10 Best Beaches In The U.S.

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In the United States, there are an estimated 90,000 beaches.

From the Hawaiian Islands to Cape Cod, some of the world’s best beaches are in a handful of states.

A trip to the beach means different things to different people.

For some, it’s a chance for a family getaway, where kids and parents can romp in the waves and play in the sand.

Couples may be looking for a romantic picnic in a place to watch the sunset.

Others may use it for some zen time, to become one with nature and contemplate decisions.

While others may use it as the perfect outdoor gym.

Regardless of why we visit, the plethora of beaches in the U.S. is sure to have something to satisfy everyone.

So, whether you’re looking for quiet, adventure, nature, beauty, excitement, or all of the above, the following beaches offer all that and more, (one even has wild horses).

Read on for the 10 best beaches in the U.S.

10 Best Beaches In The U.S.

10. Main Beach – Laguna Beach, California

California is strewn with so many great beaches, it’s hard to narrow it down.

But if you’re looking for some welcoming sand and surf, with beautiful natural landscapes, Main Beach in Laguna is a must-visit when in the Golden State.

The waves are gentle enough for swimmers and waders of all ages.

The soft, white sand leads up to a wooden boardwalk that’s great for a stroll.

If you’re in the mood for some activity, there are volleyball and basketball courts.

Restrooms are also available.

It’s laidback and peaceful.

Better yet, it’s a short walk down the beach to the Laguna Art Museum and some great casual dining.

You can also bring a picnic lunch to the nearby tide pools at Heisler Park. 

9. Coligny Beach – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

One of the most popular attractions in Hilton Head, Coligny Beach offers beautiful clear water and pristine white sand to relax on.

Being part of a state park, there’s also a host of amenities, including changing rooms, outdoor showers, free WiFi, and chair and umbrella rentals.

One of the best features is that it’s wheelchair accessible all the way down to the water.

Across from the beach, you’ll find Coligny Plaza, which offers many places to eat and shop and welcomes beachgoers in their beach attire. 

8. Henderson Beach – Destin, Florida

Located inside of Henderson State Park, the beach, it is open from 8 am to sundown each day.

At $6 per car, a visit to this natural locale is a bargain.

Not only is it a fabulous family beach, but it’s also one of the best in Florida for surf fishing.

Redfish, pompano, flounder, and catfish are more than plentiful.

While wading in the turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico, you can also look for the many dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds that live in the area.

Amenities include restrooms, showers, playgrounds, grill areas, and beach wheelchairs. 

7. South Beach – Miami, Florida

Consistently named one of the best travel destinations in the United States, South Beach in Miami is known for its amazing nightlife, shopping, and food.

It’s not nicknamed the “American Riviera” for nothing.

But the actual beach itself is also a gem.

Pristinely kept, the pure sand and clear water will make you forget you’re in the heart of Miami.

The beach offers some of the best parasailing in the country and it’s free to access, 24 hours a day.

While it can be a bit loud, don’t let that scare you away if you have a family.

Everyone is welcome at South Beach, and there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Just beyond the palm trees lining the beach, are a slew of restaurants, shops, galleries, playgrounds, and museums.

So you can bask in the sun, then grab a bite among the iconic art deco buildings.

6. Kitty Hawk – Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you’re looking to step back in time and visit a beach that has managed to retain much of its natural beauty, a visit to Kitty Hawk is in order.

The beaches are typically quiet and family oriented.

The surf is clean, clear, and just the right mix for swimming, boogie boarding, and jumping the waves.

Sunbathers can look out onto the water and see where the ships of the “Lost Colony” channeled through to shore.

A casual walk down the beach will bring you to some unique flora and fauna, and maybe even some wild horses.

This is the perfect beach for anyone looking for a laidback day at the ocean. 

5. Driftwood Beach – Jekyll Island, Georgia

As the name suggests, the unique beauty of this beach is the amazing driftwood and weathered trees that are the result of years of beach erosion.

Many visitors have compared it to something out of a Tim Burton movie, with a surreal otherworldliness.

It’s a haven for photographers and one of the best beaches in the world for a sunset photo.

The alluring driftwood aside, it’s a great place for swimming and viewing some native wildlife.

It’s pet friendly, has a picnic area, and is a great place for the kids to play.

It is requested that you leave the driftwood where it is. 

4. Assateague Beach – Assateague Island, Virginia/Maryland

Assateague Beach is the place to go for natural beauty and also if you want to spend your beach day with some wild horses (who wouldn’t).

The feral horses have called the island home for close to 300 years and can often be seen galloping or just resting at the water’s edge.

They pose no danger, but we do suggest just admiring them from afar.

As if the horses weren’t enough of a draw to this magnificent beach, there’s a ton of other wildlife and a great marsh area.

If you’re into shell collecting, there’s an endless amount to be had washed up on the beach.

There are lifeguards only in certain areas, but you can feel free to swim, surf, boogie board, and fish at your own risk.

If you’re a lighthouse lover, there’s a 140-foot-tall beauty that’s over 150 years old, just a short walk up the beach.

If you’re making a day or even a weekend of it, there are plenty of places to stay, including cabins on the island.

The quaint town is full of fun things to do and great places to eat.

3. Cannon Beach – Cladstop County, Oregon

Cannon Beach has many accolades, including being named one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, one of the 30 small beaches that should be on your radar by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the 21 best beaches by National Geographic.

One of the reasons is the magnificent rock formations that are strewn around the beach.

One in particular, Haystack Rock, sits, emerging from the sea and is home to tufted puffins each season.

During low tide you can walk out to the massive formation and collect shells and various rocks, not to mention take some awesome pics.

If you’re a fan of the movie Goonies, you’ll recognize Cannon Beach as the place where the gang emerges from their underground escapades.

Just a stone’s throw away is Cannon Village, where you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the Pacific Northwest, visit some galleries, or stay in an oceanfront lodge.

2. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida

Named the number one beach in the country by Trip Advisor in 2016, 2018, and 2019, Clearwater was also at the top of the list of Travel and Leisure 14 Best Beaches In Florida in 2021.

If you’ve ever sunk your toes into the sand on this beach, you already know one reason.

The glorious sand is so soft, it’s been compared to powdered sugar.

Add to that the quartz crystal that is peppered in the sand, and you won’t want to leave your beach chair.

But alas, you do because you can’t resist a dip in the warm Gulf waters that stay around 82 degrees all year round.

Now add to that, the explosive sunsets and dolphins galore, and you’ve got a great day at the beach.

But you’re not done yet.

There’s Pier 60 that juts far out in the ocean and is loaded with shops and nightly entertainment.

Just up the beach, a bit is the aquarium and tons of seaside dining.

So treat yourself to a cabana rental and take in all the fun and beauty Clearwater Beach has to offer. 

1. Ka’anapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii

For anyone who’s ever been, it should come as no surprise that Ka’anapali Beach in Maui was named Trip Advisor’s 2023 Best Beach In The Country.

With 3 miles of soft sand and crystal clear water, it’s a beach fit for a king.

In fact, it was, at one point, the formal retreat for the royal family of Maui.

This beach will make you happy whether you are on your honeymoon or a big old family vacation.

Sip cocktails under your cabana and watch the nightly cliff diving ceremony if you’re there with your partner.

Families can play in the sand and watch the Humpback whale mamas and their babies travel back and forth not far from shore.

While swimming in the inviting warm water, you may make some turtle friends, as they swim by quite often (don’t worry, they’re harmless).

Don’t forget to take in the splendor that are the lush mountains born from hundreds of years of volcanic activity.

Just off the beach, you’ll find a ton of activities, from shopping to sugar and pineapple plantations. 

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