Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway, Beaufort (with 12,534 locals) sits in the heart of the Sea Islands and Lowcountry, with much of its historic antebellum architecture intact.

A beautiful, upscale village of 1,644 residents along Cape Cod's southern shore, known as "The Port," has been the home of seamen and fishermen since before the American Revolution.

One of the jewels of the Maine coast, this town of 1,200 offers sandy beaches and picturesque walking paths along the ocean, plus charming shops and restaurants in the port's Dock Square.

This historically town of deep-water harbors and 25,000 residents has drawn a wonderful variety of retail, hotels, and dining, with Bellevue Avenue, one of the hippest shopping districts.

This picturesque New England village has lured artists for centuries. It's like Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, say locals (4,000 call it home), but without the swell of tourists.
 

Historically a sugar cane Plantation town, Pa'ia is now best known for being close to two renowned windsurfing beaches. The 2,668 happy locals enjoy five beaches within walking distance.

This former whaling town-turned artist and writer colony, only two hours from New York City, has maintained its small-town feel (2,313 residents), thanks to a wealth of locally owned shops.

The millions of tinted seashells that have literally built the island on which this little town sits have made Sanibel famous around the world. Its 6,469 residents enjoy access to 15 miles of unspoiled beaches.