When you think of the beach, you might envision escaping to a far-flung destination, but there are countless beautiful beaches in the USA with scenic sea views and top-notch amenities. Beaches in the USA span from the prime shorelines of Hawaii, California, and Florida to numerous other options in between. So, how do you prioritize which beaches in the USA to visit? To help you choose the perfect sandy spot for your next vacation, U.S. News considered factors like clean sand, pleasant waters, and high-quality attractions to bring you the best beaches in the USA. Just don’t forget your beach hat. Vote for your favorite coastlines below to help determine next year’s ranking.
From the sun-kissed shores of Florida to the tropical paradise of Hawaii, find the perfect beach destination for relaxation and adventure. Plan your beach vacation now and experience the best coastal retreats America has to offer. The United States is home to a diverse array of stunning beaches that attract millions of visitors each year. From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, these sandy shores (beaches in the USA) offer breathtaking views, exciting water activities, and relaxation under the sun.
Shore Thing! Top 10 Beaches in the USA Stealing the Show in 2024
The travel itch is calling! If you’re dreaming of sun-soaked shores and sparkling waters, look no further than the USA’s stunning coastline. To help you plan your perfect beach escape, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Beaches in the USA for 2024. From hidden gems to legendary shores, this list offers something for every beach bum, surfer, and relaxation seeker. Dive in and discover your ideal American beach adventure!
1. Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin, Florida)
- Length: Approximately 3 miles
- Activities: kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
Caladesi Island State Park is a pristine paradise accessible only by boat, making it a haven for nature lovers. The beach features powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and abundant wildlife, providing an immersive experience of Florida’s natural beauty. A trip to Caladesi Island starts on the water, and one of the most popular options for locals and tourists alike is the Caladesi ferry.
Board at Honeymoon Island State Park and enjoy a relaxing 15-20-minute drive through St. Joseph Sound, where you can spot dolphins playing in the shallows along the way. Departures start at 10 a.m. daily, weather permitting, and run every 30 minutes. Adults are $18 and children are $9. Children under 5 ride for free, but please note that pets are not allowed.
2. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach (Ocracoke, North Carolina)
- Length: Approximately 16 miles
- Activities: swimming, beachcombing, fishing, camping
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, offers a tranquil coastal escape. It’s perfect for families and features warm waters, gentle waves, and opportunities for shell collecting. Ocracoke has a special beach atmosphere. Known as the Pearl of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island has miles of wild, secluded beaches.
A special part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke beaches feel far away from the rest of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. You can easily access the beach just outside of Ocracoke Village. Beachcombing is a way of life on Ocracoke, and shelling, beach driving, and surf fishing are fun parts of every Ocracoke vacation.
3. St. George Island State Park (St. George Island, Florida)
- Length: Approximately 9 miles
- Activities: fishing, birdwatching, beachcombing, camping.
St. George Island State Park is a peaceful barrier island known for its natural beauty and uncrowded beaches. It’s the perfect place for fishing, shelling, and stargazing away from the city lights.
St. George Island is a popular destination for beachgoers, bird watchers, and fishermen. George offers spectacular Gulf of Mexico sunsets and the best stargazing in the Panhandle. Miles of pristine beaches on this barrier island provide the perfect setting for a park that offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and nature study.
On the bay side of the island, enjoy perfect blue waters and miles of sweet white sand, and maybe even spot a pod of dolphins. On the bay side, healthy marshes are home to wading birds and abundant saltwater fish. Nature trails weave through extensive scrub and pine forests, where red-cockaded woodpeckers and bald eagles linger in the canopies and bright blue five-lined skinks dart through the undergrowth.
Few parks offer better opportunities for shelling and beach combing. The coast is active in the summer months when sea turtles and shorebirds such as snowy plover, common tern, willow, and skimmer nest in the park.
4. Lighthouse Beach (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
- Length: Approximately 2 miles
- Activities: Sightseeing, photography, beachcombing.
Lighthouse Beach on Nantucket offers a picturesque setting with the iconic lighthouse in the background. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, breathtaking sunsets, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Avid Outer Banks Surfers and tourists alike are familiar with Old Lighthouse Beach, a stretch of sand in the heart of Buxton that once overlooked Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
Convenient and known for its good shelling and great waves, on a typical Hatteras Island summer day, it’s not unusual to see dozens of visitors with boards and board shorts taking in the scenery.
5. Coronado Beach (Coronado, California)
- Length: Approximately 1.5 miles
- Activities: Swimming, sandcastle building, beach bonfires, beach volleyball.
With glistening mica-rich sand and the historic Hotel del Coronado in the background, Coronado Beach exudes charm and elegance. It’s a family destination with gentle waves, so it’s perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
Located next to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, this beautiful San Diego beach is the perfect spot for a beach getaway. Take a stroll along the expansive coastline and spot kids building sandcastles, couples enjoying a romantic swim and even dogs running around on the dog-friendly beach. Make sure you stay around sunset – it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The beach can get busy, especially in the summer, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce the crowds. You can explore Coronado Island and the beach on a segway or bike ride, or stop on the Old Town Trolley Tour of San Diego
6. Wailea Beach (Maui, Hawaii)
- Length: Approximately 1 mile
- Activities: Snorkeling, cliff diving, beachfront resorts, shopping.
