America boasts a wealth of breathtaking coastal destinations that draw tourists from all over. But with packed beaches, crowded trails and shopfronts catering to tourists, it can feel like the whole world is on vacation with you. Yet beyond these well-known hotspots there are miles of unspoiled coastline, wild beauty and colourful small-town communities waiting to be explored.
Click through this gallery to discover our ranking of the most beautiful crowd-free coastal towns in America...
Want a bustling Victorian town with packed boardwalks? Head to Cape May, New Jersey, a lively seaside resort. But for nature and solitude, take the quieter path to Cape May Point, a secluded enclave at the state’s southern tip.
Cape May Point prioritises conservation over tourism, with much of its land part of Cape May Point State Park, a haven for birdwatchers. Here, you can spot murmurations of migrating birds, especially during the autumn raptor migration, soaring over rolling dunes where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Delaware Bay.
Driving through the mountainous roads of the Pacific Rim toward the Lost Coast requires confidence behind the wheel. But those who make the journey will emerge in Shelter Cove, a striking blend of ink-black beaches, rugged cliffs and untouched wilderness.
This remote coastal village is also a haven for sea lions, who rest safely away from the relentless crash of the Pacific. Despite its isolation, Shelter Cove offers a small but welcoming community, with cosy inns, fresh seafood and a laid-back atmosphere.
On Bald Head Island you’ll find salt marshes, pristine beaches and unspoiled landscapes – but not a single car. Accessible only by ferry, the island’s only vehicles are golf carts and bicycles, preserving its tranquil charm.
This lack of infrastructure has deterred mass tourism, leaving visitors with quiet waterways to kayak, scenic nature trails to explore and the chance to climb ‘Old Baldy’ – North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse – for sweeping views of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean.
Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration
With misty fjords, glacier-carved mountains and an endless stretch of icy-blue ocean teeming with wildlife, Whittier – a tiny town on the western edge of Prince William Sound – is the type of place that should be overrun with tourists.
However, a challenging entry to this haven cuts it off from all but the faint-hearted: visitors must travel through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a single-lane passage through the mountains that closes at night. Once there, travellers can kayak past glaciers, spot sea otters and whales, or hike the awe-inspiring Portage Pass Trail.
A stunning barrier island on the Gulf Coast, where white-sand beaches, emerald waters and unspoiled dunes create a picture-perfect escape. Unlike the more developed parts of Florida’s Panhandle, this quiet stretch of the Forgotten Coast remains blissfully free of high-rises and chain resorts.
With myriad bird species singing at dawn, locals shelling oysters or fishing for supper and the few tourists kayaking along the shore, life here moves at a relaxed pace. Adding to the island’s charm are its colourful beach houses perched on stilts, giving the island postcard-worthy appeal.
Part of Maine’s rugged Downeast coast, Lubec is the easternmost town in the US, sitting at the edge of the Canadian border with New Brunswick. Unlike other coastal wharves that now service tourists with luxurious meals, Lubec’s wharf still sees fishermen and dockers working tirelessly throughout the day.
Its remote location and working waterfront charm have kept Lubec largely untouched by mass tourism, offering an authentic slice of Maine’s maritime life.
Just 'The Pass' to locals, oak-lined streets of historic homes, colourful beach condos and sun-drenched vistas of the Gulf of Mexico make Pass Christian a stellar destination for visitors seeking a slower pace.
When the town was partially rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, locals preserved its relaxed, small-town character, favouring independent shops and seafood eateries over the high-rise resorts and amusement parks that neighbouring towns embraced.
Whether shell hunting on wide beaches, exploring protected wetlands, or watching fiery red sunsets from the dunes, Port Bolivar offers a serene escape on the Texas Gulf Coast. This quiet fishing town at the western tip of Bolivar Peninsula is home to Fort Travis, where visitors can soak up Texas history alongside panoramic views of Galveston Bay.
Most tourists, when faced with a ferry ride from Galveston or a long drive from Houston, choose to skip Port Bolivar altogether. Their loss, your gain. Here, the beaches are uncrowded, the seafood is fresh and the pace of life moves to the rhythm of the tide.
Many tourists are discouraged from visiting Hana, as it requires navigating the slow – albeit stunning – 52-mile (84km) Hana Highway, which winds through 620 curves and crosses 59 bridges. This isolation has helped preserve authentic Hawaiian culture, showcased at Hāna Cultural Center & Museum.
Black sand beaches contrast dramatically with the lush, jungle-like coastline – and for those willing to venture further, the Pipiwai Trail offers a four-mile (6.4km) round-trip hike through towering bamboo forests to the majestic Waimoku Falls.
With frequent wind and fog deterring sun worshippers, and Oregon’s well-known Cannon Beach and Newport drawing in the larger crowds, Port Orford offers an unfussy, sublime slice of nature.
