The Best Seaside Vacation Destinations

End-of-summer blues got you down? It's never too soon to start planning your next vacay, and coastal cities can offer year-round appeal. Here are just a few of the best seaside vacation destinations in the U.S. for your next adventure.

San Diego, CA

San Diego enjoys temperate weather year-round, thanks to its proximity to the equator, offset by ocean breezes. In short, it feels like summer all year, with temperatures that typically fall between 65 and 75 degrees F. Plus, there's no shortage of stuff to do.

During the day, you can visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and pop over to beautiful Balboa Park right next door. Families with kids are sure to love Legoland. At night, head to the Gaslamp Quarter for tasty cuisine, trendy lounges, and shopping galore. Just make sure to avoid that week in July when Comic-Con is on.

Cape Cod, MA

Whether you're strolling windswept beaches, taking historic tours, enjoying a whale watching excursion, or participating in a clam bake, there's no end of amusements in this ultimate New England coastal town.

Cannon Beach, OR

Famous for Haystack Rock, a monolith rising out of the ocean just off the coastline, there's more to this beachy, West Coast town than sand, surf, and the smell of brine. Hike Ecola State Park to enjoy the rainforest ecosystem or head into town for quaint shops and unbelievable food. Check their annual calendar for quirky events like the "Get Lit at the Beach" literary festival.

Outer Banks, NC

Whether you like to tour lighthouses or gawk at wild mustangs running free, you can do it in the Outer Banks. Of course, you can also hit the beaches and boardwalks, enjoy incredible fishing and golf, or take a dolphin cruise. Upscale restaurants, shopping, and spas offer some respite from your many activities.

Miami Beach, FL

Is there any beach city more confidently beachy than Miami Beach, where days spent in bathing suits and nights at the club are pretty much a given? You'll want to check out the pastel buildings of the Art Deco District on Ocean Front Drive, hit up the shops and restaurants at Bayside Market, and check the schedule at the historic Olympia Theater.

Seattle, WA

The Space Needle and Pike Place Market (for fish throwing, naturally) are must-see stops when in Seattle. The rainy city that serves as the birthplace of grunge also has a bustling music scene, however, so you'll definitely want to catch a show at famed venue The Crocodile (lauded as the cradle of grunge) and pop over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Western Service Center to check out "A Sound Garden," the art installation from which a certain band derived its name. Don't forget to hit up Woodinville Wine Country to sample some of the best varietals in Washington.

Waikiki, HI

Although it's on an island, it's still part of the U.S., and it fits the seaside bill. Plus, you really can't beat the gorgeous beaches, abundant hiking, and nightly luaus for entertainment. Make sure to check out the Waikiki Aquarium, take a surfing lesion, and visit the USS Arizona (book in advance). Save on the price of everything from airfare to hotels by traveling early in the year.