There’s one thing magnetic in regards to the concept of a coastal escape—comfortable sand, ocean breezes, and pastel sunsets. However generally, the promise doesn’t match the truth. Through the years, sure seaside locations have developed reputations they now not deserve. Whether or not it’s resulting from overcrowding, inflated costs, or an general lack of authenticity, not each beachfront city delivers that laid-back paradise vibe you’re anticipating.

What’s worse? Many of those locations nonetheless prime “finest seaside” lists, main vacationers to blow budgets on lackluster experiences. If you happen to’re planning a coastal journey, right here’s a blunt take a look at eight seaside hotspots which have earned extra eye-rolls than oohs and why it’s possible you’ll need to reroute your trip plans.

1. Miami Seashore, Florida

As soon as a glamorous vacation spot for nightlife and oceanfront luxurious, Miami Seashore has turn into the poster baby for fashion over substance. Between the skyrocketing lodge costs, relentless occasion noise, and a seaside scene packed shoulder-to-shoulder with vacationers, it’s removed from the peaceable getaway many envision. Whereas South Seashore nonetheless boasts Artwork Deco allure and flashy automobiles, the expertise can really feel extra like a vogue runway than a calming trip. Native meals will be overpriced and underwhelming except you already know precisely the place to go. And don’t count on a lot private house on a sunny weekend. Even the seagulls look exhausted.

2. Venice Seashore, California

Venice Seashore is a type of iconic names that conjures photos of curler skaters, artists, and beachside enjoyable. In actuality, it’s turn into a gritty mixture of overcrowded sidewalks, persistent avenue distributors, and a critical homelessness crisis that native officers nonetheless wrestle to deal with. The boardwalk, as soon as a hub of quirky creativity, now feels extra like a chaotic flea market. The seaside itself is first rate however definitely not tranquil, particularly when paired with visitors, noise, and parking nightmares. First-timers typically depart questioning what all of the fuss was about—and why they didn’t simply head to Malibu as a substitute.

3. Cancún, Mexico

Cancún’s mega-resorts and infinite spring-break vibes have turned this once-idyllic seaside city into a company occasion zone. Whereas the Caribbean waters are nonetheless beautiful, the seashores are sometimes full of vacationers, and costs have ballooned as the world caters extra to high-volume tourism than cultural expertise. Many guests keep solely inside their resorts, lacking out on the wealthy Yucatán tradition and historical past. Exterior the lodge zone, infrastructure struggles to maintain up with demand, and real native interplay is uncommon. For a extra genuine and peaceable Mexican seaside expertise, locations like Tulum (earlier than it too turns into overrun) or Isla Holbox are more and more favored.

4. Atlantic Metropolis, New Jersey

Atlantic Metropolis’s heyday has lengthy handed, nevertheless it continues to attract crowds chasing nostalgia and slot machines. The seaside is commonly overshadowed by the boardwalk casinos, most of which really feel dated and disconnected from the precise coastal environment. The water is colder and murkier than you’ll discover farther south, and the native sights really feel caught in a unique period. Whereas redevelopment efforts pop up once in a while, they hardly ever match the hype. It’s a spot that’s attempting onerous to reinvent itself however typically feels prefer it’s chasing ghosts reasonably than constructing one thing contemporary.

5. Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina

Myrtle Seashore is a family-favorite vacation spot, however provided that you’re fantastic with lengthy strains, sensory overload, and seashores so full you’ll wrestle to discover a towel-sized patch of sand. The realm is full of chain eating places, high-rise resorts, and seaside outlets promoting the identical shell necklaces and T-shirts. Visitors throughout peak season is a nightmare, and plenty of guests complain about noisy, crowded seashores that lack allure. Whereas it’s reasonably priced for giant households, the general expertise can really feel extra chaotic than enjoyable. If you happen to’re searching for a quieter Southern seaside vibe, close by Pawleys Island or Edisto Beach is likely to be higher bets.

6. Bondi Seashore, Australia

Bondi is arguably Australia’s most well-known seaside and maybe probably the most overrated. Vacationers typically arrive anticipating a peaceable, iconic browsing expertise and as a substitute discover a small stretch of sand jammed with sunbathers, influencers, and backpackers. The native eating places and outlets cater closely to vacationers, driving costs up and authenticity down. Locals typically keep away from Bondi on weekends, preferring much less commercialized spots like Manly or Bronte. It’s not that Bondi is unhealthy. It simply doesn’t reside as much as its world-class status except your trip targets embrace being a part of a selfie swarm.

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia (in Summer season)

Dubrovnik has surged in reputation due to “Sport of Thrones” fame, however its seashores are removed from peaceable. Through the peak summer season months, this medieval coastal metropolis turns into overwhelmed with cruise ships and vacationers cramming into slim streets and rocky seashores. The coastal views are breathtaking, however the precise seaside expertise is missing. Most spots are rocky, crowded, and never notably swimmable. Add in excessive costs and locals rising more and more weary of vacationer conduct, and it’s simple to see why the shine is fading. For a extra laid-back Croatian coastal vibe, strive Break up or the close by island of Hvar.

8. Good, France

The French Riviera exudes luxurious, however Good doesn’t all the time ship on that promise. The pebble seashores will be surprisingly uncomfortable, and plenty of are privately owned, requiring paid entry. Public seashores are restricted and jam-packed in summer season, making it troublesome to get pleasure from a calming day by the ocean. Eating places and inns include steep value tags that don’t all the time match the extent of service or high quality. Whereas the Mediterranean views and close by cities like Eze or Antibes supply magnificence and allure, Good itself feels extra like a glamorized layover than a coastal gem.

Rethink the Seashore. Not All That Glitters is Ocean Gold

Coastal locations are romanticized for his or her magnificence and escape potential, however not each seaside city is definitely worth the hype—or your hard-earned cash. The reality is that most of the most talked-about coastal getaways have turn into crowded, overpriced, or stripped of the allure that after made them interesting. There’s nothing improper with loving the seaside, however in 2025, good vacationers are in search of out the under-the-radar spots the place authenticity and leisure haven’t been sacrificed for memento outlets and high-rise inns.

Earlier than reserving your subsequent seaside journey, dig a bit deeper. You would possibly simply discover a hidden gem the place the seagulls nonetheless have one thing to squawk about.

Have you ever ever been upset by a hyped-up coastal vacation spot? Which seaside city didn’t reside as much as your expectations, and which hidden gem would you suggest as a substitute?

Learn Extra:

10 Things People Regret About Waiting to Travel Until They Were Older

12 Iconic U.S. Landmarks Travelers Swear Aren’t Worth the Ticket Price

Riley is an Arizona native with over 9 years of writing expertise. From private finance to journey to digital advertising and marketing to popular culture, she’s written about the whole lot underneath the solar. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time exterior, studying, or cuddling together with her two corgis.