17 June 2026
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Summer means it’s time to head to the beach, but the best coastal towns in the U.S. offer much more than sand and surf. Fresh oysters paired with a crisp white wine on a patio overlooking the Pacific, a breeze ruffling the palm fronds around the pool, a monumental sculpture on a walkway near the water — these are the things that elevate a seaside vacation from a simple getaway to something memorably sublime.
Whether it’s the Spanish Colonial architecture of Santa Barbara, the historic setting of South Carolina’s “Holy City” of Charleston or the live-life-to-the-fullest spirit of Key West, each of these five destinations sums up what’s most alluring about summertime by the sea — amplified, in every case, by MICHELIN-worthy restaurants and hotels that elevate the experience of a visit.
1. Santa Barbara for Sea and Mountain Views
Santa Barbara’s dramatic setting — the glistening Pacific Ocean in front, the sharp peaks of the Santa Ynez Mountains behind — leaves little doubt as to why this section of California’s Central Coast has come to be known as the American Riviera.
The natural treasures here can seem unending. There are beautiful strips of sand to wander, including Miramar Beach and Butterfly Beach. Chartering a sunset cruise with the Santa Barbara Sailing Center is a relaxed way to get out onto the water, but true nature lovers should plan a day trip to Channel Islands National Park; the isolated, rugged islands offer hiking and kayaking, and the ferry ride itself often doubles as a whale-watching excursion.
Back on dry land, downtown Santa Barbara is replete with dining options. Loquita aligns itself with the city’s Spanish architecture, serving paella, tapas and a variety of gin and tonics in a century-old building. Bibi Ji, pairs contemporary Indian food with a natural wine list featuring selections from acclaimed sommelier and winemaker Raj Parr. (To explore the outstanding local wine scene further, stop by one of the many tasting rooms in town, such as Au Bon Climat, Fess Parker, Margerum, Melville and Pali.)
Where to Stay: Perched in the hills near the Old Mission Santa Barbara, the landmark El Encanto has panoramic views of the city and sea, with 30 bungalows in a mix of Craftsman and Spanish Colonial styles.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Cottage Life and Canine Companions
If there’s a word to describe Carmel-by-the-Sea, it’s “charming.” This small, exceedingly dog-friendly village just south of Monterey is dotted with fairy-tale-inspired cottages and is nestled against the white sand of Carmel Beach.
That idyllic patch of sand gives a glimpse of one of the area’s premier attractions: Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of America’s most iconic golf courses and a frequent host of the U.S. Open. If you can’t get a tee time, you can appreciate the same scenery by cruising along the 17-Mile Drive, which meanders by beaches, rocky outcroppings and cypress groves.
Back in the village, the cottages and Mission-style buildings house inns, boutique shops, tasting rooms (check out Chalone for its famous chardonnay and Wrath for Santa Lucia Highlands pinot noir) and several excellent MICHELIN Guide restaurants. Chief among these are Chez Noir, where fine-dining veterans Jonny and Monique Black craft fresh California cuisine (they list the farms they work with on the menu), and Aubergine, which is one of the finest restaurants on California’s Central Coast thanks to Chef Justin Cogley’s creative tasting menus and artful presentations.
Where to Stay: Tucked in a residential neighborhood full of architectural landmarks, the One-Key Villa Mara Carmel is an intimate, 16-room hotel in an updated 1929 building just a short walk from the beach.
3. St. Petersburg/Clearwater for the Beach and the Arts
Florida has no shortage of beaches, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest: Clearwater Beach is often ranked as the best in America, thanks to sugar-soft white sand and calm Gulf waters that are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Its west-facing orientation also promises Technicolor sunsets.
There’s more to St. Petersburg than just the beach, though. Set on a peninsula across the bay from Tampa, the city is a surprising cultural hub. Chief among its arts institutions is the Dalí Museum, which keeps more than 2,400 works by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí in an appropriately trippy waterfront building designed by architect Yann Weymouth. The nearby Museum of Fine Arts is also worth a visit for a collection that spans from contemporary to antiquity. The revitalized St Pete Pier boasts eye-catching installations as well — look for Nick Ervinck’s water-inspired sculpture “Olnetopia.”
Fine dining here centers around downtown St. Petersburg, with winning choices including Chef David Benstock’s modern Italian place, Il Ritorno, and Chef Rexley Kwok’s omakase counter, Sushi Sho Rexley. If you’re looking to break up your beach outing with a casual bite, consider The Tides Market, a Cajun-inflected seafood restaurant and grocery in Safety Harbor.
Where to Stay: For a beachfront location and spacious, residential-style accommodations, choose the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.
4. Charleston for History and Lowcountry Cuisine
No coastal destination in America can compete with Charleston when it comes to history or gentility. Founded in 1670, the South Carolina port city is home to cobblestone streets that divide rows of ornate antebellum houses (many painted in pastel colors) on their way down to the waterfront.
If you want to see inside those homes, many operators, including the Historic Charleston Foundation, lead tours. And there’s plenty more for history buffs: Fort Sumter, the site of the battle that sparked the Civil War, is accessible via a short ferry ride, and shoppers can peruse local arts, crafts and food at the Charleston City Market, which dates to 1807. Those looking to relax with a walk on the sand or a dip in the Atlantic can find plenty of beaches — among them Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island — within a short drive.
The best part of visiting Charleston, however, is the dining, as Lowcountry cuisine (food rooted in West African and Gullah Geechee heritage) is central to the city’s identity. Get a taste at Vern’s, an always-packed neighborhood place featuring local ingredients and handmade pastas, or Leon’s Oyster Shop, which is beloved for its shellfish, Old Bay-seasoned fried chicken and list of grower Champagnes.
Where to Stay: A new build that fits seamlessly into its historic surroundings, The Loutrel is a 50-room, Two-MICHELIN-Key hotel with an excellent bar. It’s around the corner from the City Market and two blocks from Waterfront Park.
5. Key West for Key-Lime Pie and Laid-Back Vibes
There’s a reason the 20th century’s most famous novelist/fisherman, Ernest Hemingway, and its most piratical singer-songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, settled in Key West: The southernmost of the Florida Keys is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts and margarita-sipping revelers alike. It’s also becoming a paradise for food lovers: As of May 2026, Key West has become part of the MICHELIN Guide’s restaurant selection.
Start with a visit to the Hemingway Home & Museum, where legendary writer Ernest Hemingway lived for much of the 1930s; today it’s home to dozens of six-toed cats, some of them descendants of Hemingway’s kitty, Snow White. To better understand why the author of "The Old Man and the Sea" spent so much time here, charter a boat to go deep-sea fishing for marlin and sailfish. The snorkeling and scuba diving in the Keys is also excellent; for a real adventure, book a boat or a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote cluster of small islands nearly 70 miles away.
After your aquatic activities, wind down by taking in the daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square before walking Duval Street (the Bourbon Street of Key West), where you’re likely to hear Jimmy Buffett covers wafting out of the many bars. Just a block off Duval and next to the Hemingway house, Moondog Cafe & Bakery offers hearty breakfasts and tacos stuffed with blackened mahi and shrimp. Finish with a slice of Key Lime pie, either there or at nearby Blue Heaven.
Where to Stay: Combining several historic buildings, including an 1884 conch house, the two-key Marquesa Hotel captures the tropical yet elegant feel of Old Florida. Guests under 14 aren’t allowed, so travelers with children should check out the Southernmost Beach Resort.
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Hero image: Looking out to the Gulf Coast of Florida from your private balcony. © JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Thumb image: The Pacific Ocean and city of Santa Barbara from El Encanto. © El Encanto
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