20 Beaches In USA That Will Give Other Destinations A Run For Their Money

When one talks about the third-largest country in the world (Area wise), it is obviously understood that it would be blessed with numerous beaches. Add to it that its official figure for its enormous coastline is 95,471 miles or 1,53,646 kilometers! As you know, we are talking about the United States of America. Lapped by three ‘major’ water bodies—Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean & Gulf of Mexico—these beaches in USA will keep beachgoers busy for the rest of their lives! Some beach destinations like Hawaii globally renowned, while others like ‘Assateague Island’ (in Maryland) are hidden gems! Having gone through multiple lists of the best beaches in the US, & considering criteria like diversity of location, different activities & varying terrains, we have for you the ultimate compilation of American beaches!

The Best 20 Beaches In USA That Will Knock Your Socks Off!

With the US owning an imposing portion of North American territory, “Uncle Sam” (Nickname of the USA) holds a mind-boggling number of beaches. Hence, it is only obvious that tourists are spoiled for choice… & realistically speaking, confused as to which ones to visit. This is where our list comes in! Simply pick up a beach in the state you are planning on visiting, or plan a trip around multiple of them, & you are guaranteed to have a blast!

1. St. Andrews State Park, Florida

For the unaware, the prominent state of Florida (It being the third-most populous is just one of the reasons for this prominence!) is the southeasternmost of all US states. With ‘Tallahassee’ as its capital, it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean & the Gulf of Mexico, two of the three major bodies of water that we mentioned above. The St. Andrews State Park here takes its name from ‘St. Andrew Bay’ (While that is the correct name, it is also called ‘St. Andrews Bay’.), located in ‘Bay County’. Next to the Gulf of Mexico on one end & St. Andrew Bay on the other, the state park attracts swimmers, surfers & snorkelers.

Location: To add to the above information, the park falls in the waterfront town of ‘Panama City Beach’.

Facilities: Restrooms, beach wheelchairs, kiddie pool section, fishing piers, campsite

Famous For: The countless facilities, making it one among the best beaches in the US!

Things To Do: If you are traveling with kids, they could play in the kiddie pool section & you could follow it up with camping!

2. Ruby Beach, Washington

When one of the beaches in USA is rated a rare five stars, you know it is a must visit! Not to be confused with American capital ‘Washington, D.C.’, the ‘State of Washington’ (That’s the official name!) is located in the left corner of the US mainland. With ‘Olympia’ as its capital, it is bordered by the mighty Pacific Ocean. The only American state to be named after a President—George Washington—it is home to the picturesque Ruby Beach, which itself is in the ‘Olympic National Park’. Popular for its sheer beauty, it has to be on the bucket list of every beachgoer who has not witnessed the Pacific!

Location: As aforementioned, this beach, counted in the best vacation spots in the US, is in the Olympic National Park.

Facilities: Parking & vault toilets (There are no restaurants here, so pack your own refreshments.)

Famous For: Its must-see rugged coastline!

Things To Do: Visit the ‘Olympic Peninsula’ that the Ruby Beach is a part of, complete with neighboring rainforests!

3. Coronado Beach, California

Talking of ‘Pacific States’ like Washington, let us move to the next—California! The most populous of all states, with ‘Sacramento’ as its capital, it is a paradise for ‘water babies’, favored by mountain lakes, lively rivers, & the massive Pacific Ocean, of course! In the coastal city of San Diego lies the scenic Coronado Beach, with a very romantic vibe! The ‘Coronado’ resort city provides the beach, amongst the best beaches in USA, a background of a red & white hotel and top-class mansions. Recommended for swimmers!

Location: Coronado is located in the ‘San Diego County’. It is by the ‘San Diego Bay’, near the Mexico-US border.

Facilities: Parking (Free!) & restrooms (Not always clean though, so we suggest a visit to the loo before you leave your hotel room.)

Famous For: The sparkling golden sands, thanks to the mineral, ‘mica’!

Things To Do: Arrive very early at this free beach, grab a parking spot & watch the sunrise with your beloved!

4. Siesta Beach, Florida

Yet another of the beaches in USA from “The Sunshine State” (Nickname for Florida) that makes it to our list! Synonymous with ‘Siesta Key’, a ‘barrier island’ (In lay man’s language, barrier islands are narrow strips of sand, running parallel to the mainland coast, but separated by from it by a lagoon or a marsh.) at the southwestern edge of Florida, the beach stands out from others because it is almost completely quartz, a mineral, that has come from the sediment of Appalachian Mountains. The result is that the sand remains cool even on the hottest of summer days!

