Two Florida cities made the list of USA Today’s 10 best coastal small towns, but the rest of the list may surprise you.
The publication’s 10Best list is compiled by editors, voted on by readers and showcases some of the best small towns across the U.S.
A top-five spot is occupied by a famous Florida town which is part of a number of islands that extend the southernmost tip of the state by over 200 miles.
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No. 10: Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach calls itself the ““World’s Longest Beach” which sounds neat, but it is actually the world’s longest drivable beach, the longest beach on a peninsula, and the longest beach in the United States, according to the website Explore Washington State. It is said to take third place when it comes to the longest beaches in the world, although that seems to be disputed, as well, based on several internet searches.
Maybe it’s just a cool name?
No. 9: Washington Island, Wisconsin
Washington Island – not in the state of Washington – is accessible with a 5-mile ferry ride “across the once-treacherous waters of Death’s Door, where Green Bay and Lake Michigan meet,” according to Destination Door County.
If that description didn’t send you running, the island that around 600 people call home, also features festivals, shopping, music and art.
No. 8: Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is “America’s Original Seaside Resort,” at least that is how the town’s website describes it. With this one, the world wide webs tend to agree. You can stay at the Congress Hall, which bills itself as the country’s first seaside resort that was established in 1816.
Other things to do in this southernmost point in New Jersey are take in the beaches, but beach tags are required for admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.
That just seems un-American.
No. 7: Sandusky, Ohio
Located along the Sandusky Bay shoreline, Sandusky is home to Cedar Point which is called “America’s Roller Coast.” Get it? The theme park is home to 70 rides, including a few world-class roller coasters.
“Sandusky surprises with its beautiful parks, downtown architecture, and wealth of history, including its role in the Underground Railroad,” according to the Shores & Islands website.
It’s also the hometown of WKMG Digital Content Manager Daniel Dahm.
No. 6: Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a “classy coastal city with culinary flair” if you believe the folks over at the website Visit The USA.
It sits on Aquidneck Island, boasts a population of around 25,000 and is known as the Sailing Capital of the World being home to America’s Cup and the U.S. Naval Station Newport,
No. 5: Pismo Beach, California
Described as a “classic beach town” by Experience Pismo Beach, this town is about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
This town is famous for its wineries and boasts an average temperature around 70 degrees. Temps range from the low 50s in winter to the mid 70s in summer.
And as a bonus, the town calls itself the “Clam Capital of the World” and hosts the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival – a tradition since 1946. There’s a Clam Festival parade!
No. 4: Gulf Shores, Alabama
When I briefly lived in Alabama, people used to ask me if I had “ever been to L.A.,” then laughed and said “Lower Alabama!”
Gulf Shores is definitely in lower Alabama.
Known for its white-sand beaches, blue-green Gulf waters, this area is an easy drive from New Orleans, Atlanta and Nashville. Other attractions include The Wharf in Orange Beach, which has one of the largest Ferris wheels in the Southeast, and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
No. 3: Key West, Florida
Now we’re cooking with gas – Florida is on the board!
About a six-hour drive from Orlando, Key West is one of those places that everyone should try to visit and experience.
Here you can visit the southernmost tip of the state, hit the beach, visit an art gallery or take in a famous sunset at world-famous Mallory Square while watching cats do tricks.
Don’t forget to visit Duvall Street, home to tons of neat shops, bars and restaurants.
No. 2: Saugatuck, Michigan
I’m not sure what kind of an award a beach can win, but according to Visit Saugatuck Michigan, “from award-winning beaches to scenic waterways and grassy dunes, from a thriving art scene born from a creative, open-minded culture to a culinary landscape that’s become world-renowned—this is a one-of-a-kind place where people long to stay.”
It’s probably best to visit this one in the summer.
You can climb the 302 steps up Mt. Baldhead, a giant sand dune offerinf incredible views of Saugatuck, Douglas, and Lake Michigan.
No. 1: Stuart, Florida
Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
The closest “small coastal town” to Orlando just happens to come in at No. 1.
Stuart is only about a two-hour drive from Orlando, but Brightline recently announced that they are adding downtown Stuart as a stop as the passenger rail service continues to expand. The stop will be “conveniently located between the Miami and Orlando station” and is expected to open in the second half of 2026, the company said.
Part of the Treasure Coast, Stuart is known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” and “America’s Happiest Seaside Town,” according to Visit Florida.
Stuart was also recognized as one of USA Today’s 2023 Reader’s Choice top 10 southern beaches.
Who needs seasons when you can access a gorgeous beach all year!