Beaufort NC Shines Among 20 Beach Towns Every Foodie Needs On Their Bucket List
If you love great food and beautiful beaches, then coastal towns offer the perfect combination for your next adventure.
From fresh seafood straight from the ocean to charming local markets and unique dining experiences, these beach destinations are made for food lovers. I’ve put together this list of incredible coastal spots where you can taste amazing flavors while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
1. Beaufort, North Carolina
With over 40 dining spots packed into this charming coastal gem, Beaufort truly earns its place as a foodie paradise. You’ll find everything from upscale waterfront restaurants to cozy cafes serving locally caught seafood.
How exciting is it that this small town hosts year-round culinary events through Beaufort Wine & Food? Their annual festival brings together exceptional chefs, fine wines, and community spirit all in one celebration.
When you visit between April and November, the Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market becomes your go-to spot for fresh catches, homemade baked goods, and local crafts. It’s where fishermen sell their morning haul right alongside farmers with seasonal produce.
2. Provincetown, Massachusetts
Are you ready for Portuguese-influenced seafood that’ll make your taste buds dance? Provincetown brings together centuries of fishing tradition with creative modern cooking techniques.
This artistic beach community at Cape Cod’s tip offers incredible lobster rolls, fresh oysters, and authentic Portuguese kale soup. You’ll discover family-owned restaurants that have been serving the same recipes for generations.
It’s worth noting that Commercial Street transforms into a food lover’s playground during summer months. Street vendors, bakeries, and fine dining establishments line the waterfront, offering everything from casual bites to gourmet experiences that showcase local ingredients.
3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Did you know that Cannon Beach combines Pacific Northwest cuisine with breathtaking ocean views? This Oregon coastal town serves up Dungeness crab, wild salmon, and locally foraged ingredients.
When fog rolls over Haystack Rock, cozy bistros and seafood houses become perfect refuges. You can warm up with clam chowder while watching waves crash against dramatic rock formations.
Though small in size, Cannon Beach punches above its weight with farm-to-table restaurants. Chefs here work directly with local fishermen and farmers, creating menus that change with the seasons and highlight Oregon’s incredible natural bounty.
4. Key West, Florida
If tropical flavors and Caribbean-inspired cuisine excite you, Key West delivers an unforgettable culinary adventure. This island paradise blends Cuban, Bahamian, and Southern cooking traditions into something totally unique.
You absolutely must try authentic key lime pie here where it originated. Fresh conch fritters, blackened grouper, and rum-soaked desserts complete the island eating experience.
How magical is dining at sunset on Mallory Square while street performers entertain nearby? Key West’s restaurant scene ranges from casual waterfront shacks to elegant establishments, all celebrating the island’s laid-back lifestyle and fresh tropical ingredients.
5. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Are you craving award-winning restaurants in a classic beach town setting? Rehoboth Beach has earned its reputation as Delaware’s culinary capital with sophisticated dining options.
This charming resort town offers far more than typical boardwalk fare. You’ll find James Beard-nominated chefs, innovative seafood preparations, and an impressive wine scene that rivals much larger cities.
When summer arrives, outdoor patios fill with visitors enjoying blue crab, fresh rockfish, and locally brewed craft beers. The combination of beach atmosphere and serious culinary talent makes Rehoboth a standout destination where food quality truly matters.
6. Monterey, California
With its rich fishing history and stunning coastal location, Monterey serves up some of California’s finest seafood experiences. Cannery Row has transformed from sardine-packing factories into a foodie destination.
You can watch sea otters play while dining on sustainably caught fish and locally grown produce. Monterey chefs take pride in ocean-friendly practices, working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.
It’s incredible how this town balances tourist appeal with authentic culinary excellence. From casual clam chowder in sourdough bowls to upscale preparations of abalone and Dungeness crab, Monterey offers flavors that celebrate its maritime heritage.
7. Charleston, South Carolina
If Lowcountry cuisine sounds appealing, Charleston will absolutely steal your heart and satisfy your appetite. This historic port city blends African, Caribbean, and European influences into unforgettable dishes.