Location: To further expand the above details, the Siesta Key is sandwiched between ‘Roberts Bay’ & the Gulf of Mexico.

Facilities: Parking (Free!), toilets, showers, changing rooms; beach chairs, umbrellas, condos & villas on rent

Famous For: The prehistoric sands—it is literally millions of years old!

Things To Do: If you like snorkeling, enjoy it at the ‘Point of Rocks’ here, or swim in the crystal-clear sea!

5. Asilomar State Beach, California

Since we have listed two destinations of natural beauty in Florida, let us add another beach from “The Golden State” (Nickname for California) as well! This would ensure that you have two of the best vacation spots in the US from the state, & can club them together for a memorable beach holiday. Rated a flawless five stars, the rocky Asilomar State Beach is a state park too! (The full name is ‘Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park’.) Falling in the city of nineteenth-century cottages, ‘Pacific Grove’, this tranquil place is suited to surfing & kayaking.

Location: The Asilomar State Beach is in Pacific Grove of the Monterey County. (To understand the US better, we strongly recommend this blog post on places to visit in US!)

Facilities: Parking (Difficult to get a parking spot on weekends, so visit on a weekday.), walking trails, bikes on rent

Famous For: Its dune habitats, breaching humpback & California gray whales, playful sea otters—all in all, a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise!

Things To Do: Take your four-legged furry friend (It’s a dog-friendly beach!) for a run, or have a leisurely stroll on the footpaths!

6. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

By now, you probably know that many of the best beaches in USA are in Florida! Another of the beachy state’s 175 state parks, this one is located on the ‘Caladesi Island’, a quiet wonderland in the Gulf of Mexico. The place is accessible via water—you could take a pedestrian ferry if you are on a budget, or a private boat if are feeling more generous. (We don’t recommend a walk.) The sun-kissed escape is a part of the ‘Pinellas County’ & offers pristine, white-sand beaches & clear waters. Great for kayaking & canoeing!

Location: To reach Caladesi Island, you will need to take a ferry/boat from Honeymoon Island. (Trivia: Caladesi & Honeymoon islands were originally the same barrier island, which broke into two in 1921.) It is in ‘Dunedin’, a city known for its yearly Scottish celebrations.

Facilities: Parking, snack shop, showers; paddleboards, kayaks, beach chairs & umbrellas on rent; gift shop

Famous For: Being an almost untouched island!

Things To Do: Book from one of the hotels in US in the area, reach the island & feel the quartz sand at the edge of the water—so soft!

7. Gulf State Park, Alabama

Geographically, the state of Alabama is in the ‘Deep South’ region of the United States, which, apart from it consists of Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi & South Carolina. With ‘Montgomery’ as its capital, “The Yellowhammer State” (Nickname for Alabama) is bound by the Gulf of Mexico to the south, even though this coastline is short. (Since most of its southern boundary neighbors Florida) Containing 3 kilometers of this shore’s powdery sands is the Gulf State Park. Situated in the resort city of ‘Gulf Shores’ in ‘Baldwin County’, it is ranked in the top beaches in the US! You can have fun fishing or camping here.

Location: To be precise, the state park lies in the south of Baldwin County. It is Alabama’s largest county.

Facilities: Parking (Free!), cabins, nature center, restaurant, casino

Famous For: It is one of US’ best camping spots!

Things To Do: Admire the bounty of nature, lying down in the white sand, watching yellow-beaked seagulls & collecting seashells with kids!

8. Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Sharing its borders with the aforementioned states of Alabama & Florida on the west & south respectively is Georgia. Another of the Deep South’s states, it is adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean in the south-east. Off this Atlantic coast, “The Peach State” (Nickname for Georgia) administers a group of barrier islands, called the ‘Golden Isles’. Consisting of four islands to be precise, the state boasts of one of the best beaches in USA, named Driftwood Beach’. It is located on ‘Jekyll Island’. The unforgettable beach is strewn with plenty of driftwood, giving the attraction its name. The ocean air will refresh you like nothing ever has!

Location: Recognized by many as among the most beautiful beaches in the US, the Driftwood Beach of Jekyll Island falls in the ‘Glynn County’.

Facilities: Parking (Free!), restaurants, snack store, showers (at the Great Dunes Park); fishing equipment & bikes on rent

Famous For: Being a postcard-perfect beach! (Don’t forget bringing your camera!)

Things To Do: Take plenty of snaps of the idyllic beach to cherish its scenery for a lifetime!

