Most luxurious beach towns in the USA

Thursday, 5 July 2012 10:26 AM

We’re in the American spirit now after 4th of July celebrations yesterday, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the country’s most exclusive and luxurious beach towns, where the rich and famous have their second homes and celebrities come to chill.

The Hamptons - Perhaps the USA’s most well known upmarket beach destination, the Hamptons, have been gracing our screens for years, from Sex and the City, Real Housewives of New York City, Gossip Girl and recently Revenge. The Hamptons are infamous for being the place where New York’s elite gather for the holidays, all with their own private beach houses and yachts.

Beach front homes in the Hamptons, USA

Palm Beach - Located just north of Miami in Florida, the long thin island strip of Palm Beach and nearby city of West Palm Beach are both tropical and luxurious, providing some of the most stylish hotels and classy restaurants in the whole of the state. Think palm lined streets with white mansions, spacious golf courses and deluxe waterfront homes with their private yachts moored outside. Many celebrities have second homes here including Donald Trump, Rod Stewart, and Venus and Serena Williams.

Waterfront mansion with private yacht in Palm Beach, Florida

Florida Keys - The long string of islands reaching from the tip of Florida far into the Caribbean Sea on their way to Cuba is known as the Florida Keys. The islands have been a popular retirement spot for rich Americans for years. Home to enticing aqua marine seas swirled with white sand they truly are a tropical paradise where doplhins frolick in the waves and almost everyone owns their own boat.

Florida Keys

Newport Beach - Think the privileged O.C. lifestyle and you’ve got Newport Beach down, as it was actually set here (although not much was filmed here). The town consistently ranks as one of the places with the highest family income and house prices in America. The town is situated around a harbour dotted with small islands and covered with luxurious private homes. It’s also a popular place for boating and sailing activities.

Newport Bay Bridge, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea - Carmel Beach has been named as one of the most beautiful beaches along the Californian Coast, which in turn has increased its popularity among the rich and famous. Clint Eastwood even has a home here. But, despite its grand reputation, Carmel is filled with quaint back streets, cute shops and boutiques and the historical Spanish style Carmel Mission.

Carmel Beach, California

Malibu - Malibu is probably the first luxurious beach resort you think of when people mention California. A place which is home to many celebrities and where the paparazzi stalk every street corner, the town has even had a Barbie named after it. Despite this, Malibu is still one of the most beautiful towns along the coast with unspoilt beaches, a lagoon, a natural state park, as well as managing to retain its laidback surfer hang-out vibe.

Malibu beach front homes, California

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Embarking on a cruise offers a fantastic opportunity to relax in sumptuous accommodation and soak up amazing sea views from the comfort of your vessel. If, however, you are keen to take in equally fantastic destinations when your ship calls in at dry land, it's worth seeking out a cruise break that stops at Fort Lauderdale.