The beach is not the place to work, to read, write or think,” wrote Anne Morrow Lindbergh in her memoir Gift from the Sea, a book of quiet reflections on life and relationships.
From the moment our bare toes sink into warm sand, the sound of waves reaches our ears and the salt air fills our lungs, something shifts—we begin to let go of stress and open ourselves to calm. People visit the shore to unwind, recharge and find pockets of peacefulness.
Research supports what many of us feel intuitively: coastal environments help reduce stress and support mental recovery. Ocean air carries negative ions that can soothe the nervous system. The steady rhythm of waves slows breathing and encourages a meditative state, and walking barefoot on sand stimulates nerve endings in the feet, helping some people feel more energized and grounded.
As travel rebounds, many of us are seeking quieter alternatives to crowded resort towns. The United States’ extensive coastline offers diverse, lesser-known beaches where you can reclaim space and quiet. Below are several understated coastal gems worth considering.
© The BEACHES OF FORT MYERS AND SANIBEL
Anne Morrow Lindbergh found inspiration in the shells along Captiva Beach during her frequent visits. Located on Florida’s southwest coast and connected by bridge to Sanibel Island, Captiva is a compact barrier island with a relaxed atmosphere. At just five miles long and half a mile wide, it offers clear blue water, gentle breezes, and white-sand beaches renowned for shelling. Bring a bucket and wander the shore to collect shells, or choose more active options such as biking, boating, fishing, golf and tennis. Birdwatching is excellent, and sunsets over the Gulf are unforgettable. Captiva provides an assortment of dining options and accommodations, from hotel suites to cottage rentals, with Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers as the nearest major airport.
Assateague Island, one of the East Coast’s most secluded stretches, runs 37 miles along the Maryland and Virginia coasts. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and protected bays, the island preserves a variety of habitats—from sandy beaches and dunes to pine forests and tidal marshes. As part of the Assateague Island National Seashore, the windswept barrier island supports diverse wildlife, including herds of small deer and the famed wild ponies descended from domestic horses that became feral.
Camping on Assateague is a special experience: pitch a tent or park an RV among the dunes and enjoy expansive views of sand and sky. You can also rent tiny “Assateague Cottage” units that are towed into campsites. Activities include swimming, kite flying, hiking, biking, kayaking and crabbing; at night, the dark skies reveal a brilliant canopy of stars, often including the Milky Way. The island’s north entrance lies near Ocean City, Maryland, at the end of Route 611.
For authentic New England charm, Block Island—about 12 miles off Rhode Island—offers a relaxed, elegant coastal escape. Named to The Nature Conservancy’s list of “The Last Great Places,” the island features 17 miles of beaches and 28 miles of trails. Visitors find everything from broad sandy stretches to hidden coves and dramatic bluffs. Migratory birds pause here along the Atlantic Flyway, and Mansion Beach on the eastern side is especially scenic and favored by boogie boarders and body surfers. After beach time, explore island shops, dine on hotel porches, or enjoy live music on the sand.
Access to Block Island is by passenger or vehicle ferry (reservations recommended), commuter or private plane, or private boat. Many visitors choose to get around by bicycle or moped and settle into a slower pace.
Chicago’s beaches along Lake Michigan offer an urban coastal escape with skyline views and freshwater waves generated by strong winds or shifting atmospheric pressure. While the lake lacks salt and true tides, its shoreline provides pleasant beaches and recreational opportunities. Downtown beaches are popular and busy; for a quieter experience, Montrose Beach on the north side is less crowded and includes a dog beach and park. Loyola Beach, farther north, is a good choice for reading and relaxing and includes playgrounds, grassy spaces and trails, plus easy access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail for kayaking and paddle sports.
© GLEBTARRO | DREAMSTIME.CO
Oregon’s coastline remains public and open, offering 363 miles of beaches popular with campers, hikers, clammers and tide-pool explorers. Cannon Beach and Seaside are well-known, but Manzanita is an emerging favorite: a charming town with a seven-mile sweep of soft sand ideal for barefoot walks. The Pacific’s chilly water invites surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders; on land, browse galleries, cafés, pubs and whiskey bars. Highway 101 is the scenic route to Manzanita and provides stunning coastal panoramas, while the town itself is easily explored on foot.
Southern California’s relaxed, bohemian Ocean Beach neighborhood in San Diego provides a classic SoCal experience. The area includes a main beach, a dog beach and designated surf spots, with Ocean Beach Pier offering broad ocean views and good fishing. Compared with busier Mission Beach, Ocean Beach retains a more eclectic, small-town vibe with antiques shops, organic grocers, taquerias and local brewpubs. North County’s Encinitas boasts a range of shoreline experiences—from the sandy stretch at Moonlight Beach to the rocky surf break at Swami’s—blending ‘60s-era surf culture with yoga studios, meditation gardens and a modern coastal spirit.
Whatever coastal atmosphere you prefer—wild and windswept, quiet and contemplative, or lively and surf-centric—getting your feet in the sand is a simple path to relaxation and renewal.
LODGING
Coast Cabins
A peaceful retreat of freestanding deluxe cabins within easy walking distance of Manzanita’s restaurants, day spas, shops and the beach.
635 Laneda Ave. Manzanita, Oregon
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South Seas Island Resort
A resort offering guestrooms, suites and villas with Gulf or marina views, 2.5 miles of beach and a 300-acre nature preserve.
5400 Plantation Road Captiva Island, Florida
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Spring House Hotel
Block Island’s grand, historic hotel dating to 1852, featuring Victorian charm and panoramic ocean or island views across 33 guestrooms.
52 Spring St., Block Island, Rhode Island
$$$–$$$$
DINING
Keylime Bistro
Island-style dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Popular choices include crab cake Benedict, seafood antipasto and shrimp scampi, with a renowned Key lime pie for dessert.
11509 Andy Rosse Lane Captiva, Florida
$$–$$$
Restaurant 1879
Relaxed, unhurried dining with water views at The Atlantic Inn. Expect local seafood, artisan breads and produce-driven dishes paired with a thoughtful wine list.
The Atlantic Inn, 359 High St., New Shoreham, Block Island, Rhode Island
$$$
The Winery at Manzanita
An ocean-view deck for tasting handcrafted wines and regional drinks; evenings around the firepit are ideal for casual gatherings and s’mores.
253 Laneda Ave. Manzanita, Oregon
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