There’s something about a beach that feels like love—endless, shifting, full of quiet surprises. For me, romantic getaways by the water aren’t just about sunsets and strolls (though those never hurt). They’re about the feeling you carry home with you. That sense of slowing down, of soaking in each other’s presence, of savoring the salt air and soft light like you’ll never forget it. These beach towns each gave me something different. A still moment. A perfect meal. A spark. And maybe, just maybe, a reminder of why we fall in love with people and places.
Best Romantic Beach Getaways
Feeling the creative buzz in Asbury Park
Asbury Park surprised me in the best way. The boardwalk pulsed with music, art, and that unmistakable Jersey Shore energy—but there was also a softness to it. Watching couples stroll hand in hand, hearing waves crash just beyond the murals, it felt like a place where creativity and romance blended seamlessly. I remember thinking, "This is where nostalgia and something new dance together."
What I Loved Most: Wandering the artsy side streets near Cookman Avenue and catching the golden hour glow from the old Convention Hall.
My highlight? Dinner at Pasta Volo, a charming pasta shop with twinkling lights and made-to-order bowls. I had the squid ink linguine with spicy vodka sauce and fresh basil—it was bold and comforting, just like the town.
Asbury Park At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Artistic, retro, edgy-romantic
- Highlights: Music scene, boardwalk, street art
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Free beach access in off-season; parking and meals vary
- Hours: Beach open daily, sunrise to sunset
- Address: Asbury Park Boardwalk, NJ
Slowing down by the sea in Bay St. Louis
Bay St. Louis had this quiet kind of charm that wrapped around me gently. It wasn’t flashy—but it didn’t need to be. The slower pace, the pastel houses, the warmth of strangers saying hello—it all made me feel like I had time again. I remember thinking, "This is what it feels like to breathe deeply."
What I Loved Most: Walking the beach hand-in-hand at sunset and browsing quirky shops in the Depot District.
My highlight? A lazy brunch at Mockingbird Café, where I had the Southern shrimp and grits with a side of blueberry cornbread. Sitting on the porch under the trees, it felt like love in slow motion.
Bay St. Louis At a Glance
- Drive Time from New Orleans: ~1 hour east
- Vibe: Southern, peaceful, romantic
- Highlights: Historic Old Town, beach strolls, art galleries
- Best Time to Visit: March–May or October
- Cost: Budget-friendly dining and accommodations
- Hours: Beach and shops open daily
- Address: Beach Blvd, Bay St. Louis, MS
Drifting off the map on Block Island
Block Island felt like a secret I was lucky to stumble into. The cliffs, the trails, the endless ocean—it was raw and untouched in a way that made everything else feel small. I remember thinking, "This is what it’s like when the world fades and only we remain."
What I Loved Most: Biking the island together with no real destination and finding our own private beach cove.
My highlight? Dinner at Winfield’s, where I had a buttery lobster risotto topped with lemon zest and chive oil. It was elegant without trying—like the island itself.
Block Island At a Glance
- Drive Time from Providence: ~1 hour + ferry
- Vibe: Windswept, wild, off-grid
- Highlights: Mohegan Bluffs, biking, beaches
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for full ferry service and beach days
- Cost: Moderate, ferry + lodging
- Hours: Island accessible year-round (seasonal hours vary)
- Address: Block Island, RI 02807
Chasing mist and magic in Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach looked like something pulled straight from a storybook. The fog rolling in around Haystack Rock, the cozy cottages, the wild Pacific wind—it was romantic in that brooding, windswept way. I remember thinking, "This is where I’d run away to write a love story."
What I Loved Most: Walking barefoot on the beach in the morning mist, wrapped in a blanket, feeling both small and infinite.
My highlight? Cozying up at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters after a breezy walk, with a warm cinnamon mocha and a fresh blueberry scone. Simple, perfect, unforgettable.
Cannon Beach At a Glance
- Drive Time from Portland: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Dreamy, artsy, windswept
- Highlights: Haystack Rock, beach strolls, coastal trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall
- Cost: Mid-range lodging, low-cost natural attractions
- Hours: Beach open daily
- Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Seaside elegance in Chatham, MA
Chatham had that refined Cape Cod charm—white fences, hydrangeas in bloom, and the scent of salt in the air. It felt like summer in a bottle. Everything was polished but not pretentious. I remember thinking, "This is what a classic coastal romance feels like."
What I Loved Most: Watching the seals bob offshore and wandering the quiet streets near Lighthouse Beach just before dusk.
My highlight? Lunch at Chatham Cookware Café, where I had a warm lobster roll on a buttery toasted bun with kettle chips and a lemony iced tea. We sat on the front porch, savoring every bite like it was tradition.
Chatham At a Glance
- Drive Time from Boston: ~2 hours southeast
- Vibe: Coastal New England, elegant, romantic
- Highlights: Lighthouse Beach, Chatham Pier Fish Market, Main Street strolls
- Best Time to Visit: June–September
- Cost: Higher-end dining and inns
- Hours: Shops and beaches open daily
- Address: Chatham, MA 02633
Sunset gold in Coronado
Coronado was golden. Not just in the light, but in the feeling. Everything felt bright, breezy, and timeless—from the historic Hotel del Coronado to the wide beaches that seemed made for barefoot daydreaming. I remember thinking, "This is what effortless joy feels like."
What I Loved Most: Renting bikes and circling the island, stopping for sandy toes and sea views along the way.
My highlight? Dinner at Peohe’s, right by the water. I had the coconut-crusted shrimp with mango-papaya salsa and a glass of chilled rosé. We watched the lights flicker on across the bay—magic, plain and simple.
Coronado At a Glance
- Drive Time from San Diego: ~15 minutes across the bridge
- Vibe: Classic, coastal, breezy-lux
- Highlights: Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado, biking paths
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round (summer for the buzz, winter for peace)
- Cost: Moderate to upscale dining and lodging
- Hours: Beach open 24 hours
- Address: Coronado, CA 92118
Conclusion: Where the Sand Meets the Soul
Each of these beach getaways left me with more than a camera roll of pretty views. They gave me space to feel, to connect, to reset—and to just be. Whether you're planning a last-minute weekend or dreaming of something deeper, I hope one of these spots gives you the same kind of quiet joy. After all, some places stay with you long after your footprints have washed away.