Seafood lovers, rejoice! If you’re always on the hunt for the freshest catch served right by the water, this list is your new travel guide. From quaint New England towns with historic wharfs to sun-soaked Pacific locales, where are the best places to indulge in seafood straight from the sea?
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 1 shutterstock 1247611120](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_1247611120.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mihai_Andritoiu
Bar Harbor isn’t just about picturesque views and lighthouses; it’s a haven for lobster rolls and clam chowder. Walk along the harbor and choose from countless seafood shacks offering the day’s freshest catches.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 2 shutterstock 679226530 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_679226530-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jim Schubert
Newport combines maritime history with culinary delight. Here, seafood shacks serve up Rhode Island’s famous clam cakes and chowder amidst a stunning coastal backdrop.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 3 shutterstock 366174719](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_366174719.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Charleston is synonymous with southern charm and shrimp ‘n grits. Seafood shacks here add a touch of Lowcountry cuisine to every dish, making them irresistibly unique.
4. Savannah, Georgia
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 4 shutterstock 285707063](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_285707063.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ESB Professional
Savannah offers a blend of history and flavors, where seafood shacks often double as gateways to exploring Georgia’s beautiful coastal islands. Don’t miss the crab stew.
5. Seattle, Washington
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 5 shutterstock 133656629](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_133656629.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / TinaImages
Known for its vibrant Pike Place Market, Seattle boasts some of the Pacific Northwest’s best seafood shacks, specializing in salmon and oysters fresh from Puget Sound.
6. San Diego, California
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 6 shutterstock 664935280 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shutterstock_664935280-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
In San Diego, seafood shacks line the beaches, offering everything from Baja-style fish tacos to freshly caught sea urchin, reflecting the city’s Mexican influences.
7. Key West, Florida
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 7 shutterstock 183908402 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_183908402-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ventdusud
Key West is as famous for its laid-back attitude as it is for its conch fritters and stone crab claws. Here, seafood is always served with a side of island vibes.
8. Astoria, Oregon
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 8 shutterstock 530713759](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_530713759.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jess Kraft
In Astoria, the mouth of the Columbia River provides an abundance of fresh catches that local shacks turn into mouthwatering dishes, like Dungeness crab.
9. Gloucester, Massachusetts
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 9 pexels mnannapaneni 13805809](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-mnannapaneni-13805809.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Mohan Nannapaneni
As one of America’s oldest fishing communities, Gloucester offers historic seafood shacks where the clam chowder and lobster rolls are as authentic as they come.
10. Mobile, Alabama
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 10 shutterstock 417347164 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_417347164-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Mobile’s seafood shacks are all about Gulf favorites, from fried catfish to oyster po’ boys, served with a hearty dose of Southern hospitality.
11. Monterey, California
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 11 pexels malcolmhill 12628207](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-malcolmhill-12628207.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Malcolm Hill
Monterey’s seafood shacks offer a taste of California’s coast with spectacular views and dishes like calamari and sand dabs caught straight from the Pacific.
12. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 12 shutterstock 269956391 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_269956391-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
No list would be complete without mentioning the crab shacks of Chesapeake Bay, where blue crabs reign supreme in every form, from steamed to crab cakes.
13. Gulf Shores, Alabama
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 13 shutterstock 2313565463](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2313565463.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mark Winfrey
Gulf Shores is a gem for seafood enthusiasts, with beachside shacks serving up everything from shrimp baskets to royal red prawns.
14. Apalachicola, Florida
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 14 shutterstock 2435808525](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2435808525.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fomo Photography
This quaint town is famed for its oysters, harvested right from the bay and served up raw, steamed, or fried in the local shacks.
15. Bodega Bay, California
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 15 shutterstock 2296104531](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2296104531.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ddub3429
Best known for its role in “The Birds,” Bodega Bay also offers fantastic seafood shacks, with clam chowder and fish and chips as menu staples.
16. Rockport, Texas
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 16 shutterstock 2412432801](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2412432801.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Boomsma
Rockport’s seafood shacks specialize in Texan-sized portions of grilled redfish and blackened flounder, offering a unique twist on traditional seaside fare.
17. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 17 shutterstock 759483934 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_759483934-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone
Portsmouth’s seafood shacks are nestled along historic docks, serving local favorites like fried clams alongside craft beers from local breweries.
18. Kodiak, Alaska
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 18 pexels jan tang 598592438 17444649](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-jan-tang-598592438-17444649.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Jan Tang
For those venturing farther north, Kodiak’s seafood shacks offer fresh salmon and halibut in breathtaking settings, perfect for wildlife watching while you eat.
19. Cape May, New Jersey
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 19 shutterstock 2022780434](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_2022780434.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / George Wirt
Cape May’s Victorian setting is the perfect backdrop for enjoying fresh scallops and seafood chowders at its numerous oceanfront shacks.
20. Wilmington, North Carolina
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 20 shutterstock 1395568793](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shutterstock_1395568793.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul Brady Photography
In Wilmington, enjoy southern-style seafood with a view of the Cape Fear River, where the seafood is as fresh as the ocean breeze.
Wrap-Up
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 21 pexels vlada karpovich 7903156](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7903156.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich
Whether you’re planning a coastal road trip or just dreaming of your next weekend getaway, these 20 towns offer some of the best seafood shacks you could hope to discover. Dive into the flavors of the sea and enjoy the local charm each of these places has to offer. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 22 shutterstock 144997492 1 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_144997492-1-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio
Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 23 pexels adrian newell 14177239 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/pexels-adrian-newell-14177239-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell
American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
![20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast 24 shutterstock 284980904 1](https://thegreenvoyage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_284980904-1.jpg)
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen
Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Santorines.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.