9. Hampton Beach, New Hemisphere

Hampton Beach is probably the smallest coastline beach in the USA. With an area of 13 miles, the beach is quite a beauty to discover. The clean waters and soft sand make it the most popular beach in the state where you would love to spend some time.

This place is much more than just being a leisure point. As you plan your day trip to Hampton beach, you can enjoy many activities like meals at the nearby restaurant or some night events organized by the local brands. The Hampton beach village district is a culturally rich attraction where you will find many completions and events organized by the local management. A surf day would be the best to plan a tour of this holiday destination in July.

With facilities like playgrounds and luxury hotels in the USA, Hampton beach is a perfect holiday destination you can visit to escape the hustle of the cities. No other place in New Hampshire is as scenic and perfect as Hampton Beach, USA.

Location: Hampton Village district, New Hampshire, USA

Facilities: Restaurants, Hotels, Broadway, Mini Golf

Famous For: Scenic beauty and white sand beach

Things To Do: Volley Ball Games, Leisure, Surfing (only when the weather permits)

10. Jacob Riis Beach, New York

New York, being a popular attraction in USA, is home to a number of scenic beaches that make vacation, exciting than ever. Jacob Riis Beach is among the top beaches in USA, where there are many fun activities to try and enjoy. Lying towards the eastern end of Long Island, the beach is a favorite of all. Flooded with locals and travelers, the beach is a pristine escape to enjoy solitude. The scenic coast with soft sandy beaches and the refreshing waters of the ocean makes it a paradise for those who are living in chaos or cities. A large crowd can be seen during any event or fest that is organized here.

Making it a weekend spot for visitors, the beach is well equipped with facilities. There is a restroom, changing rooms, showers, picnic area, and playground for kids to make it a day worth memorable. Jacob Riis Beach welcomes the LGBTQ community along with other crowds without any restrictions.

Location: 16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Jacob Riis Bathhouse, Far Rockaway, NY 11694

Facilities: Restaurants, Changing Room, Showers

Famous For: Cultural events, Beach activities, Playground

Things To Do: Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Picnic

Timings: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

11. Miami Beach, Virginia

The luxuriating and romantic beaches of the US has made Miami, the best honeymoon destination in the world. The city in Florida is a perfect blend of a culture where you can relish the beauty of the scenic landscape and the famous Miami beach.

The two attractions- north Miami beach and south Miami beach add a long list of adventures and things you can do on your beach holiday. While Miami city is home to a myriad of attractions dating back to centuries, the astonishing beauty of the beach adds more popularity to its existence.

There are luxury resorts and fancy restaurants nearby make it an ideal spot for honeymooners who can indulge in leisure. You can plan your holiday at Miami beach from March to May as the pleasant climate add so much fun. Try activities like speedboating or Cruising, sailing and beach tours. There are bars and clubs for your exciting nightlife in Miami.

Location: Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States

Facilities: Restaurants, Resorts, Playground

Famous For: Water adventures, Nightlife

Things To Do: Speedboating, beach tours, Cruise and Sailing

Timings: Open 24x7

12. Cape Charles Beach

Towards the eastern shores of Virginia, Cape Charles beach is the most pristine location that is ideal for a perfect vacation. Cape Charles is a quaint village of Virginia that is 10 km from the Chesapeake Bay bridge-tunnel. The beach in US with an isolated and untouched beauty is an ideal place to relax and unwind in its captivating beauty.

Cape Charles beach is open to the public, where you can enjoy boating or fishing.

A day at cape Charles can be more exciting than it seems. As you arrive here, explore the village, the nearby attraction, and the beach. With shallow water, clean and warm waves, swimming can be the best activity to enjoy. You can relax at the Pavillion or the beach nearby while admiring the panorama.

Extend your holiday in Virginia to explore its magnificent beaches and a luxury stay at nearby resorts and hotels in US.

Location: Bay Ave, Cape Charles, VA 23310

Facilities: fishing pier, Pavillion, Benches

Famous For: The Scenery and nearby villages

Things To Do: Boating, Fishing, Swimming

Timings: Open 24X7

13. Laguna Beach

It is the beauty of US beaches that have made California a scenic destination for all your holiday in September. Laguna Beach, in the southern orange county, California, is blessed with a captivating coastline that is home to a myriad of attractions. A beach is just a perfect place for a family holiday as there are a number of activities you can enjoy with your kids.

The beach offers you an escape to fascinating galleries and museums while you spend a leisure weekend. Laguna Beach is home to a plethora of flora and fauna. While there is dense wildlife preserved around, marine life is something that you can never miss. Enjoy whale watching as you relax by the shore, or you can visit the rehabilitation center of seals.

