Having lived on both the East and West Coasts, I’ve gotten to visit quite a few of America’s best beaches, which stand out for their beauty, wildlife, and abundance of water activities. Many are also great to visit at any time of year, not just during the summer.
These beaches are located all over the country, and I’ve made sure to include some of the best beaches on the East Coast of the USA, which can sometimes get overlooked. Some people go to the beach to hang out in the water, while others just want to relax, so there’s a wide variety of options for all kinds of beachgoers. Some of these top beaches are best for sunbathing, others are best for swimming and hiking, and others have great sunsets and snorkeling.
Ultimately, whether you’re looking to surf or want to see some wildlife, this guide to the best beaches in the States will help you plan the perfect beach trip. Are you ready to spend some time by the ocean? Let’s get into it!
1. Siesta Key, FL, one of the best beaches in the USA
Some of the best East Coast beaches in the USA are on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. This well-known island is home to several beaches, but Siesta Beach is probably the most famous.
It’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in America since it has turquoise waters and pure white sand. This sand is made of 99% quartz, so it’s powdery, soft, and stays relatively cool. As such, Siesta Beach is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing in the sun, although there are also tennis and volleyball courts, along with a playground for kids to enjoy.
1. Siesta Key, FL, one of the best beaches in the USA
Other great Siesta Key beaches include Palmer Point Beach, where you can see local gopher tortoises; Turtle Beach, a sporty beach that’s also great for shell collectors; and Crescent Beach, where you can see coral and go snorkeling or diving at the nearby Point of Rocks.
Of course, you can have plenty of adventures of your own, but there are also some fun tours of the island, including this one, where you ride electric bikes down Siesta Beach and watch the sunset over the water. If you want to see manatees and explore the mangrove tunnels, this kayak and paddleboarding tour takes you to Sarasota Bay and the mangrove islands of Jim Neville Preserve – you may even spot dolphins and bald eagles!
- Best for: Relaxing
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Siesta Key Palms Resort
2. Crystal Cove State Park, CA, one of the prettiest beaches in the U.S.
Crystal Cove State Park boasts some of the best beaches in the United States. There are lots of tidepools to explore here, and you might even get the chance to see dolphins, birds, and whales.
Moro Beach is one of the park’s more popular beaches, thanks to its stunning views. A lot of beachgoers come here to sunbathe for the day, go paddleboarding or kayaking, or try their hand at fishing. Another of the prettiest beaches in the United States is Reef Point, where you can body surf, visit Scotchman’s Cave, swim, and scuba dive.
2. Crystal Cove State Park, CA, one of the prettiest beaches in the U.S.
The Historic District of the park is home to Los Trancos Beach as well as the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, a series of preserved, vintage beach homes. If you’re looking to stay right on the beach, these cottages are available to rent, although they do book up quite quickly.
Last but certainly not least, Pelican Point Beach is a narrow beach where you can see wildlife, explore tide pools, and go biking. There are also plenty of hiking trails throughout the park so you can explore beyond the beaches.
If you want to go whale watching here, I recommend booking a spot on this cruise, which leaves from nearby Newport Beach and gives you the chance to see seals, humpbacks, and blue whales. Alternatively, get a bird’s-eye view of Crystal Cove on this helicopter tour, which will also show you Orange Country, Corona del Mar, and more.
- Best for: Body surfing, paddle boarding, and whale watching
- Entrance fee: $15 per vehicle ($20 on weekends and holidays)
- Where to stay: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
3. Outer Banks, NC, another of the top ten beaches in the United States
Some of the top ten beaches in the USA can be found in the Outer Banks, which we loved when we visited. Fans of the Netflix TV show of the same name will definitely want to visit these barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, but it’s also a great place for families and pets.
If you want to step back in time and explore some quaint villages, head to Hatteras Island, where you’ll also find the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with totally undeveloped sandy beaches. Some of the other best beaches to visit in the U.S. include Duck Beach, a pet-friendly beach where dogs can be off-leash; Southern Shores Beach, where access is restricted to residents and local vacationers; as well as Kitty Hawk Beach and Kill Devil Hills Beach, both of which have big waves that are perfect for surfers and skim boarders.
