KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE

Situated just south of Maine’s capital city along the Atlantic coast, Kennebunkport functions as the perfect beach town, luring in tourists both for quick and extended summer getaways. The charm and authenticity of this oceanfront spot stems from its quintessential historic colonial-style architecture, with coloured window shutters and painted doors. City-dwellers not only flock to Kennebunkport for its pristine beaches, but also venture there for its cultural festivals and artistic flare. Come June, the city hosts its annual Food, Wine, Works of Art Festival, which features top chefs, fine wines, as well as artistic works and performances by acclaimed artists. A visit to Kennebunkport offers a truly blissful and relaxing escape.

Recommended Lodging: The Captain Lord Mansion, The White Barn Inn & Spa

 

EDGARTOWN, MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS

Take a quick drive from Boston to Falmouth, Cape Cod, and hop on a ferry to charming Edgartown. Located on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Edgartown’s preserved past make it a draw for fashionable guests, with its eighteenth and nineteenth century homes and manicured gardens. Spend the day exploring the cobbled streets and shopping, head to the pristine beaches just outside of town, enjoy time antiquing or indulge in the town’s renowned fine dining. Oozing quintessential colonial charm and elegance, Edgartown is a truly idyllic coastal town.

Recommended Lodging: The Christopher, Hob Knob, The Sydney

 

SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA

Driving over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, will bring you to the charming seaside town of Sausalito. Sausalito is a celebrity and tourist hotspot, drawing crowds in for its fresh seafood and quaint, authentic aesthetic. Head to one of the oceanfront restaurants and dine on lobster whilst watching the sun set in front of the San Francisco skyline. Sausalito is also home to a myriad of fantastic art galleries to explore. We recommend dropping into the Sausalito Art Gallery as well as Galerie Elektra.

Recommended Lodging: The Inn Above Tide, Cavallo Point Lodge

 

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA

When looking for a destination that both exudes southern charm as well as beachside coastal beauty, Beaufort, South Carolina, instantly comes to mind. Situated only an hour and a half outside the city of Charleston, Beaufort serves as the ideal seaside escape. Most widely known for its antebellum mansions, other popular attractions of Beaufort include Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park as well as Pigeon Point Park; both of which are home to the famous Angel Oak trees of the American South.

Recommended Lodging: Anchorage 1770, Beaufort Inn

 

MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT

Only a two hour drive north of New York City lies the quaint, pleasant town of Mystic, Connecticut. While the appeal of most coastal cities is the beach, Mystic offers a plethora of other activities and attractions across the town. Take a day to visit some of these other sights, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, Coogan Farm Nature and Heritage Center, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Mystic Museum of Art. Mystic also provides tourists with a myriad of seafood dining establishments; for a true New England dining experience head to S&P Oyster Company and Sea View Snack Bar – you will not be disappointed!

Recommended Lodging: The Whaler’s Inn