Adding on to your experience, you can explore and observe the beauty of the wild flowers, the dramatic terrains, and the culturally rich cost towns lying adjacent to this scenic beach in United States.

Location: Southern Orange County, California, US

Facilities: Resorts, Restaurants

Famous For: Exotic Wildlife

Things To Do: Whale watching, Musuem and Gallery tour

Timings: 24x7

14. Isla Blanca Park, Texas

If you are looking for some adventure things to do in the US, Isla Blanca Park beach is a hidden treasure to explore. Located in South Prade island, the beach is one of the most beautiful attractions you can visit for a holiday.

Lying close to the Gulf of Mexico, this is the most picturesque attraction you can add to your bucket list. The Beach, with its long scenic waterfront, adds so much to your holiday experience. You can enjoy activities like boating, surfing, fishing, boating and more. Jet skiing and snorkeling are something that makes the Isla Blanca Park beach in US, the best outdoor and indoor waterpark.

There are shaded picnic areas, restrooms, changing rooms, and many facilities that can make your day pleasant and memorable. You can find many attractions that worth a tour.

If you are looking for some unwinding and relaxing activities, this is the best place you can visit on your vacation.

Location: 33174 State Park Road 100, South Padre Island, Texas

Facilities: Rest rooms, Waterfront, Restaurants

Famous For: Recreational Activities, Water sports

Things To Do: Boating, Surfing, Fishing, Boating, Jet skiing and Snorkeling

Timings: 06:30 am - 11:00 pm

15. Huntington Beach, California

California is rightly called the surf city as it is home to the best beaches in the US. Picked from the top-ranking beaches, Huntington Beach is an ideal escape for vacationers in the city. The laid-back beauty of the beaches in California has always drawn tourists from every corner of the world, but when it comes to Huntington Beach, there is a lot that adds to its popularity.

There are many beaches that are lying at a closer distance, like long Beach and Newport beach. Attractions like ecological reserve, activities like surfing, facilities like restaurants, and entertainment like Beach games make it the best vacation spot in California. The wilderness around is the major attraction that is home to a huge diversity that is protected in its natural habitat. Stroll around the Huntington Beach pier from where you can witness the charming beauty of the beach and its surroundings.

Within a distance of 2 miles, there is a beach state park where you can experience some adrenaline rush.

Location: Orange County, Southern California, USA

Facilities: Restaurants and Beach pier

Famous For: Wildlife, Beach games

Things To Do: Surfing, Snorkeling, Beach Games

Timings: 24x7

16. Cape May, New Jersey

The oldest seaside resort in America, Cape May is the holiday destination to visit in June for a summer break. This beach destination in the US is a perfect place to soak in the beach sun and enjoy leisure activities like swimming or sunbathing.

Located in New Jersey, the beach is an ideal place for every vacationer, where there is a lot to do and explore.

Cape May is popular as "the nation's oldest seashore resort" offering you adventure, leisure, and luxury. Adorned by the vintage beauty of old architecture and the Victorian buildings, Cape May is an isolated gateway where you can relax.

There are hotels and restaurants lined along the beach area. From exploring the coast on foot to adding on an adventure at the beach like kayaking or swimming to shopping and more, Cape May is a perfect getaway.

Location: Beach Ave, Cape May, New Jersey

Facilities: Restaurants and Beach resorts

Famous For: Beach games, Victorian architecture

Things To Do: Kayaking, Swimming, Beach Games

Timings: 24x7

17. Bowman's Beach

A family-friendly beach that can be easily accessed via Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowman's Beach remains undeveloped rather remarkably. This is a beach that promises all the fun and excitement that one can expect to get. From the best pastel-hued sunsets to shelling for which the region is widely popular, travelers coming here get immense opportunities for fun and excitement. One can enjoy a nice picnic here or spend time or spend time engaging in water sports and other such activities.

In fact, Captiva's South Seas Island Resort is located only about a 17-minutes drive away from Bowman's Beach. An excellent resort to spend your vacation, travelers can certainly keep it on their travel wish list.

Location - 1700 Bowmans Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, United States

Facilities - swimming and picnic areas

Famous For - beachcombers searching for seashells

Things To Do - Swimming, collect seashells, stay at a lavish resort nearby, sunbathing, etc.

18. Assateague Beach

Another of those beaches in the USA, the Assateague Beach is part of the Assateague Island and is one of the best places to enjoy a spring break with family away from the city life. The beach remains relatively quiet and is perfect to relax. The sand here is soft while the cool breeze blowing adds to the overall experience.