With siloed beaches, monolithic sea stacks and windswept forests, the lack of tourism means a walk through Cape Blanco State Park is the same today as it was a century ago – that is to say, awe-inspiring.
Cycling along shaded trails, visitors to Dafuskie Island can take in moss-draped oaks and winding waterways, explore historic Gullah homes and kick back on one of many sandy shores.
With no bridges the island is only accessible by water – a fact that keeps its footfall low and its off-grid charm intact. For a taste of island life, a stop at D'Fuskie's Store and Eatery (pictured) is a must, offering everything from local crafts to essential supplies, embodying the island’s relaxed, self-sufficient spirit.
La Push is embedded in the Quileute Reservation, with limited tourist infrastructure and accommodation ensuring a stripped back, raw experience of nature.
On driftwood-strewn beaches, lucky visitors can glimpse migrating grey whales along the misty coast. The dense evergreen forest swallows all the stress of everyday life, offering respite that Washington’s more developed coastal towns can only dream of.
With mornings spent kayaking through thick mangroves, afternoons lolling on powdery beaches and evenings drifting on a sunset cruise, Captiva Island – a barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast – can tickle your every fancy.
What makes it stand out compared to neighbouring Sanibel Island is Captiva’s lack of crowds. Partly due the island’s smaller size and partly due to its close-knit community, Captiva has shunned big tourist developments in favour of charming beach cottages and a slow-paced life.
While turning off Route 1 before reaching Maine’s heavily-marketed destinations of Bar Harbour and Acadia National Park will feel like a detour, it is in fact a direct route to quiet, New England bliss.
With waters dotted with sailboats and seals, craggy shorelines guarded by old lighthouses and waterfront shacks serving freshly caught lobster, Boothbay Harbour hums with a laid-back ambience.
Although not technically not on the coast, Ludington sneaks its way onto this list due to its irresistible beaches and epic Lake Michigan swimming opportunities.
After strolling through a quaint downtown, the hiking trails of Ludington State Park await – home to dunes, marshlands, forests and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse. With Traverse City, two hours north, drawing the bulk of Michigan’s beach-bound tourists, you’ll feel like this lush beauty was made just for you.
Keep driving through the swamps and marshlands along LA Highway 1, and when the road runs out, you’ll reach Grand Isle – Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island. This remote fishing town is known for its stilted beach camps, abundant wildlife and unspoiled coastline, offering an escape from the bustle of mainland life.
The island’s charm lies in its natural beauty and laid-back pace. Spend your time listening to the dawn chorus of native birds, watching marsh grasses sway in the breeze and swapping stories with local anglers hauling in redfish, speckled trout and shrimp from the Gulf waters.
Located at the point where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Solomons has an undeniable magic. Its calm waters support gliding sailboats, and a walk around the characterful marinas is a must.
The many fishermen working the water ensure local eateries are stocked with only the freshest produce, while the Calvert Marine Museum offers a glimpse into Solomon’s deep maritime history and rich ecosystem. Lacking traditional ocean beaches, Solomon remains a relaxing oasis away from tourist chaos.
Perched along Monterey Bay, Capitola is California’s oldest seaside resort town, where colourful beachfront cottages and a quaint village centre give it a storybook charm. Its crescent-shaped beach is lined with cafés and boutiques, while the historic Capitola Wharf offers a vantage point for spotting sea otters.
Beyond the shoreline, visitors can explore the town’s mild coastal trails, kayak past the cliffs, or simply unwind with a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean. With its small-town charm, walkable streets and fewer crowds than nearby Santa Cruz, Capitola remains one of the Central Coast’s most relaxed beach destinations.
Where towering cliffs meet the wild Pacific Ocean, Gualala is a rugged oasis on California’s Mendocino coastline, with a remote location along Highway 1 that has long made it a retreat for artists, writers and those seeking solitude.
Visitors can explore the stunning Gualala Point Regional Park, kayak through serene estuaries, or wander along deserted beaches with only the sound of crashing waves for company. With its thriving artistic community, untouched landscapes and absence of crowds, Gualala offers an escape for those who prefer authenticity over spectacle.
Is there a better replacement for the New York City rat race than the historic carousel at Mitchell Park Marina? Greenport, located on Long Island’s North Fork, boasts a waterfront steeped in maritime history, with gorgeous views of Shelter Island and Peconic Bay.
It offers all the good parts of the neighbouring Hamptons without the same throng of tourists or hit to your hard earned cash. A short trip to local wineries or farm-to-table restaurants give Greenport a touch of class to bolster its nautical charm.
Home to one of the largest preservation efforts in the South East, Jekyll Island has batted away developers' attempts to make it a haven for mass tourism.
No longer a hunting club for the loftiest in 19th century society, instead you’ll find dolphins and sea turtles weaving through the waves of the hauntingly beautiful Driftwood Beach, and large oak trees begowned in Spanish moss providing gentle shade.
