Michelin Guide Highlights Five US Coastal Towns for Summer 2026
The Michelin Guide has selected five US coastal towns for a perfect summer escape, each offering Michelin-worthy restaurants and hotels. Santa Barbara, California, features Spanish Colonial architecture, Channel Islands kayaking, and dining at Loquita and Bibi Ji. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, charms with fairy-tale cottages, Pebble Beach Golf Links, and restaurants Chez Noir and Aubergine. Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg, Florida, boast the Dalí Museum and dining at Il Ritorno and Sushi Sho Rexley. Charleston, South Carolina, offers antebellum houses, Fort Sumter, and Lowcountry cuisine at Vern's and Leon's Oyster Shop. Key West, Florida, joined the Michelin Guide in May 2026, featuring the Hemingway Home and Museum, Dry Tortugas National Park, and dining at Moondog Cafe and Blue Heaven. The guide's expansion into smaller coastal cities reflects a broader trend beyond major metropolitan areas.
Key facts
- Michelin Guide selected five US coastal towns for summer 2026.
- Santa Barbara offers Spanish Colonial architecture and Channel Islands National Park.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea features Pebble Beach Golf Links and Michelin-starred Chez Noir.
- Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg include the Dalí Museum with over 2,400 works.
- Charleston has antebellum houses, Fort Sumter, and Lowcountry cuisine.
- Key West joined the Michelin Guide in May 2026.
- Hemingway Home in Key West houses 40-50 six-toed cats.
- Michelin Guide expands into smaller coastal cities beyond traditional metropolitan focus.
Entities
Artists
- Salvador Dalí
- Nick Ervinck
- Ernest Hemingway
- Jimmy Buffett
- Jonny Black
- Monique Black
- Justin Cogley
- David Benstock
- Rexley Kwok
- Raj Parr
Institutions
- Michelin Guide
- Santa Barbara Sailing Center
- Channel Islands National Park
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Dalí Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg
- Historic Charleston Foundation
- Fort Sumter
- Hemingway Home and Museum
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
- Marquesa Hotel
- Southernmost Beach Resort
- El Encanto
- Villa Mara Carmel
- Loutrel
- Au Bon Climat
- Fess Parker
- Margerum
- Melville
- Pali
- Chalone
- Wrath
- Chez Noir
- Aubergine
- Il Ritorno
- Sushi Sho Rexley
- The Tides Market
- Vern's
- Leon's Oyster Shop
- Moondog Cafe and Bakery
- Blue Heaven
- Mallory Square
- St Pete Pier
Locations
- Santa Barbara
- California
- United States
- Channel Islands
- Miramar Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Santa Ynez Mountains
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Monterey
- Carmel Beach
- Pebble Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Florida
- St. Petersburg
- Tampa
- Safety Harbor
- Charleston
- South Carolina
- Isle of Palms
- Sullivan's Island
- Key West
- Florida Keys
- Dry Tortugas
- Duval Street
- Bourbon Street
Sources
- Quartz —