Summer is in full swing and that means getaways to America's beach towns are in high demand.
Fortunately, there are still some overlooked stretches of shoreline where travelers can beat the crowds this season.
Here are some coastal gems flying under the radar this summer.
Brunswick Islands, North Carolina
Travelers looking to escape the crowds of the Outer Banks or Myrtle Beach can unpack along the dozens of miles of shoreline available on North Carolina's Brunswick Islands.
Visitors can trade the bustling boardwalks and crowded high-rise condos for wide beaches, winding marshes ideal for kayaking, glorious sunsets, fishing and shelling opportunities and much more.
Southport, North Carolina (Photo Credit: NC's Brunswick Islands)
Vacationers can also look forward to climbing lighthouses and sampling fresh local seafood in charming coastal locales like Ocean Isle Beach, Southport and Oak Island, among others.
Bodega Bay, California
To escape the summer beach crowds not far from California Wine Country, head to the lesser-known Bodega Bay.
This rugged fishing village on the Sonoma Coast will wow visitors with wide beaches, scenic cliffside trails, fresh seafood and much more.
Travelers can check out Doran Regional Park to experience two miles of walkable sand along the bay. There's also Bodega Head for whale watching, coastal hikes and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Sunset in Bodega Bay, California. (Photo Credit: Adobe/SURAJKMALI)
Other serene spots to explore include Pinnacle Gulch, Salmon Creek Beach and Goat Rock Beach, where visitors will encounter coastal beauty and vibrant marine life.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
About 20 minutes southeast of Portland, Maine, is where you'll find Cape Elizabeth.
This quieter alternative to summer's crowded beach destinations along the East Coast is home to Crescent Beach State Park and boasts spectacular ocean views, sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere within reach of seasonal attractions.
Portland's bustling dining, shopping and cultural scenes are just minutes away so consider a stay at Inn by the Sea.
Just steps from Crescent Beach, the property appeals to couples, families and even solo travelers who will benefit from direct access to the coastline and the best that Southern Maine has to offer.
Loíza and Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
East of San Juan, Loíza and Rio Grande are ideal destinations to spread out while embarking on one-of-a-kind experiences like hiking through El Yunque National Forest and kayaking beneath glowing waters at one of Puerto Rico's famed bioluminescent bays.
Playa Vacía Talega, Loíza, Puerto Rico. (Photo Credit: Adobe/emaotx)
Visitors, who can book a convenient stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, may also enjoy a scenic drive to Guavate's famous Pork Highway, stopping at the roadside lechoneras for a unique culinary experience.
Meanwhile, culture seekers will love Loíza, which is widely regarded as the heart of Puerto Rico's African heritage. Here, travelers will discover a vibrant arts scene, lively festivals and mouthwatering cuisine.
It's also the birthplace of Bomba, so look forward to plenty of live music and maybe even a little dancing with the locals.
Hana, Maui, Hawaii
To experience bustling Maui at a slower pace, head to Hana for a taste of Old Hawaii. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers lush rainforests, black-sand beaches and one of the country's most dramatic coastlines.
Travelers can conquer the famed and scenic Road to Hana before uncovering this secluded, serene locale.
Lava coastline near Hana, Maui (Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson)
Hana-Maui Resort above the bay is the perfect place to stay, offering visitors easy access to swimming and snorkeling at Hamoa Beach and Waiʻānapanapa State Park. Additionally, guests can look forward to waterfall hikes, canoe adventures and visits to local farms.
Since the resort boasts 66 accommodations spread across 66 oceanfront acres, guests are guaranteed to feel relaxed from check-in to check-out.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Travelers can find the remarkably chill Cocoa Beach along Florida's Space Coast, not far from the bustling theme parks of Orlando.
The star of this destination is the six miles of open shoreline, but visitors can also enjoy a relaxing paddle through the mangrove tunnels of the Thousand Islands as well as nighttime kayak tours for a bioluminescent experience on the Indian River Lagoon.
A premier surfing destination, Cocoa Beach is an ideal place to catch waves on the East Coast regardless of your skill level.
Back on land, travelers can check out the 800-foot Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier featuring oceanfront dining, souvenir shops, and live music complemented by gorgeous sunsets.
The town's laidback vibe is just the icing on the cake.
Aerial view of the beach and pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida. (Photo Credit: Adobe/Joshua)
Chincoteague, Virginia
Between the crowded resort towns of Ocean City and Virginia Beach is Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
This blissful beach destination is home to more than 300 species of birds and waterfowl and a plethora of inviting nature that's earned it the moniker the “Beautiful Land Across the Water.”
Things move much more slowly in this seaside village, but there's still plenty to do, from quintessential beach town experiences like swimming and peaceful kayaking adventures to unique experiences like the world-renowned wild pony roundup.
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