15 States That Serve The Best Seafood In America

There’s nothing like a juicy bite of fresh-caught fish or a sweet, perfectly cracked crab leg to remind you just how diverse and delicious our country’s coastline (and beyond) can be.

Over countless road trips and seaside strolls, I’ve sampled everything from lobster rolls in Maine to all-you-can-catch king salmon in Alaska—and let me tell you, the U.S. is swimming in tasty treasures.

Below are 15 states you absolutely must visit if your heart beats for seafood.

1. Maine

When people say “Maine,” I immediately picture bright red lobsters flailing over a boiling pot, ready to be dunked in melted butter. This state’s entire identity seems intertwined with the sweet, succulent lobster that thrives in its cold Atlantic waters.

Of course, you can’t leave without trying the iconic Maine Lobster Roll: chunks of lobster meat dressed lightly with mayo or butter, stuffed in a toasted, buttery roll. You’ll find roadside shacks all along the coast, each claiming theirs is the ultimate. Spoiler: they’re probably all right.

2. Alaska

Alaska’s wilderness yields some of the most pristine seafood on the planet. Wild salmon, halibut, rockfish—you name it, it’s better when it’s from these icy waters. For me, the real showstopper is the colossal Alaskan King Crab, often served steamed and split for easy access to that sweet, delicate meat.

Visiting an Alaskan fishing town is like stepping into a fisher’s paradise. If you hit up local joints, you’ll find fish so fresh it was practically swimming that morning. The short summer might be chilly, but the sizzling grilled salmon or crab legs drenched in butter will keep you warm enough.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana is a soulful place where Cajun and Creole flavors collide, creating a seafood tapestry unlike anywhere else. Red beans and rice get all the love, but the real party is in their seafood dishes—like crawfish boils that sprawl across picnic tables, or gumbo loaded with shrimp, sausage, and okra.

If you have time for one dish, make it Crawfish Étouffée. It’s a luscious, spicy stew of crawfish tails, onions, peppers, and tomatoes spooned over rice. Each bite is a love letter to the bayou—rich, peppery, and absolutely devoured by the locals.

4. Massachusetts

Massachusetts might be small, but its seafood traditions pack a punch. Fresh clams, oysters, and lobsters are pulled from cold, briny waters, and there’s no shortage of shacks serving them up by the shore.

If you’re craving something iconic, New England Clam Chowder is the champion. Thick, creamy, loaded with tender clams, it’s best slurped from a bread bowl in a cozy Boston eatery. Bonus points if it’s served with oyster crackers and a harbor view.

5. Florida

Florida’s got the best of both worlds: the Gulf side and the Atlantic side, each boasting unique fish and shellfish. Stone crabs from the Keys, grouper sandwiches in Tampa, or succulent shrimp practically everywhere—it’s a seafood-lover’s playground.

Don’t skip Key West Stone Crab Claws: sweet, meaty claws you crack open, typically served chilled with a tangy mustard sauce. Eating them with a beach breeze and a blazing sunset is basically paradise on a plate.

6. Washington

From Dungeness crab to salmon and spot prawns, Washington thrives on its bountiful Pacific waters. The state’s mild climate and fish-rich rivers ensure that fresh seafood is never far away.

If you’re near Seattle, you must try Grilled Pacific Northwest Salmon—it’s tender yet robust, often brushed with a sweet-smoky glaze or a simple herb rub. Pair it with some local craft brews, and you’re living the Northwest dream.

7. Maryland

Blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay are Maryland’s badge of honor. Locals typically steam them with Old Bay seasoning, which lends that salty, spiced aroma. Crack open a crustacean and savor the sweet, delicate meat inside—totally worth the mess.

For the ultimate taste, pick up Maryland Crab Cakes: lumps of crab meat bound lightly with breadcrumbs and seasonings, then fried or baked to golden perfection. One bite and you’ll see why Old Bay is basically the state’s perfume.

8. Oregon

Oregon’s rugged coastline produces some of the West Coast’s finest seafood—think salmon, razor clams, and Dungeness crab, all gleaned from frigid ocean waters. It’s a place where fishermen rise at dawn, ensuring you can taste the day’s catch by lunch.

I’m forever smitten with Oregon Razor Clam Chowder. These clams have a distinct sweetness that pairs well with a creamy, herby broth. If you haven’t tried these slender-shelled clams yet, get ready to meet your new addiction.

9. Texas

Yes, Texas is known for barbecue and beef, but the Gulf Coast side is teeming with shrimp, snapper, and catfish. Mix that with the Lone Star love of bold flavors, and you’ve got an unforgettable seafood fusion.

Don’t leave without sampling Gulf Shrimp Tacos, typically fried or grilled, topped with crunchy slaw and some spicy sauce. The shrimp are big, sweet, and meaty, reflecting that coastal freshness—but still carrying that unmistakable Texas flair.

10. South Carolina

Nestled along the Atlantic, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a heaven for shrimpers and fishermen. Seafood here is often blended into Creole-style dishes, brimming with soulful spices and fresh produce.

Case in point: Shrimp and Grits. The grits are thick, buttery, and comforting, while the shrimp come lightly seasoned, sometimes with bacon or sausage for added savory depth. One bowl can feel like a warm, lazy afternoon in Charleston.

11. Hawaii

Hawaii’s warm Pacific waters present an oceanic bounty: mahi-mahi, swordfish, and the beloved tuna. The local approach is fresh, healthy, and often seasoned with tropical fruits or soy-based sauces.

The must-try is undoubtedly Ahi Poke Bowl—raw tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and onions, topped with seaweed or furikake. Each bite is ocean-fresh, tangy, and heaven for sushi lovers.

12. Rhode Island

This tiny state is big on seafood culture—clams, calamari, and quahogs abound. They’ve even got their own style of chowder, often a clear-broth version that spotlights the clam’s natural brine.

Try Rhode Island Stuffies (Stuffed Quahogs): large clams stuffed with a breadcrumb mixture, spiced up, then baked to a golden hush. It’s a unique spin on the typical clam bake and a must for any shellfish fanatic.

13. New York

New York might conjure images of pizza and bagels, but its coastline and proximity to fresh waters make seafood a serious contender. Head to Long Island for oysters or a Montauk Lobster Roll that can rival New England’s.

That Montauk Lobster Roll often arrives warm with melted butter or chilled with mayo. Either way, the briny, sweet lobster meat embraces that city hustle in a refreshingly relaxed bite.

14. California

From San Diego’s fish tacos to San Francisco’s crab feasts, California’s got a jaw-dropping array of seafood styles. Imagine sparkling ocean vistas and a multicultural spin on fresh catches—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

I’m a sucker for Baja Fish Tacos. Crisp, beer-battered fish, fresh cabbage, a dollop of crema, and a squeeze of lime—it’s the Californian beach vibe wrapped in a tortilla.

15. Alabama

Down along the Gulf Coast, Alabama is flooded with shrimp, oysters, and crab delivered straight off local boats. The hushpuppy-laden fish frys and seafood boils capture that Southern spirit, big on comfort and flavor.

The star to try is Alabama Royal Red Shrimp—they’re sweet, almost lobster-like. Typically served simply with melted butter and lemon, they prove that sometimes the simplest preparation is the most delicious.