Many of USA Today’s “Readers Choice 2023” polls focus on America’s small communities, and people are voting for their favorites in a variety of categories. A recent ranking looks at the best small coastal towns, and the top five have something for everyone.
According to a USA Today reader poll, the following are the top 5 Cozy Coastal Towns in the United States:
No. 5: Provincetown, Massachusetts
In this welcoming LGBTQ+ environment, everyone can feel at home among the beaches, galleries, restaurants, and specialty stores. Provincetown is the oldest active artist colony in America, and tourists will notice the expressive and open attitude it still has today.
No. 4: Bayfield, Wisconsin
Rittenhouse Avenue, the main street, is lined with many unique stores offering arts and crafts. Bayfield entices visitors with countless activities such as kayaking on the islands, hiking the trails, and attending one of the many food and music festivals held throughout the year.
No. 3: Marblehead, Massachusetts
There’s plenty to do in this cozy seaside town, including parks, beaches, fantastic restaurants, shopping and, of course, coastal views. Check out the lighthouse or visit Fort Sewall; whatever you spend your time here, you’ll feel right at home in the sea breeze.
No. 2: Stuart, Florida
Stuart is a picturesque tiny town located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, just north of Jupiter Island. Stuart is popular with sport anglers all around the country because it offers every form of fishing imaginable, from sail to bay and river fishing.
No. 1: Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky rates high among families because its iconic Cedar Point, one of America’s favorite amusement parks. Sandusky is also recognized as Ohio’s water park capital due to its abundance of year-round indoor water parks, one of which is Big Wolf Lodge.
The next five towns round up the top ten best little coastal towns are:
- No. 6: St. Augustine, Florida
- No. 7: Sanibel Island, Florida
- No. 8: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- No. 9: Nags Head, North Carolina
- No. 10: Cannon Beach, Oregon