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.

Where Are The Best Beaches That You Have Been To?