Best Small Fishing Towns for a Waterfront Vacation

Whether you love the sport or simply want a getaway in an idyllic place, these small fishing towns make the perfect vacation spots in the U.S.

Feeling like you need a peaceful getaway? Consider planning an escape to a small fishing town. Whether you enjoy the sport or not, these towns are perfect vacation spots. They often boast a welcoming, tight-knit community, historic homes and — best of all — delicious, fresh seafood.

Here are 10 of the best fishing towns in the United States with fewer than 11,000 residents, ordered from “largest” to smallest.

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Astoria, Oregon

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Population: 10,181

Water defines daily life in Astoria, which sits directly on the Columbia River. Its abundant salmon population has provided food and jobs to residents for centuries. And while the economy is a little more diverse, you’ll still find that many people here live from their catch.

You’re certainly welcome to try your luck in the water. Or relax and enjoy wild salmon at a waterfront restaurant.

Where to stay: Selina Commodore Astoria

South Kona, Hawaii

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Population: 9,789

The Big Island attracts tourists with its volcanoes and relatively large cities. But if you’d rather enjoy the quiet side of life, head to South Kona. This area is often treated as a day trip or ignored by tourists. But their loss is your gain. If you want to see something special, visit Milolii, which is sometimes called the last true Hawaiian fishing village.

With around 300 people, this self-sustaining community keeps traditional fishing alive. Virtually everyone in town fishes, so the activity is a central part of life.

Where to stay: Dragonfly Ranch

Ketchikan, Alaska

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Population: 8,037

Near the impressive Inside Passage, Ketchikan attracts fishing and outdoors enthusiasts from around the world. The town’s nickname of the “Salmon Capital of the World” certainly helps its reputation. And though tourism is a huge industry — attracting people eager to see glaciers, mountains and wildlife — fishing and salmon canning are also important economic activities.

If you’ve never fished and wanted to give it a try, this would be a great place to do so.

Where to stay: The Landing Hotel & Restaurant

Islamorada, Florida

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Population: 7,107

Islamorada is a popular destination in the magnificent Florida Keys. Located halfway between Miami and Key West, it’s a perfect alternative for those who want to avoid the rowdy Key West crowds but still want to be close to the third-largest reef system in the world.

If you like fishing, you can do a tour or rent your own boat. Dedicate an entire day (or more) to the activity, just like the Keys’ famed resident, Ernest Hemingway, used to do. Or spend the day soaking up the sun while snorkeling around corals.

Where to stay: Lime Tree Bay Resort

Bigfork, Montana

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Population: 5,118

Bigfork fills up in the summer with people looking to have fun on Flathead Lake. Those coming to do some fishing also have access to numerous rivers, including Swan River and Blackfoot River. Needless to say, you won’t be in want of a good fishing spot.

Other activities include water sports like kayaking and boating or on-land adventures like hiking. Surprisingly, this small town of just over 5,100 residents also has an excellent cultural scene, with a community theater that makes the area proud.

Where to stay: The Inn On Bigfork Bay

Bar Harbor, Maine

Fishing Boats Anchored in Calm Waters at Sunset

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Population: 5,089

Few towns in the U.S. can compete with Bar Harbor’s looks. The charming town is marked by a boat-filled marina, colorful rows of houses and, of course, lighthouses. In the right season, you can enjoy delicious Maine lobster. You can also do some fishing by renting a boat and going out onto Frenchman Bay or from the dock in town.

Or people enjoy heading into nearby Acadia National Park where, with the right license, you can fish in some astonishing lakes. At any time of year, the park is also a perfect place to go hiking along the coastline.

Where to stay: The Inn on Mount Desert

Minocqua, Wisconsin

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Population: 5,062

Surrounded by a series of lakes, fishing is in the blood of Minocqua residents. This small Wisconsin town has a wide variety of fish, including different types of mass, northern pike, walleye and trout.

The lakes provide waterfront entertainment, especially in the summer, when people splash around to cool off.

Where to stay: The Waters of Minocqua

Montauk, New York

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Population: 4,318

Situated at the tip of Long Island, Montauk might as well be worlds away from the noise of New York City. Come here for tranquil Atlantic beaches, a classic lighthouse and great saltwater fishing spots.

Stopping by Montauk Point State Park is almost a requirement, as is visiting the historic Camp Hero State Park to see World War II bunkers.

Where to stay: Beach Plum Resort

Bayou La Battre, Alabama

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Population: 2,204

A sleepy village of 2,200 people, Bayou La Batre is an antidote to the stress of the modern world. Time here seems to pass slowly, and people refuse to be rushed around. As a visitor, the best thing you can do is learn from the locals and let your mind stop racing.

But don’t think this is a town lost in another century. On the contrary, Bayou La Batre has a diverse population, with many Southeast Asian immigrants calling it home. There are also art galleries, and modern restaurants complement the timeless mom-and-pop shops. Oh, and if the town seems a bit familiar, you might remember it from “Forrest Gump.”

Where to stay: Bayou Inn & Suites

Leland, Michigan

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Population: 410

Fishing is so important to Leland that it is nicknamed “Fishtown, Michigan.” Located on Lake Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, it has been an important spot to gather the bounties of the water since before Europeans set foot in the Americas.

Leland is known for its proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which provides it with gorgeous beaches. Its Historic Fishtown also attracts tourists looking to see the stilted houses built in the mid-19th century.

Where to stay: Whaleback Inn