Wailea Beach is a tropical paradise with golden sand, swaying palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets. It offers excellent snorkeling and is home to the famous Black Rock Cliff Diving Ceremony. Marriott, Maui, is an amazing destination just steps from the ocean.
Experience stylish waterfront comfort in beautifully appointed family-friendly accommodations with ocean-inspired decor, mini-fridges, luxury linens, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Elevate your experience with luxurious amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, championship golf courses, and a tranquil spa. Indulge your senses during your Maui vacation by sampling our diverse dining options, lounging in private floating cabanas, and witnessing a live Luau show.
Refresh yourself in the sparkling waters of our five resort pools, which have the longest hotel water slide in all of Hawaii. Spice up an unforgettable day at Wailea Beach with a relaxing evening on your large balcony or oversized lanai; Enjoy panoramic views, including brilliant Maui sunsets and the occasional humpback whale. Everyone at Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott, Maui, looks forward to your visit.
7. Beachwalker Park (Kiawah Island, South Carolina)
- Length: Approximately 11 miles
- Activities: Beachcombing, birdwatching, fishing, wildlife viewing
Beachwalker Park is a pristine beach known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The gentle surf and wide coastline make it a great place for leisurely walks and relaxation.
The park is the only public access to Kiawah Island’s beautiful beaches, but with 11 miles of silky, smooth sand, it should be enough to keep most beachgoers happy.
The beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is covered by the Kiawah River. Beachwalker Park has a dedicated swimming pool with lifeguards during the summer season. You’ll also find a boardwalk with a wheelchair ramp, as well as picnic areas, restrooms, changing rooms, and vending machines. Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are kept on a lead.
8. Coopers Beach (Southampton, New York)
- Length: Approximately 1 mile
- Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, beach games, beachfront dining
With its soft sand and stunning views, Coopers Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the US. It offers a relaxing retreat with plenty of space to spread out and relax. Coopers Beach is one of the most popular sandy beaches among New Yorkers, surrounded by picturesque dunes on the east coast of the United States.
It is located in the state of Hampshire, near the city of Southampton, and covers a significant area along the southern coast of Long Island. Clean and picturesque, Cooper Beach is always popular among Americans and has repeatedly made it into the top ten beaches in the United States.
9. Hapuna Beach State Park (Big Island, Hawaii)
- Length: Approximately 0.5 miles
- Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, bodyboarding, beach picnics.
Hapuna Beach State Park boasts white sand and clear blue water, making it a paradise for sunbathers and swimmers. Its picturesque location against the backdrop of lava rock cliffs adds to its charm. Travel along the volcanic west coast of the Kohala Coast and follow the signs to find a spectacular oasis that has earned a reputation as one of Hawai’s best beaches. Hapuna Beach, the largest of the island’s white sand beaches, is consistently ranked in international Top Ten lists of the best beaches on the islands. Hāpuna also offers consistently good conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling. At the beginning of the year, it is also possible to see migrating whales in the distance.
10. Coast Guard Beach (Eastham, Massachusetts)
- Length: Approximately 1 mile
- Activities: Beachcombing, wildlife watching, surfing, sunbathing
Coast Guard Beach is known for its scenic beauty and dramatic dunes. It offers a combination of tranquility and adventure, with opportunities for beachcombing and seal-watching at sea.
Coast Guard Beach is the southernmost beach managed by the Cape Cod National Seashore. It is the beginning of what author Henry David Thoreau called “The Great Beach,” an unbroken stretch of sandy coastline stretching north for more than 20 miles. Coast Guard is a major swimming beach during the summer season.
From Memorial Day through mid-September, the primary parking lot for this beach is at Little Creek, located just west of the beach on Nauset Road. An open-air shuttle service provides transportation to the beach. There is a seasonal pet ban on the south side of the beach, which allows nesting and migrating shorebirds.
FAQs
Q. What US state has the best beaches?
Hawaii is home to many of the best beaches in the US, but Makena Beach State Park, at the south end of Wailea, is a wild, seemingly endless expanse of golden sand and turquoise water that feels more secluded than its crowded neighbors.
Q: Are these beaches open year-round?
Yes, most of the beaches on this list are open year-round. However, some may have limited facilities during the off-season.
Q: Are there lifeguards on duty at these beaches?
Yes, several of the beaches, such as Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach and Hapuna Beach State Park, have lifeguards during designated hours.
Q: Can I camp at these beaches?
Some of the beaches, like St. George Island State Park, offer camping facilities. However, camping regulations may vary, so it’s essential to check in advance.
Q: Is snorkeling gear available for rent at Wailea Beach?
Yes, Wailea Beach offers rental services for snorkeling gear and other water sports equipment.
Q: Are there nearby amenities, such as restrooms and picnic areas, at these beaches?
Yes, most of the beaches on this list provide amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and beach showers for visitors’ convenience.
Conclusion
The USA boasts a stunningly diverse coastline, offering something for every beach bum. From the sugar-white sands and calm turquoise waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and world-class surfing of Hawaii, beaches in the USA cater to all interests. Whether you dream of family-friendly fun with calm waves and exciting water sports or a secluded getaway for sunbathing and relaxation, there’s a perfect beach paradise waiting to be explored. With hidden coves, historic shorelines, and vibrant beach towns, the USA’s beaches promise an unforgettable escape.
Read, Also: Top 10 places to visit in the United States
