The Most Expensive Beaches in the United States to Buy a Second Home

Introduction

Most people dream of being able to own a home on their favorite beach one day. Beach houses are perfect for family vacations, relaxation, and more. It is always fun to make a trip to the beach, and owning a little slice of heaven on the water makes it even better. Of course, beach houses are often extremely expensive. These ocean oases can cost upwards of a million dollars, which is much more than the average home! However, it is always fun to see just how amazing beach houses can be and picture yourself in one. Here is a list of the most expensive beaches in the United States to buy a second home.

1. Malibu, California

Do you want a home in a small coastal town near one of the United States’ biggest cities? If so, Malibu is for you! Located on the coast of Southern California, Malibu is just 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles. This town offers stunning cliffside views of the Pacific Ocean, long beaches, and much more. With a population of around 10,000, Malibu has a small-town vibe within a much larger metropolitan area. It is home to tons of celebrities and influencers, which speaks to just how alluring the area is. Keep reading to discover what makes the most expensive beach in California so special.

What to do in Malibu

Across its 21 miles of coastline, Malibu has much to offer. The town has endless critically acclaimed restaurants, hiking trails, markets, and much more to offer to visitors and residents. Malibu’s proximity to Los Angeles is also extremely desirable. Residents can escape beach life for a day and enjoy all the draws of a big city. The City of Angels is home to museums, tourist attractions, iconic views, and much more. Malibu residents will never be bored with so many opportunities within driving distance of their beautiful homes!

House for Sale: This 25,025-square-foot home has 16 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms. It rests on around five acres of stunning coastal land in a private cove. The Mediterranean-style home maximizes indoor and outdoor spaces with several connected buildings. Additional features include a guest house, pool, in-home theatre, and elevator. Price: $195,000,000

2. The Hamptons, New York

The Hamptons refer to a conglomerate of towns located on the eastern tip of New York’s Long Island. This area is just a two-hour drive from Manhattan, making it a popular escape for executives and business owners with offices in the city. No exact population has been reported for the Hamptons, but one of the largest towns, East Hampton, has an estimated population of around 28,000. The most expensive beach in New York is comprised of large beachfront properties resting on spacious plots of land, maximizing residents’ sense of privacy. The iconic shingle-style architecture of homes in the Hamptons gives the area a cohesive, welcoming feeling unlike anywhere else.

What to do in The Hamptons

Other than stunning beaches and views of the Atlantic Ocean waters, the Hamptons have much to offer. Across the several towns are many award-winning casual and fine dining establishments. These restaurants cover almost every cuisine, ensuring every guest and resident can find something they love. The Hamptons are also known for their expansive shopping options, full of souvenirs and decorations to bring the charm of the area into your own home. Art lovers can visit a plethora of museums showcasing iconic pieces by creatives like Jackson Pollock. These museums encompass art styles such as modern, classical, minimalist, abstract, and much more. Those with a green thumb will love strolling through the many world-class gardens located in the Hamptons. After a long day on the beach, residents can wind down in a beachfront spa or enjoy a beautiful sunset with loved ones over a home-cooked meal.

House for Sale: This 17,980-square-foot home in Southhampton is breathtaking. The house sits on almost 10 acres of land and offers amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms located far from public access. Additional features include a pool, garden, fireplace, balcony, and terrace. Price: $67,000,000

3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket is a residential island located around 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The island is 14 miles long and around five miles wide, making it the perfect size for a remote escape. Boston is only a three-hour drive from Nantucket, including a ferry ride. This makes the island a perfect destination for city dwellers and Massachusetts residents. Nantucket has a year-round population of around 15,000. However, this population increases to almost 80,000 during the summer months. This exponential population growth that occurs each year showcases just how desirable the island can be.

The island offers stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean from sunrise to sunset. Often called the “Grey Lady,” Nantucket is famous for its thick fog. The fog casts an ethereal mist over the island, shrouding it in a perpetual glow that cannot be found elsewhere. While the island is known for its fog, it has plenty of sunny days with clear blue skies as well.

