20+ Best Beaches in the United States

We often dream about our next trip to a sunny place, whether it's flying to a tropical island or a coastal town in the Mediterranean. While the thought of going overseas every weekend sounds amazing, it's not something that's easy to do.

Fortunately for those who live in the United States, you don't have to travel very far and take your passport to find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From New England to Hawaii, America's coasts have plenty of stunning sand and surf to keep us warm and happy all year. Here are 20+ of the greatest beaches in the U.S., all easily reachable by plane.

South Beach, Miami

Miami is famous for its white sand, good-looking people, and lively party scene. The beach is quite long and may be crowded, but you can still find a peaceful spot for yourself, especially if you stay near SoFi (South of Fifth). Most people enjoy sunbathing, but you should also try swimming in the warm, turquoise ocean, which stays above 70 degrees even in winter.

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Coast Guard Beach is not for the faint-hearted. The sand is coarse, and the water temperature is only 60-70 degrees in summer. You'll need to take a bicycle or shuttle bus from Salt Pond Visitor's Center to get there. The views of the Nauset Spit barrier system and the bay are worth the trip, and a photo of the old Coast Guard station on the sandy bluffs is a must for Instagram.

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is part of the Golden Isles along Georgia's Atlantic coast. The seven-mile-long island is known for its marshes and Spanish moss. Driftwood Beach is named for its unique, weathered trees that make great photo backdrops, especially at low tide.

Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Florida boasts some of the country's best beaches,k including the 2,000-acre Grayton Beach State Park. The park is renowned for its white sands and Western Lake, a unique coastal dune lake that is a haven for fish and shorebirds. Campers flock here to enjoy the natural beauty and underwater enthusiasts are drawn to the park's Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation's first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit. Visitors can snorkel and scuba dive around large art installations that are refreshed annually.

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, California

Located about 35 miles south of Carmel, Pfeiffer Beach astounds with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. The beach is also a playground for marine life, with dolphins and otters sometimes seen in the shallow waters. Park access is available for a daily fee of $10 per vehicle.

Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island is a paradise for those who love outdoor activities, wildlife, and serene beaches along the Gulf Coast. Bowman's Beach is particularly famous for its rich deposits of seashells, which cover its shores. Visitors often come equipped with picnics, refreshments, and buckets to collect the colorful shells that wash up after storms. Be prepared for the "Sanibel Stoop," the back-bending posture you'll adopt while treasure hunting along the shoreline.

Honokalani Beach, Maui

Honokalani Beach is a picture-perfect location on Maui, known for its striking jet-black sand, a result of tiny lava pebbles. This unique shoreline contrasts vividly with the bright blue sea and the lush, jungle-like greenery that surrounds it. The beach is a natural wonder, featuring seaside lava tubes and hidden sea caves, offering a glimpse of Hawaii's wild and untouched beauty.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a contender for the most beautiful spot in Oregon, and even the United States. This stunning beach, dotted with large boulders, is a must-visit along Highway 101, a road trip route that competes with California's iconic Highway 1. The highlight is Haystack Rock, a massive 235-foot tall sea stack that rises majestically from the ocean, making the journey to Cannon Beach more than worthwhile.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

This private, gated community boasts 10 miles of beach along the Atlantic, divided into East Beach and West Beach. While much of the shoreline is privately owned, there is public access at Beachwalker County Park near the island's south end. The beach features flat sand, shallow water, lifeguards, and amenities like beach chairs and umbrella rentals.

Coronado Beach, San Diego

Coronado Beach is one of Southern California's top beach spots, known for its fine sand, gentle waves, and climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean, making it a popular destination any time of the year. After engaging in water activities and searching for the sunken ship visible at low tide, pet owners should check out Coronado's Dog Beach at the northern tip of the island, where your dogs can roam freely off-leash.

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Florida

Caladesi Island State Park is a serene Gulf Coast haven accessible only by boat or ferry. It offers an authentic desert island experience with its unspoiled white-sand beaches, kayaking opportunities through lush mangroves, and dune-lined hiking trails where you might encounter sea turtles and shorebirds.