Nestled on Kauai’s rugged west coast, Kekaha is a quiet seaside town where time slows, and the ocean stretches endlessly along golden sands. Unlike the busier resort areas of the island, Kekaha remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse into authentic Hawaiian life.
Beyond its tranquil shoreline, Kekaha serves as the gateway to some of Kauai’s most dramatic landscapes, including Polihale Beach and Waimea Canyon. It’s the last major stop before the island’s wild and undeveloped west side, ideal for those who prefer natural beauty over luxury resorts.
Just as it repelled a British naval attack in the War of 1812, Stonington has successfully resisted the tide of mass tourism. Its colonial-era homes, historic mills and charming waterfront make it a delight for history lovers, while DuBois Beach offers a peaceful spot for evening strolls along the Long Island Sound.
Staying true to its shipbuilding and fishing heritage, Stonington’s restaurants serve up some of New England’s finest seafood, including freshly caught scallops and lobster brought in by local fishermen.
With no bridges connecting Ocracoke to the mainland, very few visitors make the ferry journey to this idyllic island. Some of its most famous residents never leave, however – Ocracoke’s wild ponies, believed to be descendants of shipwrecked Spanish mustangs, graze in a protected pasture near the island’s northern end.
Despite its isolation, the island has a small network of roads, but many prefer to explore by bike or foot, winding through serene marshes, oak-laden maritime forests and a 12-mile (19km) stretch of unspoiled shore within Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Where the craggy Pacific shoreline meets the wild beauty of the Rogue River, you’ll find Gold Beach. Adventurers who venture inland can take a jet boat tour up the Rogue River, where bald eagles soar overhead and black bears forage along the banks.
The town’s most haunting landmark is the Mary D. Hume Shipwreck, a decaying 19th-century steamship resting in the harbour, now a moss-covered relic of a maritime past. With its emphasis on outdoor adventure – fishing, hiking and river excursions – Gold Beach attracts nature lovers rather than floods of tourists.
Although Chincoteague’s famous Pony Swim brings in a wave of tourists each July, the island remains quiet for much of the year, offering visitors a chance to see the wild Chincoteague ponies grazing on Assateague Island from designated viewing areas.
Wildlife lovers should visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, home to hundreds of migratory bird species, bald eagles and diverse coastal habitats. For a breathtaking view of the Assateague Lighthouse, take a sunset cruise, which also offers stunning vistas of the island’s pristine beaches and salt marshes.
Part of the Makah Reservation, Neah Bay remains free from casual crowds, as visitors must purchase a Makah Recreation Permit to explore key areas like Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. The permit is well worth it – not least for a visit to the Makah Museum, which houses artefacts from a 500-year-old Makah village uncovered by a mudslide.
Shi Shi Beach, one of Washington’s most stunning shorelines, rewards hikers with dramatic sea stacks and tide pools, and on clear days, visitors may even spot orcas and migrating grey whales offshore.
Attentively rebuilt after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Rockport has regained much of its charm yet still sees fewer crowds than before, making it a hidden treasure on the Texas Gulf Coast.
With calm, shallow waters and picnic-friendly pavilions, Rockport Beach is ideal for families looking to relax while kids explore the shore. And just a short drive away, visitors can meet the legendary 'Big Tree' in Goose Island State Park, one of the largest and oldest live oaks in the country, estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
Largely consisting of protected maritime forests and salt marshes, St. Simons Island retains a laid-back charm. Whether exploring Fort Frederica National Monument, a well-preserved British colonial fort from the 1700s, or climbing the 129 steps of the still-operational St. Simons Lighthouse, the island offers a glimpse into Georgia’s rich coastal history.
As you wander toward quiet tidal creeks or wide sandy beaches, keep an eye out for the Tree Spirits of St. Simons – intricately carved faces hidden in centuries-old live oaks, a whimsical addition to the island’s natural beauty and folklore.
What makes Cape Charles so appealing is also what keeps tourism at bay – its historic homes and pristine shoreline are carefully preserved, preventing large-scale development and maintaining its small-town charm.
Nestled along the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles offers calm, inviting waters perfect for swimming, while boat tours reveal the unspoiled beauty of Virginia’s barrier islands, where nature thrives undisturbed along the rural Eastern Shore.
Our pick for the most beautiful crowd-free coastal town in America, Fernandina Beach is the crown jewel of Amelia Island, offering a quieter escape from Florida’s resort towns. Its historic district, with 19th-century mansions and waterfront seafood spots, reflects the town’s past, while Fort Clinch provides a glimpse into Civil War history.
With 13 miles (21km) of uncrowded shoreline, beachgoers may even spot wild horses from nearby Cumberland Island, and thanks to strict preservation efforts, the town retains its Old Florida charm, free from high-rises and heavy tourism.
Now discover celebrities' favourite places to visit in America