The Best Beaches in the US: 25 Destinations Worth the Trip

Few things are more delightful than a good old trip to the beach—and the U.S. has some truly beautiful beaches to do just that. Whether you're into the adventurous, carpe diem, thrilling type of trip that features parasailing, surfing, and snorkeling, or the "get away from it all" retreat that involves a beach chair, toes in the sand, and a fruity drink, there's a beach well-suited for just about anyone's vacation preferences right here in the country.

From coast to coast, and some places in between, these 25 best beaches in the U.S. are all superlative places that offer much more than just sun and sand, and will absolutely inspire plans for your next beach holiday.

Best Beaches in the US: East Coast

The best East Coast beaches in the US are as varied as the coastline itself. You'll find everything here from the windswept dunes and pirate history of the Outer Banks to the Victorian-era charm of Cape May, the boardwalk nostalgia of Ocean City, and the understated elegance of Kennebunkport. Atlantic beaches tend to be wilder than their West Coast counterparts — more texture, more character, more reason to stay for a few days rather than just an afternoon. If you haven't explored this stretch of coastline from Maine to Florida, these nine picks are a good place to start.

1. Montauk Point State Park, New York (where rugged lighthouse country meets the Hamptons)

• Address: Montauk Point State Pkwy, Montauk, NY 11954
• Recreation Opportunities: Fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, windsurfing
• Where to Stay Nearby: Waterfront cottage above Fort Pond

The juxtaposition of rugged, weather-worn lighthouses and million-dollar mansions is unique to The Hamptons, a beautiful dissonance that defines the area. While many of the Hamptons' beaches can be prone to crowds, Southampton's Coopers Beach has some of the most serene, pristine shorelines on the island, offering a quiet and relaxing retreat for vacationers. This is one of the most beautiful New York beaches. And don't forget to check out the oldest lighthouse in New York, located within Montauk Point State Park.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina (12 miles of beach, zero tourist-trap energy)

• Address: Hilton Head Island, SC
• Recreation Opportunities: Kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing
• Where to Stay Nearby: Oceanview condo just steps from the ocean

There's a reason Hilton Head is such a top U.S. vacation destination, and that's because this South Carolina island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. From the moment you drive over the iconic James F. Byrnes Bridge into Hilton Head, you'll truly be on island time. This well-planned island boasts 12 miles of beaches and is divided into 11 primary locales, each with its own restaurants, shopping, recreation, and beach access. Nothing about Hilton Head feels commercial or touristy, either, as the main attraction here truly is the beach. And with a near-endless expanse of picturesque shoreline, you're sure to have the ultimate beach vacation at Hilton Head Island.

3. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina (the Outer Banks beach that Blackbeard called home)

• Address: Ocracoke, NC
• Recreation Opportunities: Fishing, water sports, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding
• Where to Stay Nearby: Waterfront cottage in Ocracoke

Of all the North Carolina beaches, Ocracoke Island is constantly ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S., and it's not difficult to see why. This beach in The Outer Banks is unique for myriad reasons, including its historical significance as the home of the infamous Blackbeard. As with most beaches in OBX, Ocracoke is more dunes and high tides than calm, pristine coastline, but there is a lot to be said for its rugged handsomeness. In fact, the choppy tides and uneven terrain make way for some of the best beachcombing in the country, a veritable treasure hunt that would make Blackbeard proud.

4. Virginia Beach, Virginia (35 miles of shore and a horseback ride you'll never forget)

• Address: Virginia Beach, VA
• Recreation Opportunities: Surfing, swimming, walking along the boardwalk
• Where to Stay Nearby: Courtyard Cottage Airbnb

Virginia's eponymous beach is proof that you'll find some of the country's best beaches along the Eastern Seaboard. A beautiful coastal retreat with distinct New England ruggedness, Virginia Beach boasts 35 miles of scenic, sandy shores. There are many ways to enjoy Virginia Beach, but if you're looking for an adventure that's bucket-list worthy, opt for a horseback ride. During these guided tours, the horses trot right along the incoming tide, for what will surely be one of the most magical experiences of your life.