3. Outer Banks, NC, another of the top ten beaches in the United States
In addition, Nags Head Beach features large sand dunes, while Rodanthe Beach, Waves Beach, and Salvo Beach are the Tri-Village beaches with big waves that are great for surfers. Avon Beach is popular with locals, while Buxton Beach is home to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Finally, Frisco Beach offers opportunities to fish, surf, sunbathe, and horseback ride, while Hatteras Beach is an amazing spot to go kiteboarding and windsurfing.
If you’d like to see the Outer Banks’ wild horses, go on this tour, which takes you to the Wild Horse Conservation Area. On the other hand, if you’re interested in seeing other wildlife, this tour of the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a good option. It’s very close so it would be a pity if you missed it! We saw a lot of black bears when we went, and you may also be able to see alligators, turtles, otters, and more.
- Best for: Bringing pets
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: John Yancey Oceanfront Inn
4. Cannon Beach, OR, one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States
One of the best beach destinations in the U.S. if you’re not a big swimmer or sunbather is Cannon Beach in Oregon. The water temperature tends to stay low throughout the year, so it’s often too cold for swimming, but there’s still plenty to see and do.
The striking natural landscape of Cannon Beach makes it stand out as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. This distinctly Pacific Northwest beach features forests, cliffs, and tidepools, where you can see anemones, sea stars, crabs, snails, limpets, coral, sea sponges, and more.
4. Cannon Beach, OR, one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States
You’ll also see the iconic Haystack Rock, a basalt sea stack rising from the waves. When the tide is low, you can walk right out to it and see tons of marine life in the waters around it. During the spring and summer, you may even spot puffins hanging out on the Rock.
Cannon Beach is a great place for other kinds of birdwatching, too; depending on the time of year, you might see kittiwakes, ducks, blackbirds, pelicans, geese, warblers, and more. On top of that, once you’ve explored the beach, there are plenty of amazing hiking trails you can do nearby.
- Best for: Hiking
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Tolovana Inn
5. Bahía Honda State Park, FL, one of the best East Coast beaches in the U.S.
Bahía Honda State Park in Florida is home to some of the best warm beaches in the US, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The park has three beaches: Loggerhead Beach, which is located on the Atlantic and has shallow water, making it one of the best beaches in the USA for families; Calusa Beach, which faces Florida Bay; and Sandspur Beach, a large beach that is also located on the Atlantic.
5. Bahía Honda State Park, FL, one of the best East Coast beaches in the U.S.
If you’re not interested in swimming or sunbathing, there’s no need to worry, as the park’s beaches accommodate plenty of other activities. Birders might see wood warblers, herons, hawks, and more, and the local marina means you can easily go boating.
You can also spend the day hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. At night, settle in at one of the park’s three campgrounds, as Bahía Honda is considered one of the best places to camp in the US. Here, you can watch the stars like nowhere else on the East Coast since there’s limited light pollution. You might even be able to see the Milky Way from Loggerhead Beach.
- Best for: Swimming
- Entrance fee: $2.50 for pedestrians and bicyclists, $4.50 for single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles, $8 per vehicle with 2-8 people + 50 cent surcharge per person
- Where to stay: Parmer’s Resort
6. Island Beach, NJ, one of the great American beaches and a personal favorite
Island Beach in New Jersey is a personal favorite on this list of top beaches in the US since I visited it a thousand times when we lived in Pennsylvania.
This state park with white-sand barrier beaches sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay and has some of the best beaches in New Jersey. The area is also relatively calm and quiet, so it’s a great place to just lie in the sun and relax.
6. Island Beach, NJ, one of the great American beaches and a personal favorite
If you prefer to be a bit more active, you can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, and swim here. For those who like to go fishing, the Fisherman’s Walkway boardwalk is the best route to take to the beach and bay.
