While exotic vacation spots may come to mind when you think of a beach getaway, the United States is actually home to countless amazing beaches that boast breathtaking ocean vistas and first-rate facilities. Prime beaches can be found in states like Hawaii, California, and Florida, and there are countless other options in between. The question is how to decide which beach (or beaches) to go to first. So we have compiled a list of the best beaches in the country based on a variety of criteria, including the quality of the facilities available and the cleanliness of the sand and water.
Let’s set the ball rolling…
Best Beaches in the US
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
The concept of beaches conjures up images of the Hawaiian islands, where there are so many sandy spots that they sometimes appear in pairs. Poipu Beach, on Kauai’s sunny southern shore, is made up of two small coves that share the same name and is popular for surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and boogie boarding. The breathtaking beaches are separated by a narrow sand spit known as a tombolo, and both sides offer breathtaking views — if you’re lucky, you might even see an endangered Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing.
Ocean City, Maryland
This boardwalk destination’s classic Americana is elevated by a groomed shoreline. Ocean City Beach is a popular vacation destination with ten miles of white-sand beach and a three-mile boardwalk packed with amusement park rides, bike rentals, shops, and delectable treats. After a day of jet skiing, fishing, or boating, the boardwalk offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, and even a brewery.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
San Diego’s warm, sunny weather is reason enough to visit. Coronado Beach, a mile-and-a-half stretch of golden sand flecked with bits of the mineral mica, is just the cherry on top. Swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers flock here during the day and stay late into the afternoon to watch the spectacular sunsets. Visit the historic Hotel del Coronado for a bite and a drink in the open air. North Beach, which is dog-friendly, is also a popular draw.
Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, is known for its beaches and ski resorts and is located on the border of California and Nevada. Pope Beach, on the lake’s south shore, is a nearly mile-long stretch of sand backed by towering pine trees. The beach provides excellent swimming, picnicking, and mountain views. Make the most of your day by renting kayaks, picnic tables, and grills on-site.
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida
Florida is one of the top beach destinations in the United States, thanks to its airbrushed sunsets and white sandy beaches. It’s easy to see why on Clearwater Beach. The beach has a beautiful two-and-a-half-mile stretch of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Pier 60, a popular entertainment destination on the beach, is centrally located, and cabanas, umbrella chairs, and a well-equipped playground only add to the family fun. Visitors can rent fishing equipment and cast a line off the pier for some of Florida’s best year-round fishing. Clearwater Beach is also known for its spectacular sunsets, and Pier 60 offers nightly entertainment 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Harris Beach, Oregon
Harris Beach, located in a state park on Oregon’s south coast, is famous for the incredible rock formations that rise from the waves and a string of tide pools that are perfect for exploring. Some of the most popular activities here include swimming, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Year-round excitement is enhanced by abundant wildlife, which includes migrating gray whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions. A quarter-mile from the beach, there are fully equipped campgrounds for RVs, tents, and even a few yurts.
Glass Beach, Port Townsend, Washington
Some people prefer to spend their time exploring the beach rather than lying on it. Glass Beach is a remote bluff and former small town dump, so named for its abundance of jewelry-quality sea glass. Environmental concerns and development efforts saved the area from further pollution, for which beachgoers are grateful. The three-mile hike to the beach begins in North Beach and includes treasures along the way. Hikers and their leashed dogs should get an early start to beat the high tide, which can be dangerous if not careful, and enjoy views of sea otters, bald eagles, and whales.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
Generally, you have to leave cities to find the best beaches, but this Midwestern city is one of the few exceptions. This popular beach on the shores of Lake Michigan is set against the impressive Chicago skyline. There are lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas for rent, as well as a variety of food from local vendors. On the paved path that surrounds the beach, cyclists, joggers, walkers, and rollerbladers abound. Relax in the sun, people-watch, or join a volleyball or chess game — the choice is yours.
