5 Coastal Towns for Laid-Back Travel

Beach towns invite travelers to slow down, explore and recharge

By

Natalie Zimmerman,

 
AARP
Published July 23, 2026
an aerial view of Newport, Rhode Island
These beach towns, such as Newport, Rhode Island, carefully preserve their character and distinct lifestyles, allowing travelers an opportunity to step away from life’s trials.
Getty Images

Key takeaways

  • From wine hubs to historic districts, five coastal towns offer distinct ways to unplug.
  • Nearly half of travelers age 50-plus seek trips that break from daily routines.
  • Experiences range from walking accessible trails and exploring towns to discovering food, history and scenery.

The best way to escape the humdrum of everyday life is to visit a charming coastal town. According to the AARP 2026 Travel Trends survey, 47 percent of travelers 50-plus noted that getting away from everyday life is their top motivation for travel. These five beach towns carefully preserve their character and distinct lifestyles, inviting visitors to unplug from their usual routine.

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the interior of a winery
A trip to Santa Barbara, California, could include a stop at Babcock Winery for wine-tasting and a visit to its lounge.
Courtesy Babcock Winery

1. Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara has a Spanish-style downtown that has looked much the same for years, with white stucco buildings and red-tile roofs. Take a free tour of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, adorned with murals reflecting the town’s rich history and Native Chumash roots. An elevator ride to the top of the clock tower provides 360-degree views from the mountains to the Pacific. After a morning stroll along a foot and bike path by the beach, head across the street to the Funk Zone, where you can hop from tasting room to tasting room to sample award-winning wines. “The proximity to the ocean shapes our diverse range of microclimates, from cool along the coast to warmer in the inland valley,” says Bryan Babcock, 66, winemaker and owner of Babcock Winery. “Wine culture is the glue that bonds together all of our natural beauty with our robust food scene,” he says. The Lark, also in the Funk Zone, serves local farm-to-table dishes in an industrial-chic space.

a sunset view of orange beach, alabama
A trip to Orange Beach, Alabama, could include a walk along the pier.
Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

2. Orange Beach, Alabama

More than 100 years ago, residents attempted to grow orange trees along the Gulf, giving the town its name, Orange Beach. Today, visitors can learn more about the area’s Native American and fishing roots with free admission to the Orange Beach History Museum, located inside a 1910 schoolhouse. The Wharf is the hub of town, with lively music, shops, restaurants and a Ferris wheel — one of the tallest in the Southeast. The Wharf Amphitheater hosts some of the biggest names in music for concerts under the sky. Leave your worries behind to explore the natural beauty of the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail: Stretching over 28 miles through Orange Beach and Gulf State Park, the series of multi-use paths is suitable for walkers and cyclists and has accessible paths for those with mobility limitations.  

buildings and walkways in Rosemary Beach, Florida
In Rosemary Beach, Florida, walk along the streets that were designed to welcome pedestrians. At right is The Pearl hotel.
Summer Gonzalez/Visit Florida

3. Rosemary Beach, Florida

Established in 1995, Rosemary Beach, located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, was inspired by other classic beachside towns where walking and biking are the best way to get around. Its planners designed the streets to welcome pedestrians, ideal for travelers looking to unwind on the Gulf Coast. Shop the boutiques in the Town Center, such as The Hidden Lantern Bookstore, where you can buy a book that is set on the scenic Highway 30A, just like Rosemary Beach is. Adventurous types can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the nearby coastal dune lakes, such as Lake Powell. Rest your head at The Pearl (rates start about $600), situated directly on the cobblestone streets in the heart of the Town Center and steps from the sand.

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While staying in Beaufort, South Carolina, head to Hunting Island State Park for a tour of the lighthouse.
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4. Beaufort, South Carolina

Experience Southern charm with a saunter through Beaufort’s storied downtown district, lined with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Head to the Visitor Center to begin the self-guided walking tour of homes, many of which were once hospitals and officers’ quarters during the Civil War. Unwind and sip some coffee on the patio at Lowcountry Cider Co. and take in the waterfront views. Drop your bags at the Rhett House Inn (rates start at $199), a 200-year-old home that served as a hospital for recovering soldiers during the Civil War. A stay at the inn includes Southern breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and nightly dessert. Drive across Woods Memorial Bridge to Hunting Island State Park, about 18 miles away, for a tour of the lighthouse. Visit the park’s nature center for educational displays on local wildlife and to speak with knowledgeable park employees.  

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storefronts in Newport, Rhode Island
A visit to Newport, Rhode Island, can include shopping and dining along Thames Street.
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5. Newport, Rhode Island

Famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing culture, this charming town offers unique New England cuisine. Beyond the iconic clam chowder and lobster rolls, opt for stuffies, a local specialty made of large clams minced with breadcrumbs, herbs and spices, baked in a clamshell. Place an order at the Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, known as one of Rhode Island’s best restaurants. Stroll Cliff Walk, a free 3.5-mile public access trail that traces the rocky coastline. Along with enjoying the ocean views, travelers can learn about the monumental homes by scanning a QR code at each of the 16 trail markers. Stay at the center of everything at the Vanderbilt (rates start at $932), which was built by wealthy businessman Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt.  “Newport has drawn people of every kind since before the founding of the country, and the reason is simple: It’s a place that’s authentic to itself,” says Nicholas Schorsch, 65, founder and CEO of Heritage Hospitality (owners of the Vanderbilt). “For travelers who’ve seen a lot of places, Newport rewards curiosity. Every generation has updated it, but it has never stopped being itself.”

The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity. 

Natalie Zimmerman is a screenwriter and travel journalist who has written stories for Travel + Leisure, BBC Travel, the Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine.

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