Beach vacations are tailor-made for family memories. This year, why not skip the overcrowded destinations in favor of one of these smaller American beach towns? What they lack in crowd size, they make up for in natural beauty and fun-loving local culture.
Over the years, my family and I have visited many small American beach towns. Here are four of our favorites.
1. Avila Beach, California
Avila Beach is a world all its own. Located on San Luis Obispo Bay, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this beachside hamlet of 1,500 permanent residents has a small-town vibe that sets it apart from other California coastal communities.
Its setting between the sea, rolling hills, and vineyard-covered countryside adds to its distinctive feel.
Avila Beach has a protected bay perfect for paddle boarding, and I’ve seen playful otters and other sea life from my paddleboard. The main beach is wide and clean, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Guided E-Bike Tour of Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Avila Beach
My husband and I like strolling through Avila Beach’s walkable downtown, visiting the farmer’s market and little shops. Sometimes, we head to Avila Beach Pier to watch the fishermen, then dine at Blue Moon Over Avila, watching the sun go down under strings of twinkling lights.
There are several wineries and tasting rooms in the surrounding area. For us, it’s the perfect place for a romantic beach getaway.
Read More: Sea, Sips, and Seals: Exploring Highway 1 Along California’s Central Coast
2. Tybee Island, Georgia
We don’t often associate Georgia with islands, but Tybee Island, Georgia, is a beach destination just brimming with small-town charm. Located 18 miles from historic downtown Savannah, Tybee Island is laid-back and unassuming.
Unlike the high-rise hotels and polished looks of nearby Hilton Head, South Carolina, Tybee Island is filled with beach cottages, white picket fences and quiet tree-lined streets. The combination gives off an innocent feeling of yesteryear.
Tybee even has an Annual Tybee Beach Bum Parade, when the whole island brings squirt guns and has a huge water fight.
On a family trip to Tybee Island, my kids quickly learned they could explore the whole island by bike since this small barrier island is only 3 miles long and 1 mile wide.
We went on a sunset dolphin tour, ate lots of fresh seafood at quirky local restaurants and spent time at the beach. Tybee Island has five public white-sand beaches, all worth visiting.
Tybee Island Tours & Excursions
3. Po‘ipū, Kauai
Hawaii has many beautiful beach towns, but Po’ipū on Kauai’s sunny south shore is one of our family favorites. Known for its beaches and the Spouting Horn blowhole, it’s near Old Kōloa Town with its fun restaurants and shops.
We spend most of our time at Poʻipū Beach Park, which is perfect for snorkeling and has a protected bay for little ones.
There is ample parking, picnic benches, restrooms, and lifeguards. Our favorite part of any beach day in Po‘ipū is watching the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles that come to lay in the sun on the beach every afternoon.
These large “honu” in Hawaiian are Hawaii’s most beloved sea creatures. Great care is taken to protect them and give them space.
Right next to Poʻipū Beach Park is Brennecke’s Beach, which has stronger waves that make it popular with bodyboarders. We often take a picnic or have Hawaiian-style hot dogs at Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs, right next to the beach. There’s always a line, but it’s worth it.
Read More: Kauai with Kids: 7 Unforgettable Family Adventures on the Garden Isle
4. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Only two miles wide, Anna Maria is a tiny barrier island along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando, 45 minutes from Sarasota, and an hour from Tampa – but it feels like a world apart.
Old Florida lives here, with old-fashioned fishing piers, hometown restaurants, and local shops. On a recent visit, my husband and I went kayaking with a local outfitter. The water was so clear that we saw horseshoe crabs and oyster beds. Our guide pointed out a baby Great Blue Heron in a large bird rookery.
As a beach destination, Anna Maria shines with many choices. Our favorite was Manatee Public Beach, which has a concession stand, picnic tables, grills, showers, and lifeguards on duty.
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