20 Must-Try Seafood Shacks in America From Coast to Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gulf Shores is a gem for seafood enthusiasts, with beachside shacks serving up everything from shrimp baskets to royal red prawns.

14. Apalachicola, Florida

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

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

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

Portsmouth’s seafood shacks are nestled along historic docks, serving local favorites like fried clams alongside craft beers from local breweries.

18. Kodiak, Alaska

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

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

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

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!

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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.