any manner of wonderful restaurants- by car or bike. Infamous for their shells, waking up early to peruse the beach will be well worth it. Have a bite at the Lazy Flamingo – you won’t regret it – or the Ugly Cow with its iguana bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
A little time on the coast is good for the soul. Seems like a trip every so often would be just what life calls for.
Links:
Visitocracokenc.com
Murrellinlet.com
Visitflorida.com
Townofgrandisle.com
Townofkurebeach.org
Marshwalk.com
Visitcbva.org
Fws.gov
Biloxishirimpingtrip.com
Sweetmagnoliainn.com
Nps.gov
Ncaquariums.com
Hurricanhole.net
Marshesofglynn.org
Watershill.com
Indigocoastalshanty.com
baysidemarina.org
www.chincoteague.com