Birdwatching is another really popular activity here since the park is home to the state’s largest osprey colony. You might also see peregrine falcons, songbirds, and shorebirds if you’re lucky. We even spotted two snowy owls in February, which is when they migrate from the Arctic!
Overall, these beaches’ undeveloped beauty and relative solitude definitely make them some of the best beaches in the United States of America.
- Best for: Swimming and kayaking
- Entrance fee: Weekdays – $6 per vehicle for NJ residents and $12 per vehicle for non-residents; Weekends – $10 per vehicle for NJ residents and $20 per vehicle for non-residents
- Where to stay: Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River Jersey Shore
7. Coronado Beach, CA, one of the best beach vacation spots in America
Coronado Beach near San Diego, California, is one of the prettiest U.S. beaches by far. The red roof of the iconic Hotel Del Coronado makes a stunning backdrop for this white-sand beach with clear blue waters.
Both the hotel and beach are heavily featured in the 1958 film Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, so this is a fantastic beach to visit if you’re a Marilyn fan. Even if you’re not, this is still one of the greatest beaches to visit in the U.S.
7. Coronado Beach, CA, one of the best beach vacation spots in America
You can go swimming, surfing, fishing, and scuba diving here, or even play beach volleyball. There are also tide pools to explore at low tide and fire pits if you’d like to make smores. To learn more about the history of the Hotel Del, as it’s called for short, take this sightseeing tour, which takes you around San Diego to sights like Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla, and Coronado.
If you’d like to get out onto the water, try a San Diego harbor cruise like this one, which takes you under Coronado Bridge and shows you some of the harbor’s resident seals and sea lions.
- Best for: Sunbathing and swimming
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Hotel Marisol Coronado
8. Sand Beach, ME, another one of the greatest beaches in the U.S.
One of the USA’s best East Coast beaches that we’ve visited is Sand Beach. It’s the largest sandy beach in Acadia National Park, and it’s surrounded by cliffs and some of the best hiking trails in the US.
During our Maine photography workshop, we hike the Great Head Trail, a gorgeous route that overlooks Sand Beach. Of course, you can do way more than just hike here. Swimming is quite popular, even if the water’s a little on the chilly side, and sunbathing is also lovely on a hot summer’s day.
8. Sand Beach, ME, another one of the greatest beaches in the U.S.
This beach is also a great spot to stargaze, since there’s little to no light pollution here. Although admission may seem a little steep, your entrance pass is good for seven days and allows you to access the entire park, so it’s worth it.
Speaking of Acadia, if you’d like to learn more about the park and explore Bar Harbor, this tour is a good option. Your tour guide will provide in-depth narration as you ride a bus through the park.
- Best for: Hiking
- Entrance fee: $20 per pedestrian, $30 per motorcycle, and $35 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
- Where to stay: Acadia Inn
9. Cape May, NJ, one of the best beaches in the USA for families
Another one of the best beach vacation spots in America is Cape May, New Jersey. We’ve visited this family-friendly beach destination several times and can’t get enough of its incredible Victorian architecture. It’s no wonder why visiting Cape May is one of the best things to do in New Jersey.
9. Cape May, NJ, one of the best beaches in the USA for families
This area has lots of beaches: The Cove, which is at the end of the promenade; as well as the areas of beach on Broadway, Grant, Windsor, Congress, Jackson, Decatur, Jefferson, Queen, Madison, Philadelphia, Reading, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Brooklyn, and Wilmington Streets.
All of these white-sand beaches have lots to offer, including swimming, kayaking, surfing, fishing, skimboarding, and beach volleyball. Best of all, whale watching in Cape May can be done year-round. We did this tour, which offers live commentary on marine life as you search for dolphins and whales, and we loved it. We saw a pod of at least 50 dolphins up close, and it was a dream come true!
- Best for: Swimming, kayaking and dolphin watching
- Entrance fee: $10 for daily beach tag
- Where to stay: Grand Hotel Cape May
10. Assateague Island, VA/MD, the famous pony beach in the U.S.
Yet another one of the top ten beaches in America is Assateague Island. Two-thirds of this barrier island is located in Maryland, while the southern third is technically in Virginia, so you can cross off two states at once when you visit.