Twelvemile Beach, Michigan

Nestled within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along the southern shore of Lake Superior, Twelvemile Beach is a gem within a park known more for its dramatic limestone cliffs. This 12-mile-long beach is a favorite camping spot for those exploring the lake, offering spectacular water views and plenty of room to pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars.

Coligny Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Coligny Beach is considered one of the best beaches on an already idyllic island. Accessible via a boardwalk at the end of Pope Avenue, this beach offers soft sand and tranquil waters ideal for swimming, although it's not the best spot for surfing. Beyond its natural beauty, Coligny Beach is popular with families due to its sand showers, shopping and dining options, lifeguard presence, and well-kept restroom facilities.

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

As one of the best-known beaches, Waikiki Beach maintains a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. There are no garish neon signs or pestering beach vendors here, just gentle waves, opulent resorts lining the shore, and beach boys ready to teach you how to surf. The iconic view of the Diamond Head crater in the background is an added bonus that makes Waikiki Beach a must-visit destination.

Mustang Island State Park, Texas

Mustang Island State Park is a strikingly beautiful and well-maintained slice of Gulf Coast paradise. It offers a plethora of activities, including hiking and cycling trails, tide pools to investigate, surfing opportunities with big waves, and pristine white-sand beaches free of vehicles, perfect for relaxation and sunset viewing. For a more immersive experience, you can camp at one of the numerous campsites or rent a kayak to explore the 20-mile-long Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.

Ruby Beach, Washington

Within the diverse landscapes of Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach stands out as a must-visit destination. A drive along Highway 101, which circles the Olympic Peninsula, provides access to various coastal viewpoints, with Ruby Beach being particularly noteworthy. Here, you'll find rock formations and sun-bleached driftwood that epitomize the Pacific Northwest's mysterious allure. Pull over at the viewpoints along this coast to fully appreciate Ruby Beach's unique charm.

Singing Beach, Massachusetts

Singing Beach is a unique coastal gem where the sand literally sings. As you walk along the dry part of the beach, the sand beneath your feet makes a squeaky sound, creating a musical experience. Beyond this auditory delight, the beach offers stunning views of the sunrise and picturesque rocky shorelines. Here is an extra bonus — it is open to dogs from mid-October to mid-April.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida

Just a short drive from Miami's bustling city center, at the end of Key Biscayne, lies Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, boasting one of the nation's finest beaches. This mile-long, natural stretch of sand offers a peaceful retreat with gentle waves and breathtaking views of the Miami skyline. The park also features hiking and biking trails, and a visit to the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse is a must.

Blue Beach (La Chiva), Vieques, Puerto Rico

La Chiva, also known as Blue Beach, is a slender strip of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, ranking among the Caribbean's premier beaches. Reaching it is an adventure in itself, requiring a journey down a bumpy, unpaved road with 21 small turn-offs in the western National Wildlife Refuge on Vieques Island. Once there, you can snorkel around a small cay on your own or book a guided tour to explore the island's hidden underwater treasures. This beach was once closed to the public as a U.S. Navy training base, adding to its exclusive appeal.

Venice Beach, Los Angeles

Venice Beach offers a picturesque 1.5 miles of soft sand where you can sit back and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. However, the real attraction is the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, a vibrant and eclectic mix of street performers, vendors, bodybuilders at the famous Muscle Beach, and a diverse crowd of people. It's the perfect place for those who want a dynamic and entertaining beach experience.

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

North Carolina boasts an impressive 301 miles of coastline, and Wrightsville Beach is a standout along this scenic stretch. Conveniently located and easily accessible from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area via I-40 and just a short drive from Wilmington, with its own airport, Wrightsville Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The beach offers a variety of activities, including kayaking, surfing, biking, and golfing. The nearby bars and restaurants provide a welcome respite from the sun, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for a memorable beach day.