Last Updated on May 3, 2025
The continental US is home to over 95,000 miles of coastline. With so many places to choose from, there are countless options on where to buy beachfront property.
Thankfully, our land experts are here with a can’t-miss list of this year’s top coastal destinations. We’ll dive into affordability, investment potential, everyday lifestyle, and more key factors to consider as a beachfront landowner, whether you’re buying for personal use or long-term investment.
So, where is the best place to buy beachfront property? Here are the seven top areas around the country.
Florida’s Gulf Coast: Affordable Beachfront Land with High Demand
Stretching along the western part of the state, Florida’s Gulf Coast features hundreds of beaches with year-round warm weather. An affordable area, the Gulf Coast is brimming with scenic beauty and countless recreational activities, making it the perfect location if you’re looking to buy an investment property or build a vacation home. The water temperature is comfortable in any season, and tourists will find lots to do no matter what month they visit.
This stunning coastal strip is rife with opportunities for seasonal rentals, investment land, and commercial properties. Florida Gulf Coast University is also a stone’s throw away, adding a student population to the high demand and investment potential.
The Outer Banks, North Carolina: Scenic Beauty and Secluded Shores
The Outer Banks are a strip of islands comprising over 100 miles of pristine shoreline and open-sea beaches. While the Outer Banks is just a short drive from mainland North Carolina, they feel far removed from the hustle and bustle, with quaint coastal towns and endless natural beauty.
The Outer Banks is perfect for buyers seeking a leisurely coastal lifestyle. The seaside towns offer community living alongside oceanfront views, cultural attractions, and historic sites. Plus, high seasonal demand offers lots of investment potential.
Texas Gulf Coast: A Growing Market for Beachfront Land
This southern Texas destination features over 350 miles of sand dunes bordering quiet coastal towns. From Galveston to South Padre Island, buyers will find affordable prices, a variety of property types, and seasonal investment potential.
The Texas Gulf Coast is one of the nation’s up-and-coming beachfront markets, with lots of opportunities for rental properties or seasonal investments. Residential landowners can also enjoy the slower pace of life alongside beautiful shores and vibrant beach towns by securing a beachfront home in this area.
California’s Central Coast: A Luxury Beachfront Investment
Found just north of Los Angeles and just south of San Francisco, California’s famous Central Coast is 350 miles of scenic coastline, jagged sea cliffs, and lush wine country. Places like Santa Cruz boast popular beaches and bustling towns, while Santa Barbara’s rolling hills and vineyards lend it the nickname the “American Riviera.”
The Central Coast is a more affordable option for landowners compared to costly Southern California, while still offering significant rental potential, investment opportunities, and long-term value. Whether you’re investing in a residential home or vacation rental property, beachfront land for sale on the Central Coast will only appreciate over time and is a fantastic real estate investment for the long run.
The Pacific Northwest: A Unique Beachfront Opportunity
The coastal regions of Washington and Oregon offer cooler climates compared to other beachfront destinations, with no shortage of stunning views, rugged beauty, and outdoor recreation. Rocky beaches, volcanic mountains, verdant forests, and hidden waterfalls are just some of the natural sites that make the Pacific Northwest a unique coastal destination.
In addition to the residential and investment potential, buyers are attracted to the sustainably-focused community vibe across the Pacific Northwest. Landowners may have to adopt conservation management practices, but will help promote long-term ecological resilience in this beautiful environment.
The Jersey Shore, New Jersey: East Coast Beachfront with High Rental Demand
This famous eponymous region on the East Coast boasts over 90 miles of white sand beaches and quaint coastal communities. Tourists and residents alike love surfing and other water activities along the region’s stunning coastline, and after a sunny day down the shore, you can enjoy the art, culture, cuisine, and shopping in nearby towns.
The Jersey Shore is connected to both the New York and Philadelphia metro areas, a prime location that offers strong seasonal rental demand and investment potential. If you’re searching for a real estate investment in a charming beach town or along a breathtaking coastline, purchasing a beachfront home in New Jersey could be a smart and rewarding choice.
The Lowcountry, South Carolina: A Southern Gem for Coastal Living
The Lowcountry and its nearby islands are found between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Savannah River to the west. Lowcountry land boasts not only beautiful views and beach activities, but bustling small towns full of things to see and do. Nature, culture, history, shopping, cuisine—Lowcountry communities have it all.
Beachfront land in Hilton Head and the Charleston metro area is a fast-growing region, popular amongst permanent residents and investors alike. Your homestead or rental property is waiting! If you’re looking to learn how to buy land in South Carolina, understanding the local market, zoning laws, and financing options is the first step toward making a smart investment.
Find Your Ideal Beachfront Land with Land.com
Browse all available beachfront listings on Land.com, where our extensive search filters make it easy to find the exact acreage you’re looking for.
Not sure how to buy beachfront property? Our expert insights and tools are designed to help buyers make informed decisions, with local land pros available to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. Connect with a local land pro today to find your dream coastal property.
Sources:
National Ocean Service. How long is the U.S. shoreline? https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/shorelength.html.
Visit Florida. Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. https://www.visitflorida.com/beaches/gulf-coast/.
The Outer Banks. Welcome to the Outer Banks. https://www.outerbanks.org/.
Travel Texas. Gulf Coast. https://www.traveltexas.com/cities-and-regions/gulf-coast/.
Central Coast Tourism. Experience the Central Coast. https://centralcoast-tourism.com/.
Visit the USA. The Pacific Northwest. https://www.visittheusa.mx/trip/noroeste-del-pacifico.
Visit New Jersey. Shore Region. https://visitnj.org/regions/shore.
South Carolina Low Country. https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/.
