21 Best Beaches In The United States

If you long for a true tropical escape to one of the best beaches in the United States, plus if you need a guide to decide which beach to visit for a personal or family trip. Then you’re on the right page because you’re just about to find out! The United States of America has lots of outstanding beaches with high-quality amenities and beautiful sea views.

These beaches are excellent for volleyball games, surfing the waves, and relaxation. So, you will undoubtedly love visiting these selected 21 beaches in the United States that make it to the top charts. However, this article covers only the top 21 best beaches in the United States.

Here are the 21 Best Beaches in the United States

1. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach, Florida
Credit: kayak.com

Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States. This breathtaking beach is located 3 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. There are many recreational activities, such as cruising, sailing, paddling, snorkeling, and many more. 

Moreover, it is a beautiful place with many shops and restaurants, cabanas, an umbrella chair, and a high-quality playground where children and families can have fun and relax.

Its water is cool and calm, and a fresh sunset breeze radiates into the atmosphere. Visitors from various locations can also enjoy their stay there before departure.

Clearwater Beach has soft white sand. Every year, visitors from around the world visit the beach for parasailing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding in its clear blue waters.

2. St. Pete Beach, Florida

St. Pete Beach, Florida
Credit: bluegreenvacations.com

St. Pete Beach, one of the best beaches in the United States, is preferable for individuals who seek sun, relaxation, and sand. It is a Florida resort beach located southwest of St. Petersburg, popularly known as a sunshine city.

St. Pete Beach provides breathtaking water sports, picnicking, lounging, surf shops, and dining venues. It has high-quality amenities and easily accessible hotels. It is a perfect beach that families and loved ones love to visit because of its beauty, with emerald green water and soft and silky white sand. 

3. Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, California

Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, California
Credit: southlaketahoe.com

Pope Beach is located on the South shore of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. This lake is between California and Nevada and is significant for its resorts and beaches.

Pope Beach is remarkable for its mountain views and pine trees, which naturally decorate it. It has several fun-filled and breathtaking activities, such as swimming, picnicking, kayak rentals, and barbecue grills onsite. It is the best place to enjoy your holiday, family outing, or personal hangout.

4. Manele Bay, Lanai Hawaii

Manele Bay, Lanai Hawaii
Credit: govisithawaii.com

Manele Bay is considered one of the best islands for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. It is between Maui and Lanai, located on Lanai’s southern coast, about 8 miles away from Lanai city. It is a well-known resort for visitors because it is the closest beach in Lanai.

The bay is a perfect location for relaxation. Though it isn’t big, it is an area established to preserve and protect marine resources. It is shallow, making it safe for children to have fun.

However, Manele Bay is one of the best beaches in the United States, where you can dip your feet into the cool white sand and gaze at the sunset.

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Credit: theplanetd.com

Myrtle Beach, located on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, 60 miles grand strand, is a resort for fantastic vacations. The beach has live entertainment, restaurants, amusements, water parks, and more.

It is widely recognized for its celebrity-designed golf courses. It has silky white sands, warm water, and tropical weather. It has recreational activities like swimming, sunbathing, sailing, fishing, and surfing. No doubt it is a must-see beach to visit.

Myrtle Beach is a fantastic beach for individuals, especially families with kids because it is filled with many eye-catching views and breathtaking activities for all ages.

6. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, Massachusetts
Credit: worldatlas.com

Nantucket is a small but fascinating island with excellent and jaw-dropping facilities. It is a popular resort that has a lot to offer to visitors. Such offers include summer homes, lodgings, and fun-filled recreational activities.

Visitors visit the downtown areas to find many restaurants, lighthouses, fresh plates of seafood, and a whaling Museum. The beauty of Sandy Beach is the best place to relax and escape the noisy environment of the town.

Nantucket Island has Surfside Beach and a children’s beach, which provides warm water and sandcastles. Surfside Beach is the most popular beach on the island for surfing and bodyboarding. Although Nantucket island is quite pricey, it is a place you will want to take experience.

7. Coronado Beach, California

Coronado Beach, California
Credit: greatruns.com

Coronado Beach is situated in the city of Coronado. It is a wide Sandy Beach which is about 1.5 miles long. It is usually open for other passive uses, such as sunbathing and relaxing with family members.

Coronado Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States, with tremendous and glittering sands along the island’s seaside. It is majorly separated into three beaches; the North Beach, which includes a dog beach; the Central Coronado Beach, where the main lifeguard tower is positioned and the South Beach, located towards Coronado shores.

