Montecito, California
For a laid-back beachfront escape that’s just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, look no further than Montecito. This A-lister-approved locale—where Oprah, Rob Lowe, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live—is flanked by the Santa Ynez Mountains. Butterfly Beach, Miramar Beach, and Hammonds Beach are all beloved by locals and travelers alike.
In terms of accommodations, you can't go wrong with a stay at Rosewood Miramar Beach, an uber-luxe resort with 16 acres of beachfront. Don’t forget to stop by Coast Village Road, Montecito’s main hub for shopping, drinking, and dining. Who knows: You may even spot a celeb or two.
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Nags Head, North Carolina
Situated along North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks region, the town of Nags Head—which features 30 public beach access points—is not to be missed. Jockey's Ridge State Park is best known for its towering sand dunes, while the nostalgia-inducing Outer Banks Fishing Pier offers excellent fishing and an on-site restaurant. Speaking of food, gourmands will especially love Nags Head for its abundance of seafood spots like Sam and Omie’s, Owen’s, Tale of the Whale, and Sugar Shack Fish Market Oyster Bar and Grill.