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By Becky Mahan, Editor
Cannon Beach, OR
by: Matt McGee flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Cannon Beach is Seaside‘s cool little neighbor, named for a cannon that washed ashore and packed to the gills with art galleries, seafood eateries, and a distillery. In fact, the town annually appears on the list of the 100 best art towns in America. When you want to see some natural wonders along with the abundant hand made artwork, stroll along the beach and see Haystack Rock, a 235 foot high coastal monolith famous for its role in The Goonies and Point Break.
Chatham, MA
by: Dougtone flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This quaint little town just screams Cape Cod, complete with its miles of beaches, a lighthouse, and ubiquitous fishing culture. The Chatham Pier Fish Market is the place to go for fresh seafood — you can chow down on lobster whilst watching the fishermen unload their catch… and the seals trying to steal it from them.
Kailua, HI
by: Ken Lund flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Move over, Waikiki, Kailua is where the beach town vibe is at. Much more residential and community-driven than its big sister resort town, Kailua hosts more B&Bs and vacation homes than large hotels. On Thursdays, check out the Kailua Farmers Market, where local macadamia nuts, coffee and taro products allow visitors a taste of Oahu life. Water sports dominate here; ride an early morning kayak out on the glassy calm waters or take an afternoon windsurfing lesson.
Morro Bay, CA
by: Tali Manouki – Courtesy: Gogobot
A working fishing village in San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay is an underrated stop along the Pacific Coast Highway about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The picturesque, sleepy little town is filled with the usual range of ocean activities – sailing, kayaking, whale watching – and tiny unspoiled beaches, though its main feature is the giant 600-foot high volcanic rock aptly named…Morro Rock.
Rehoboth Beach, DE
by: Lee Cannon flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This tiny Delaware beach town hardly gets the tourist crowds, and with a population of just over 1,000, it’s probably a good thing. But the beaches are considered some of the best on the Eastern seaboard, filled with soft sand and umbrellas (until nightfall), as well as dog-friendly sections of beach and a quaint downtown with dining and shopping.
Traverse City, MI
by: marada flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
This little coastal city is calm and sleepy…until the crowds flock to its shores, wineries, and breweries in the summer. With a climate perfect for growing grapes (and cherries), Traverse City is one of the most under-the-radar wine regions in the world. Plus, it’s home to the largest film festival – and the oldest restaurant – in Michigan.
Ogunquit, Maine
by: madmiked flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
One of Maine’s most-visited resort towns, Ogunquit is both sophisticated and family-friendly (its name literally means “beautiful place by the sea.”) Over three miles of sandy beaches and magnificent coastline – including the famous Marginal Way – attracts visitors year-round, but another big draw is the Ogunquit Playhouse, which has been hosting summer stock theater since the ’30s.
Gulf Shores, AL
by: Travel + Leisure – Courtesy: Gogobot
Gulf Shores used to be a bit of a hidden treasure, but now the secret’s out—more and more families are discovering its weekend getaway potential and heading to this town situated on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for bright pastel houses and the annual rock n’ roll Hangout Music Festival, it’s a surprisingly perfect beach town.
Chincoteague, Virginia
by: gr8dnes flickr – Courtesy: Gogobot
Bet you didn’t expect this one, did you? Devoid of a single sprawling resort, boardwalk, or cluster of restaurants, Chincoteague is the quintessential getaway. Part of the 14,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge, it’s clean, pristine, and yes, filled with those beautiful ponies you probably read about as a kid (Misty of Chincoteague, anyone?) If you’re seeking nightlife and a buzz of activity, this isn’t your place — but if a true vacation where you can unwind is what you’re after, you can do no better.
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Source: gogobot.com