The 24 Best Beaches in the U.S.
We’re always dreaming about our next warm-weather escape, whether it's jetting off to tropical islands or Mediterranean ports. And while the idea of traveling abroad every weekend is wonderful, it’s not exactly feasible.
Luckily for those in the U.S., you don’t necessarily have to go far to enjoy some of the world’s best stretches of sand. America’s seashores—from New England to Hawaii—offer enough beautiful sand and surf to keep us warm and satisfied all year long. Here are 24 of the best beaches in the U.S., all just an easy plane ride away.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
GettySouth Beach, Miami
The siren song of Miami's South Beach is undeniable. Beautiful people, flashy cars, Art Deco architecture: It's all here. The busiest—and most touristy—section runs parallel to Ocean Drive (between 5th and 15th Streets), so locals tend to hang around the quieter patches of SoFi (South of Fifth). But we say those famous white sands are worth bumping elbows with a few fellows.
Stay here: Your best bet for a quality hotel in the heart of South Beach lies on 15th Street, at elegant beachfront boutique property, The Betsy South Beach.
GettyCoast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Swimmers on Cape Cod tend to be on the braver side, as sand is coarse and water temperatures only reach 60-70 degrees in the summer. (Getting here will also require a bicycle or shuttle bus ride from Salt Pond Visitor’s Center.) Still, views of the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay prompt travelers to pay repeat visits, and a photo of the quaint old Coast Guard station, which sits on top of sandy bluffs, is practically Instagram-required.
Stay here: Surrounded by 380 bike-friendly acres, the Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is ideal for family vacations—and it's just 20 minutes away from Coast Guard Beach by car.
GettyDriftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of the Golden Isles along Georgia’s Atlantic coast, Jekyll Island is a seven-mile-long stretch of marshes and Spanish moss. One of its star attractions is the prehistoric-looking Driftwood Beach. As its name suggests, the site is dotted with gnarled and weathered trees that double as excellent photo backdrops—just be sure to visit at low tide.
Stay here: Jekyll Island Club Resort was considered one of the most exclusive resorts in the world in the early 1900s (past guests included the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers), and it honestly still looks pretty darn great a century later.
GettyGrayton Beach State Park, Florida
It should come as no surprise that some of the best beaches in the U.S. can be found in Florida. Grayton Beach State Park, found on the lovely Gulf Coast, is one of our favorites, with more than 400 acres of fine, white sands and a wildlife-rich coastal dune lake. Visitors also come to camp in the park and visit its other highlights—some of which are found under the water's surface. The state park happens to be home to the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation’s first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit, which lets travelers snorkel and scuba dive around seven larger-than-life pieces of artwork.
Stay here: A much-loved Panhandle favorite, WaterColor Inn & Resort (flanked by Grayton Beach) is a a stylish, contemporary spot with complimentary kayak rentals and farm-to-table dining options.
GettyJulia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California
The entire Big Sur coastline is stunning (and very road trip-worthy), but the winner for most scenic spot has to go to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Situated about 35 miles south of Carmel, Pfeiffer Beach features huge cliffs, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and sometimes even dolphins and otters playing in the shallows. You can purchase park passes for $10 per car, per day.
Stay here: To fully embrace your Big Sur vacation, you can’t find a hotel more iconic to the area than Post Ranch Inn. The views here are truly unparalleled—there are even skylights in the rooms so you don’t have to leave bed to do some stargazing.
GettyBowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida
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 and excellent shelling for which Sanibel Island is known. Pack a picnic, refreshments, and a bucket—and perhaps an aspirin or two to alleviate any aches and pains from doing the “Sanibel Stoop” while collecting seashells along the sand.
Stay here: Captiva's South Seas Island Resort (a 17-minute drive from Bowman's Beach) has 330 acres of condos, 20 pools, five restaurants, and a marina where manatees like to play.
GettyHonokalani Beach, Maui
With its jet-black shore, electric-blue waters, and thick, jungle-like foliage, Honokalani Beach is a photographer’s dream. Besides lying lazily on the “sand”—actually made up of of tiny lava pebbles—there’s plenty to do: you’ll find seaside lava tubes and sea caves carved into the lava cliffs along the shore. It’s wild, unspoiled Hawaii at its best, and a necessary stop en route to Hana.
Stay here: You can't beat the ocean views and private tranquility at Hotel Wailea, Hawaii's only luxury adults-only resort.
GettyCannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach may just be the most beautiful place in all of Oregon—and one of the most beautiful places in the entire United States. The boulder-studded beach is an essential pit stop off Highway 101 (a road trip that rivals even California's Highway 1), and seeing the 235-foot Haystack Rock protruding out of the water is worth the drive alone.
