Best Beach Towns in America for Outdoor Adventures

Tired of the same old beach towns? Looking for a place where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and waves, while also getting your fill of outdoor adventure? Look no further than these five beach towns that offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is a great place for outdoor adventurers of all levels. The island offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks along the coast to challenging treks through the mountains. You can also go surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. And don’t forget to visit the famous Diamond Head crater, a popular hiking destination with stunning views of the island.

Must-try activities:

  • Hike the Diamond Head crater
  • Go surfing at Waikiki Beach
  • Take a kayak tour of the Kane’ohe Bay
  • Snorkel in the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is a classic beach town with a laid-back vibe and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. The city is home to several state parks, including Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, where you can hike among towering redwoods, and Wilder Ranch State Park, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails along the coast. You can also go surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Must-try activities:

  • Hike the redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Bike the trails at Wilder Ranch State Park
  • Go surfing at Steamer Lane
  • Take a kayak tour of the Monterey Bay

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a beautiful peninsula located in southeastern Massachusetts. The area is known for its charming towns, picturesque beaches, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can hike or bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile paved trail that runs through the heart of the peninsula. You can also go kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the calm waters of the Cape Cod Bay. And don’t forget to visit the Cape Cod National Seashore, which offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Must-try activities:

  • Hike or bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail
  • Go kayaking in the Cape Cod Bay
  • Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Take a whale watching tour

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is a popular beach town located on the Atlantic coast of South Carolina. The city is known for its wide, sandy beaches, warm waters, and abundance of outdoor activities. You can go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing in the ocean. You can also hike or bike the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 2.2-mile walkway that runs along the beach. And don’t forget to visit the Myrtle Beach State Park, which offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and camping opportunities.

Must-try activities:

  • Swim and sunbathe at Myrtle Beach
  • Go fishing in the ocean
  • Hike or bike the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
  • Visit the Myrtle Beach State Park

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is a charming island located off the coast of Massachusetts. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and quaint shops. You can go swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing in the ocean. You can also hike or bike the Nantucket Bike Path, a 12-mile paved trail that runs around the island. And don’t forget to visit the Nantucket Conservation Foundation, which offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Must-try activities:

  • Swim and sunbathe at Nantucket’s beaches
  • Go fishing in the ocean
  • Hike or bike the Nantucket Bike Path
  • Visit the Nantucket Conservation Foundation

So there you have it, five of the best beach towns in America for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax on the beach, these towns have something for everyone.