You can’t underestimate the power of a good trip to the beach. Whether for the day, a weekend, or more, it seems there’s nothing that a little sun, sand, and surf can’t fix.

This healing ability works especially well if your vacation spot is a little alcove off the beaten path, where you can let the magic of a quiet afternoon by the water put you at ease. These destination beach towns may be old-fashioned, but they’re full of charm, too.

• Chatham, MA

  

  Cape Cod is a popular vacation spot, no doubt, but at the cape’s southern tip lies the town of Chatham—a small seaside fishing community first settled in 1665. Tiny cottage homes dot the walkable streets of town, and the harbor welcomes waterbirds and other wildlife during the summer months. You can’t beat the pristine family-friendly beaches, either.

• Topsail Beach, NC

  

  North Carolina is famed for its beautiful beaches, but with a flood of tourists during the busy season, hot spots like Wrightsville can feel overcrowded. Instead, head a little farther north to Topsail, where you can embrace the beach-bum life without distraction. Legend has it that the eighteenth-century pirate Blackbeard buried his treasure nearby. Pirates aside, the low-key beaches of Topsail are a haven for fishing, boating, and other water activities.

• Saugatuck, MI

  

  A trip to Michigan … for the beach? Though not always thought of as a beach destination, Michigan has more than 1,000 miles of beautiful shoreline that has been voted among the best in the world. Saugatuck is a gem in the northwest corner of the state, peppered with art galleries and antique shops and beloved for its small-town hospitality.

• Yachats, OR

  

  Cannon Beach might be the most popular destination on Oregon’s coast, but Yachats should not be overlooked—with mile after mile of gorgeous beaches and opportunities to catch a glimpse of the area's amazing wildlife. Uncover the history of America’s Pacific Coast settlements with a visit to some of the oldest lighthouses in the country.

An incredible, relaxing vacation isn’t far away—all you have to do is venture outside the resorts and city beaches for an old-fashioned trip.

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Pull up a beach chair, sit back, and enjoy the surf at one of these seaside towns—and be sure to share on social media so friends and family can enjoy, too!