The FloQ

Travel Insights Blog

The FloQ

Travel Insights Blog

Five US Destinations For A Coastal European Vacation

Jun 6, 2023

Katya Lopatko

Tips & Tricks

Read:

6 min

Soft sunlight dancing on turquoise water, pastel architecture artfully eroded in the wind, and deeply rooted customs shaping the slow rhythms of daily life give us something we can’t find in the States. Or can we?

Unsplash

After years of pandemic restrictions limiting us to domestic travel, Americans can’t wait to make up for lost time by hopping on an international flight. For many, that means Europe — US demand is leading the European tourism resurgence in 2023.


It’s easy to see why. From rich cultural heritage to breathtaking natural sights, Europe has something for everyone. For spring and summer travel, coastal Mediterranean countries like Spain, France, Italy and Greece are longtime favorites for Americans. And for good reason: soft sunlight dancing on turquoise water, pastel architecture artfully eroded in the wind, and deeply rooted customs shaping the slow rhythms of daily life give us something we can’t find in the States. Or can we?

With demand skyrocketing and flights filling up well ahead of the summer season, traditional European hotspots could be even more crowded — and pricey — than usual this year. But there’s no need to leave the country just because the borders are open: you can get a taste of the classic European summer vacation closer to home. These US destinations on each coast — and even in between — all capture something of the history, look and feel of a Mediterranean summer. With much shorter flight times, you can squeeze a whole European summer into a quick weekend, save time and money on long-haul flights, and enjoy the lack of jet lag.


1. St. Augustine, Florida

Memorial Presbyterian Church in the Historic District of St. Augustine

Spanish colonial settlers founded St. Augustine in 1565, making it the oldest surviving city in the US. Today, this history lives on in the Castillo de San Marcos, a towering masonry fort built in the late 1600s, and in the city’s layout, which still follows the original Spanish street plan, giving it a distinctly European feel. You can lose yourself strolling through the charming Historic District, with thirty-six original buildings from colonial times and forty reconstructed replicas. For a glimpse into the area’s history, visit the Colonial Quarter museum and explore the other European-inspired architectural gems from different eras. When you’ve had your culture fix, head to the nearby beach for white sands and sparkling blue Atlantic ocean to rival any Mediterranean coastline.

2. Sister Beaches of Highway 30A in Florida

Greek-inspired houses in Alys Beach

If you can’t make it to France’s Côte d'Azur, try Florida’s Emerald Coast. The Gulf of Mexico might not bring to mind images of Euro chic, but this is exactly what makes Florida’s sister beaches of Highway 30A one of the best-kept secrets of the South. Along this 24-mile stretch of coastline in the Florida panhandle, you’ll find a cluster of charming beach towns with a distinctly European atmosphere.

The two standouts are Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, planned communities built side by side in the 1990s that mimic the look, feel and lifestyle of a coastal Mediterranean town. They were designed according to the principles of New Urbanism, which promotes sustainability and quality of life through walkable neighborhoods, green space, and other urban design principles traditionally found in European cities more so than in the US. While Rosemary Beach’s cobblestone streets and shuttered buildings with deep porches bring the Old and New World together with a French Quarter feel, Alys Beach could be mistaken for a Greek island town on a clear day, its all-white stone rooftops gleaming in the sunlight against bright blue water. A bike path connects the two towns, making it easy to visit both in one getaway.

3. The California Coast

Hearst Castle

For Europeans: a road trip along Highway 1 might be the bucket list American activity, after a trip to New York City. With its sprawling freeways and Wild West legacy, California might seem like the cultural opposite of Europe, but a closer look reveals unexpected similarities, starting with the Mediterranean climate. Maybe it’s not that surprising that driving along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll pass many European-inspired enclaves, from the Getty Villa, a recreated Roman country villa housing stunning Greek and Roman antiquities in Los Angeles, to Hearst Castle, a hilltop estate built by media mogul Randolph Hearst, inspired by his childhood travels through Europe and nicknamed “La Cuesta Encantada,” Spanish for “The Enchanted Hill.” Further north, Napa Valley has long attracted visitors from all over the world with stately vineyards and award-winning wines to rival the best producers in France, Italy and Spain.

