These 4 Surprising U.S. Beach Towns Named Must-Visit Summer Destinations

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

That’s not the case here.

If that were true, we’d spin a globe and rattle off any destination our finger lands on.

We source the best of the best. As such, one of the most trusted names in the business (other than Travel Off Path, of course) is Time Out.

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

We handpicked our 4 favorites that are big surprises — not because they aren’t worthy, but for the simple reason that they’re often overshadowed by places like Martha’s Vineyard and Florida’s entire coastline.

For example, when you hear New Hampshire, you might picture the White Mountains instead of paradisal shores, or when you see the word “Delaware,” you might envision George Washington.

Hopefully not his teeth, though…

We’re going deep with one, covering some of the least expected places you’d probably pass over, but in reality are full of surprises as local-favorite hideaways.

4) New Hampshire’s Classic Boardwalk Beach With Fewer Crowds

With New Hampshire being more known for fall foliage than paradisal shores, it just goes to show that hidden gems are still out there waiting to be discovered.

We get it — this underrated state probably isn’t 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 vibe, but Hampton Beach is the place to be this summer.

Boasting a fun-filled boardwalk that doesn’t feel overly touristy or cheesy, let’s just say you won’t find Snooki here.

The waters tend to be a vibrant shade of blue and it’s less crowded than fellow East Coast hotspots, especially if you make your way to Hampton Beach State Park.

All in all, it’s well-equipped for a bonafide vacation with plentiful hotels and retro vibes with ice cream vendors and seaside games.

3) Delaware’s Mom ‘n Pop Hideaway

Another state not often on sunseekers’ radar is Delaware, but it’s actually chock-full of Atlantic beach towns, not just riverside charmers.

For years, Delaware didn’t have a commercial airport. How wild is that?

Avelo Airlines changed that, but it speaks to how unspoiled and local its gorgeous beaches are.

Bethany Beach tops them all for its small town hospitality and yet-to-be-ruined coastline with vacation rentals over flashy resorts and Mom ‘n Pop shops and eateries instead of overpriced chains.

Don’t let anything deter you from vacationing in Delaware — it’s truly one of America’s last frontiers for a less-crowded beach getaway.

Time Out touts the following as absolute must-visits:

• Bethany Beach Books
• Tidepool Toys & Games
• Fish Tales
• Blue Room Gallery & Gift Shop
• Sandy Pony Donuts
• Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard
• Candy Kitchen

2) Rhode Island’s Blissful Beach Town

If you’ve been keeping up with America’s smallest state, you know Block Island is the trendiest spot there is right now.

The downside to that is sometimes trendiness equates to crowds, and that’s where an unsung paradise like Charlestown comes in.

Less developed yet equally beautiful compared to more notable Newport and Narragansett, if you’re the resort type, maybe venture elsewhere.

Charlestown is quieter and laden with boutique stays and vacation rentals rather than posh resorts slapped with a fancy name.

One of the best spots to scope out is Charlestown Breachway State Beach, known for its golden-sand beauty that’s become a local favorite.

Time Out touts the following as absolute must-visits:

• Fantastic Umbrella Factory
• Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Centerannual 
• Charlestown Seafood Festival

1) The Beach Town That Put Maine On The Map

Long before Portland became trendy, there was Kennebunkport, a coastal village teaming with lobster rolls, boutique shops, and some of the state’s top beaches.

Famously a hideout for President George H.W. Bush, the secret has long been out over the past couple of decades, yet not much has changed — and that’s what makes it special.

Not every corner has a Starbucks, nor are its famed beaches, such as Goose Rocks, speckled with towering hotels.

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

Time Out touts the following as absolute must-visits:

• Seashore 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 over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.