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Why fight for space on a beach just because it's where you always go when there's an entire list of lesser-known beaches worth your time?
According to a new report from HelloMillions, which analyzed search volume alongside a “beauty score,” a handful of lesser-known coastal towns across the U.S. offer a quieter, more scenic alternative to the usual summer hotspots. And the winner isn’t where you might expect.
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Tied for the top spot are Hawaii's Kapaʻa, Kauai and Virginia's Sandbridge Beach, each earning a final score of 8.59 out of 10. Kapaʻa, located along Kauai’s lush Coconut Coast, pairs historic storefronts with a rugged, postcard-ready shoreline. Sandbridge, meanwhile, sits on a barrier spit between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, delivering a more low-key, local vibe than neighboring Virginia Beach.
Coming in third is South Carolina's Edisto Beach, a serene, residential-feeling stretch of coastline about 45 miles south of Charleston. The rest of the top 10 reads like a cross-country itinerary. Ocracoke, in North Carolina, is a remote Outer Banks island accessible only by ferry, with 16 miles of windswept shoreline and salt marshes. Edgartown, on Martha’s Vineyard, blends classic New England charm with whaling-era architecture and a working harbor, as well as easy access to South Beach.
California makes a single appearance with Avila Beach, a Central Coast gem known for its mild weather and tucked-away feel. The Midwest sneaks in, too, with Bay View, proving you don’t need salt water for a picturesque beach town.
Hawaii, notably, dominates the list with three entries. Hauʻula, Oahu and Kaunakakai, Molokai tie for eighth place, though Hauʻula stands out for being the least searched destination on the list—just 100 monthly queries—making it arguably the most “hidden” of the hidden gems. Rounding out the ranking is Seabrook Beach in New Hampshire, a quiet stretch of sand with protected dunes and a notably uncrowded atmosphere.
With roughly 3.4 billion visits to U.S. beaches each year, the best move this summer might be to skip the obvious and head to a smaller town. After all, it's the same sun. Just with a shot at fewer people in your eyeline.
1. Kapaʻa, Kauai (Hawaii)
2. Sandbridge Beach (Virginia)
3. Edisto Beach (South Carolina)
4. Ocracoke (North Carolina)
5. Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard (Massachusetts)
6. Avila Beach (California)
7. Bay View (Michigan)
8. Hauʻula, Oahu (Hawaii)
8. Kaunakakai, Molokai (Hawaii)
10. Seabrook Beach (New Hampshire)