The very best beaches within the United States
1. Francis Beach, Half Moon Bay, California
If you’re seeking to do greater than sunbathing, that is the beach for you. Francis beach is situated on the south side of Half Moon Bay State Park. Visitors can cycle along the Coastside Trail, surf, or camp on one in all the 52 campsites that accommodate RVs, tents, and trailers. Visitors also can ride horses along the various trails that surround the beach.
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Known for its sprawling shore and stunning view of Haystack Rock, it’s no wonder that Cannon Beach has been dubbed one in all the world’s 100 Most Beautiful Places by National Geographic. It is about an hour and a half from Portland, nevertheless, the seaside village has a lot to supply– you almost certainly won’t wish to enterprise too far-off. Cannon Beach is one in all America’s top art towns, so try the various art galleries and festivals on the town.
3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If you’re on the lookout for a quiet beach getaway, look no further than Kiawah Island Beach. The beach stretches 10 miles and is situated about 20 miles from downtown Charleston. Since Kiawah is a personal gated community, public beach access is situated on the west end of the island at Beachwalker County Park. It’s a super place to take in South Carolina’s natural beauty– Kiawah Island’s preserved maritime forests and marshes are amazing for viewing wildlife. Be sure to stop by the award-winning Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the sprawling seaside mansion, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island which boasts a Forbes Five Stars rating.
4. Twelvemile Beach, Michigan
As you may have guessed, Twelvemile Beach is a 12-mile stretch of sand and pebble shoreline situated on a plateau above Lake Superior in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s very accessible, too– the Twelvemile Beach Campground parking zone and a couple of stairs will lead you on to the beach. It’s an exquisite place for long walks on the beach. Camp at one in all 37 sites along the shore, picnic under the towering pine trees, or stargaze on the dunes.
5. Assateague State Park, Maryland
With over 2 miles of beaches, Assateague State Park is an important place to surf, swim, and sunbathe. As Maryland’s only oceanfront park, it’s also an important spot to explore– visitors can kayak through the coves along the shoreline or hike through the marsh areas to get a more in-depth have a look at the wildlife.
6. Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii
Located directly off of the Mamalahoa Highway on Hawaii’s eastern shore, Punalu’u Beach is a must see. A word of warning: consider bringing water shoes since the sand gets hot. The heat from the black sand attracts green sea turtles, so stick around and perhaps you’ll see some basking within the sun. Ninole Cove, accessible via a path from the parking zone, has amazing snorkeling. You also can follow the identical path for a brief hike under the towering coconut palms.
7. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Stretching 290 yards, Sand Beach is nestled in between the mountains on Mount Desert Island. Don’t be fooled by its name, though. Sand Beach is definitely mostly made up of shell fragments. Be warned– the water often doesn’t get warmer than 50 degrees, so if swimming is off the table, try the varied hiking trails that surround the beach. The oceanside trail will lead you past Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff.
8. Spectacle Island, Massachusetts
Spectacle Island is just a 20 minute boat ride from downtown Boston. Take the Boston Harbor Cruises Ferry to the island– tickets are inclined to sell out quickly so book upfront online. The island itself opens in May and closes in October. While there, make sure to admire the abundance of sea glass that the island is legendary for (just don’t take it with you). There are also 5 miles of hiking trails and diverse beaches overlooking the Boston skyline.
9. Schoolhouse Beach – Washington Island, Wisconsin
Named after a tiny, wood schoolhouse that when stood on Washington Island, Schoolhouse Beach is really unique– the beach is entirely made up of limestone rocks, so make sure to pack flip flops. Washington Island is a brief ferry ride away from Door County and is understood for its sprawling lavender farms. Pick your individual lavender at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm or head to the gift shop where you’ll find extra fragrant soaps and delicious lavender sweets.
10. La Jolla Cove, California
Come for the beach and stay for the wildlife. La Jolla Cove’s smooth rocks and sandy beach are ideal sunbathing spots for sea lions and seals. You also can take a guided kayak tour of the Seven Caves where you may spot leopard sharks or sea turtles. Be sure to explore the shops along Prospect Street situated in the jewellery district of La Jolla Cove. End the day with a cocktail at George’s At The Cove’s rooftop bar that overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
11. Clearwater Beach, Florida
On Clearwater Beach, you’ll find the proper mix of rest and excitement. The sandy shores and warm water are the proper place to lounge within the sun, but there may be plenty to see within the small town, too. Visit the artists and musicians at Sunsets at Pier 60 or take a Tiki Boat booze cruise across the gulf. For a bite to eat, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is the strategy to go. The restaurant, which was featured on Food Paradise, offers indoor and outdoor dining, in addition to live music.
12. Stearns Park Beach, Ludington, Michigan
Stearns Park Beach is one in all USA Today Travel’s Top 50 Great American Beaches and definitely lives as much as the hype. It’s ideal for those on the lookout for somewhat little bit of adventure. At the south end of the park, you’ll find the Ludington Area Jaycees Mini Golf Course and the Skate Plaza, in addition to volleyball nets and open space for grilling. Watch the sunset over Lake Michigan on the North Breakwater Lighthouse pier or grab a bite to eat on the nearby concessions stand (they’re known for his or her deep fried oreos).
