The USA is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in the world, ranging from tropical paradises to rugged coastlines. Here’s a list of the best beaches in the USA, categorized by region:
Florida Beaches
Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota, Florida)
Renowned for its powdery white quartz sand, calm Gulf waters, and family-friendly vibe.
South Beach (Miami, Florida)
A lively hotspot known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and Art Deco architecture.
Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, Florida)
Famous for its soft white sand, clear waters, and beachfront activities, including Pier 60’s sunset celebrations.
Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida Keys)
A remote paradise accessible by ferry or seaplane, offering pristine beaches, snorkeling, and historic forts.
East Coast Beaches
Myrtle Beach (South Carolina)
A popular destination with a bustling boardwalk, amusement parks, and golf courses.
Cape May Beach (New Jersey)
Known for its charming Victorian architecture, quiet beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Outer Banks Beaches (North Carolina)
Stretching 100+ miles, these beaches offer wild beauty, iconic lighthouses, and shipwreck diving spots.
Hammonasset Beach State Park (Connecticut)
A peaceful retreat with long stretches of sand, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Long Island Sound.
West Coast Beaches
Laguna Beach (California)
Stunning coves, tide pools, and a vibrant arts scene make this beach a must-visit.
Santa Monica Beach (California)
Famous for its iconic pier, amusement park, and proximity to Los Angeles attractions.
Cannon Beach (Oregon)
Known for its dramatic Haystack Rock and breathtaking sunsets along the rugged Pacific Northwest coastline.
La Jolla Shores (San Diego, California)
Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring the nearby La Jolla Cove.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Gulf Shores (Alabama)
A family-friendly destination with sugar-white sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and fishing.
South Padre Island (Texas)
Offers warm Gulf waters, vibrant nightlife, and ample opportunities for kiteboarding and fishing.
Hawaii Beaches
Ka’anapali Beach (Maui, Hawaii)
A tropical paradise with soft sand, turquoise water, and world-class resorts.
Lanikai Beach (Oahu, Hawaii)
Famous for its serene turquoise waters, soft white sand, and views of the Mokulua Islands.
Waikiki Beach (Oahu, Hawaii)
Iconic for its high-rise hotels, vibrant culture, and excellent surfing opportunities.
Hapuna Beach (Big Island, Hawaii)
One of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Caribbean-Like Beaches
Caladesi Island State Park (Florida)
A secluded and pristine island accessible by ferry, known for its crystal-clear waters and untouched beauty.
Sandbridge Beach (Virginia)
Quiet and serene, offering a less crowded alternative to Virginia Beach with miles of soft sand.
Unique Beaches
Glass Beach (Fort Bragg, California)
A one-of-a-kind beach where the sand sparkles with colorful sea glass.
Pink Sands Beach (Harbor Island, Bahamas/Florida Key)
Famous for its unique blush-colored sand and tranquil waters.
Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)
Offers dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and abundant wildlife, including seals.
Horseshoe Bay Beach (Bermuda)
Technically a short flight from Florida, this beach features soft pink sand and clear water perfect for snorkeling.
Tips for Beach Trips
Timing: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a good spot.
Essentials: Bring sunscreen, water, and beach gear like umbrellas and towels.
Activities: Research available activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or guided tours.
From Hawaii’s tropical oases to the vibrant shores of Florida, these beaches offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or natural beauty.
The Allure of the Florida Keys for Snorkelers The Florida Keys, a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida, are renowned for their natural beauty and unique marine biodiversity. This archipelago is not only a paradise for vacationers but also one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. The geographical layout of the Keys, surrounded by warm, turquoise waters, creates an ideal […]
How to Plan the Perfect Beach Day Choosing the Ideal Beach Let's face it, not all beaches are created equal. To kick off your perfect beach day, do some research. Whether you prefer a bustling beach with vendors and activities or a secluded paradise, knowing what you want is key. Check reviews and maybe even scope out some Instagram geotags to find that ideal sandy spot. Packing the Essentials Now, […]
Introduction to Florida's East Coast Beaches Florida's East Coast is a treasure trove of diverse beach experiences, boasting an extensive coastline that stretches over 360 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque region is renowned for its warm, inviting climate, making it a year-round destination for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts. What distinguishes the East Coast from Florida’s Gulf Coast and other regions is its dynamic surf conditions, courtesy of the […]
Bahia Honda, Florida Keys - Sitting at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico is a 524-acre beach park with some of the finest stretches of sand in the Florida Keys. At mile marker 37 of US-1/Overseas Highway, Bahia Honda is an essential stopping point on any road trip between Miami and Key West. There are both secluded and more trafficked spots for sunbathing and excellent […]
Haulover Naturist Beach, Miami - In the northern reaches of Miami Beach lies this welcoming, clothing-optional beach surrounded by undeveloped parklands. In fact, it is Florida’s oldest officially recognized public nude beach. All ages, shapes, sizes, and sexes are present, and there are several unofficial sections: one for families, another for non-families, and even a gay nude beach. Come prepared to bare it all among hard-core nudists and tan-line avoiders.
Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island - Easily accessible off the main Sanibel-Captiva Road yet remarkably undeveloped, this family-friendly beach lacks the crowds of neighboring stretches but promises all the pastel-hued sunsets, excellent shelling, and gentle waves for which Sanibel Island is known. It’s also one of the best beaches in Florida for windsurfing, sailing, and even canoeing, thanks to inland waterways to the west of the beach. However, our favorite pastime […]
Fort Lauderdale Beach - Forget what you think you know about Fort Lauderdale: The Pabst Blue Ribbon-strewn sands, Hawaiian Tropic oil slicks, and packed motels of yesteryear’s spring break capital have gone away (though the ultimate dive bar, the c. 1938 Elbo Room, is here to stay, much to our delight!) Nowadays, for the most part Fort Lauderdale beach is characterized by uncluttered stretches of sand, sparkling blue waters, upscale […]
Marco Island Beach - The western perimeter of Marco Island is marked by stunning, wide white-sand beaches idyllic for ambles and shelling. At low tide, wade out to sandbars to collect sand dollars and other sea treasures. Toward the north of this barrier island, Tigertail Beach Park is popular for its tidal lagoon, where paddleboarders can take advantage of the ultra-calm waters. Further south, the beaches are busy with families […]
South Beach, Miami - Beautiful people, flashy cars, skimpy bathing suits, Art Deco architecture: It's all here on the two-mile white sand stretch that makes up Florida’s most famous beach. Within South Beach’s 22-block span, the busiest—and most touristy—section surfaces between 5th and 14th Streets, parallel to the iconic, neon-trimmed Art Deco backdrop of Ocean Drive as well as Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two outdoor fitness […]