There’s no shortage of beautiful coastline in the USA, but some of it hits differently.
These 25 spots are the ones people are talking about – beaches that travelers keep coming back to and that consistently rack up glowing reviews.
You can also explore the best beaches in Europe.
25 Best Beaches in the US
Your next beach vacation starts here. Glowing reviews from fellow travelers don’t lie, and these beaches have rightly earned their spots in this piece. From tucked-away shores to buzzing boardwalks, the US certainly has no shortage of fabulous beach escapes.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
You won’t be surprised to find Florida in this list, and we’ve included four popular beaches. First up, Clearwater Beach. You’ll find Clearwater City in Pinellas County, and the famous beach lies west of downtown Clearwater. It stretches about two and a half miles along the Gulf.
You’ll find white sand and clear water here, and the sunsets over the Gulf draw in plenty of visitors. It’s home to the iconic fishing Pier 60, where you can grab drinks and snacks. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins from up there, too. For adrenaline seekers, the water sports will get you out on the waves.
Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
In northwestern Florida, Destin is home to Henderson Beach State Park, which preserves a coastal dune habitat along the Emerald Coast.
It’s got a slower pace than Clearwater Beach, with its nature trails through the scrub and dunes, and wildlife spotting, including some protected shore birds and endangered plant species.
Destin is considered the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’ with one of the most active charter fishing fleets, so you’ll likely find tourists and locals fishing from the shoreline. Nearby is the luxury Henderson Beach Resort and Spa, which is recommended by Travel + Leisure.
Siesta Beach, Florida
Siesta Beach is on a barrier island just off the coast of Sarasota in southwestern Florida. It’s named among the top beaches in the world according to the World’s 50 Best, and for good reason, too; its iconic sand is 99% pure quartz, which keeps your feet cool even under the hot Florida sun.
Aside from swimming and sunbathing, there’s plenty to do here, like an e-bike tour across the sands or jet skiing and parasailing. Siesta Key Village is the place to go shopping, dining, or grab an ice cream. If you head south on Siesta Key, you’ll find Crescent and Turtle Beach if you’re after somewhere quieter.
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida
Our final beach shoutout in Florida is Caladesi Island State Park, north of Clearwater Beach, just offshore from Dunedin on the Gulf of Mexico. You reach the island by passenger ferry or boat from Honeymoon Island State Park. On the Gulf side, there’s about three miles of undisturbed beach.
Condé Nast spotlighted it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the US and highlighted the nearby Sandpearl Resort as a place to stay.
The quiet beaches and blue water are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and there are also nature trails that loop around the beach. Kayaking and paddleboarding are available to explore the mangrove tunnels and sandbars, plus you might be lucky enough to spot some dolphins.
Harris Beach State Park, Oregon
Next up, we’re in Oregon with Harris Beach State Park. It’s on the southern coast in Curry County near the California-Oregon border. The park features camping, rocky outcrops, sea stacks, and, of course, sensational beaches.
The sandy beaches make for relaxing spots and scenic walks, but offshore, there is a National Wildlife Sanctuary, Bird Island, and you can guess what you’ll find there. Rare birds, such as tufted puffins, can be spotted, and the island offers some vantage points for observing whales and sea lions. National Geographic named it one of the best state parks in the US.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is on the northern Oregon Coast, in Clatsop County, about 80 miles west of Portland. Travel + Leisure has given a detailed review of the location, highlighting things to do, places to eat, and where to stay, including Stephanie Inn, which offers experiences to help you in your adventure.
Cannon Beach is home to the iconic 235-foot basalt sea stack, Haystack Rock, which can be reached on foot when the tide is low enough. A little south is Hug Point, where you’ll find waterfalls, caves, and tidepools. The town is filled with boutique shops, and festivals are frequently held there.
Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, California
First up in our California recommendations is Pope Beach, located on National Forest Land on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, approximately three miles west of the city. It’s a quaint, three-quarter-mile-long sandy beach with pine trees and stunning mountain views, ideal for picnics and swimming.
Available in the summer are kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as bike paths and trails that run through the beach. The Marriott Grand Residence Club is a popular choice for those seeking a high-end stay nearby. For food, unless you’ve brought a picnic, you might want to visit Riva Grill, which serves dishes like lobster or salmon with sweeping lake vistas.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California
In the central coast of California, in Monterey County, is Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park, south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Travel + Leisure talks about the Big Sur and recommends visiting Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park while you’re there.
It’s full of cliffs and waterfalls, so it’s worth the visit just for the views. Plus, dolphins and otters have been spotted playing in the shallows.
