Best Beaches in the US
1. Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay, California
If you want to do more than sunbathing, this is the beach for you. Francis Beach is located on the south side of Half Moon Bay State Park. Visitors can cycle along the coastside trail, surf or along the camp at one of 52 campsites that house RVs, tents and trailers. Visitors can also ride horses along the numerous trails surrounding the beach.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Known for its vast coast and stunning views of Haystack Rock, it is no wonder Cannon Beach is called by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s about an hour and a half from Portland, but the seaside village has plenty to offer. Perhaps you don’t want to venture too far away. Cannon Beach is one of America’s top art towns, so check out the many art galleries and festivals in the town.
3. Kiawha Island, South Carolina
If you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway, look no further than the beaches on Kiawa Island. The beach spans 10 miles and is located approximately 20 miles from downtown Charleston. As Kiawa is a private gated community, Public Beach Access is located on the western edge of the island in Beach Walker County Park. It is the ideal place to absorb the natural beauty of South Carolina. Kiawa Island’s preserved marine forests and marshlands are amazing to see wildlife. Stop by the award-winning Kiawa Island golf resort and the vast seaside mansion, a Forbes 5-star rated Kiawa Island sanctuary.
4. 12 Beach, Michigan
As you can imagine, Twelvemile Beach is a 12-mile sand and pebbles coastline on the plateau above the upper lake of Rocks National Lakeshore in the photo. It’s also very accessible – 12 beach camping car parks and several stairs are led directly to the beach. Perfect for long walks on the beach. Camp at any of 37 sites along the coast, picnic under towering pine trees, or starry sky over sand dunes.
5. Assateagh State Park, Maryland
With over two miles of beaches, Assateagh State Park is a great place to surf, swim and sunbathe. As Maryland’s only oceanfront park, it is also a great place to explore. Visitors can walk along the coastline through the coves and hike through the wetland areas to see more wildlife.
64pin Kanafuru Beach, Hawaii
Located directly from the Mamala Hoa Expressway on Hawaii’s east coast, Panlu Beach is a must-see. Warning Word: Consider bringing water shoes with you as you will get sand hot. Heat from the black sand attracts green sea turtles, so stick it on, and you will probably see some baths in the sun. Accessible via road from the car park, Ninol Cove has great snorkeling. You can also follow the same path for a short hike under the towering coconut palm.
7. Sand Beach in Acadia National Park, Maine
290 yards wide, Sand Beach is located between the mountains of Mount Desert Island. But don’t be fooled by that name. Sand Beaches actually consist primarily of shell fragments. Be careful – water usually doesn’t get warmer than 50 degrees. So, if your swimming is off the table, check out the various hiking trails surrounding the beach. The Oceanside Trail will pass you past thunderstorms and otter cliffs.
8. Spectacle Island, Massachusetts
Spectacle Island is a boat ride just 20 minutes from downtown Boston. Take the Boston Harbor Cruise Ferry to the island and tickets tend to sell out quickly, so book in advance online. The island itself opens in May and closes in October. While there, admire the abundant sea glass that the island is famous for (just not take it with you). There are also five miles of hiking trails and many beaches overlooking the Boston skyline.
9. Schoolhouse Beach – Washington Island, Wisconsin
The school’s beach is truly unique, named after the small wooden school building that once stood on Washington Island. The beach is made up entirely of limestone rocks, so be sure to pack a flip-flop. Washington Island is a ferry ride a short distance from Door County and is known for its vast lavender farm. Choose your own lavender at the fragrant island lavender farm, or head to the gift shop where you can find aromatic soaps and delicious lavender sweets.
10. Jola Cove, California
Come to the beach and stay for wildlife. La Jolla Cove’s smooth rocks and sandy beaches make it the ideal sunbathing spot for sea lions and seals. You can also take a guided kayak tour of seven caves where you may find leopard sharks and sea turtles. Make sure to explore shops along Prospect Street in La Jolla Cove’s Jewelry District. Finish your day with George’s cocktails at the rooftop bar in Cove overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
11. Clearwater Beach, Florida
At Clearwater Beach you can find the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. The sandy coast and warm waters are great places to relax in the sun, but there are many things you can find in small towns too. Visit artists and musicians at the sunset at Pier 60 or take a Tiki Boat Booze cruise around the Gulf Coast. To get a bite, you can go to the French Rockaway Grill. Featured at Food Paradise, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining and live music.
12. Stearns Park Beach, Rudington, Michigan
Stearns Park Beach is one of the top 50 American beaches on USA Today Travel and undoubtedly endures the hype. Ideal for anyone looking for a little adventure. At the southern end of the park is the Rudington Area J.C.’s Mini Golf Course and Skate Plaza, as well as open space for the volleyball net and grill. Watch the sunset over Lake Michigan at the pier at the North Breakwater Lighthouse or take a bite at a nearby concession stand (known for its fried oreo).