Views over Santa Barbara

If you’re looking for a single destination, consider Santa Barbara or Carmel. Known as the “American Riviera,” Santa Barbara looks like an image plucked straight off the Mediterranean coast, nestled between low, green mountains and deep blue ocean. The small city boasts historic Spanish architecture, a walkable downtown with shops and restaurants stocked with imported and European-style offerings, quaint street markets selling local art, beautiful beaches and a picturesque harbor stocked with sailboats—in short, all the ingredients of a Mediterranean vacation. And with more than 250 wineries in the county, there’s no need to travel all the way to Napa to taste some world-class wine.

Next stop: Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beach town two hours south of the Bay Area, whose name is a clear nod to the French tradition of long, hyphenated place names. Carmel blends elements from various countries for a peaceful, unique vacation: a historic Spanish mission; a village inspired by traditional English architecture; designer shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants that offer the best of European luxury. Both Carmel and Santa Barbara might be associated with high-end living, but each offers activities for a variety of price ranges. Santa Barbara county has several beach camping sites for outdoorsy travelers; and best of all, the beaches and hiking trails with sweeping views of the coastline are always free.

4. Newport, Rhode Island

Castle Hill Lighthouse, Rhode Island

The old playground for the American aristocracy, Newport is a leading colonial seaport known today for its yachts, mansions and clam chowder. But there’s a hidden history in Newport — since 1639, it’s welcomed immigrants from all corners of the Old World, from English dissenters to Quakers, Jews, and Irish. Each of these groups has left its mark on the landscape, like St. Mary’s, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the state, and Touro Synagogue, the first synagogue in the US.

Today, this historic getaway offers a taste of Northern France in New England, with its colonial buildings, wind-swept beaches, and picturesque lighthouse. From culture to outdoor adventure, there’s something for everyone in Newport: visit the Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s summer “cottage” built in Italian Renaissance style, then clear your head with a scenic bike or stroll along the coast, where rugged natural beauty meets the historical architecture of the Gilded Age. When you get hungry, head to one of Newport’s waterfront seafood restaurants, serving classic New England fare like fresh oysters and mussels, or stop by an Irish pub for a beer and burger—or a corned beef dinner.

5. Holland, Michigan

The Big Red Lighthouse

Last but not least, you can even find a slice of Europe in the Midwest. While the coasts get all the credit, Michigan’s “Fresh Coast,” the Great Lakes, offers 11,000 miles of stunning shoreline far from the traditional US tourist centers. The Midwest doesn’t usually top the list of cultural destinations in the US, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the mid-1800s, millions of immigrants from Central and Northern Europe arrived in the US, many settling in the Midwest. Their cultural traditions continue to define the region, particularly in towns like Holland, Michigan, which preserves its history and heritage for visitors.

Settled by Dutch Calvinist religious refugees in 1847, Holland is a portal to the traditional Netherlands on Lake Michigan. The annual Tulip Time Festival in May is the most popular time to visit, but there are plenty of cultural sites to see year-round, from the historic Big Red Lighthouse to the Windmill Island Gardens, which has the only authentic operating Dutch windmill in the US, and the Holland Museum, which showcases historical exhibits and an extensive Dutch art collection. In the summer, Holland’s beaches are a paradise for outdoor adventure, like swimming, boating, biking and paddle boarding.

Windmill Island

Related Articles

Three Easy Ways to Travel Like a Local

Feeling out of your element when you visit a new city? Never fear, with these simple tricks, you’ll be traveling like a local in no time. Goodbye tourist traps, hello hidden gems.

Here’s how to tune into your environment this spring

Whether you’re heading on spring break or staying home, paying attention to your environment can help you get into the spring spirit, giving your brain a boost of good vibes.

