Iconic Coastal Destinations in the U.S: Lighthouses, Boardwalks & Coastal Towns
- Nikhil Rana
- March 26, 2026
- Travel
- coastal destinations
- 0 Comments
You know that feeling.
You’ve been driving – you thought forever – the kids were whining; you felt exhausted. And then you’d get up and over that last hill and – lo and behold – the ocean stretched out before you.
A hush would fall over the car. You’d all breathe deeply.
That moment is why coastal getaways are perpetually cool. The United States can brag about having thousands of miles of coastline, and the nature of travel varies greatly, depending on your chosen spot. Whether you prefer pounding surf against granite ledges in Maine, catching a thrilling ride aboard the historic, Ocean-side roller coaster in California, searching for the elusive keeper’s dwelling at the top of a lighthouse on the Outer Banks, or simply relaxing with an iced beverage in a sleepy Georgia beach town, there’s plenty of it.
Coastal trips to these iconic US hot spots aren’t, though, always about sinking your toes in the sand (though there’s plenty of opportunity).
Some offer maritime adventures, others provide hours of family fun; some require the scenic highway, while others are just serene havens where you can unwind and simply be near water. Read on for 10 essential lighthouses and boardwalks to national seashores and charming waterside villages; American coastal vacation destinations to consider for your next itinerary.
Quick Guide to the Best Coastal Destinations in the US
| Destination | State | Best For | Don’t miss |
| Portland and Cape Elizabeth | Maine | Lighthouses and scenery | Portland headlight |
| Bar Harbor | Maine | Nature and Couples | Acadia National Park |
| Cape Cod | Massachusetts | Beaches and Road Trips | National Seashore |
| Cape Hatteras | North Carolina | Lighthouses and Beaches | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse |
| Carmel-by-the-sea | California | Couples and Charm | Scenic Coastline |
| Santa Cruz | California | Families and Entertainment | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk |
| Monterery | California | Scenic Drives and Wildlife | Monterey Bay |
| Tybee Island | Georgia | Relaxed beach trips | Tybee Island Light Station |
| Key West | Florida | Sun and nightlife | Historic Old Town |
| Cape Lookout | North Carolina | Adventure and Solitude | Cape Lookout Lighthouse |
What makes a Coastal Destination Iconic?
Being a famous seaside resort means a whole lot more than just being a beach town. Some of America’s most impressive coastal destinations throw in a few things in, like incredible topography, historic lighthouses, boardwalk attractions, fishing towns, national parks, wildlife, and local history. And don’t forget the National Park Service, which oversees 60 ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes park units that contain anything you’d imagine, from beaches to dunes, sea grasses, reefs, estuaries, to maritime historic sites. After all, coastal parks safeguard vital chunks of our seafaring past – ancient lighthouses, fortifications, lifeboat stations, among them.
That’s what elevates a coast trip.
You could be hiking a seaside cliff for a couple of hours, munching on local fare in a waterfront community during lunch, then taking the day’s last glimpse of the water in the glow of the sunset.
Iconic Coastal Destinations in the U.S.
Lighthouses
I had no idea about how much there is to love about lighthouses when I was younger. They were just pictures on postcards or pictures of my family when we used to go on vacations together. Now that I am getting older, I understand what lighthouses mean; they are the ones that endure everything; they are the ones that are working hard when things are bad.
I went to Portland Head Light in Maine on a very cold and windy day. The wind was cutting through my jacket as I stood on the rocky coastal land and watched the water hit the bottom of the lighthouse. Next to me was this older man who had lived in Maine his whole life; he looked like he was made of the granite in Maine. He was looking out at the lighthouse, and he was like, “That lighthouse has been through a lot!” And I was like, “For sure”. We stood there together in silence for about 10 minutes without a word. That type of comfortable silence with a stranger does not happen often!
Cape Hatteras has stripes. I have gone to the top of this lighthouse, but I don’t enjoy heights. I had to take a couple of rests about halfway up, but when I got to the top and looked out, all I saw was water all around; I forgot all about being afraid when I got to the top.
They moved the entire structure of the lighthouse to the west and moved it inland from the beach. If they can do that, what can we do?
There are some really cool old historical lighthouses along the coast of this country.
Boardwalks
The boardwalks are basically the total opposite of lighthouses. They are noisy, chaotic, and filled with lots of laughter, suntan lotion, popcorn, and possibly even regret from all the fried things you ate way too fast, but they are all the same thing: fun to be around!
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is my ultimate favourite. I went with a friend who was going through a rough patch, not so much wanting to talk about what was going on, but rather to escape from all his thoughts for a while. We went around the boardwalk, and I noticed a lot of kids and that everyone had trays full of French fries from the booths. Above us was the roller coaster, and as it rattled through the air, the whole area trembled, and we could feel the vibrations on the ground beneath our feet.
While we were at the boardwalk, we tried out the Giant Dipper, which is an old, wooden roller coaster that creaks, moans, and groans while you ride it, giving you the impression that it could fall apart at any moment. After our first ride, my friend laughed genuinely, whereas before he was merely laughing out of politeness; he was really enjoying himself, so we got back in line to ride it again and again! By the time we rode it the third time, we were simply screaming out of excitement, not fear of falling off the ride!
That’s one of the big reasons why these boardwalks are among the best around the United States for reminding us how to have fun, just like a kid again!
The Towns
Found Carmel-by-the-Sea by accident. Just driving. No plan. Turned down a street, and there it was. Little town. Cute houses. Bakery with huge cookies.
Kid kept throwing too hard. Plunk. Dad kept showing her. Finally, she got one to skip. She spun around. Dad spun her too. Made me smile.
Bar Harbor, Maine. Stayed at a little place where the lady made pancakes. One morning, I went to Acadia and sat on a rock. Watched the fog. Watched the boats. Didn’t think about anything.
Got a lobster roll. Sat at a picnic table. A seagull landed. I gave him some bread. He was happy.
Tybee Island, Georgia. Slow. Walked into a shop and talked to the lady there. She told me about her garden. Her tomatoes. I liked listening.
Went to the beach. Family building a sandcastle. The little girl was the boss. Telling her dad where to put sand. He did what she said. I sat there till the sun went down. Quiet.
Other Reads by DTurban
Now, if you’re ready for the trip, check out the other guides by DTurban that will help you in planning your travel:
Final Thoughts on Iconic Coastal Destinations in the US
Those places will force you to slow down. You’re likely not thinking about work as much as you used to as you’re taking in those dramatic waves crash at the base of a lighthouse and there are plenty of those to do in the U.S as well and you aren’t likely concerned about work if your boardwalk in front of you and you have a hot dog, onion, and relish hot, ready and ripe, nor if you happen to find yourself sifting a hand full of white hot fine beach sand in between your fingers.
Once you arrive on many of the US’s unique shore lines whether you decide to go with rocky shores of Maine or the long sandy shores of the Cape Cod beaches and on to Carolina shores of lighthouses, Pacific views of California shores , southern hospitality and warmth from Georgia, down into the warm waters of Florida-don’t even pretend like there are so many to go in so short amount of time.
Pick one and go, and don’t leave when the view has you stopping in awe; just don’t. Let the ocean work.