It is a popular and favorite Southern California beach with soft sand, warm water, and a lively resort. Famous for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other outdoor recreational activities.

8. Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Cape May Beach, New Jersey
Credit: travelleisure.com

Cape May is popularly known as America’s original Beach Town and has breathtaking beaches. Its beaches are gorgeous and close to restrooms and food, approximately 2.5 miles from beach avenue. Cape May Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States.

The beach is known for its delicate, silky, and powdered sand. Families and visitors visit them for relaxation, picnics, and sightseeing. So, if you want to enjoy your stay in cape may, then you should visit their beach; it is breathtaking.

9. East Hampton Beaches, NY

East Hampton Beaches, NY
Credit: tripadvisor.com

East Hampton Beaches are among the best beaches in the United States, requiring residents and no residents to pay for a day pass. East Hampton has two famous beaches: the two-mile Hollow Beach and Main Beach.

Visit East Hampton beaches; you will love them! It is a place for families, visitors, and celebrities. It is endowed with fascinating facilities such as restrooms and outdoor showers.

10. Kauna’oa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Hawaii

Kauna'oa (Mauna Kea) Beach, Hawaii
Credit: paradiseinhawaii.com

Kauna’oa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) is one of the best beaches in the United States. It is located on the Kohala Coast of Ahola state’s big island.

The beach is naturally filled with leafy palm trees, silky white sand, and calm blue waters. It is a perfect place to feel the sunshine and natural tides which makes it ideal for snorkeling, especially if you stay on the bay.

Kauna’oa Beach is rated as one of the prettiest and best beaches in the United States, a lovely resort for families to have fun and feel the beauty of nature.

11. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
Credit: hatterasisland.com

Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches 67 miles along the outer Banks of North Carolina, and it’s situated on Bodie, Herreras, and Ocracoke islands. The national seashore constitutes various beach types of grass near the forest of cedar, holly, and oak farther inland.

It includes three historical lighthouses, but Cape Harreras has the tallest lighthouse in the country. It is the best beach in the United States worthy of visiting, with a wide serenade and little white sand crowds.

12. Poipu beach, Kauai Hawaii

Poipu beach, Kauai Hawaii
Credit: worldbeachguide.com

Poipu beach is two beaches in one, and the tombola separates the two bays. Poipu beach is popularly known for surfing, snorkeling, swimming, boogie boarding, and windsurfing. It’s one of the best beaches in the United States, with breathtaking views and facilities. An ideal beach for active travelers, visitors, and families.

Golden sands and crystal-clear waters surround this beach, and it is indeed one of the best beaches in the United States. It has restrooms and lifeguards, which are great for children. Also, it offers fantastic opportunities for activities such as swimming and surfing, and if you’re lucky, you might see Hawaii monkeys there.

13. Ocean City Beach, Maryland

Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Credit: thrillist.com

Ocean City Beach is a seaside resort town that lures up to 4 million visitors annually. It is known for its crescent beauty, fun, and friendly atmosphere. Ocean City is an Atlantic resort town in Worcester town, Maryland.

This beach is a must-go for visitors who seek relaxation, refreshment, and sightseeing. It offers opportunities for surfing, kayaking, fishing, and other jaw-dropping recreational activities. 

Ocean City Beach is the dream beach for sea lovers. It has a beautiful scenic view, is fun to explore, and is filled with many attractions. There are also live events like live music and easy access to local restaurants.

14. Harris Beach, Oregon

Harris Beach, Oregon
Credit: oregonstateparks.com

Harris Beach is located on Oregon’s southern coast within Harris Beach state park. It offers excellent swimming, hiking, and biking opportunities, and several other activities.

Though they have limited facilities, there are many picnic tables and restrooms. The beach is the largest island in Oregon, blessed with a National wildlife sanctuary, where you’ll find birds and creatures of different kinds.

It has a shallow stream flowing from the Pacific Ocean, allowing young children to cast their fishing nets in the water. It is quiet, calm, and a great place to rest the head and enjoy with family and friends.

15. Glass Beach, Port Townsend, Washington

Glass beach, Port Townsend, Washington
Credit: planetware.com

Glass Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States, where you can find jewelry and great quality beach glasses. Some people most likely spend their days on glass beaches seeking various quality beach glasses.

The beach is located beyond McCurdy point, just north of the town. It requires no parking fee and is a popular area for beachcombers. Be careful while hiking because the beach is quite dangerous at high tides.

Nevertheless, Glass Beach is a fantastic beach for sightseeing, relaxation, and jewelry finds; if you spend some time there, you are assured of finding some.

16. Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois

Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
Credit: wikipedia.com

Oak Street Beach is a large beach located at 1000 North lake shore drive in Chicago. This beach is one of the best beaches in the United States. It offers fascinating amenities, including volleyball rentals, restrooms, bike rentals, chair rentals, food and beverage choices, and fantastic city views.

The beach is surrounded by individuals who perform different activities like biking, jogging, rollerblading, etc. Oak Street hosts several volleyball players, both amateurs, and professionals, each year.

It is a great place to relax, feel nature’s beauty and watch or participate in a volleyball match. Head on to the beach this summer and enjoy!

17. Carlsmith Beach, Hilo, Hawaii

Carlsmith beach, Hilo, Hawaii
Credit: bigislandguide.com

Carlsmith Beach, also known as Four Miles, is a perfect place to swim and snorkel. Carlsmith Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States, with a non-sandy, grassy, tree-filled beach where neatly placed lawns are kept for you to rest your head in the sun or shadow.

It is a good place for water activities like swimming and snorkeling, especially when the water is calm. The swimming areas are protected by reefs making it a good snorkeling hotspot. There are lots of picnic tables placed on the beach. Most times, turtles would visit the beach.

With lifeguards daily, even on weekends and holidays. It is generally filled with individuals who partake in activities. Have fun and walks around the grassy areas. It is an ideal place to relax, snorkel, swim and lounge.

18. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Credit: thisisraleigh.com

Wrightsville Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States. It is famous for its clean, plenty, and scenic setting. It has a lot of amusements, restaurants, and shops for visitors and families to explore. It is located in New Hanover county, North Carolina, United States.

On most occasions, visitors are treated to fair, friendly foods, amusements, and fireworks displays. You can choose to partake in its activities or stay and feel the calm and salty breeze and watch the beauty of the sunset.

Carolina boardwalk is a must-view destination for anyone cruising along the coastline. It has the most classy and charming views you won’t miss. It has many local restaurants, seafood, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice creams in store for visitors, families, and children.

19. Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York

Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
Credit: thrillist.com

Rockaway Beach is the largest urban and one of the best beaches in the United States. It is also one of the best beaches in the United States. This beach is in the neighborhood of Rockaway Peninsula in the New York City boroughs of Queens, isolated from Manhattan and other Urban parts of the city. It is a perfect place to spend the summer days.

Visitors and families usually visit the beach because of its friendly vibes, pleasant atmosphere, and lively activities. Rockaway Beach offers swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and skateboarding during summer. You won’t also want the miss out on the lovely garnished sea foods.

This beach is a fantastic place to relax, enjoy lovely dishes, and ease the day’s stress. The bars are filled with lively and rocking patios. You’ll also find seasonal vendors selling pizzas, arepas, and Italian ice.

20. Crystal Lake, Barton, Vermont

Crystal Lake, Barton, Vermont
Credit: tripadvisor.com

Crystal Lake is a sand beach located at 96 Bellwater Avenue, off Wiloungby Lake road. It is approximately three miles long and has about one mile as its width. It is surrounded by silky white sand and picturesque settings.

Also, a large, historic granite bathhouse is made from rocks mined from nearby hills. The beach area has a Sandy shoreline with marked swimming areas and a cottage available for rentals.

Crystal Lake State Park invites visitors to swim, relax, fish, boat, and picnic. It has plenty of picnic tables, parking, large bathrooms, and boat rentals. An excellent place to picnic, spend the day off and view beautiful locations.

21. Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama

Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama
Credit: gulfshores.com

Gulf Shores Public Beach is a beach that is naturally decorated with silky white sand and cool water. It is one of the best beaches in the United States, with a lovely resort for visitors who seek to enjoy their stay, relax and see the beautiful scenic views of the beach.

It offers excellent swimming, volleyball, skateboarding, and boogie-boarding opportunities. It allows the sightseeing of fishermen, dolphins, and pelicans for a fee. It is close to a boardwalk, restaurants, and shops with easy access to parking. Take your time off to enjoy the beauty of the gulf shore public beach; you will love it.

Adventure awaits you!

The United States has the best beaches and serves visitors from all over the world. You probably have heard about them, so take your time to read about the astonishing facts that distinguish them from the rest. In this article, you will clearly understand the top 21 best beaches and how fascinating they are.

Having read about these fantastic sites, let us know which you will visit first. If you need to check out more cities in the United States with many beaches and attractions, you should see Boynton Beach and Lake Elsinore.

We would love to hear from you; leave a comment in the section below. Tell us how we can update this article, and please share it with others. Have fun on your trip!

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