What to do in Nantucket

Aside from the beach, Nantucket offers amazing seafood options spanning from quick, casual dining to five-star restaurants. There are also over 35 miles of trails across the most expensive beach in Massachusetts open for exploration. Visitors and residents can rent a bike or take a stroll along these trails and discover new features of Nantucket every time. Those wanting to learn more about the island’s history can visit the Whaling Museum. The island’s location made it the whaling capital of the world, providing a rich history of greed and growth that is fascinating to delve into. Residents and visitors can venture into the ocean for a day in order to go deep-sea fishing and discover the incredible marine life surrounding Nantucket’s coast.

House for Sale: This 15,332 square-foot home has amazing beachfront views. It rests on around four acres of beautiful land looking over Nantucket Harbour. The house has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and four half-bathrooms. It has a private path for direct beach access from the home’s backyard. Price: $48,000,000

4. Haleiwa, Hawaii

Haleiwa is located on the northwestern edge of Oahu, Hawaii’s middle island. The town’s location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean makes it the least accessible place on this list. However, its distance from land does not take away from all of its incredible features. The three square miles of coastline that comprise this town are a 40-minute drive from Oahu’s largest city, Honolulu. Haleiwa has a population of almost 5,000, preserving the desired small-town feel of a quaint beach town. The area’s historical architecture and natural beauty attract many visitors, making it a sought-after spot for all.

What to do in Haleiwa

The beautiful surf town has no shortage of fun activities for visitors and residents. It is located along Oahu’s Seven-Mile Miracle, a stretch of beach with phenomenal surf breaks. This prime location attracts a plethora of surfers each year and never fails to disappoint. However, the most expensive beach in Hawaii is known for much more than just surfing. Often called the “artistic hub of the North Shore,” Haleiwa is home to an abundance of culture. The Haleiwa Art Gallery is located in the downtown area and is a wonderful place to visit. The gallery offers the opportunity for local artists to display their work, ensuring guests will be able to see unique, authentic pieces. Near the gallery are a number of boutique shops with meaningful souvenirs and clothing to ensure you never forget your visit.

Haleiwa also has a wonderful area of dining options. The famous farmer’s market has a number of food trucks for quick authentic cuisine. Near the water are many fine dining establishments offering classic Hawaiian food, international fare, and a number of unique fusion places. While the area is small, the many restaurants guarantee that everyone will find something they enjoy!

House for Sale: This 8,645 square-foot home located on one of the most desirable surf breaks in Oahu is stunning. The home has amazing amenities such as an infinity pool and hot tub, seawall, guest house, and solar panels. There are seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and three half-bathrooms. The home sits on a half-acre lot with 116 feet of beach frontage. Price: $15,749,000.

5. Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

Located off the coast of South Carolina just north of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is a wonderful place to own a beach home. The island is fairly small, spanning just two-and-a-half miles of coast along the Atlantic Ocean. Sullivan’s Island has a population of less than 2,000 year-round residents, making it the perfect place for a quiet, remote beach vacation. The small population and square mileage of the island give it a quaint, small-town vibe that is coveted by many. It is one of the closest beaches to many east coast cities, making it a popular place to vacation for those living in the southeastern United States.

What to do on Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island along South Carolina’s coast. This means that it formed over hundreds of sand and sediment deposits close to the shore. This unique feature has allowed the beach to remain extremely natural, with little commercial development and tourist traps. The shorelines are clean and home to an abundance of wildlife for visitors to look out for. The natural vibe of the island makes it feel like a private oasis that is the perfect getaway from bustling city life. The island also has no hotels, emphasizing the small-town, residential feel of the area that makes it so unique. Fans of water sports will love the many opportunities to kayak, windsurf, and paddleboard off the island’s coast. The hub of wildlife on Sullivan’s Island also makes it a fishing lover’s dream come true!

Aside from recreational activities, the most expensive beach in South Carolina is home to amazing restaurants offering the best of Southern cuisine. Foodies will love getting to try fresh seafood, authentic barbeque, and mouth-watering burgers. Restaurants on the island range from affordable to upscale, satisfying the needs of anyone who visits. Sullivan’s Island was home to military operations for hundreds of years, meaning it also has a rich history. Those interested can learn more about the past of the island, including a visit to Edgar Allen Poe’s Library.

House for Sale: This 5,081 square-foot home lays on just a half acre of land and is still extremely pricey. The house has five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Additional features include two fireplaces, beachfront access, and a two-car garage. Price: $8,200,000

Summary of the Most Expensive Beaches in the United States to Buy a Second Home

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