A lot of Americans look abroad when seeking out the best beaches to travel to. Indeed, nearby destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean are renowned for various paradises, and a trip outside the U.S. carries a certain exotic quality. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some pretty incredible beaches within the States as well!
Five Of The Best Beaches In The US
If the idea of finding a world-class beach in the U.S. appeals to you, you’re in luck. There are actually a lot of wonderful options. Here are five of our favorites.
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are frequently featured on lists of America’s best beaches, and in recent years a lot of the attention has been paid to the relatively secluded Ocracoke Island. However, nearby Cape Hatteras is a terrific option as well, and was ranked fifth in Dr. Beach’s 2015 list of the top-10 U.S. beaches, which was published at CNN. This isn’t your typical white sand paradise, but rather an active beach known for surfing and fishing. It’s also a great place to get a taste of the past given the Outer Banks’ history with early American settlements and countless noteworthy shipwrecks.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay, in the Cape Arago State Park in Oregon, is also an atypical beach in terms of the traditional image of paradise. Yet, it’s just about impossible to visit and not appreciate the unique setting and natural beauty. Combining evergreen trees and grassy areas that stretch right down to the Pacific Ocean with a few sandy stretches, Coos Bay is all about nature. You can hike, kayak, go fishing, or even get a glimpse of wild sea lions or whales out in the water.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Here is your more typical ideal stretch of beach. Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, and though there are more secluded places to enjoy all over Hawaii, this might be the most enjoyable area. It’s known for beautiful blue-green water, festive crowds of beachgoers, and top-notch surfing. Incidentally, Lottoland did a write-up of the world’s 10 most romantic city destinations as part of a series of magazine articles aimed at those aspiring to lottery riches, and ranked Honolulu seventh. So not only is it fun, beautiful, and a ticket to learn surfing – Waikiki Beach is also the perfect romantic getaway.
East Beach, California
Located by Santa Barbara just a short distance north of Los Angeles, East Beach has secured the reputation of California’s best beach of late. Given its close proximity to some major cities it’s a surprisingly tranquil stretch. People visiting East Beach go simply to relax for the day on what’s sometimes called the “American Riviera,” enjoying traditional sandy beaches and great restaurant and drink locations side-by-side.
South Beach, Florida
As pointed out by Frommer’s, there are tons of great beaches in Florida, and even Miami alone. Indeed, aside from Hawaii, it’s probably the state best known for its seaside vacation destinations. And really, there’s something for everyone from beaches for romantic getaways, to party paradises, surfing and snorkeling, or pure relaxation. But South Beach in Miami still stands out because it’s really unlike any other place in the U.S. Buzzing with activity, packed with high-end stores and restaurants, and always crowded with beautiful people, South Beach somehow feels exclusive without actually being so. It’s a terrific spectacle, but also a lot of fun to hang around for a few days.
With a little research you may find that there are more famous beaches dotted around the U.S. than most typically recognize. But these five are some of the very best options.
These sound like awesome spots to go play in the sand and the surf! I have always wanted to visit Waikiki.
Goodness, I want to visit all of these! We’ve had a very cold winter. I just want the sun on my face and sand in my toes!
As a Florida girl – I have to concur – our beaches are the best! I’m heading to South Beach next month. 🙂
We love the kid’s beach in Maui, and we love Oceanside, even though it is a pretty popular beach, there are reasons we love it. My favorite beach is Culebra Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico! Looking forward to trying some of the beaches you mentioned.
The only beach out of that list I’ve been to is Waikiki, and that was 18 yrs ago! Sad, right? I’m SO ready to get to a sunny beach and dig my toes into the sand. One day…one day.
I have been to numerous beaches along both coasts, and for me, nothing beats Southern California beaches. There is almost a certain energy or vibe in the air that just makes my heart happy.
I have not bee to any of these beaches! I have been wanting to visit Cape Hatteras, North Carolinaas I’ve heard it is gorgeous. Definitely putting it on the bucket list.
Love this list of beaches!! I never would have thought to visit a beach in Oregon, we love to play in the sand at beaches.
These are some awesome recommendations. We may head to Cape Hatteras sometime soon. I’ve been out that way plenty of times.
My kids love going to the beach! Thanks for the recommendations!
I would love to go to any of these beaches. I’ve never been to any of them. Thanks for this list. I know my family would love to go to any of them.
I love to go to a nice beach and relax with my toes in the sand. My dream is to retire with a house on a beach. I have always wanted to go to Waikiki Beach.
These are all beautiful looking beaches. My favorite all time beach was Waikiki Beach. I would love to move to Hawaii and retire.
I am with you on that – except I want to move to Florida. We need some sun and palm trees. 🙂
I have not heard of several of these beaches. I am up for any beach in Hawaii!
I love that Cape Hatteras made it on this list! It was my vacation spot when I was growing up and then I lived on the Outer Banks for 7-8 years. Absolutely beautiful there!
I’m glad to see you included Coos Bay! That is soooo beautiful and unique! I’ve been there a couple of time and totally agree! That’s one of the most beautiful places in the world!
My husband and I love a good beach vacation. Like you said, I always think to go outside the US. However, we go to the Jersey shore for 1 week each summer and it is a great time… not as nice as any of these, but still sand and water 🙂
I have never been to the Jersey Shore. I will have to visit there one day myself.
South Beach? C’mon…it’s not a true ocean beach unless there’s a danger of shark or jellyfish bites.
This list needs Cocoa Beach in Florida: shark infested waters and rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral. Now that’s a beach!
Hahaha! I am sure there are a lot that are missing that other people will feel need to be added. I definitely could do without the potential shark and jellyfish dangers, though. 😀
Great list and with reading your descriptions each of them have their uniqueness. Have been only to one of them, which was Waikiki. Only for a day on a stopover to New Zealand 27 years ago. One day I shall return for a longer visit.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