Powdery white sand, clear emerald water, and storybook streets have long been the ingredients of a perfect beach escape. Across the U.S., beach towns offer their own version of coastal magic—but one Florida destination is standing out above the rest this summer.

According to Vrbo’s Top Beach Towns for Summer Vacations in 2025, Florida’s Highway 30A has claimed the number one spot. Located along the Florida Panhandle, 30A isn’t a single town but a string of coastal communities connected by one of the most scenic drives in the state.

What ties these towns together is the shoreline: soft, sugar-white sand and calm, turquoise Gulf waters stretch the length of the route. What sets them apart is personality. Each stop along 30A has its own vibe, and none are more than a short drive—or bike ride—from the next.

Some towns feel relaxed and rustic, with laid-back bars and windswept dunes. Others lean upscale, featuring carefully planned architecture, high-end boutiques, and polished dining scenes. This variety makes it easy to customize your trip without ever leaving the area.

Among the most popular stops are Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach, and WaterColor. Vrbo highlights the region for its welcoming vacation rentals, local restaurants, diverse shopping, and activities that appeal to families as much as couples or solo travelers.

A stay here might look like this: evenings strolling through one town’s pastel streets, mornings biking to another for coffee, afternoons spent on quiet beaches or exploring nearby nature trails. It’s the kind of place where summer feels cinematic—think fresh seafood dinners, beachside record shops, and long sun-soaked days by the water.

Vrbo also notes that 30A continues to attract travelers from across the country, especially visitors from Northern states and Southern cities like Atlanta, looking for an easy coastal getaway.

And if 30A sparks your wanderlust, there’s more inspiration where that came from. These destinations round out Vrbo’s list of the best U.S. beach towns to visit in 2025:

1. 30A, Florida
2. Wilmington, North Carolina
3. The Hamptons, New York
4. Hilton Head, South Carolina
5. San Diego, California
6. Gulf Shores, Alabama