When we went to Assateague, we were amazed by the beautiful wild horses roaming around everywhere. This chance to see the horses up close really makes Assateague one of the most unique beaches in the United States.
10. Assateague Island, VA/MD, the famous pony beach in the U.S.
If you’re interested in more traditional beach activities, all the beaches here are sandy, and popular activities include swimming, kayaking, surfing, hiking, and biking. You can also go horseback riding along the beach or camp at one of the island’s two campgrounds.
As with Sand Beach in Acadia, entrance passes give you access for seven days, so you’ll really get to see a lot. A great option for getting a lot of sightseeing in is this boat tour, which gives you the chance to see Assateague, Chincoteague, and lots of wildlife, including eagles, pelicans, dolphins, and more.
- Best for: Seeing wild horses
- Entrance fee: Free for pedestrians, $20 per motorcycle, and $25 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
- Where to stay: Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort
11. Manini’owali Beach, Big Island (HI), a U.S. beach where you can see dolphins
Manini’owali Beach is easily one of the prettiest beaches in America and an absolute dream, with crystal-clear blue waters, soft white sand, lava rocks, and a gorgeous reef. When we visited, we were absolutely blown away!
This Hawaiian beach on Kua Bay is a bit on the smaller side and can get crowded, so be sure to get there early to find a good spot to lay out your towel. The reef is full of coral and tropical fish, so it’s worth going swimming and snorkeling here.
11. Manini’owali Beach, Big Island (HI), a U.S. beach where you can see dolphins
You may even spot sea turtles, white-tip sharks, and spinner dolphins. Other activities you can do here include kayaking, boogie boarding, and watching the sunset. Keep in mind that there are no snack bars or food stands here, so you’ll want to bring water, lunch, and plenty of snacks to get you through the day.
There’s also limited shade, so be sure to pack sunscreen, a beach umbrella, and a hat to stay cool and prevent sunburn.
- Best for: Snorkeling and swimming
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
12. Nantucket, MA, one of the best U.S. beach vacation destinations
The famous island of Nantucket off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is home to some of the best beaches in the U.S. to visit in July, including Madaket Beach.
Madaket is located at the far western end of the island, and its soft sand makes it a popular location for beachgoers, although it’s still pretty quiet compared to other beaches on the island. The waves can be pretty rough, so do be careful if you decide to swim or boogie board here.
12. Nantucket, MA, one of the best U.S. beach vacation destinations
There’s also no food service on this beach so be sure to bring snacks and a picnic to keep you going. The primary reason Madaket is one of the best beach places in the US, is because the sunsets here are spectacular. Definitely plan to stay long enough to watch the sun go down over the ocean and admire the vivid colors.
- Best for: Sunset watching
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Jared Coffin House
13. Point Reyes Beach, CA, one of the best beaches in the continental U.S.
Point Reyes in Marin County, California, is another one of the best beaches in the continental United States.
There are two Point Reyes beaches: North Beach at Point Reyes Beach and South Beach at Point Reyes Beach. Both have pretty large waves, so it’s not safe to swim here. However, you can still hike and build a campfire, and both beaches are easily accessible with nearby parking lots.
When we went, we also visited other beaches along the Point Reyes National Seashore. Drakes Beach is super popular and has stunning white sandstone cliffs, along with a café and visitor center. The calm, warm water here is perfect for swimming, and you can also picnic and build campfires here.
13. Point Reyes Beach, CA, one of the best beaches in the continental U.S.
Limantour Beach is another easily accessible sandy beach where you can sunbathe, watch the seals, and birdwatch. All of the National Seashore’s other beaches are only accessible via hiking. Abbotts Lagoon Beach has two lagoons where lots of migratory birds go, so it’s one of the best beaches in the U.S. to visit in September to see birds like the threatened western snowy plover.
Kehoe Beach is a dog-friendly beach where you can see sandstone and granite cliffs, while Marshall Beach is where you can kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. McClures Beach is a fantastic spot for looking at tidepools and spotting marine life like giant sea anemones.
