12 Must-Visit US Coastal Cities for Stunning Ocean Views
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For many, there’s nothing like a sea view to make you feel like you’re on vacation. There’s something so soothing about the sight and sound of those rolling waves, too. From must-see Californian highlights to coastal spots in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Oregon, Virginia, and Hawaii, here are 12 of the most spectacular ocean-facing cities in the US.
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is also known as Surf City USA, and seeing riders enjoying the ocean swells here provides one of the most iconic coastal views on the land. This part of SoCal is also conveniently close to lovely coastal locations like Santa Monica and Malibu.
Read also: Relaxing Harbor Towns in the US
Miami, Florida
With year-round sunshine, a reputation for lively nightlife, and superb accommodation options, Miami has been popular with tourists for what seems like forever. The city is also blessed with beautiful beaches, offering perfect panoramas of the Caribbean Sea meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t miss the art deco gems along Ocean Drive, which are also very photogenic.
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Tybee Island, Georgia
Just half an hour from Savannah is Tybee Island, the most easterly point in the state of Georgia. This compact city offers traditional coastal charm, including a pier, a pavilion, and a lighthouse. The broad sandy beaches and sea views are worth taking a detour or day trip from Savannah.
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Los Angeles, California
While the Hollywood area might not be anything special, Los Angeles offers some stunning coastal locations to visit. Fortunately, Santa Monica and Venice Beach are right next to one another, so you can walk from one to the other while exploring the area. Enjoy superb ocean views from Santa Monica Pier, or watch the weightlifters at Muscle Beach work out with the golden sand and blue sea as a backdrop.
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Cannon Beach, Oregon
Oregon might not be the first state to come to mind when considering beaches, but Cannon Beach is a lovely coastal destination. National Geographic named it one of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World. The downtown area also offers lovely boutiques and appealing art galleries.
Read also: Hidden Beaches in the US
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Though popular in summer, Virginia Beach has a more laid-back air than other coastal US cities. The city offers a straight sweep of clean golden sand, lapped by the Atlantic and backed by a three-mile boardwalk. As well as sea view accommodation, the city counts the family-friendly Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the historic First Landing State Park among its attractions.
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Malibu, California
Malibu is located west of Los Angeles and offers over 20 miles of breathtaking beaches. The Santa Monica mountains also ensure a magnificent backdrop. You can enjoy this celebrity haunt by taking a beach day or a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Oahu might be the most touristy of the Hawaiian islands, but there’s no denying that Waikiki Beach is breathtaking. With soft, golden sand and clear blue water, it’s ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also backed by cafes, restaurants, and bars so that you can enjoy a tropical cocktail or fresh seafood with incomparable ocean views.
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Cape May, New Jersey
This seaside city on the Cape May Peninsula in southern New Jersey is officially listed as a National Historic Landmark. It has many refined and well-preserved Victorian homes, plus a good selection of shops, restaurants, and museums. The views from Cape May Lighthouse, over Delaware Bay and the Atlantic, are also unparalleled.
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Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is often known as the American Riviera and has a Mediterranean air. It’s also appealingly old school, with traditional Spanish-style architecture. Expect palm-fringed beaches on the seaward side and a majestic mountainous backdrop inland. As well as for its beaches, Santa Barbara offers historic attractions, shopping, good food, and fine wine.
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Key West, Florida
Located right at the tip of the Florida Keys, Key West offers much more than white sands and turquoise water. It’s under 100 miles from Cuba, has a tropical feel, and is famed for diving and snorkeling sites more than sunbathing and swimming beaches. Key West’s downtown district offers lively Duval Street, pastel-colored buildings, and historic sites, including Ernest Hemingway House with its six-toed cats.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is often called one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the US, and this small city is like something from a fairytale. Cozy cottages and Spanish colonial architecture characterize the center, and you can also do some surfing or wildlife watching in the area. The name of the Scenic Bluff Path pretty much sums up the views you can expect from this Monterey Peninsula settlement.
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