You’ll discover why Charleston consistently ranks among America’s top food cities. Shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes are just the beginning of your culinary journey here.
When you stroll through the historic district, world-class restaurants occupy centuries-old buildings. James Beard Award winners cook alongside talented newcomers, all using fresh local seafood and ingredients from nearby farms to create Southern coastal cuisine at its finest.
8. Bar Harbor, Maine
Are lobster and fresh seafood your ultimate vacation foods? Bar Harbor sits right on the doorstep of Acadia National Park, offering spectacular scenery alongside incredible eating.
This coastal Maine town serves lobster prepared every way imaginable. You can enjoy traditional lobster boils, creamy lobster bisque, or butter-drenched lobster rolls while overlooking Frenchman Bay.
How perfect is combining mountain hiking with waterfront dining? Bar Harbor’s restaurants source ingredients from local waters and nearby farms, creating menus that showcase Maine’s natural abundance. The combination of outdoor adventure and exceptional food makes this destination truly special.
9. Santa Barbara, California
With its Mediterranean climate and Spanish colonial charm, Santa Barbara creates a European-style beach dining experience. You’ll find wine country sophistication meeting fresh Pacific seafood.
This coastal gem offers an incredible diversity of culinary experiences. From the historic Stearns Wharf seafood restaurants to State Street’s trendy eateries, quality ingredients shine in every dish.
When local sea urchin is in season, Santa Barbara chefs prepare it with reverence and creativity. The nearby Santa Ynez Valley provides world-class wines, making this destination perfect for food and wine enthusiasts seeking that California coastal lifestyle.
10. Nantucket, Massachusetts
If island elegance combined with exceptional seafood appeals to you, Nantucket offers a refined coastal dining experience. This historic whaling village now focuses on culinary excellence.
You’ll taste some of the Atlantic’s finest bay scallops, harvested right from Nantucket’s surrounding waters. Local oysters, striped bass, and bluefish appear on menus alongside farm-fresh produce from the island’s interior.
Though reaching Nantucket requires a ferry ride, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Cobblestone streets lined with restaurants serving New England classics and innovative cuisine make this island a bucket-list destination for serious food lovers.
11. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Are you searching for Southern hospitality mixed with Gulf Coast flavors? Gulf Shores brings together Alabama’s warmth with incredibly fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.
This family-friendly beach destination serves up Royal Red shrimp, plump oysters, and grouper caught by local fishermen. You can enjoy casual beachside dining with your toes in the sand or choose upscale restaurants with water views.
When you visit during the annual National Shrimp Festival, over 300,000 food lovers gather to celebrate Gulf seafood. The festival showcases everything from traditional fried shrimp to creative preparations that highlight this coastal region’s culinary talents.
12. Newport, Rhode Island
With its sailing heritage and mansion-lined shores, Newport combines nautical elegance with serious seafood credentials. You’ll discover why this Rhode Island gem attracts both yachting enthusiasts and food lovers.
This historic port serves exceptional clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, and fresh-caught striped bass. Waterfront restaurants offer views of America’s Cup sailing races while you enjoy New England coastal classics.
How wonderful is dining in a town where culinary tradition spans centuries? Newport’s restaurant scene ranges from casual clam shacks to refined establishments in historic buildings, all celebrating Rhode Island’s incredible seafood and the Ocean State’s proud fishing heritage.
13. Destin, Florida
If you love fishing villages turned foodie destinations, Destin earns its nickname as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village. This Emerald Coast town offers some of Florida’s freshest seafood.
You can literally watch fishing boats unload their catches at HarborWalk Village, then enjoy that same fish for dinner. Red snapper, grouper, and amberjack go from boat to plate in hours.
When you’re not eating fresh seafood, Destin’s restaurants also showcase Gulf oysters and blue crab. The combination of stunning emerald-green waters, white sand beaches, and exceptional coastal cuisine makes this Panhandle destination a must-visit for beach-loving food enthusiasts.
14. San Diego, California
Are fish tacos your weakness? San Diego claims to have invented the Baja-style fish taco, and this Southern California city takes its coastal cuisine seriously.