Travelers recommend the Big Sur for a road trip, and if that’s your plan, you’ll need a place to stay, and Condé Nast raves about the five-star Post Ranch Inn. It’s positioned perfectly for ocean views, and the hotel offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga and forest meditation, as well as guided nature walks to make the most of the surrounding area.
Santa Monica Beach, LA
You didn’t think we’d leave Santa Monica Beach out, did you? You’ll find it just west of Downtown Los Angeles, but it’s impossible to miss.
The key landmark here is the Pier, home to a parade of shops, restaurants, an amusement park, an aquarium, and the iconic carousel. You’ll find the usual beach activities on the sand: volleyball, surfing, and paddleboarding, but it’s understandable to want to soak in the sun with a spot of sunbathing.
If you’re after a more scenic view, you can venture above the bluffs that overlook the beach and take a more leisurely stroll.
Coronado Beach, San Diego
Across the bay from Downtown San Diego lies Coronado Beach. Vogue has put together a guide to Coronado Island, including suggestions for where to eat and stay, and names the beach as Coronado’s best asset.
It’s not quite as busy as Santa Monica Beach, so no amusement park here, but you’ll also find volleyball courts and visitors riding the waves. If you’re staying here, Hotel De Coronado would make a fine choice, plus you’ll be able to make the most of their sun beds on the beach.
Coopers Beach, Southampton, Long Island
Over to the East on the South Fork of Long Island is Southampton, home to Coopers Beach. The beach is just under three miles from the center of the village and has earned top spot in Dr Beach’s 2025 Best Beaches in America rankings.
It’s a serene spot with crystal-clear water and pristine white sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding. To make the most of the peace, consider visiting in September, when you’ll still enjoy the sun but with fewer crowds.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy snacks from nearby beach bars. Some scenic walks are nearby, where visitors can ogle the oceanfront mansions. Southampton Village offers upscale shops and restaurants, including Namiro Sushi and Dopo Argento.
Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Ocean City is an Atlantic resort town in Worcester County, perched on Fenwick Island and overlooking the ocean. The beach stretches for nearly 10 miles, offering plenty of space for sunbathers and swimmers. The famous two-mile boardwalk, packed with shops, food stalls, arcades, and amusement rides, sets it apart.
It’s a lively, family-friendly spot for those visiting for the rides, while thrill-seekers can enjoy parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. If you’re after something slower, dolphin cruises are a popular choice. Before you go, it’s worth looking at what’s on at Ocean City Beach, as it hosts some exciting festivals and events.
Carlsmith Beach Park, Hilo, Hawaii
It didn’t take long before Hawaii made the list. Carlsmith Beach Park, on the east side of Hawaii, is part of a stretch known to the locals as the Four Mile Beach, but not for the reason you might think; it’s four miles from downtown Hilo.
It’s not a sandy-shore beach, so you’re better off looking elsewhere to relax in the sun. It’s mostly lava rock with coral reef protections and tide pools, and if you’re a snorkeling fan, several lagoons provide calm waters. Hawaiian green sea turtles are often spotted here, too.
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
Hanalei Bay sits on the north shore of the island of Kauai. Kauai is also known as The Garden Isle for its natural beauty. Hanalei Town, the Hippest Town in Kauai, according to Vogue, is nestled in the middle of the bay, which has nearly two miles of beach, backed by steep green mountains.
The waters are calm in the summer, so it’s an ideal spot for swimming, paddling, and relaxing on the sand. If you’re hoping to surf here, you’ll need to wait until winter for stronger waves; surf lessons and rentals are available. Nearby trails provide sensational views of the bay, mountains, and taro fields. It’s laid back here, so you won’t find big resorts, just a cool community vibe.
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Poipu Beach is located on the south shore of Kauai, on the opposite side of the island. This beach has two parts, separated by a tombolo, known as Nukumoi Point, a favored spot for monk seals. The east side is calmer and family-friendly, while the other has more surf and bodyboarding. Dr Beach named it among the Best Beaches in America, and the thousands of positive reviews online speak for themselves.
The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, allowing you to spot tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles. There are plenty of excursions to help with your adventure. If you’re hoping to stay nearby, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu is an ideal spot, not just for comfort, but the concierge team offers 600 activities to help you make the most of your travels.
Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama
Gulf Shores is a resort city in southern Baldwin County, right on the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama may not be the first state you think of when looking for the perfect beach, but this is the place to be if you’re after white, soft sand and warm, gentle waters. Travel + Leisure summed it up perfectly in a recent review.
