Cape May is the quintessential Victorian seaside town on the Jersey Shore.
As a result, its economy relies heavily on tourism and hospitality.
Montauk, New York
Montauk is a hamlet on the easternmost point of Long Island.
It is a renowned tourist destination and has the largest commercial fishing fleet in the state.
However, they both also have humid, subtropical climates with mild summers and cool winters.
Montauk is a typical fishing village.
Unlike Cape May, its architecture is colonial Dutch.
Its name comes from the Motaukett, an Algonquian tribe that lived in the area.
Chincoteague, Virginia
Chincoteague is a small town in Accomack County and includes the mainland and Chincoteague Island.
Located on a bay, its beauty lies in its magnificent sunrises and fishing village charm.
The area is also famous for its locally-named Chincoteague ponies a wild horse breed native to the area.
Chincoteague Islands population is similar to Cape Mays, with around 4000 people.
They both have beautiful beaches that entice bathers during the humid summers and a charming Victorian small-town feel.
The average cost per day is around $210
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This cozy seaside oasis has a population of just under 600 a far cry from Cape Mays 4000.
But in peak vacation season, that booms to as high as 20 000.
Duck is peppered with small, independent businesses and mom & pop stores.
Popular destinations include Duck Town Park and Boardwalk.
The average cost per day is around $260.
You could even head to the local amusement park.
But Rehoboth is better known for its popular party scene, which especially picks up in summer.
Travel reviewers have often suggested that its more about the beach in Rehoboth than commercial attractions.
Rehoboth has fewer chain hotels and congestion than Cape May does, even in peak season.
And because Delaware is a tax-free state, there are no beach-tag fees.
This makes Rehoboth an excellent destination for hikers, campers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.
The average cost per day is around $270.
Tybee Island is known for its diverse ecosystem, consisting of Atlantic shorelines and natural marshes.
Tybee Islands population is a modest 3400 or so.
Well, because there arent any.
Just ask any of Sanibel Islands 7300 or so residents.
The codes limit street lighting to curb the unnatural brightness on the shoreline.
Natural sights and sounds are Sanibel Islands biggest draw.
In that respect, youll find its not quite as full of commercial attractions as Cape May.
Its a paradise for anyone on the back of a bicycle, though.
There is even a National Shell Museum to visit.
You could also go animal spotting at the J.N.
The average cost per day on Sanibel Island is roughly $250.
With a population of just over 14,000, the town enjoys hot summers and mild, dry winters.
St. Augustine is the birthplace of the late, great Ray Charles.
It boasts 43 miles of magnificent beaches.
Water sports are a major attraction, and the town draws golfers from around the world.
Their biggest industries are agriculture, oil, gas, and mining.
The most significant difference lies in its larger population, at three times the size of Cape May.
Although its history is evident in the architecture, the style is remarkably different and intensely European.
St. Augustine is slightly more affordable than Cape May, with your stay averaging around $240 per night.
It is also a gastronomical wonderland, famous for its wine bars and lobster shacks.
Ogunquit is reasonably priced.
Compared to similar towns, it averages about $175 per night.
It is painted with quaint bookstores and restaurants.
And the beaches engross those who enjoy whale watching and nature hikes.
Construction and retail arent far behind.
Friday Harbor has warm, dry summers that lovers of sailing and the natural beauty.
On Average, youll pay around $210 per night when you visit.
American icon Berry White was born in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Clint Eastwood served as mayor from 1986 to 1988.
Expect to pay around $280 per day in Carmel.
It is popular with those who love the more adventurous activities travelers can enjoy at the coast.
Deep-sea fishing and diving excursions are popular, and its marshy ecology is teeming with birdlife.
Port Aransas is quite affordable, however, as you might expect to pay about $200 per day.
National Geographic named Cannon Beach one of the 100 most beautiful places globally.
Haystack Rock, standing 235ft out of the ocean, is accessible on foot during low tide.
Having said that, Cannon Beach offers so much more than just a beach town vibe.
Framed by beautiful cliffs and old forests, it is a natural wonderland.
The Kennedys also have ties to Newport, and the historic Gilded Age mansions are a major attraction.
Newport has a large population compared to others on the list, with over 25 000 residents.
Its primary industry is hospitality, but its naval base employs 4200 people.
With the Atlantic seaboard in common, Cape May and Newport enjoy a similar climate coastline.
They also share a jazz history and draw music lovers to their annual festivals.
Newport is, however, significantly more populated and has a much more colonial feel.
The average daily cost of visiting Newport is $165
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Its named for the Nehantucket tribe that inhabited the area at the time of European settlement.
Nantucket shares Cape Mays beach culture and Victorian-style homes.
It also relies heavily on its summer visitors.
They both attract many tourists and have been featured in pop culture over the decades.
The deliberately worn-out style of Nantucket architecture is also less quaint yet equally endearing.
Nantucket is an expensive choice, averaging about $320 per night
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As an island, it is surrounded by beautiful beaches and attracts bathers and boat lovers.
Although the economy is driven by tourism, it also has a large fishing and construction industry.
In addition, its mild winters and beautiful summers make it a comfortable choice at any time of year.
Cape May is significantly quieter, and its season lasts much longer than Marthas Vineyard.
Cape Mays location also makes it easier to access other small towns and tourist spots during your visit.
Marthas Vineyard is a pricey option, averaging $284 per night.
