25 Spectacular Beaches in the U.S. for Your Ultimate Getaway
Soft sands, clear waters, and vibrant boardwalks await at these U.S. shores.
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, where golden sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant beachfront communities invite everyone to escape, explore, and unwind. From the rugged Pacific vistas of California to the pristine, palm-shaded shores of Florida, every type of traveler will find their paradise along America’s coasts. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of 25 of the best beaches across the U.S., each offering something unique—be it natural wonders, family-friendly amenities, or perfect solitude.
Why U.S. Beaches Stand Out
- Diverse landscapes: U.S. beaches stretch from tropical reefs to wild Atlantic dunes, lakefront sands, and volcanic marvels.
- Year-round destinations: Thanks to the country’s size, there’s always a beautiful beach to visit regardless of season.
- Cultural hotspots: Many beaches provide much more than sun—think surf towns, historic boardwalks, and vibrant seafood festivals.
- Accessibility: Increasing numbers of U.S. beaches are wheelchair accessible, with boardwalks, mats, and beach wheelchairs available for visitors of all abilities.
1. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida
Siesta Beach is famed for its fine, powdery white quartz sand that feels cool beneath your feet, even on the hottest summer days. This west Florida coastline is often ranked America’s #1 beach—offering shallow, gentle waters ideal for families, a friendly village with restaurants and shops, plus lifeguards for peace of mind. Whether you love swimming, beach volleyball, or sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, Siesta Beach delivers perfection year-round.
2. Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
Maui’s Kaanapali Beach stretches for three miles along the island’s leeward coast and is a quintessential Hawaiian paradise. Clear turquoise waters, gentle waves, and excellent snorkeling near Black Rock make it an adventurer’s delight. Don’t miss the nightly cliff diving ceremonies—a local tradition that adds a magical touch to every evening here.
3. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
With its iconic, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop, Coronado Beach offers wide golden sands and comparatively gentle Pacific surf. The beach’s relatively flat terrain is great for sandcastles, jogging, or simply lazing the day away. Leashed pets are welcome on designated sections, and the nearby town offers charming boutiques and indulgent ice cream shops.
4. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach wows visitors with its soft, sugar-white sands and consistently warm Gulf waters. With a vibrant pier, playful dolphins offshore, and a lively waterfront promenade filled with street performers, there’s never a dull moment. Its award-winning sunsets are celebrated each evening with local art and music festivals.
5. Cannon Beach, Oregon
This northern Oregon coast gem is instantly recognizable thanks to Haystack Rock, a 235-foot basalt sea stack teeming with tide pools and nesting puffins in season. Cannon Beach’s cool misty mornings, dramatic cliffs, and artistic small town vibe provide an altogether different—yet stunning—beach experience. Beach bonfires at dusk are a must.
6. South Beach (SoBe), Miami Beach, Florida
Fashion, art deco, and nightlife converge at Miami’s famous South Beach. Here, sunbathers lounge by turquoise water as vibrant lifeguard stands punctuate the white sand. Steps away, Ocean Drive pulses with energy from pastel hotels, Cuban diners, and world-class nightclubs. Day or night, the energy is irresistible.
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7. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
With over 40 miles of undeveloped shoreline and six distinct beaches, the Cape Cod National Seashore is a haven for beachgoers, birdwatchers, and history buffs alike. From the windswept dunes of Race Point Beach to the family-friendly sands at Coast Guard Beach, each section offers unique geography and wildlife. Visit in summer for warm Atlantic swims or in fall for serene, crowd-free walks among the changing foliage.
8. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Wailea Beach, adjacent to several luxury resorts, blends natural beauty with first-class amenities. Calm surf conditions enable safe swimming and great snorkeling among colorful fish and corals. The beach’s manicured paths are perfect for sunset strolls, and its gentle sloping sands are ideal for families or romantic picnics.
9. Outer Banks, North Carolina
This string of barrier islands is best known for its rolling dunes, wild horses, historic lighthouses, and wide, open beaches. Nags Head, Duck, and Cape Hatteras are especially popular for their uncrowded sands and excellent kite-flying conditions. The Outer Banks are a favorite for windsurfers, anglers, and those seeking classic Americana charm.
10. Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
Venice Beach is where counterculture, artistry, and sun meet. Along the vibrant Ocean Front Walk, find street performers, skaters, outdoor gyms, and eclectic art installations. The broad shoreline is lively and entertaining, making people-watching as appealing as sunbathing. Don’t miss Muscle Beach or the sunset drum circle.
11. Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama
Boasting 32 miles of sun-soaked coast, Gulf Shores is Alabama’s claim to beach fame. Soft white sands, emerald-green water, dolphin cruises, and warm Southern hospitality welcome families and groups. Try charter fishing or visit one of the many seafood festivals held annually.
12. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
Set against lush green mountains and crashing waterfalls, Hanalei Bay’s crescent beach is pure Hawaiian magic. Swimmers, surfers, and paddlers flock to its calm summer waters, while winter brings big waves for more experienced surfers. The Hanalei Pier is a local landmark for sunset photos and community gatherings.
13. Destin’s Henderson Beach, Florida
Located on the so-called Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park in Destin wows with over 6,000 feet of pure, sugar-white shoreline. The vivid green seas, natural sand dunes, and well-kept boardwalks offer a pristine retreat for swimmers, campers, and beachcombers alike.
14. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai’s sunniest spot, Poipu Beach, features a natural ocean wading pool shielded by lava rocks—perfect for kids and snorkelers. Monk seals bask on the shore, while lifeguards keep swimmers safe. The adjacent park area provides picnicking and play structures, making this an ideal family spot.
15. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland & Virginia
Famous for its wild horses, Assateague’s undeveloped beach stretches along both Maryland and Virginia. Besides swimming and shell-collecting, visitors flock to kayak and spot the area’s famous ponies roaming free among dunes and marshes. The beach is protected and feels satisfyingly remote.
16. Santa Monica State Beach, California
Home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier and its amusement park, this beach blends old-fashioned fun with modern convenience. The clean sand and lively beachfront offer families and solo travelers plenty of room to play, surf, or people-watch. The nearby bike path connects Venice and Malibu for oceanfront exploring.
17. Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
With powder-fine white sand and crystalline turquoise waters, Kailua Beach is a favorite for windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. Nearby Lanikai Beach, often cited among the world’s most beautiful, is just a short stroll away, making this stretch of Oahu’s windward coast a can’t-miss destination.
18. Rockport Beach, Texas
Nestled on the Texas Gulf Coast, Rockport Beach is lauded as one of the cleanest in the country. Its shallow waters, plentiful picnic areas, and playgrounds make it a hit for families, while avid birders flock to observe native shore and migratory songbirds.
19. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Found between the dramatic cliffs and forested hills of Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is a unique 290-yard stretch of soft sand on Mount Desert Island. The water may be chilly, but the stunning Atlantic scenery and access to famous hiking trails, like the Beehive, make it well worth a visit.
20. Pismo Beach, California
Located on the scenic Central Coast, Pismo Beach is known for its sweeping, walkable beaches, classic pier, and vineyards. It’s a surfer’s haven, but also a favorite for clamming, ATV riding on coastal dunes, and spotting monarch butterflies in the nearby preserve.
21. Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina
Hilton Head’s inviting beaches stretch along the island’s east coast, known for their beige hard-packed sand perfect for bicycling and running. Family resorts, luxurious golf courses, and peaceful maritime forests frame the shore, offering activities for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers.
22. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
Wild and ruggedly beautiful, Ruby Beach is famous for its sea stacks, driftwood-strewn shore, and dramatic Pacific sunsets. Exploring tide pools below wind-bent trees, you’ll feel the full force of the Pacific Northwest’s untamed splendor, especially as swirling mists roll in from the sea.
23. Ludington State Park Beach, Michigan
This Lake Michigan beach is renowned for its “singing sands”—which squeak beneath your feet due to their high silica content. With remote natural settings, scenic dunes, freshwater swimming, and the iconic 1867 Big Sable Point Lighthouse, it’s a freshwater beach escape with charm to spare.
24. Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island, Florida
Distinct from the typical Florida shoreline, Boneyard Beach is famous for its eerie, ethereal landscape of sun-bleached oaks and cedars toppled by ocean storms. This natural “jungle gym” provides a dramatic backdrop for photographers and explorers, just a short hike from the parking area.
25. Schooner Gulch State Beach (Bowling Ball Beach), California
Located on Northern California’s Mendocino coast, this beach is home to the mysterious “bowling ball” concretions—huge spherical stones naturally sculpted by geologic processes millions of years ago. These fascinating formations are only visible at low tide, adding an element of discovery to every visit.
Bonus Picks: Beaches with Unique Experiences
- Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand Beach), Hawaii: One of only a handful of green sand beaches worldwide, accessible by hike or 4×4 tour.
- Black Beach, Silver Bay, Minnesota: Charcoal-black sands created by mineral deposits on Lake Superior; an unexpected, striking sight far from the ocean.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oahu, Hawaii: World-class snorkeling and vibrant marine life in a volcanic crater.
Accessibility at America’s Best Beaches
Many of the beaches listed above feature accessible paths, mats, and beach wheelchairs to ensure everyone can enjoy the sand and surf. Look for:
- Beach mats reaching the shoreline (e.g., Siesta Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Virginia Beach)
- Free or rentable beach wheelchairs (e.g., Gulf Shores, Cannon Beach, Outer Banks)
- Accessible restrooms and dedicated parking near main beach entries
When planning your visit, check the local government or visitor site for current accessibility offerings and reservation policies.
Table: Quick Guide to U.S. Top Beaches by Region
| Region | Top Beach | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Siesta Beach, FL | Softest quartz sand, family-friendly, lifeguards |
| West Coast | Cannon Beach, OR | Haystack Rock, tide pools, coastal hikes |
| Pacific Islands | Kaanapali Beach, HI | 3 miles sand, cliff diving, snorkeling |
| Midwest | Ludington State Park, MI | “Singing” sands, lighthouse, accessible paths |
| Mid-Atlantic | Assateague Island, MD/VA | Wild ponies, undeveloped sands, kayaking |
| Southwest | Rockport Beach, TX | Cleanest beach, birdwatching, family amenities |
Tips for Making the Most of Your Beach Vacation
- Check the Weather: Coastal climates can change quickly; pack sun and wind protection.
- Respect Local Wildlife: Observe nesting areas, tide pools, and posted “no touch” signs.
- Come Early or Later: For popular beaches, plan an early arrival or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds.
- Accessibility: Call ahead to reserve beach wheelchairs or confirm accessibility services.
- Protect the Dunes: Stay on paths to preserve natural beach habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which U.S. beach is best for families?
A: Siesta Beach in Florida is frequently cited as one of the best for families, thanks to its gentle waves, clean sand, on-site lifeguards, and accessible facilities.
Q: Are there U.S. beaches with unique natural features?
A: Yes! Papakōlea Beach in Hawaii has striking green sand, while Schooner Gulch State Beach features spherical rock formations known as “bowling balls.” Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses.
Q: What are the best accessible beaches in the U.S.?
A: Santa Monica State Beach (CA), Gulf Shores Public Beach (AL), and Virginia Beach (VA) stand out for accessible parking, beach mats, and free-to-use wheelchairs. Always check latest services before you go, as more beaches are improving accessibility every year.
Q: Where can I try surfing in the U.S.?
A: Some of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches are Venice Beach (CA), Waikiki Beach (HI), and Cocoa Beach (FL).
Q: What is considered the cleanest beach in the country?
A: Rockport Beach in Texas is regularly recognized as one of the cleanest, with Blue Wave certification for water quality and environmental standards.
Plan Your Next Beach Adventure
No matter what kind of escape you crave—from wild coastal wonders to buzzing boardwalks—America’s best beaches offer the perfect backdrop for adventure, relaxation, and lifelong memories. Whether you’re surfing Pacific waves, marveling at geological curiosities, or enjoying a family picnic on the Gulf, there’s a stretch of U.S. sand waiting just for you.
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