13. Pope Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California
Located on State Highway 89, 3 miles outside of South Lake Tahoe, Pope Beach is really a serene escape. The sandy beach and surrounding pine trees look out over the Sierra Nevada and crystal clear water. Pope Beach is incredibly accessible– visitors can hike or bike to the location using the Pope/Baldwin Bike Path. Take advantage of Lake Tahoe’s beauty with a scenic helicopter tour and finish the day without work with a bite to eat at Sonney’s Bbq Shack Bar and Grill.
14. Higgins Beach, Scarborough Maine
Known for its small-town New England charm, Higgins Beach is situated in a residential neighborhood dating back to the 1800s. The drive to Higgins is reason enough to go to– situated 10 miles from Portland, the winding roads surrounded by towering pine trees are the proper recipe for a scenic begin to the day. The water is ideal for kayaking or fly fishing (a highly regarded activity at Higgins).
15. South Carlsbad State Beach, California
This 3 mile stretch of beach is popular amongst divers, surfers, and sunbathers alike. In the summer months, camping is incredibly popular here. With greater than 200 campsites situated on a bluff above the beach, it’s no wonder campers are required to book upfront. While in Carlsbad, don’t miss The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, fifty-acres of vibrant flowers overlooking the coastline.
Read more: Your Summer Guide to Encinitas, California
16. Burkes Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Burkes Beach is about an hour drive from downtown Hilton Head, but it surely’s well well worth the visit. The quiet, soft white sand beach is well accessible by bike– paved paths will take you to tennis and basketball courts. Visitors can spot dolphins on a ship tour of Hilton Head or tour the Harbor Town Lighthouse.
17. Mustang Island State Park, Texas
Mustang Island State Park has something for each form of beach-goer, including browsing, geocaching, and camping. Explore Corpus Christi Bay by renting a kayak and paddling the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, which works along the western coastline. The 20 miles of trails are great for viewing wildlife, especially coastal birds and turtles. Kick back and stay the night at one in all the various campsites and sunbathe on the white sand.
18. Turner Beach, Florida
Located past the bridge to Captiva, Turner Beach is legendary for its sunsets and shelling. The rock jetty is great for fishing or stargazing. Visitors can swim, nevertheless, the currents are relatively strong, so swim with caution. Across the bridge, there are many beachside pubs– the Mad Hatter and Lazy Flamingo are two of the highest rated restaurants in the realm.
19. Mohegan Bluffs: Block Island, Rhode Island
New England charm at its finest. With just one food market and no chain restaurants, cozy inns and quaint boutiques make up Block Island, which is about an hour ferry ride from Rhode Island. The sheltered beach situated at the underside of the Mohegan Bluffs looks out over the misty Atlantic Ocean and is about against vast clay cliffs. The journey to the beach is pretty demanding, 141 steps, to be exact, however the views are truly unmatched.
Read more: Visiting Newport Rhode Island
20. Venice Beach, California
Known for the eccentric beachfront boardwalk, Venice Beach is right for those on the lookout for a break from sunbathing. On the boardwalk, hearken to musicians, watch street performers, or join the drum circle that plays every day on the beach. Grab something to eat at one in all the various food trucks that line the boardwalk and visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s high end galleries and boutiques. The Mosaic Tile House, a house covered entirely in mosaics and tiles, is a must-see.
Read more: How to Spend a Weekend in Venice Beach
21. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
There’s so much to understand about Old Orchard Beach. On the 7-mile stretch of sand, visitors will undoubtedly find a various array of activities. The Old Orchard Beach Pier is an important place to buy, eat, and drink. On shore, the Palace Playland amusement park has a ton of rides and arcade games (and, yes, even a Ferris wheel).
22. South Beach, Miami, Florida
Miami is understood for its glittery nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and sandy beaches– naturally, visitors will find the entire above on South Beach. It could also be crowded, however the beach continues to be an important place to tan and swim in the nice and cozy water. Visitors can brush up on their Art Deco history with a walking tour or shop across the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall, which offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars.
23. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Dubbed the “Great Beach” by Henry David Thoreau, Coast Guard beach lives as much as its title. The beach is known as for the Coast Guard constructing situated on the dune above the beach. With over 20 miles of shoreline, the soft sand and calm waters provide the proper place to loosen up. From Memorial Day through mid-September, visitors park within the Little Creek parking area where a shuttle provides transportation to the beach. Visitors can visit the Lobster Shanty for a classic New England lobster roll or go antiquing in one in all the various shops in Eastham.
24. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
Unsurprisingly, Driftwood Beach is known as after the huge driftwood trees that line the shore. The coiled branches and famous pastel sunsets make for amazing photos. There is plenty to do on Jekyll Island, too. Visitors will find moss-covered trees, quaint cottages dating back to the 1800s, and towering sand dunes that make the island price a visit. After a day of exploring, head to Fuse for froyo.