Stay here: One of the prettiest ocean retreats on the West Coast, Stephanie Inn offers direct views of Haystack Rock.
AlamyKiawah Island, South Carolina
We can't get enough of Kiawah Island, a mostly private, gated community less than a one-hour drive from Charleston International Airport. The island's East and West Beach, combined, stretch for 10 miles along the Atlantic. Public beach access is at Beachwalker County Park at the island's far southern end. The sand is flat, the water is shallow, there are lifeguards on duty, and you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas rentals.
Stay here: One of the best places for an active vacation is The Sanctuary Hotel, with 24 tennis courts, five golf courses, and six pools.
GettyCoronado Beach, San Diego
One of Southern California's most popular beaches, Coronado has fine sand, mild surf, and is privy to a Mediterranean climate that makes it a year-round destination. After enjoying some water sports and trying to spot the beach's sunken ship at low tide, make sure to head to Coronado's Dog Beach at the north end of the island—a favorite with those who wish to let their pup run off-leash.
Stay here: The landmark hotel associated with the beach, Hotel del Coronado, was built more than a century ago, and continues to impress with Queen Anne–style architecture and its on-site shops and restaurants.
Courtesy Caladesi Island State ParkCaladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
Accessible by pedestrian ferry boat, private boats, or a long walk from Clearwater Beach, Caladesi is well-worth the trek. The untouched, 3.5-mile-long island dazzles with its soft, crystalline quartz sand and cerulean waters, but visitors should also make time for kayaking and canoeing through the mangroves—the bird life here is quite prolific.
Stay here: It takes under 10 minutes to drive to Caladesi from Sandpearl Resort, a lovely property with spacious rooms and balconies affording some seriously epic sunset views.
GettyTwelvemile Beach, Michigan
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (which hugs the southern shore of Lake Superior) is one of the most stunning natural sites in the country, though it’s definitely known more for its limestone cliffs than sandy beaches—until you reach this 12-mile-long stretch in the middle of the park. The appropriately named Twelvemile Beach is one of the most popular camping spots for people exploring the lake, thanks to its water views and ample space to set up a tent for the night.
Stay here: Agua Norte, a timber-frame cabin in Grand Marais, makes a terrific home base for exploring these parts of Lake Superior.
AlamyColigny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Coligny Beach features five miles of perfect Atlantic coastline cutting across the southern half of Hilton Head—and it's damn near perfect. The boardwalk leads you down to pristine sands and calm waters that are great for swimming (surfing, not so much); and with lifeguards on duty, it’s also very safe. Aside from its natural charm, sand showers, shops, restaurants, and well-maintained restrooms are all part of the allure.
Stay here: The Inn & Club at Harbour Town ranked the highest of the Hilton Head's many properties in our Readers' Choice Awards survey—and it's a quick 15-minute drive from Coligny Beach.
M SweetWaikiki Beach, Oahu
Waikiki is not only the best-known and most versatile beach in Hawaii, it is arguably the most famous city beach in the world. It can get crowded, of course, but it still manages to feel fun and laidback. Instead of neon signs and intrusive beach traders, you'll find gentle waves, luxurious oceanfront resorts, and beach boys ready to give surf lessons. Those views of the Diamond Head crater certainly don't hurt either.
Stay here: Just south of Waikiki Beach is the Kaimana Beach Hotel, a brand-new stay with colorful aesthetics, outdoor yoga classes, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Diamond Head.
GettyMustang Island State Park, Texas
Equal parts pretty and clean, Mustang Island State Park has something for everyone. There are tide pools, hiking and mountain bike paths, Texas-sized waves for surfers, white sand, and car-free beaches. If you're up for even more, rent a kayak and head out on the paddling trail, which offers more than 20 miles of wildlife watching and shallow-water fishing.
Stay here: The best option here is to take advantage of one of Mustang Island's 48 water and electric campsites (all 1/3 mile from the beach). But if you absolutely must stay in a hotel, Corpus Christi's Omni Hotel is about a 30-minute drive west of the state park.
GettyRuby Beach, Washington
Olympic National Park contains so many different landscapes, it’s nearly impossible to see them all in one trip. But we recommend driving Highway 101 (which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula) and pulling out at all the viewpoints along the coast—especially the ones at Ruby Beach. The beach is known for its rock formations and sun-bleached driftwood, and truly encapsulates the moody beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Stay here: Just a 10-minute drive from Ruby Beach, Kalaloch Lodge boasts the best location in the national park. The lodgings are rustic, but the views are spectacular.