Other top beaches include Sculptured Beach, another amazing spot with tidepools where the sculptured rocks are exposed at low tide, and Wildcat Beach, which you can access via the Wildcat Campground.
- Best for: Exploring tidepools
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Nick’s Cove
14. Clearwater Beach, FL, one of the best summer beaches in the USA
Clearwater Beach in Florida is one of the top beach vacation destinations in the US, thanks to its ultrafine white sand and warm water that’s ideal for swimming.
This barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is perfect for families since there’s shallow water near the pier for kids to swim in and a playground for when they get out of the water. Adults will also have plenty of fun on the beach volleyball courts or renting bikes and jet skis.
14. Clearwater Beach, FL, one of the best summer beaches in the USA
Other great activities to do here include kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. You may even see wild dolphins and sea turtles in the water, especially if you take this cruise, which takes you to all the best dolphin spots. With so many incredible activities like these, it’s no wonder why Clearwater is considered one of the best summer beaches in the USA!
- Best for: Seeing dolphins
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
15. La Jolla Shores, CA, one of the greatest beaches to visit in the U.S.
One of the best West Coast beaches in the USA is definitely La Jolla Shores, a sandy beach with gentle waves in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California.
Here, you can surf, swim, scuba, snorkel, play volleyball, and use the fire pits. This popular beach tends to get quite busy since it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA, so you’ll need to get here early for a good spot.
15. La Jolla Shores, CA, one of the greatest beaches to visit in the U.S.
If you’re lucky, you may even get to see seals and sea lions hanging out by the beach. Otherwise, you can take this kayak tour, which goes through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve to see marine life.
- Best for: Swimming and sunbathing
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: Sands of La Jolla
16. Mākena Beach, Maui (HI), another one of the nicest U.S. beaches
Another one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA is Mākena Beach in Maui. This white sand beach, also known as Big Beach, is undeveloped and located between two black-lava outcroppings.
When we visited, we loved seeing the clear blue waters and incredible views of Molokini Crater and Kahoʻolawe. You can swim, snorkel, and boogie board here, although there can be strong currents, so be sure to wait until the water’s calm and be extra careful in the water.
16. Mākena Beach, Maui (HI), another one of the nicest U.S. beaches
There are a few food trucks in the area, but I recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy on the beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll see sea turtles swimming in the waves, or you can take this turtle snorkel tour, which will give you a much higher chance of seeing them.
Another tour we loved was this one since it takes you to Molokini Crater and Turtle Cove to see turtles, coral, and reef life.
- Best for: Snorkeling
- Entrance fee: $5 per person and $10 per vehicle
- Where to stay: Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa
17. Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA, one of the best U.S. beach destinations
Half Moon Bay State Beach is another one of the best beach destinations in the USA. Its four miles are split up into four day-use parking lots/beaches: Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. Francis is the most popular beach and features a picnic area and campground if you’d like to stay overnight in a tent or RV.
17. Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA, one of the best U.S. beach destinations
Venice is much less crowded and is bordered by two creeks that often create shallow lagoons. Dunes and Roosevelt are also less crowded, so if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, definitely head there.
All four beaches are great for sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking. They’re also some of the best beaches to go to in the USA for hiking, as we found out when we visited. The Coastside Trail runs along all four beaches and is a nice place to jog, bike, or walk your dog.
- Best for: Sunbathing and picnicking
- Entrance fee: $10 per vehicle for parking
- Where to stay: Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
18. Fire Island, NY, one of the best gay beaches in the United States
Fire Island, a barrier island off Long Island, is yet another place with some of the best American beaches.
Heading here is one of the best things you can do near Long Island, and there are lots of beaches to choose from. Atlantique Beach is a white sandy beach with basketball and handball courts, as well as a children’s playground and grill area, so it’s the perfect place to get active and spend time with the whole family.
