America's 10 Happiest Seaside Towns

May 10, 2013— -- intro: The June issue of Coastal Living Magazine names America's Happiest Seaside Towns. Coastal Living chose its 2013 "America's Happiest Seaside Towns" finalists based on criteria that included ranking on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, percentage of sunny days, healthiness of beaches, commute times, walkability, standard of living and financial well-being of the locals, geographic diversity, and an editorial assessment of "coastal vibe." Coastal locations named as "America's Happiest Seaside Towns" in 2012 were not eligible to make the current list.

Click through the next pages to see the 10 Happiest Seaside Towns. To see the entire article, click here.

quicklist: 1title: Beaufort, S.C.text:Lowcountry friendliness and urban refinement strike just the right balance in this beautiful South Carolina town known for its historic antebellum architecture, exquisite local cuisine, and rich African-American heritage.media: 19150808

quicklist: 2title:Harwich Port, Mass. text: Quiet, charming, and nostalgic: That's the tone struck in this upscale village of 1,644 locals along Cape Cod's southern shore. "The Port," as it's known, has been the home of seamen and fishermen since before the American Revolution, and sea captains' homes still dot the streets.media: 19150929

quicklist: 3title:Sanibel Island, Fla.text:Life in this South Florida island town just west of Fort Myers is a pastel dream, combining pale blue skies, white-sand beaches, and millions of seashells that have literally built the island on which it sits. When locals dig in their backyards on Sanibel, they turn up conch, scallop, and clam shells—intact.media: 19150914

quicklist: 4title:Sag Harbor, N.Y.text:Situated between Long Island's celebrity-studded Bridgehampton and East Hampton, this whaling town turned artists' and writers' colony only two hours from New York City has maintained its cozy, small-town identity for decades. From the annual Memorial Day parade to the arrival of Santa on the fire truck as the Christmas tree is lit each December, life for the 2,169 people here remains blissfully fun.media: 19150782

quicklist: 5title:Newport, R.I.text:The Vanderbilts had it right. But then again, so did a handful of 17th-century dissidents who founded a free-thinking colony that welcomed merchants of all creeds to its harbors. And then again, so have yachtsmen, artists, and lovers of the maritime fabric of Rhode Island's crown jewel. It draws tourists from around the world as well as being home to about 25,000 folks who may love it best in the quiet winter.media:19150349

quicklist: 6title:Rowayton, Conn. text:This picturesque, sophisticated New England coastal village at the mouth of Connecticut's Five Mile River is straight out of a Norman Rockwell illustration. No wonder Rowayton, with its clapboard and shingle homes perched along its rocky shorelines, has lured artists for centuries.media: 19150842

quicklist: 7title:Kennebunkport, Mainetext:You have to hand it to the Bush family. They discovered what 1,200 lucky residents also know: that Kennebunkport is one of the true treasures of the Maine coast. A jumble of colorful restaurants and shops centers around Dock Square, and whether you're lining up for the legendary lobster at Mabel's Lobster Claw Restaurant or reveling in artisan ice cream at Rococo, you're in a New England culinary hot spot.media: 19150439