GettySinging Beach, Massachusetts
While some people may make the trip to Manchester-by-the-Sea to see where the movie was filmed, others come for the more curious Singing Beach: If you shuffle your feet in the dry sand you will hear a sing-song-like squeak. It’s wildly popular with families in summer, but from mid-October to mid-April, expect to hear more barking than singing, as it’s the beach’s official dog-friendly season.
Stay here: Just a 45-minute drive from Boston, we recommend making the capital city your home base and day-tripping to Singing Beach. Boston has tons of great properties to choose from, but we're fans of XV Beacon and The Envoy Hotel.
GettyBill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida
A quick drive from downtown Miami on the tip of Key Biscayne, this mile-long, undeveloped stretch of sand is easily one of the best beaches in the U.S. Aside from views of the Miami skyline, a visit here affords quiet shores, gentle waves, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Be sure to stop by the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse during your visit.
Stay here: Key Biscayne is only home to one hotel—but what a hotel it is. The beachfront Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has all the five-star amenities you’d expect from the high-end hotel chain, but also embraces the laid-back vibe of its neighborhood.
AlamyBlue Beach (La Chiva), Vieques, Puerto Rico
A long, thin stretch of white sand and clear water makes La Chiva one of the Caribbean's top beaches. Getting there is part of the adventure: It can only be accessed by parking in one of 21 tiny turn-offs along a bumpy, unpaved road in the middle of the island's western National Wildlife Refuge (formerly off-limits as a U.S. Navy training base). Snorkel on your own around a small cay, or book a trip with one of the island's operators to check out its secret underwater spots.
Stay here: El Blok is one of our editor-approved favorites, with 22 rooms boasting private balconies, rain showers, and furniture that wouldn't look out of place in a SoHo boutique.
GettyVenice Beach, Los Angeles
Come to Venice Beach for the mile and a half of silky sands, where you can lay down a blanket on and gaze out into the Pacific, and stay for the beloved Venice Beach Boardwalk, where street performers and vendors busk and sell their wares, muscle men lift huge amounts of weight, and groups of chattering friends congregate. It’s a lively spot for those who like a bit of excitement along with their relaxing beach day.
Stay here: Just a block from Venice Beach, the artsy Rose Hotel (a 2015 Gold List winner) is as close to the beach as you can get without staying at an actual oceanfront.
GettyWrightsville Beach, North Carolina
North Carolina has 301 miles of coastline, from the Outer Banks to the South Carolina border, and nearly all of it is accessible beachfront. It's difficult to pick the state's absolute best beach, but we're partial to Wrightsville Beach. It's extremely accessible: Directly off I-40 from the state's Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle, about 10-20 minutes from Wilmington (where yes, there is an airport), and easily reached by boat. We're also love the wide array of activities available here, from kayaking and surfing to biking and golfing. It's an ideal spot to spread out your towel with your family, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the sun.
Stay here: A family-owned historic retreat located right by the water, Blockade Runner Beach Resort has all the beach views and curated activities you could want.
GettySiasconset Beach, Nantucket
At the easternmost flank of Nantucket, Siasconset can be reached from town via a six-mile bike ride on the Milestone Road path (or, in the summer, on a NRTA shuttle bus). Food and restrooms can be found nearby in the adjacent historic village of 'Sconset. Built in 1850, the Sankaty Head Light is well worth a wander to the northern tip of the beach (it's rarely open to climb, except on specific days). Best of all, though, is the ‘Sconset Bluff Walk—with the strong Atlantic on one side and a row of multi-million-dollar homes on the other. Waves here are rough, even in summer, so bundle up for a long winter walk if you're on the island during the off season.
Stay here: White Elephant is an excellent choice for families or groups of friends who want a space of their own.
GettySand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
It may only be 290 yards long, but what Acadia National Park's Sand Beach lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty. Nestled between two mountains, the beach is the perfect spot to explore after an early breakfast in Bar Harbor. Choose from two hiking trails—the mostly flat Great Head Trail and the more adventurous Beehive Loop—both of which afford stunning ocean and mountain views.
Stay here: For accommodations, choose from one of the many excellent Airbnbs near Acadia National Park.
GettyCape May, New Jersey
There’s lots to love about Cape May, all the way at the very tip of the Parkway: A perfect marriage of charm and history, the town’s historic Victorian district, and miles of intricate, candy-colored manses make for prime early-morning-stroll viewing. The tiny peninsula also offers some of the best birdwatching in the country—and, from March to December, fantastic whale watching.
Stay here: The Virginia Hotel is a favorite of our readers, thanks to super comfortable beds and a great in-house restaurant.