18. Fire Island, NY, one of the best gay beaches in the United States
If you’re more interested in a quiet place to sunbathe, Barrett Beach is a great option since it’s only accessible by ferry or on foot. Fair Harbor Beach and Kismet Beach are two other relatively quiet, family-friendly beaches that are well-suited for swimming and sunbathing.
Anyone who’s interested in hiking, fishing, or backcountry camping should head to the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness for gorgeous views and lots of wildlife. Another nice sandy beach, Watch Hill, is located on the edge of Otis Pike and features sand dunes and an incredible salt marsh.
If you’re looking for one of the best gay beaches in the US, head to The Pines Beach or Cherry Grove, both sandy beach areas with a fun, vibrant vibe.
- Best for: Sunbathing and swimming
- Entrance fee: Free
- Where to stay: 15 Seneca
19. Ke’e Beach, Kauai (HI), one of the best beaches in the U.S. for couples
Ke’e Beach in Kauai has more than earned its spot as one of the top beaches in the USA. When we visited, we loved exploring the local reef, which is a perfect spot to snorkel or swim and see lots of turtles. We even saw a monk seal resting on the beach!
19. Ke’e Beach, Kauai (HI), one of the best beaches in the U.S. for couples
The water is very calm and clear during the summer, but there can be strong currents and big waves during the winter, so summer really is the best time to visit, especially if you want to swim. There are also lots of tidepools to explore in the beach’s rocky areas.
If you spend the whole day here, you’ll see why this is one of the most beautiful beaches in America – the sunset is truly spectacular!
- Best for: Snorkeling, swimming, and watching sunsets
- Entrance fee: $5 per resident guest/pedestrian, $10 per parking timeslot +$5 entry per person, and $40 for round-trip shuttle reservation for ages 16+ ($25 for ages 4-15 and free for ages 0-3)
- Where to stay: Hanalei Colony Resort
20. Pfeiffer Beach, CA, one of the most amazing beaches in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a beach that’s truly extraordinary, Pfeiffer Beach more than lives up to that description. This Big Sur beach in Los Padres National Forest is one of America’s top beaches because the purple sand here is just out of this world – I couldn’t believe it was real when we saw it!
20. Pfeiffer Beach, CA, one of the most amazing beaches in the U.S.
The distinctive purple color comes from the manganese garnet rocks in the cliffs and is especially noticeable after it’s rained. This beach is also home to the Keyhole Arch rock formation, which you’ll see waves and light pass through. If you’re interested in observing some wildlife, there are lots of great tidepools to check out.
With all of these incredible natural wonders, Pfeiffer is definitely one of the best beaches in the United States that you can’t miss.
- Best for: Sunbathing and exploring
- Entrance fee: $15 per vehicle for parking
- Where to stay: Carmel Mission Inn
21. Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, FL, one of the wildest beaches in the USA
Another one of the best beach destinations in America is Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island. Sanibel has lots of great beaches, but this is definitely the most popular one, and for good reason.
21. Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, FL, one of the wildest beaches in the USA
This pet-friendly beach is known as a fantastic place for finding shells, especially since it’s pretty undeveloped. The sunsets are also incredible here, and you can fish, hike, kayak, picnic, swim, and sunbathe.
Admire the calm emerald waters and explore the sand dunes here – you’ll soon see why it’s considered one of the best beaches in the southern US. You may even get to spot dolphins and manatees. If you have the time, this sunset boat tour is the perfect way to see more of the area.
- Best for: Sunbathing and swimming
- Entrance fee: $5 an hour for parking
- Where to stay: Sanibel Island Beach Resort
22. Hanauma Bay, Oahu (HI), one of the best beaches to snorkel in the U.S.
Hanauma Bay, a protected marine life conservation park since 1967, is definitely one of the top beaches in the USA to visit.
Snorkeling here is an absolute must, as we know from experience. You’ll likely get to see turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, and more among the coral reefs. You may even see octopuses, crabs, eels, and humpback whales in the distance.