13. Pope Beach in South Lake Tahoe, California
Located on South Lake Tahoe’s 3-mile state highway 89, Pope Beach is a truly peaceful escape. The sandy beach and surrounding pine trees overlook Sierra Nevada and clear waters. Pope Beach is very accessible. Visitors can use the Pope/Baldwin bike path to the site or ride a bike. Take advantage of the beauty of Lake Tahoe on a scenic helicopter tour and finish the day with a bite at Sonny’s BBQ Shack Bar and Grill.
14. Higgins Beach, Scarborough Main
Known for its small town charm in New England, Higgins Beach is located in a residential area dating back to the 1800s. The drive to Higgins is reason enough to make a visit, 10 miles from Portland. The winding roads surrounded by towering pine trees are the perfect recipe for a scenic start to the day. Water is perfect for kayaking and fly fishing (a very popular activity in Higgins).
15. South Carlsbad Beach, California
This 3-mile beach is popular with both divers, surfers and sunbazaars. Camping is very popular here during the summer. With over 200 campsites located on the bluff above the beach, it’s no wonder campers need to book in advance. While you’re in Carlsbad, don’t miss the 50-acre vibrant flowers overlooking the coastline, the flower fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
Read more: Summer Guide to Encinitas, California
16. Berks Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Berks Beach is about an hour’s drive from Downtown Head in Hilton, but it’s well worth a visit. The quiet, soft white sand beach is easily accessible by bike. Paved roads go to tennis and basketball courts. Visitors can spot dolphins on Hilton Head boat tours and tour the Harbortown Lighthouse.
17. Mustang State Park, Texas
Mustang Island State Park has something for all kinds of beach fans, including surfing, geocaching, camping and more. Explore Corpus Christi Bay by renting a kayak and padding the paddling trails at Mustang Island State Park along the west coast. The 20-mile trail is perfect for viewing wildlife, especially coastal birds and turtles. Kick back and spend the night at one of the many campsites, sunbathing on the white sand.
18. Turner Beach, Florida
Turner Beach, located past the bridge and up to Capucha, is famous for its sunsets and artillery fire. The Rock Pier is perfect for fishing and starry sky. Visitors can swim, but the flow is relatively strong so swim carefully. There are many beachside pubs across the bridge. Mad Hatter and Lazy Flamingo are two of the region’s top rated restaurants.
19. Mohee Gun Bluffs: Block Island, Rhode Island
New England is the best. There is only one grocery store, and the chain restaurants, cozy inns and quaint boutiques make up Block Island, a ferry ride that is about an hour away from Rhode Island. The sheltered beach at the bottom of Mohegan Bluffs overlooks the misty Atlantic Ocean and heads towards vast clay cliffs. To be precise, the trip to the beach is incredibly tough 141 levels, but the views are completely unparalleled.
Read more: Visit Newport Rhode Island
20. Venice Beach, California
Known for its eccentric beachfront boardwalk, Venice Beach is perfect for anyone looking for a break from sunbathing. On the boardwalk, listen to musicians, watch street performers, and join drum circles that play on the beach every day. Grab something with one of the many food trucks along the boardwalk and visit the high-end galleries and boutiques at Abbott Kinney Boulevard. A home completely covered in mosaic and tiles, the Mosaic Tile House is a must-see.
Read more: How to spend a weekend in Venice Beach
twenty one. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
There’s so much to be grateful for at Old Orchard Beach. With seven miles of sand, visitors will undoubtedly find a variety of different activities. The old Orchard Beach pier is a great place to shop, eat and drink. On the coast, Palace Playland Amusement Park has plenty of rides and arcade games (and yes, even the Ferris Wheel).
twenty two. South Beach in Miami, Florida
Miami is known for its sparkling nightlife, Art Deco architecture and Sandy Beach. Naturally, visitors will find all of the above in South Beach. It may be crowded, but the beach is still a great place to tan and swim in the warm waters. Visitors can hone the Art Deco history with walking tours around the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall, which offers a variety of restaurants and bars.
twenty three. Massachusetts Coast Guard Beach
Coast Guard beaches, called Henry David Thoreau’s “Great Beach,” endure that title. The beach is named after the Coast Guard building on the dune above the beach. With over 20 miles of coastline, soft sand and gentle water provide a perfect place to relax. From Anniversary until mid-September, visitors will park in Little Creek’s car park, where the shuttle provides transportation to the beach. Visitors can visit Lobster Shanty, visit the classic New England lobster rolls, or visit the antiques at one of East Ham’s many shops.
twenty four. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Naturally, Driftwood Beach is named after the huge Driftwood trees lined the coast. The coiled branches and famous pastel sunsets make wonderful photos. There’s a lot to do on Jekyll Island too. Visitors will find moss-covered trees, quaint cottages dating back to the 1800s, and towering sand dunes worth visiting the island. A day after exploring, fuse Froyo.