Sun worshippers will probably want to spend their time soaking in the rays, but if you’re after something more active, there are volleyball courts to take advantage of. There’s plenty of walkable beach, a boardwalk, and pathways, but Gulf State Park is nearby, offering some scenic nature trails.
North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
Unsurprisingly, North Beach is located on the northern end of Tybee Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, east of Savannah. Its clear waters and grassy dunes make it a prime spot for the usual beach activities: sunbathing, swimming, and light surfing.
Visitors rarely miss the opportunity to climb Tybee Island Light Station and Museum for the rewarding panoramic views from the top. If you get hungry, you’ll want to visit North Beach Bar and Grill for a burger, sandwich, or even a cocktail.
Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
We’re heading south of Georgia now to Jekyll Island, where Driftwood Beach is on the northern end. Travel + Leisure named Jekyll Island the ‘perfect family vacation’, highlighting Driftwood Beach for hiking and spotting wildlife. Before you visit here, you’ll want to check the tide so that you can make the most of the beach at low tide.
The biggest draw for travelers and locals is the scenic driftwood and exposed roots, which are perfect for photo ops. It makes for an enjoyable walk, where you can also explore the tide pools. The Jekyll Island Historic District is nearby if you’re into architecture, along with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Coligny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
At the southern end of Hilton Head Island is Coligny Beach. There’s something here for everyone. If you’re hoping to chill out and catch some rays, you can rent chairs and umbrellas, but if you’re after something more active, water sports and beach gear are available to rent nearby. Plus, there are other excursions, like alligator spotting and dolphin tours.
To help you navigate your visit to Hilton Head Island, Travel + Leisure released a handy guide, which recommends Coligny Beach, the Coastal Discovery Museum, and a stay at The Beach House.
Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Good Harbor Beach lies on the eastern edge of Gloucester, along the beautiful Cape Ann coastline. It’s just a few minutes from downtown Gloucester, home to Cape Ann Museum, Hammond Castle, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants.
The waters are usually calm, but suitable for body surfing and boogie boarding. If the tide is low enough, you’ll be able to walk to Salt Island and explore the tide pools. To make the most of the seafood here, there are plenty of restaurant choices, including Seaport Grille, 1606 Restaurant, and Oyster Bar.
Mustang Island State Park, Texas
Mustang Island State Park is on the Gulf Coast of Texas, south of Port Aransas. The park spans approximately 3,954 acres, featuring about five miles of beachfront, providing ample space for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, playing NJ casinos on your phone or fishing.
There are a few ways to explore the park and beach, like the nature trails for hiking and biking, or even the Mustang Island Paddling Trail along the bayside shoreline, where you might spot some nesting green sea turtles. Bird watchers will be happy to hear that over 400 species have been recorded.
Cape May Beach, New Jersey
Cape May Beach is at the southern tip of the Cape May Peninsula, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Delaware Bay to the west. It’s an excellent place for families, with the calm water and expansive beachfront. Plus, there are popular whale and dolphin tours to make the most of.
The city is full of history and has walking tours to view the Victorian properties and the historic district. You can also visit Cape May Lighthouse to learn about maritime history. If you want to embrace the history, the Virginia Hotel is a restored 1879 boutique spot.
Park Point Beach, Duluth, Minnesota
Park Point, often referred to as Minnesota Point, is a long sandbar that extends from Duluth into Lake Superior and is one of the longest freshwater sandbars in the world.
Depending on the vibes you’re going for, there are spots here to swim, sunbathe, and prepare a BBQ or picnic, or you might be more inclined to hike through the dunes and to the lighthouse ruins with the Park Point Trail. In the summer, you can take in the views in style with The Duluth Zephyr, which Travel + Leisure rates highly.
Alki Beach, Seattle, Washington
Our last two beaches are in Washington, and we’ll begin with Seattle. Alki Beach is in west Seattle, offering unspoiled skyline views across Elliott Bay. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and volleyball.
There is also a paved trail on the beach where you’ll be rewarded with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Commonly seen on the beach are sea lions, seals, and otters, and you may get lucky and spot some whales.
Three miles from the beach, in downtown Seattle, is The Edgewater Hotel, which is consistently rated highly by travelers and was recently reviewed by The Times, highlighting the ‘jaw-dropping sunsets’ from the hotel.
Ruby Beach, Washington
On the southwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula is Ruby Beach. It’s part of Olympic National Park so that you can expect glorious scenery.
The driftwood and sea stacks make it a popular spot for walking along the trails, and at low tide, tide pools appear among the rocks, providing a home to various sea life. Kalaloch Lodge is just a 10-minute drive from the beach and offers a cozy stay with some super views.
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