7 Beach Towns in the U.S. to Buy a Vacation Home

You may have questions such as, “Why do I want to own a beach home?” or “Do I want a piece of heaven near white sand beaches to relish in the summer and rent out in the off-season?” if you are thinking about buying a beach house. Of course, you should take full use of your beachfront property if it is intended for your benefit, but if its primary purpose is financial, your tastes may take a back seat.

Having a vacation property by the sea means often strolling down the beach and waking up to the sound of crashing waves. For this reason, it’s no surprise that buying a second home near the ocean is one of the most popular real estate trends.

If you need a beachfront vacation house, you may find the classic laid-back beach vibe in several places along the coasts of North Carolina and Oregon. Here is a rundown of 7 coastal locations to put your money into.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston is a gorgeous barrier island on the Gulf Coast, not far from Houston. It has 32 miles of stunning beaches. Tenants may also use museums, galleries, spectacular golf courses, and seafood markets in the area. Because of this, Galveston is a fantastic place to visit and a promising market for astute investors. When the weather is nice, the spring break crowds arrive in droves. However, Texans have easy access to the area year-round so you can expect steady bookings, great demand for your vacation property, and optimum profitability.

Destin, Florida

Between Destin and Fort Walton Beach, the Gulf of Mexico has 24 miles of white sand beaches with water that varies in hue from light green glass to emerald. Destin and the rest of Florida’s Emerald Coast draw about 5 million tourists annually. Florida’s attractions—sunny beaches made from naturally cooling Appalachian quartz, challenging golf courses, thrilling waterparks, the state’s largest fishing fleet, and the Gulf of Mexico—make it simple to understand why. Sixty-two percent of tourists also book holiday rentals, which is excellent news for the owners of private houses and condos.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Oregon’s coastline isn’t known for its stunning natural beauty like other beach destinations. However, it is irresistible to lovers of windy beaches and a more temperate climate. Visitors to Oregon’s coast may storm-watch from the comfort of their vacation home while also perusing the local stores or having a beer at one of the region’s famed breweries. However, if you’re looking for a place to invest in a beach property, the median yearly gross rental income is on pace with other top coastal towns.

Navarre Beach, Florida

A tiny coastal town east of Pensacola that has vast attractions. Here, sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters are the main attractions for visitors. Navarre Beach is known as a “transcending paradise” by visitors who cross the bridge into the town. Navarre Beach is an excellent option for beachgoers because of its affordable home prices and respectable return on investment.

Lake Anna, Virginia

According to Vacasa’s most recent numbers, Lake Anna will be the most sought-after vacation spot in 2023. There are many high-value beachfront properties across the region’s three counties. This 17-mile-long lake has sandy beaches and is Virginia’s second-largest. The public part of this stunning area is where you’ll find eateries right on the beach, while the private part is off-limits to businesses. While many people take vacations in the summer, it’s in the fall that you can see the lake’s forest at its most vibrant.

Kapalua, Maui

Apartments and second homes are also available in the Kapalua real estate market. The settings range from a mountaintop to a golf field to a beach. This undiscovered jewel of Maui is home to two golf courses, gorgeous lagoons, and beaches perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and catching some waves. Hiking routes connect the Pacific Coast to the spectacular West Maui Mountains, where visitors can take in incredible panoramas of both. There are also five-star hotels, several restaurants that have won prestigious awards, and the annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival.

Corolla, North Carolina

Corolla, North Carolina, is home to a wide variety of vacation houses that range from quaint and tiny to grand and mansion-like. A stunning return on investment (cap rate) is available on local properties. Some holiday rentals have private pools, movie theaters, indoor hot tubs, and access to the beach. This seaside town may have a small-town feel, but visitors can still maintain luxury for variety. Corolla is famous for its herd of wild horses, a group of Colonial Spanish mustangs who roam freely along the coastline.

Enjoy Your Own Vacation Home at the Beach

If you’re looking for a beach town with a high cap rate and a constant supply of tourists, this list might be a great starting point for your search. Find a real estate professional in vacation rentals you can trust as well. A specialist can also provide insight into the best beachside neighborhoods to invest in and where most tourists congregate. Finally, a professional will ensure that relevant individuals see your vacation rental when they search.