Exploring U.S. Coastal Towns That Capture the Charm of South Devon

From New England fishing villages to sun-washed Californian coves, the United States has no shortage of coastal gems that feel surprisingly familiar if you’re used to wandering the likes of Salcombe, Dartmouth, or Totnes. If you’ve been following me for a long time, you’ll know I’ve spent a lot of time in the U.S., and I’m also partial to visiting the south coast of England. There are actually a lot of similarities, and you can find that same coastal charm across the Atlantic, in U.S. seaside towns that echo Devon’s relaxed rhythm, scenic beauty, and love for life by the water.

Check out these five coastal towns in the United States which capture the charm of South Devon.

Rockport, Massachusetts

Perched on the edge of Cape Ann, Rockport feels like it was designed for slow mornings and sea air. Its clapboard houses, working harbour, and artist studios mirror the creative, maritime feel of Dartmouth. Watching lobster boats bob gently offshore while sipping coffee by the water feels wonderfully reminiscent of Devon’s quieter harbour towns.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that Carmel-by-the-Sea truly has my heart. It’s my favourite place in the world and just offers that fairytale coastal charm. Located just over two hours outside of San Francisco, Carmel is a place you NEED to visit. With its stone cottages, flower-lined lanes and soft sandy beaches, it captures the same energy you’ll recognise from South Devon villages like Cockington or Dittisham.

I’m actually going to do a separate post (which is long overdue), all about Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding area including the scenic 17-mile drive from Monterey to Carmel. Stay tuned!

Beaufort, South Carolina

If Totnes’ relaxed, community-focused atmosphere speaks to you, Beaufort might just steal your heart. This Lowcountry coastal town is all about porches, marsh views, and evenings that stretch lazily into the night. While the scenery differs from Devon’s rolling hills, the slow living mindset is very similar. The waterfront walks are so dreamy – especially at sunset.

Newport, Rhode Island

One place which I’d love to visit in America which I haven’t yet is Newport in Rhode Island. It looks totally like my kinda place with a gorgeous harbour, top-notch seafood, grand homes lining the cliffs (Hello Taylor Swift), and the famed Cliff Walk offers breathtaking sea views that rival any Devon coastal path. Newport reminds me of somewhere like Salcombe in Devon, offering a blend of maritime tradition mixed with coastal elegance. It’s actually known as the sailing capital of the United States, with the harbour being a huge hub for sailing, boating and year-round events.

Mendocino, California

If your favourite part of South Devon is the wild beauty of its clifftop paths, Mendocino will feel instantly familiar. Perched high above the Pacific, this small coastal town offers sweeping ocean views, historic buildings and gorgeous coastal walks. Mendocino is roughly around three hours north of San Francisco, making it an excellent stop off on a Northern California road trip and for those who love exploring nature. It’s also worth noting that it’s a great area to go whale watching too!

One of the joys of exploring U.S. coastal towns is how well they lend themselves to road trips. Having your own car allows you to wander off the beaten path, chase hidden beaches, and explore neighbouring villages at your own pace. For longer journeys or relocations, services like car shipping can make the logistics far simpler, letting you focus on the adventure rather than the miles.

While nothing quite replaces a Devon cream tea overlooking the estuary, these U.S. coastal towns prove that the spirit of South Devon can be found far beyond England’s shores.

Have you visited any of these charming coastal towns?