Chart Your Course: Prime Digital Nomad Visas of 2024

As digital nomads, something we encounter often is how to stay in other countries for extended periods of time. From a US perspective, this can be tricky to find visas you qualify for.

5 Ways Travel Can Help You Connect

Modern life can make us feel lonely and disconnected, but there’s a lot we can do to change that. Here’s how travel can help you connect with yourself, with others, and with the world.

A Digital Nomad's Guide: Going Off The Grid

In a world of digital nomads, full time travelers, and endless places to visit, how do you go “off grid” for a period of time? How do some of these travelers go to places without internet for weeks at a time, and how can you do it too?

Travel to Asia in America: Part 1, West Coast

Want to travel to Asia without leaving the country? In honor of Lunar New Year, discover some of these top spots to experience Asian culture on the West Coast.

Why Do We Travel?

Amidst the holiday bustle of lights and festivities, a deeper tradition takes center stage — New Year's resolutions. Explore the obsession with self-improvement and the pursuit of personal transformation in the midst of the holiday season.

The Inside Scoop On 12 Top Ski Resorts In North America

Not sure which slopes to hit this winter? We’ve got you. Read on for an exclusive peek into some of the top resorts in North America, from one seasoned (and obsessed) skier to you.

A Digital Nomad's Guide: Embracing the World While Working Remotely

With the increase of online work after 2020, the lure of the digital nomad life is hard to deny for anyone now. But, what does that really mean?

Pop Culture Pilgrimages To Take This Fall

When you hear “pilgrimage”, you might think of religious travelers visiting holy sites, or the American pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower. But today, anyone can be a pilgrim.

The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Maui, Hawaii

So you have a trip booked to Maui. Congrats, you’re about to be in one of the best spots for food in the US, and maybe even the world!

Is Fall Really The Best Time To Travel?

This travel season, fall is the new summer. Why? Why now? Has summer always been overrated? Read on to find out.

How To Travel (A Little) More Sustainably

Sustainability can feel overwhelming, but here are some simple steps you can take to make your next trip a little more eco-friendly.

Packing For Your Personality

Want to make packing a little less stressful? Whether you’re an overpacker, a procrastinator, a minimalist, or somewhere in between, discover the psychology behind each type so you can make it work for you.

In 10 Years, Will You Look Back And Be Happy You Stayed Home?

On April 15th, 2018, I started on a 2,650-mile journey along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which spans from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, traversing six eco-zones and seven national parks.

Seven Top Outdoor Weekend Activities in the US for Fall 2023

Floqsta has some top picks for your next Fall group outing! As the crisp autumn air rolls in and leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, it's the perfect time to venture outdoors and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

The Best United States Road Trips For Summer

When it comes to traveling the US, there’s nothing more iconic than a summer road trip. And for good reason.

How To Make A Workcation Work For You

After settling into the comfort of working from home — or couch, or even bed — it’s no surprise that young workers aren’t exactly clamoring to get back in the office.

Eight Under-the-radar Music Festivals To Check Out

Music festival season is gearing up for its second post-pandemic year, with Coachella officially kicking it off in April. After being deprived of live events for two seasons, music lovers can’t wait to commune with their favorite artists and fellow fans irl again.

Seven Beach Vacations With Amazing Culture In NA

Choosing where to spend your precious vacation time is never easy, especially when you only have a week or two to spare.

Feeling Lonely? Travel Can Help

During the pandemic, conversations about social isolation and its effect on mental health became a hot topic, and for good reason. But actually, the loneliness many of us felt only heightens a decades-long trend.

Can Travel Really Make You A Better Person?

Over the past three years, Google searches for “digital nomad” have tripled in the US, which points to our collective fascination with travel as a lifestyle.

Planning The Perfect Outdoor Weekend Getaway

You can do something good for yourself, your community and the environment. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Read on to learn how to plan the perfect outdoor weekend getaway — no experience needed.

Introducing “The FloQ”

When was the last time you did something for the first time? It’s easy to get caught up in theday-to-day and lose sight of the things that make life worth living: discovery, growth, connection.