What defines a great destination for a beach weekend?

• It doesn’t take forever to get there. Who wants to spend their precious three-day weekend driving for six hours or stuck in traffic?
• There are plenty of hotels and short-term rentals. Some beach destinations are designed primarily for vacationers renting houses for a full week.
• The beach isn’t the only thing to do. It’s nice to have some options for activities if a storm rolls in.

Let’s breeze by seven of the best spots in the U.S. for a sweet beach getaway, from the East Coast to California to the Pacific Northwest.

1. Ogunquit, ME

This beach weekend is best for: Families with young children, people who enjoy a little arts and culture along with sand and surf.

Ogunquit is an Algonquin word for "beautiful place by the sea," and that pretty much sums it up. This lovely town in southern Maine (about two hours north of Boston) is famous for its 3.5-mile sandy beach. “As family beach destinations go, it doesn't get much better than this,” says Conde Nast Traveler. “It's expansive in breadth but inexpensive to get to, beautiful, soft-sanded and comfy, has ample amenities and lots of safe, swimmable surf.”¹ Stroll the Marginal Way coastal walk, browse local art galleries, and savor some seafood at the Beach Lobster House.

2. Lewes, DE

This beach weekend is best for: History buffs and active beachgoers who like boating, cycling and walking.

Founded in 1631, Lewes calls itself “the first town in the first state.” Today it’s a charming town that’s one of the best beach weekend getaways in the mid-Atlantic. Walk around and discover all the cute shops and restaurants. Rent a bike and pedal along the Georgetown-Lewes Trail. Visit the Lewes History Museum & Archives for a glimpse of the town’s history, then chat with costumed interpreters in the preserved buildings on Shipcarpenter Street. The bayside beaches are quiet and calm.

3. Wrightsville Beach, NC

This beach weekend is best for: Nature lovers and romantics

People have been vacationing at Wrightsville Beach for more than a century. When you visit, you’ll see why: The beach is uncrowded and the water clear. Be warned, however, that parking can be a headache! Attractions include Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, which stretches more than 1,200 feet into the ocean, and the Wrightsville Beach Mailbox: a lonely mailbox to collect people’s love notes and deep thoughts. One of the best things to do during your Wrightsville Beach weekend is take a boat to the Masonboro Island Estuarine Reserve, an uninhabited island for birdwatching and beachcombing.

4. Kiawah Island, SC

This beach weekend is best for: Golfers, tennis players, and anyone who appreciates a little luxury (and is willing to pay for it).

Just 21 miles from downtown Charleston (and about 30 from the airport) is Kiawah, a barrier island with 10 miles of serene, sandy beaches. Most of the island is owned by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, home to The Sanctuary luxury hotel. This is not a budget beach spot: nightly rates can climb above $1,000 for peak dates (although they also dip significantly in the low season.) Spend your weekend kayaking, cycling, birdwatching, fishing and sinking your toes into the sand.

5. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

This beach weekend is best for: Scuba divers, snorkelers, people who enjoy a retro vibe.

If Miami’s a little too much, head north to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. This sweet little beach town is known for its midcentury architecture and old-Florida vibes. Stroll down to the beach pavilion, shop  in local boutiques, or grab lunch in Anglin's Square. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is known for its reefs just off shore and the wreck of the SS Copenhagen, a steamship that sank in 1900. Grab your gear, head to the Datura Avenue beach entrance, and just walk into the water.

6. Catalina Island, CA

This beach weekend is best for: Weary city-dwellers who crave cool island breezes, wilderness lovers.

It’s just an hour by ferry from Los Angeles… but surprisingly, you’ll find many Angelenos who have never been to Catalina Island. The town of Avalon feels Mediterranean, with white sailboats in the harbor and wooden loungers lined up on the sand. Take a glass-bottom boat tour or sign up for the nighttime Flying Fish Voyage in the summer, when you can see the famed fish take flight. For a super-affordable beach weekend, you can camp at multiple spots on the Two Harbors side of the island. Just plan ahead: campground reservations for the year open at midnight, Pacific time, on January 1.

7. Gold Beach, OR

This beach weekend is best for: Treasure hunters, tide-pool enthusiasts, anyone who wants to get away from it all.

We’re breaking our short-drive rule here — Gold Beach is just under 6 hours from Portland. But for a long weekend, it’s totally worth it. On one side is the crashing Pacific Ocean, and on the other is the scenic Rogue River. You can cycle along the rocky coast, catch salmon in the river, or go on a whale-watching tour (from March to May) to see migrating gray whales. Here’s a fun bonus: in April, Gold Beach hides 1,000 colorful glass floats for visitors to find. Get your treasure map at the visitor center, but only take one float home!

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