Travelers coming here can find a wide-open beach with parking spaces and can even encounter wild horses which is an altogether new sight.

Although this is a beach that isn't very popular amongst travelers, one can still look to spend a few hours here and relax on the soft sand.

Location - On Assateague Beach, located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula

Facilities - parking

Famous For - Soft sand, cool breeze during spring

Things To Do - Relax at the beach, sunbathing, swimming, etc.

19. Dauphin Island Public Beach

Now here's a thing, there's no one beach at Dauphin Island, but there are about 17 miles of beaches on both sides of the island. One such beach is the Dauphin Island Public Beach that offers a range of facilities to visitors. There is a nominal parking fee at the beach of $5 per car while it stays open from 8 AM to 6 PM daily.

Visitors coming here can avail facilities like picnic tables in the sand, boardwalk pathways, accommodation nearby, and so on. Visit here and spend time admiring the majestic views of the island.

Location - Dauphin Island, Alabama

Facilities - Picnic tables in the sand, parking facility, Broadwalk pathway, etc.

Famous For - Facilities, soft sand, scenic views, etc.

Things To Do - Swimming, have a nice picnic, sunbathing, etc.

20. Grayton Beach State Park

A state park that remains open all year long, Grayton offers its upscale beach which is a point of attraction for tourists. There's nothing better than soaking in the warm gulf breeze while spending time sunbathing and relaxing on the beach. Grayton Beach is also famous for a number of attractions that are available alongside it.

In fact, Grayton Beach has time and again been listed amongst the most beautiful beaches in the United States and so much to offer to visitors.

Location - 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States

Facilities - Accessible picnic area, beach shower facility, BBQ grill, fishing banks, accommodation, etc.

Famous For - Wide range of facilities, scenic beauty

Things To Do- Swimming, picnic, beach sports, water activities

Spanning from Washington, at the top-left corner of the mainland, to Florida, which is at the opposing bottom-right end of the huge country, including California & Alabama from West & East Coasts, this is the internet’s most geographically detailed guide of the top beaches in the US! While “The Melting Pot” (Another nickname for USA!) is lined with an endless number of beaches, the ones above surely top our list. Since we have taken care of all the research work, all that is left to do is decide which of these beaches do you want to strike off your bucket list, book flight tickets to the USA, get an accommodation that suits your budget & head out for your dose of sun, surf & sand! Also, if you have already been to the USA, do share the name of your favorite beach in the comments section below.

FAQs

Q1. What is the nicest beach in USA?

As always, the answer to this question will depend on your interests—whether you want to simply relax & unwind, or whether you are an adventurist, looking for beautiful beaches in USA where you can do an activity like snorkeling or surfing. Having said that, the beaches of Maui, an island in globally-renowned Hawaii, suit several tastes!

Q2. What is the no. 1 beach in the USA?

Siesta Beach of Florida, covered in this blog post, is often considered to be the no. 1 of all American beaches! A public beach, it is famous for its white sands that remain cool throughout the year.

Q3. What beaches are in Connecticut?

We understand that the state of Connecticut, in the New England region (The region comprises of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine & Vermont.) is pretty popular, especially for its casinos. Luckily, its southern borders touch the ‘Long Island Sound’, an ‘estuary’ (Think of it as a partially enclosed water body.), giving you the opportunity to explore some lovely beaches. Those that feature in the top beaches in USA are:

Walnut Beach
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Eastern Point Beach

Q4. Which state has the best beaches in USA?

Going by our above list of recommended beaches in USA, the state of Florida is the undisputed winner!

Q5. Which US beach has the clearest water?

Numerous beaches in USA have crystal-clear waters. The following of them are a must-visit, in our opinion:

Siesta Beach, Florida
Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Q6. What is the cleanest beach in the US?

Several of US’ beaches are very well-maintained & as good as unexplored. Given below are our recommendations:

Dauphin Island Public Beach, Alabama
Long Beach City, New York
Newport Beach, California

Q7. Where is the bluest ocean water?

Even though usually associated with the Caribbean, many of the beautiful beaches in USA offer turquoise waters too. Interestingly, several factors go into determining the color of water, such as sediments, nutrients, coral reefs & sunlight. Regardless, of the blue-watered beaches in the United States, ‘Hanauma Bay State Park’ & ‘Manini'owali Beach’ in Hawaii top our list!

Q8. Where is the warmest ocean water in the US?

Listed below are our top picks for the warmest American beaches.