This sprawling beach metropolis offers incredible diversity in its food scene. From Pacific Beach’s casual taco shops to La Jolla’s upscale oceanfront restaurants, you’ll find Mexican-influenced seafood preparations alongside fresh sushi and innovative California cuisine.
When craft beer and fresh seafood combine, San Diego becomes paradise. The city’s thriving brewery scene pairs perfectly with fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled catches from local waters, creating a laid-back California dining experience you won’t forget.
15. Outer Banks, North Carolina
With wild horses, historic lighthouses, and incredible seafood, the Outer Banks delivers authentic coastal Carolina experiences. These barrier islands stretch for miles along North Carolina’s coast.
You’ll taste fresh-caught tuna, mahi-mahi, and local blue crabs prepared with Southern flair. Family-owned restaurants have served generations of visitors, maintaining recipes and traditions that define Outer Banks cuisine.
How special is dining where the Wright Brothers first flew? The Outer Banks combines history, natural beauty, and down-home cooking. From casual seafood shacks to waterfront fine dining, these islands offer authentic flavors in a setting that remains refreshingly unspoiled.
16. Savannah, Georgia
If Southern charm and coastal flavors make your heart happy, Savannah blends both beautifully. This historic port city serves Lowcountry specialties alongside fresh Georgia coast seafood.
You can enjoy traditional Lowcountry boils, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup in restaurants occupying centuries-old buildings. Savannah’s culinary scene honors tradition while embracing innovation and creativity.
When you stroll through moss-draped squares between meals, the city’s beauty enhances your dining experience. Riverfront restaurants offer views of passing ships while you savor Georgia shrimp, local oysters, and Southern hospitality that makes every meal feel special and memorable.
17. Cape May, New Jersey
Are Victorian charm and farm-to-table dining your ideal combination? Cape May offers America’s oldest seaside resort atmosphere with a surprisingly sophisticated food scene.
This southern Jersey shore town showcases fresh seafood alongside produce from nearby farms. You’ll discover why Jersey tomatoes are legendary and how soft-shell crabs become culinary masterpieces.
When summer arrives, Cape May’s restaurants fill their patios with diners enjoying ocean breezes and creative coastal cuisine. The town’s commitment to preserving its Victorian architecture creates a dining backdrop that feels both nostalgic and timeless while celebrating fresh local ingredients.
18. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
With fairy-tale cottages and world-class restaurants, Carmel offers a storybook setting for exceptional dining. This artistic community takes food as seriously as it takes natural beauty.
You’ll find Michelin-quality cuisine in this tiny village where no chain restaurants exist. Local chefs prepare fresh abalone, artichokes from nearby Castroville, and seafood caught along the dramatic Big Sur coast.
How enchanting is dining in a town without street addresses or parking meters? Carmel’s commitment to preserving its unique character extends to its culinary scene, where quality always trumps quantity and every meal becomes a memorable experience.
19. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
If resort-style luxury meets authentic Lowcountry cooking, Hilton Head delivers both experiences beautifully. This barrier island combines championship golf with championship-level dining.
You can sample everything from casual seafood boils to elegant preparations of local shrimp, oysters, and fish. Many restaurants overlook tidal marshes where the seafood you’re eating was harvested.
When you tire of the beach, Hilton Head’s diverse restaurant scene keeps you exploring. The island successfully balances tourist appeal with genuine Lowcountry flavors, offering visitors authentic tastes of South Carolina’s coastal culinary traditions in beautiful surroundings.
20. Block Island, Rhode Island
Are you ready for an island escape where fresh seafood and natural beauty reign supreme? Block Island sits twelve miles off Rhode Island’s coast, offering peaceful dining experiences.
This small island serves swordfish, tuna, and lobster caught in surrounding waters. You’ll find charming restaurants with harbor views where the pace slows down and the focus shifts to quality ingredients.
Though reaching Block Island requires ferry planning, the isolation becomes part of its appeal. The island’s commitment to preserving open spaces and supporting local fishermen means your dining experience connects directly to the surrounding ocean and the hardworking people who harvest it.
