Weekends at the beach are practically mandatory throughout the summer, whether you live on the East Coast, West Coast, or the Midwest's "North Coast," which includes the Great Lakes.

You can avoid the crowds and higher prices of popular beach resorts without sacrificing access to refreshing surf, sculptable sand, and pleasant summer breezes. Here are eight underappreciated beach towns you may not have heard of but must visit right now.

Gloucester, MA

Cape Ann, located 40 miles north of Boston, offers an attractive alternative to Cape Cod with its coastal beaches and delicious cuisine. Cape Ann is a 58-square-mile area that contains the cities of Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, in addition to the population centre of Gloucester.

The rounded rocks of Wingaersheek Beach provide areas to climb and relax and protect little pools where swimmers can splash around. From the middle of April to the end of October, families can take whale-watching cruises off the coast of Gloucester and onto the Atlantic Ocean.

Sugar Magnolias serves breakfast lobster omelettes and crab cakes, Lobsta Land serves bouillabaisse and fresh seafood, and Woodman's of Essex, where fried clams were invented, is a local favourite.

Hunting Island

The barrier islands and Hunting Island State Park, which spans over 5,000 acres, can be reached by taking the Sea Island Parkway 16 miles southeast of Beaufort's historic and picturesque centre.

Ascend the 136-foot tower for a panoramic view of the 5-mile stretch of the coastline below. Visit the nature centre, go dolphin watching in the warm Atlantic waters, or take in the sights of the marsh and inland lagoons in South Carolina's most visited state park. One of the 100 campsites is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the scenery.

Anna Maria Island, FL

Anna Maria Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida and is accessible from Bradenton. The island is known for its calm currents, gorgeous sand, and tropical blue-green water.

Large stretches of sugary beach and picnic tables shaded by Australian trees await families at Coquina Beach.

Those who venture inland to Bradenton won't regret visiting the South Florida Museum, where they can learn about the area's rich natural heritage, or the River Walk, which features a cutting-edge playground and a world-class skate park along the Manatee River.

Holland, MI

Beaches like those in the Caribbean and watercolours like those in the Bahamas may be found all along the eastern coastline of Lake Michigan, but Holland stands out with the added allure of its Dutch history and culture.

Experience a Dutch windmill, ride a carousel, and shop for imported or locally created Delftware and wooden shoes on Windmill Island. The DeBoer Bakkerij is famous for breakfast and lunch due to its spicy windmill cookies.

Jacksonport, WI

Door County is a 70-mile-long peninsula extending into Lake Michigan, and it features 300 miles of shoreline, hundreds of beaches, five state parks, and a few lighthouses. Whitefish Dunes State Park, which can be reached from Sturgeon Bay by way of Jacksonport, is home to fantastic sand and the splendour of freshwater.

There are hiking paths and information on the indigenous people who lived in the area long before Europeans arrived.

Florence, OR

This town of around 8,800 people is nestled inland on the Siuslaw River and is close to several coastal attractions.

These include the otherworldly Oregon Dunes where visitors can go on exhilarating dune rides where visitors can hear the playful barking and antics of Steller sea lions in America's largest sea cavern.

Visit during low tide for wonderful tide-pooling around red and orange sea stars. Take binoculars to the paths around the picture-perfect Heceta Head Lighthouse to search for migratory whales and seabirds.

Oceanside, California

The longest wooden pier extends into the water in this coastal hamlet on the northern tip of San Diego County.

It's also a hive of activity, with families trying their hand at fishing from the pier's rails, pausing to watch surfers ride the perfect wave, and finally making their way to the very end to eat at Ruby's, a retro 1950s diner with breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Families may spend the day outside enjoying the California weather along Mission Avenue, where there is a playground, barbecues and fire pits, restrooms. The downtown area's souvenir stores, eateries, and hidden gems like Petite Madeline Bakery are all within walking distance.