30 Beach Towns Ideal for a Last-Minute Summer Vacation

Summer may be winding down but there's still plenty of warm weather and sunshine to enjoy before the kids head back to school. If you missed out on a proper summer vacation, there's still time. Plan a last-minute getaway to one of these fun-filled beach towns and salvage the season.

A well-known resort town with plenty of sandy beach and boardwalk for everyone, Virginia Beach is one of several family-friendly East Coast destinations that are best experienced toward the end of summer when the water has had a chance to heat up and the crowds start to die down.

Take advantage of warmer temperatures, cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds by saving your Ocean City, Maryland vacation for late summer. It's not terribly far from most Mid-Atlantic cities and finding a hotel room or even a condo last-minute is relatively painless as well. Better yet, talk to a travel agent.

Some of the most scenic beaches in America can be found in Gulf Shores, Alabama and the average high temperature is 80 degrees even as late as October. Beach bums will want to check out nearby Orange Beach while families will enjoy Waterville USA as well as the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

Punta Cana boasts beautiful beaches, stress-free all-inclusive hotels and resorts and is easily accessible from many American cities, making it one of the best international seaside destinations to drop your anchor before autumn arrives.

Panama City Beach is a no-brainer for travelers planning a last-minute summer vacation as it features some of the world's best beaches and there's no passport required. Factor in affordable hotel rates and you have the ideal season-ending escape.

The Cayman Islands capital is a popular port of call for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean and it's no wonder why. Shopaholics will love the tax- and duty-free shops and everyone will enjoy the unrivaled nature experiences such as Stingray City.

Getting to Cancun has never been easier and there's no need to spend time developing a complicated itinerary since most of the destination's elite hotels and resorts offer all the sun, sand, fun and entertainment you could ever want.

Another port town reminiscent of paradise, Ocho Rios will win you over with both its natural and manmade attractions. The former include the well-known and tourist-friendly Dunn's River Falls and Turtle River Falls and Gardens.

Whether taking a day trip from nearby Los Angeles or visiting for an extended weekend, Huntington Beach is a worthy summer destination. Surf City USA is home to the International Surfing Museum, of course, but also the best beaches in the Golden State. Huntington Beach is also one of the happiest places in America, according to WalletHub, so don't be surprised to make some new friends.

Cannon Beach isn't your prototypical American beach town as you won't find bikini-clad sunbathers strewn out along the shore. This coastal city is more so known for its romantic scenery, wildlife and nature trails, making it a perfect destination for Fido.

San Diego is renowned for its welcoming weather and the seaside area of La Jolla is a beneficiary. There's a little something for everyone here, including iconic golf courses, waterfront shops and restaurants, hiking trails and gorgeous ocean views.

Ogunquit is among New England's premier beach towns, complementing miles of sandy beach with an underrated arts scene and one of the country's most scenic coastal walks (Marginal Way). Late-summer visitors can also experience September's Capriccio Festival of Kites.

Los Cabos is trending up at the moment and for good reason. Getting to resort cities like San Jose del Cabo from the U.S. has never been easier and new hotels and resorts are popping up constantly.

The Bahamas' allure is indisputable and Nassau Paradise Island is arguably the best place to experience all of the country's best qualities. Guests staying at Atlantis Paradise Island don't even need to leave the resort to enjoy beaches, pools, water slides and a variety of marine life.

If you can't make it to the coast before summer's over, head to Saugatuck, Michigan to experience one of America's best lake towns. Unwind on Oval Beach or go birding at Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

A short drive north of Ocean City, Maryland, Delaware's Rehoboth Beach offers plenty of beautiful coastlines, an entertaining boardwalk and an array of delicious restaurants. It's also home to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, one of the best outdoor concert venues in the country.

Hilton Head might just be America's best island. A haven for golfers and tennis players, the town is a highlight of South Carolina Lowcountry. The award-winning destination boasts a dozen miles of gorgeous beaches as well as hundreds of mouthwatering restaurants for those eyeing a foodie vacation.

There are lots to do outdoors in Montauk, including multiple state parks, sightseeing tours and fishing charters. If you prefer a getaway spent mostly outdoors and on the water, head to this Long Island village.

Clearwater Beach combines some of the world's best beaches with small-town charm. The family-friendly destination certainly isn't short on attractions, offering dolphin sightings, pirate cruises and much more.

Located east of Wilmington, North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach is an under-the-radar beach town. Nonetheless, visitors keep coming back as a result of the wide variety of activities offered, including water sports, harbor cruises, fishing, hiking, nightlife and shopping.

One of America's oldest beach towns, Plymouth offers visitors quiet stretches of shoreline as well as unparalleled history. Check out the iconic Plymouth Rock, explore Plimoth Plantation or simply stroll the charming downtown area.

South Padre Island isn't just a beloved Spring Break getaway. Dubbed Texas' best beach, the island experiences plenty of sunshine and calm waters that make swimming, fishing and water sports that much more inviting. When the sun sets, visitors can choose from dozens of local hangout spots featuring food, music and dancing.

Travelers seeking seaside bliss before the end of the summer should consider Haleiwa, Hawaii. The North Shore destination is close to Sunset Beach, which is a renowned big-wave surfing spot during the winter months. However, the waters are calmer this time of year, making for some tremendous snorkeling opportunities.

Long Beach, Washington is the ideal late-summer getaway as it hosts the largest kite festival in North America every August. Hosted by the World Kite Museum, this year's festival will run August 20-26 and feature famous kite fliers from around the world.

Newport is among the world's most coveted sailing destinations, having hosted the America's Cup. In addition to the city's impressive harbor, visitors will want to see the famous Breakers mansion as well as late-summer events such as the Newport Jazz Festival and Rock the Docks Lobsterfest.

The Gulf Coast island city of Galveston has everything you need for a memorable summer vacation. Families will find plenty to do at Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Historic Pleasure Pier while hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home at nearby Galveston Island State Park.

Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Pismo Beach is an absolute gem offering visitors traditional beach town attractions as well as things they won't find anywhere else. The town's beaches, parks and many outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting to take in a California sunset and wine connoisseurs will be in heaven thanks to all of the area's stellar wineries.

It's just about impossible to run out of things to do in Atlantic City. Hit the beach, stroll the famous boardwalk, indulge your senses and get your adrenaline pumping at the Steel Pier and be sure to check out the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

Lahaina is much more than just another inviting beach town. The former Hawaiian capital offers tremendous history and culture. You'll find it on the National Register of Historic Places and visitors can learn more by taking a self-guided tour on the Lahaina Historic Trail. Consider staying at the family-friendly Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, also known as "Hawaii's Most Hawaiian Hotel."

Travel to Savannah, Georgia and plan a day trip to nearby Tybee Island, where you'll discover wide, sandy beaches and photogenic lighthouses. Definitely, don't pack up without touring the Fort Pulaski National Monument.