15 Overrated Beach Towns To Avoid

Everybody loves jaunting off on a vacation to a beach town to enjoy sun, sand, surf, and seafood. Some folks love those places so much that they choose to call them home year-round — and who could blame them?

However, we believe that the beach towns on this list are a bit overrated. Some are super expensive, while others are teeming with huge crowds and partygoers.

We’ll give you the details about each one so you’ll know where not to go if you want to save money on travel .

1. Atlantic City, New Jersey

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Atlantic City looms large in our imagination (thank you, Bruce Springsteen) as an idyllic and fun beach town with an iconic boardwalk, casinos, and, of course, the beach.

Unfortunately, some say the casinos can be depressing, some businesses are struggling, and the vibe feels dingy. It seems the city has fallen from its former grace.

2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Cabo San Lucas has blossomed over the years with beautiful beaches, spas, golf courses, and tasty cuisine. However, this popular destination has become super commercialized, erasing much of the authentic culture.

It's also super crowded and crawling with spring breakers — less than ideal for a peaceful getaway.

3. Cancún, Mexico

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There are reasons that Cancún is so popular: the weather, endless beaches, proximity, and resorts aplenty. However, it’s become so overdeveloped that it feels like a crowded tourist trap.

It’s also a party hotspot and a favorite of spring breakers, and it's filled with chain restaurants. Trash can be an issue in some places.

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4. Destin, Florida

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No doubt the white sand beaches of Destin are stunning, but good luck finding a spot amidst the crowds.

Once a more laid-back town, Destin has exploded as a destination full of tourist trap shops. You'll also deal with long waits at restaurants.

Avoid Crab Island if you don't like crowds and (sometimes wild) parties.

5. Jaco, Costa Rica

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Jaco is a favorite destination for expats and a major surfing hub, thanks to its natural beauty, cost of living, and impressive waves.

However, Jaco is also notorious for its party scene, meaning that illicit substances and sex workers are abundant. Some say that it’s wise to avoid going out at night.

6. Key West, Florida

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You may be shocked to see a town as wonderful and full of character as Key West on this list. The problem is that despite its location, there just aren’t many beaches to enjoy. Plus, they’re human-made, not natural.

Key West is also a major party town, especially on rowdy Duval Street.

7. Mykonos, Greece

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This stunning Greek island is especially famous for Paradise Beach, the most popular on the island.

But don’t visit unless you want to share the sand with throngs of young revelers blasting music. There are even DJs!

Some also say the “party island” is overpriced and overrated, profiting from overtourism.

8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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There’s no question that Myrtle Beach is a tourist town, thanks to its prime location on the Atlantic. But it’s had difficulty shaking its less-than-attractive nickname, Dirty Myrtle.

Some say it’s because of trash on the beach or water quality, while others speculate it’s because of a general seedy vibe in town.

9. Palma, Spain

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Nestled on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Palma is an idyllic beach town that attracts hoards of tourists — so many that the locals have gotten fed up and have protested overtourism.

For this reason, you’d be wise to seek out a less-crowded destination welcoming to tourists, at least in peak season.

10. Point Pleasant, New Jersey

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The Jersey Shore has a reputation all its own, thanks to reality television. But to be fair, Point Pleasant has natural beauty and beaches.

The problem is that visitors party hard and leave a mess behind. Some say that many of the hotels have become dingy, and the shops sell ranchy tourist items.

11. South Beach, Florida

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Yes, South Beach in Miami is absolutely iconic — and that’s part of the problem. Everyone knows about it, and tons of folks want to be there.

Good luck finding a spot on that beach. You might also be disappointed by the litter that accumulates from all that partying, too.

12. South Padre Island, Texas

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This beach town is chock full of resorts to accommodate the many tourists who flock to its shores. Without question, it’s a gorgeous place.

But again, this is a spot that gets overrun with spring breakers, thanks to the nightlife in town to keep them entertained long after hours.

13. Venice Beach, Los Angeles

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Like South Beach, funky Venice Beach is legendary. It’s where the famed Muscle Beach is, after all. But that popularity means — you guessed it — crowds of hipsters and tourists.

There are also vendors and performers who may try to hustle you as you make your way through a haze of cannabis smoke.

14. Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Millions of tourists visit Virginia Beach every year to soak up the sun and enjoy the good weather. That means traffic can be bad, and waits at restaurants can be long, especially in the summer season.

Crowds and noise pollution are also issues, thanks to the military jets that regularly fly in the airspace above.

15. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

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It almost feels sacrilegious to include Waikiki Beach on this list. But there’s a legitimate reason for it: It’s a beach that caters to tourists.

With that comes pricy accommodations, chain stores and restaurants, and of course, throngs of (sometimes messy) out-of-towners.

Bottom line

Who doesn’t love the shimmering surf, sunny days on the sand, and cute shops and restaurants?

Maybe what it comes down to is that different qualities appeal to different people. So before you grab your best travel credit cards , make sure you’ve done the homework on your destination.

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