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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Mackenzie Roche is an editor on TPG’s content operations team. She previously worked for three years as a travel editor at U.S. News & World Report.
July 23, 2026 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article highlights top U.S. beach towns ideal for a weekend escape, each offering easy access to scenic beaches and a range of activities.
Destinations include Ogunquit (Maine), Encinitas (California), Wrightsville Beach (North Carolina), Provincetown (Massachusetts), Destin (Florida), Cannon Beach (Oregon), Saugatuck (Michigan) and Rehoboth Beach (Delaware).
These towns are chosen for their proximity to major cities and airports, vibrant local culture, and diverse attractions beyond the beach.
Options span both oceanfront and lakeside locations, catering to families, couples and solo travelers.
What to consider
Some towns experience peak crowds in summer, so visiting during the shoulder season may offer a quieter experience.
Most destinations are accessible by car, train or regional flights, with some offering direct service from major cities.
Local attractions vary widely, from art galleries and hiking trails to amusement parks and historic sites.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of each town's standout features, travel logistics and unique local experiences.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
The main requirement of a great beach town is, obviously, proximity to a great beach. But even though there are thousands of beautiful seaside towns across the country, not all of them make for an ideal weekend escape — whether due to inconvenience, lack of charm or some other factor.
So we've taken the guesswork out of the planning equation for you, and rounded up a list of U.S. towns that are relatively close to cities and airports, have plenty of activities and, of course, offer easy access to a beautiful beach (or two or three).
Lighthouses, lobster shacks, rocky coves, quaint houses — everything that comes to mind when you imagine Maine, you can find in Ogunquit. Main Beach and Footbridge Beach are the most convenient beach options from town, but you can also head a bit farther out to Wells Beach or Drakes Island Beach for a day in the sun. Don't leave Ogunquit without strolling scenic Marginal Way, eating dinner in Perkins Cove and checking out the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.
The town is a popular summer destination, so expect crowds or plan to visit during the calmer shoulder season. It's just over an hourlong drive from Boston, and there are plenty of train and bus options. It's also about 45 mins from Portland International Jetport (PWM), which offers flights from many destinations across the U.S.
No U.S. beach town list would be complete without a California destination. In a state famous for its picturesque Pacific coastline, it's impossible to choose the best beach town. But for an easy weekend getaway with plenty of things to do, you can't go wrong with Encinitas. About 30 minutes from downtown San Diego and about two hours from Los Angeles (you can even take the Amtrak there), this town is home to the San Diego Botanic Garden and stellar hiking spots like San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Annie’s Canyon Trail, as well as a smattering of art galleries, clothing stores, breweries and farmers markets.
The best beaches for lounging include Moonlight and Swami's, while the best for surfing are Grandview and Beacon's. And of course, you'll find all the taco stands, surf shops and palm tree-lined streets that you'd expect from Southern California.
While the Outer Banks beaches are well-known for their beauty, they sit more than three hours from most of North Carolina's major cities (and that's not even factoring in summer traffic). Wrightsville Beach, on the other hand, is just about a two-hour drive from Raleigh and Durham and near a small regional airport. In addition to its clean and expansive beaches, the town boasts great surf conditions, seafood restaurants, bars, cafes, watersports equipment rental shops and a vibrant college-town energy.
You can top off your weekend getaway with a scenic bike ride along The Loop or a sunset boat ride. The beauty and convenience of Wrightsville (and nearby Wilmington) have evenattracted Hollywood producers, so fans of shows like "One Tree Hill" and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" might recognize some of the filming locations.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
PETER BLOTTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES
As you drive through Cape Cod, you'll pass historic Sandwich, commercialized Hyannis, upscale Chatham and plenty of other seaside towns. But for the perfect combination of stunning natural coastline and fun activities, drive all the way to the end of the cape: Provincetown.
This beach town is colorful, lively, easy to reach and famous as an LGBTQ+ vacation destination. In less than a two-hour ferry ride or a three-hour drive from Boston, you can shop along Provincetown's Commercial Street, pop into art galleries, sample fresh seafood, attend a comedy or drag show, head out on a whale watch, or admire the dramatic sand dunes of Race Point Beach at the very tip of the cape.
Florida is basically synonymous with beaches, and there are seemingly endless weekend getaway options. But the panhandle beach towns along Scenic Highway 30A are definitely worth a quick trip. Specifically, Destin offers white sand, turquoise water, beachfront bars and restaurants, shops, watersports, deep sea fishing tours, sunset cruises and more.
The beach town is drivable from parts of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, and there's also nearby Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). JetBlue recently launched direct service to VPS from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), making Destin convenient even from the greater New York City area.
One of the most photographed destinations on the Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is known for its dramatic sea stacks, upscale accommodations and miles of scenic shoreline. While you're in town, head just north to explore the forested trails and sweeping ocean viewpoints in Ecola State Park, book a whale-watching excursion or end the day with a bonfire on the beach. Beyond its natural beauty, Cannon Beach is also home to a thriving arts community, with dozens of galleries, studios and annual festivals showcasing local artists.
Less than two hours from Portland International Airport (PDX), Cannon Beach is an easy weekend getaway. If you're looking to escape some of the crowds, though, drive about 20 minutes south to Manzanita, a quieter beach town with charming cafes, independent shops, art galleries and wide stretches of sandy shoreline.
Saugatuck, Michigan
MNM71/GETTY IMAGES
A town doesn't have to be beside the ocean to be a beach town, and no place proves that point more than Saugatuck. Walkable, charming, artistic and family-friendly, Saugatuck sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, about two hours from Chicago and three hours from Detroit. Visitors can satisfy virtually any craving at the ice cream shops, breweries, diners and cafes of downtown. There's also a plethora of resorts and boutique hotels to choose from (including some points-friendly options).
Once you've spent enough time sunbathing and swimming at renowned Oval Beach, you can hike the sand dunes, go for a dune buggy ride, taste wine at a nearby vineyard or check out the art exhibitions downtown.
Delaware is small but mighty when it comes to beach options, and Rehoboth Beach is probably its best. This beach town attracts sun-seekers from Philadelphia (about two hours away), as well as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. (each about 2 1/2 hours away). Family-friendly, LGBTQ+-friendly, nature-centric and food-forward, you will find something to enjoy in Rehoboth no matter who you are.
Some of the best things to do in Rehoboth include strolling the boardwalk, visiting Funland amusement park, relaxing at Cape Henlopen State Park and browsing the shops at Penny Lane Mall.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
TPG editor's rating4.5
TPG editor's rating4.5
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
TPG editor's rating4.5
TPG editor's rating4.5
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
at Capital One's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
Rewards rate
Rate
Category
10 Miles
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
19.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
740-850
Excellent
Pros + cons
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
More details
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Top rated mobile app
Pros
$300 in annual credits toward bookings made through Capital One Travel
10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
Cons
If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