22. Hanauma Bay, Oahu (HI), one of the best beaches to snorkel in the U.S.
Because this area isn’t just a beach, you’ll also get the chance to learn more about the marine life in the bay. Since snorkeling is super popular, you’ll definitely want to reserve your park entrance ahead of time. This snorkel tour, which organizes round-trip transportation, park reservations, and snorkeling for you, is the best option for planning your visit.
- Best for: Snorkeling
- Entrance fee: $25 per person and $3 for parking
- Where to stay: The Kahala Hotel and Resort
23. Driftwood Beach, GA, one of the best beaches in the Southern U.S.
One of the best beaches in the Southern USA is Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island. Its calm and shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, and the gnarled ancient driftwood makes this beach look like no other.
23. Driftwood Beach, GA, one of the best beaches in the Southern U.S.
Climb up on the withered, otherworldly branches or set up your towel next to these amazing remnants of a maritime forest. This is a great place to catch a sunrise or sunset and watch the light shine through the driftwood. You can also walk your dog here since it’s a pet-friendly beach.
If you’d like to see some of the local marine life, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, this boat tour will help you learn about local ecology and also give you a higher chance of spotting sea creatures.
- Best for: Swimming
- Entrance fee: $10 parking per day
- Where to stay: Beachview Club Hotel
24. Rialto Beach, WA, one of the most beautiful U.S. beaches
Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park is one of the most amazing beaches in the US. This rocky beach is set against the backdrop of a lush forest with lofty trees and features a series of sea stacks among the waves.
24. Rialto Beach, WA, one of the most beautiful U.S. beaches
The most prominent sea stack is the Hole in the Wall, a rock formation that makes for great photos. I highly recommend watching the sunset here so you can see the colors shine through the gap. The waves here can be rough, so it’s not a good place to swim, but there are lots of polished stones and driftwood on the beach to collect.
This is also one of the best beaches in the U.S. for hiking and camping. Entrance passes are good for 7 days, so you’ll have plenty of time to go exploring. If you’d also like to visit the Hoh Rainforest and the rest of Olympic National Park, this private guided tour will take you to all the best spots.
- Best for: Hiking and finding stones
- Entrance fee: $15 per person, $25 per motorcycle, and $30 per vehicle for a 7-day permit
- Where to stay: Pacific Inn Motel
25. Huntington Beach, SC, one of the best beaches in the Southeast USA
Not to be confused with the beach of the same name in California, Huntington Beach in South Carolina is one of the best beach spots in the US.
Here, you can see alligators and loggerhead turtles, go camping, or enjoy some birdwatching and swimming. Huntington is also a dog-friendly beach, so feel free to bring your dog for a walk as long as they’re on a leash. There are rarely crowds here, so it’s a perfect secluded spot for some peace and quiet.
25. Huntington Beach, SC, one of the best beaches in the Southeast USA
You’ll find salt marshes and freshwater lagoons in the park, as well as lots of trails to explore. This guided Segway tour around the park will allow you to cover a lot of ground in minimal time and see sights like Atalaya Castle and wildlife with an experienced guide.
If you’re a big fan of wildlife spotting, this tour down the Waccamaw River is ideal for seeing osprey, herons, egrets, and more up close at one of the best beaches in the Southeast USA.
- Best for: Wildlife spotting
- Entrance fee: $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for ages 6-15, free for ages 5 and under
- Where to stay: Coral Beach Resort
Map of the best beaches in the USA
I hope this list of the best American beaches inspires you to spend your next vacation by the ocean. To help you plan your trip, I’ve included a map so you can locate each of these amazing U.S. beaches.
Each location’s icon corresponds to the top activity you can do there: an umbrella for sunbathing, a surfer for water sports, a dog for pet-friendly, a hiker for hiking, a swimmer for swimming, a horse for wild horse spotting, a snorkel for snorkeling, a sun for sunset watching, a sea star for tide pooling, a dolphin for dolphin watching, and a bird for wildlife spotting.
That’s it from me! Hope this guide helps you to choose your next beach destination in the United States and you have a wonderful seaside adventure! If you’ve visited any of these places or have any other suggestion, let us know more about your experience in the comments.
Enjoy your next beach trip!
