Hey there, badass women, book lovers, and adventure seekers! Welcome to our blog post series, "On the Road with the Badass Women's Book Club -> Beaches + Books." Today, we're taking you on a literary road trip to explore some amazing independent bookstores nestled in charming beach communities. So grab your sun hat, pack your favorite beach read, and join us as we discover the hidden gems of these coastal havens where sand, surf, and stories collide!

I know my annual family beach trip is not complete without a trip to our favorite beach bookstore – Sundog Books in Seaside, Florida! Sundog, an anchor in this popular 30A beach community, is a literary oasis tucked away in this picturesque beach town. With its colorful facade, cozy nooks, and shelves brimming with a diverse selection of books, it's the perfect spot to find your next beach read and escape into a world of imagination while soaking up the sun-kissed vibes of the Gulf Coast.

If you find yourself in the Florida Panhandle this summer, add Sundog Books to your itinerary! And hey Sundog – see you in August!

Next we are traveling up the East Coast to Nantucket – a familiar setting for fans of Elin Hilderbrand’s books!

Nantucket is lucky enough to have two independent bookstores – both owned by the same badass woman! The photo above is of Mitchell’s Book Corner at 54 Main Street. Nantucket Bookworks is at 25 Broad Street and has a great children’s selection!

Every Wednesday during the summer Elin Hilderbrand signs books outside of Mitchell’s from 11 a.m. – noon. And she’s not the only celebrity you might meet there! Tim Ehrenberg is the Marketing and Events director for the stores (dream job!) – you probably know him best as the awesome book recommender @timtalksbooks

Finally, Tim and Erin have a great new podcast that just launched – Books, Beach & Beyond. Be sure to listen to the first episode to get Elin’s best hints for the best time to drop into her weekly book signings!

Bethany Beach is one of a string of East Coast beaches with that cool, old-school boardwalk feel! And Bethany Beach Books is right in the middle of the action, just steps from the boardwalk and the shore!

Bethany Beach books is a must-stop for me every time I’m in town! I can’t resist the entire wall full of beach reads - it’s just too easy to grab a copy, stick it in my bag, and head to the sand!

Plus, they are constantly hosting events and book signings with authors – year-round but particularly during the summer! Just this month alone they’ve hosted Carly Fortune, Elin Hilderbrand, and Ruth Ware!

If you find yourself visiting Georgia’s Golden Isles this summer, you’ll definitely want to stop in at Righton Books on St. Simons Island!

There you’ll find the best selection of new books – and also stationery, puzzles, games, art supplies and so much more!

And while there be sure to check out the attached coffee shop – Jittery Joe’s!

While there are several Books & Books locations in South Florida, I highly recommend the flagship location in Coral Gables. It’s housed in an exquisite 1927 building listed in the Coral Gables Register of Historic Places. It’s a vibrant literary oasis that caters to both avid readers and curious wanderers. With its eclectic collection of books, cozy reading nooks, and a charming courtyard café, it's a delightful place to get lost among the shelves and indulge in literary discoveries while savoring a cup of locally brewed coffee.

We’re jumping cross country to check out some bookstores on the West Coast! Pilgrim's Way bookstore in Carmel, CA, is a whimsical literary haven nestled in the heart of this picturesque coastal town. With its enchanting garden, cozy nooks, and an impressive selection of books and gifts, it's the perfect spot to escape reality and immerse oneself in the magic of storytelling while enjoying the calming ambiance of this hidden gem.

Located in downtown Manhattan Beach, CA, {pages} Bookstore is a hidden gem for book lovers seeking a laid-back reading haven. The store's inviting ambiance, complete with comfortable seating and shelves brimming with diverse titles, makes it an ideal spot to unwind and indulge in a captivating story while sipping on a cup of coffee from their in-house café.

Bob’s Beach Books appeared on my radar when they posted on Instagram about a man coming in the store and hiding books he didn’t like. You know – books on women’s history, reproductive rights, women’s health, etc. Srsly – WTF?

So of course, the amazing staff responded by setting up a special display of the books AND adding more to their inventory. #heroes

You can’t miss the bookstore – it’s located in a brick, white, and blue building (with a mermaid on each side!), on the ocean-side of Hwy 101 in the Oceanlake area of Lincoln City, Oregon.

We’re back on the East Coast this week at BookHampton! Situated in the village of East Hampton on Long Island's storied East End, BookHampton’s cozy atmosphere, wide selection of books, and knowledgeable staff, make it the perfect place to lose yourself in a literary adventure or discover your next favorite read.

We’re wrapping up this special series at Page and Palette in Fairhope, Alabama. The store, right in downtown Fairhope and a direct walk to the bay, is a delightful haven for book enthusiasts seeking a charming and welcoming atmosphere. With its unique blend of carefully curated books, local artwork, and a cozy café, it's the perfect place to discover new literary treasures, engage in meaningful conversations, and experience the vibrant cultural scene of Fairhope.

Stay tuned for upcoming “On the Road” series featuring more bookstores in local communities!