Carlsmith Beach, Hilo, Hawaii
This Hawaiian location is ideal for viewing the Big Island’s famous black rocks and crystal lagoons. Carlsmith Beach is a grassy, tree-filled park overlooking brilliant lava-ringed lagoons, not your typical sandy stretch. The area’s clear, turquoise waters are protected by a reef, making it ideal for snorkeling. An abundance of friendly sea turtles adds to this magical habitat’s unique experience. Pack a picnic and enjoy it under the shade of a palm tree at one of the onsite tables.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
The Inner Banks of North Carolina, which are less well-known than the Outer Banks, have just as much to offer beachgoers as the Outer Banks. Wrightsville Beach is a charming Atlantic waterfront town located across a drawbridge from the mainland. Wrightsville Beach, a classic beach town, offers water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and kiteboarding and is only a short distance from Wilmington, a college town. With surf shops and classic beachfront hotels dotting its shore, it exudes summer charm. Rent a rod and some bait, then cast your line from Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier. Meanwhile, beach bars and live music extend the party into the evening.
Grand Haven State Park, Michigan
This 48-acre park with powdery white sand on Lake Michigan’s shores offers activities such as fat-tire biking, barbecuing, sunbathing, swimming, and volleyball. There is also a playground for kids, as well as beautiful views of the lake and the Grand Haven South Pier and Lighthouse. Spend the day at the beach and then stay until late afternoon to watch the magical, dip-dyed sunsets that take over the evening sky.
Santa Monica Beach, California
A Ferris wheel and funnel cake scream summer on the pier. With its classic amusement park complete with a roller coaster, games, and golden fried carnival treats, the famous Santa Monica Pier attracts visitors from all over the state. The Heal the Bay Aquarium, located beneath the Ferris wheel, provides hands-on educational fun for children. This vibrant stretch along the Pacific is also a great place to enjoy all of the traditional beach activities, such as sunbathing, swimming, surfing, volleyball, and sunset viewing. You can also bike, jog, or walk along the path to the nearby Venice Beach.
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Medano Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park is a wide, shallow river that flows from spring to August. Because runoff from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains forms this annual phenomenon, the creek is dependent on the amount of snow in the mountains. Water activities include wading in the water, tubing, skimboarding, and building sand castles. Due to the short timeframe, it is best to schedule your trip for weekdays in late May or early June.
North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
At this coastal haven, swap out Spanish moss for grassy dunes for a peaceful getaway. North Beach, about a half-hour drive or shuttle ride from Savannah, is a peaceful, family-friendly destination popular with locals. The breathtaking 360-degree views from the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse are well worth the climb, especially at sunrise and sunset. When you get hungry, North Beach Bar and Grill, located between the beach and the lighthouse, is a casual, dog-friendly restaurant with a tasty menu and an outdoor patio.
Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Massachusettsach in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Good Harbor Beach, on Massachusetts’ quieter cape, is a family-friendly beach with sugar-soft sand and relatively calm water. Low tide allows you to walk across a sand bar and explore rocky Salt Island while children can play in warm tidal pools. The concession stand sells tasty snacks and rents water toys. It should be noted that parking is limited and fills up quickly, so arriving early is advised. Other options include off-site parking and shuttles.
Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
This isn’t a palm-tree-lined paradise, but it’s heaven for New Yorkers who can take a subway or bus to get to its white sand, five-mile boardwalk, and surf-worthy waves. Rockaway also has a skate park, volleyball, and handball courts, playgrounds, spray showers, and restrooms, making it well worth the afternoon trip. Picnic areas with barbecues and eateries along the boardwalk ensure that no one goes hungry.
Crystal Lake State Park, Barton, Vermont
Crystal Lake’s rich history dates back to the 1700s and is lined with about a mile of white sand and backed by scenic mountains. The large, historic granite bathhouse, which includes restrooms and a concession stand, was built from rock mined in the nearby hills. The lake’s cold waters are teeming with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch, among other species, making it ideal for those who would rather spend their beach days casting a line than serving a volleyball. It’s a great place for a picnic, swimming, and even sleeping. A cottage on-site with all the necessities (including a canoe) is available for rent.
Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama
When it comes to beaches in the United States, the Gulf Coast is unrivaled. This Gulf beach is notable for its beautiful palm trees, clear water, and pristine white sand. It’s close to a boardwalk, restaurants, and shops, and there’s plenty of parking nearby. The well-maintained beach is also ideal for activities such as volleyball and boogie boarding in the relatively calm surf. And the $3 entrance fee is well worth it to see the friendly fishermen, hungry pelicans, and the occasional dolphin.
Park Point Beach, Duluth, Minnesota
Apparently, in Minnesota, you either go big or go home. Park Point Beach is the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, located on Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, in a state known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The beautiful sandy beach and its waves evoke an ocean setting. It has spectacular views of Duluth and Lake Superior and is well-known for its sunrises. Visitors enjoy the nearby playground, barbecue grills, and ball field. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.
Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey
This Jersey Shore destination has everything you want in a Northeastern summer destination: a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll and a little bit of historic charm. Asbury Park Beach, which stretches for about a mile along New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, is a lively, clean, white-sand paradise. Sunbathing, swimming, surfing, fishing, and people-watching are popular pastimes. It’s surrounded by a historic beachfront boardwalk filled with restaurants, bars, fast food, and interesting shops, as well as a splash park and miniature golf. The Silverball Retro Arcade has over 600 working pinball machines from the 1930s. The Stone Pony, made famous by locals Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, is just across the street.
Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, as evidenced by its lapis waters and rocky shoreline. This stunning white-sand beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue is a popular surfing destination.
Visitors can cool off in the cool, clear waters while taking in views of Pebble Beach to the north and Point Lobos to the south. Beach fires are permitted in designated fire pits, and dogs with responsible owners may roam off-leash. Bring a picnic and a bottle of local wine (both are permitted), and enjoy a spectacular California sunset in this seaside paradise.
Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is more than just golf courses and pastel-colored resorts. Its immaculate beaches have made it a popular summer destination for people from all over the southeast. Coligny Beach’s beautifully landscaped entrance welcomes you to its accessible location, which is made even more popular by amenities such as showers, gazebos, benches, swings, free Wi-Fi, and a splash fountain to rinse off your sandy children. The path to the water is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. If possible, arrive for sunrise and keep an eye out for dolphins, which are known to pass by its shores.
Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington
This family-friendly beach on Puget Sound, accessible by car or water taxi, offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and downtown Seattle. You can keep yourself entertained with sand, saltwater, volleyball courts, grills, and bonfire pits. The two-and-a-half-mile path that runs along the beach is packed with joggers, bikers, and skaters. Tip: Treat yourself to a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Ocean Beach Park, New London, Connecticut
This half-mile golden-sand beach with gentle tides offers excellent views of ferries and schooners passing by the New London Ledge Lighthouse. Ocean Beach Park, which is located along the boardwalk, has a picnic area, playground, snack bar, mini-golf, arcade, and other amenities. Take a dip in the Olympic-size pool after you’ve had your fill of one of New England’s best sugar sand beaches. The onsite parking fee (starting at $25) includes admission for up to five guests; otherwise, walk-ups are $8.
Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn, New York
Nothing beats the smell of hot dogs and the sound of rollerblades on the boardwalk with salt air. If you want to get away from the city without going too far, Coney Island is a perfect seaside wonderland of nostalgia and kitschy fun. This public beach has miles of sand and is rich in history and tradition. There are beach volleyball, handball, and basketball courts, as well as playgrounds, to keep you entertained all day. Of course, you’ll probably spend the majority of your time on the boardwalk leading to the famous amusement park, which is home to the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone roller coaster, and the New York Aquarium.
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