5. Rosemary Beach, Florida (the Florida Panhandle beach that feels like the Caribbean)

• Address: Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
• Recreation Opportunities: Biking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, beach bonfires
• Where to Stay Nearby: Village of SoWal Studio Condo

If the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Caribbean are beckoning, leave the passport at home and head to Rosemary Beach, a lesser-known locale along the Florida panhandle. You'll be on official "island time" once you set foot on this beautiful beach, which boasts shimmering blue waters and white quartz sand. Rosemary Beach, however, really is the sum of its parts; in addition to its brilliant shoreline, the eponymous town features charming old architecture, stone sidewalks, and delightful restaurants. It's so quaint that a visit to this Florida beach really is a true vacation.

6. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida (ferry-only access, turquoise water, zero crowds)

• Address: Caladesi Island, Dunedin, FL 33767
• Recreation Opportunities: Swimming, kayaking
• Where to Stay Nearby: Tropical paradise apartment with garden view

Florida's Caladesi Island (which was once recognized as one of the Best Beaches in the U.S.) is the very definition of an escape. Accessible by ferry or boat only, this Florida inlet features soft, white quartz sand, captivating turquoise waters, and near-perfect coastal panoramas. The ultimate place to unwind and "get away from it all," Caladesi Island also offers amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation, including a kayak trail that runs straight through the Florida mangroves and offers unrivaled wildlife watching. Caladesi Island is completely unlike anything you'd expect from a Florida beach, in the best possible way.

7. Cape May, New Jersey (America's original seaside resort, and a National Historic Landmark)

• Address: Cape May, NJ 08204
• Recreation Opportunities: Swimming, whale watching, beach combing, kayaking, biking
• Where to Stay Nearby: Grand Hotel Cape May

One of the best beaches on the Mid-Atlantic coast, Cape May is a postcard-perfect place to kick back and enjoy a good, old-fashioned vacation. An island comprised of several small regions, the beaches of Cape May are all beautiful and family-friendly, with most easily walkable to charming accommodations, attractions, and dining venues in town. Affectionally referred to as "America's Original Seaside Resort," the town of Cape May is itself noteworthy, too; it's a designated National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of well-preserved Victorian buildings. In fact, the town's Congress Hall opened in 1816 as the first seaside resort in the country. Today, this historic hotel offers vacationers a unique and charming place to stay in Cape May, one of the best New Jersey beaches.

8. Ocean City Beach, Maryland (classic boardwalk, Ferris wheel, 10 miles of open shore)

• Address: Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, MD 21842
• Recreation Opportunities: Swimming, boardwalk, amusement park
• Where to Stay Nearby: Bay Club Resort

With 10 miles of spectacular shoreline, a public promenade, and a beautiful boardwalk (that has its very own Ferris wheel), Ocean City Beach offers visitors a classic beach experience. You'll feel like a true vacationer while at Ocean City Beach, as its endless shores and nostalgic seaside attractions are delightfully postcard-perfect. The open, sandy shore is perfect for enjoying old-fashioned beach activities like volleyball or picnicking. And if your perfect beach day begins with an immense, inspiring sunrise, this Maryland beach is definitely for you.

9. Goose Rocks Beach, Maine (four miles of quiet sand in the most New England town imaginable)

• Address: Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
• Recreation Opportunities: Walking, sunbathing, swimming
• Where to Stay Nearby: Renovated beach cottage

Goose Rocks Beach is pure, unadulterated New England and one of the most beautiful Maine beaches. With its craggy coastline, quiet atmosphere, and winsome architecture, Kennebunkport, Maine, is as postcard-perfect as it gets. This region is home to some of Maine's most scenic shoreline, with nearly four miles of beaches from which to choose. Goose Rocks is Kennebunkport's largest stretch of shoreline, a protected area featuring wide-open spaces and wonderfully soft sand. It's the best place for spending a relaxing day reading a book, toes buried in the sand, waves sonorously splashing in the background. If you're feeling ambitious, wander into Kennebunkport; this charming coastal town is home to incredible seafood restaurants and classic Old Maine architecture.

Best Beaches in the US: West Coast

The best West Coast beaches in the US don't look like their East Coast counterparts, and that's exactly the point. Dramatic cliffsides, rocky sea stacks, massive Pacific swells, and water too cold to swim in half the year — the West Coast beach experience is more about watching the ocean than getting in it, though Hawaii is a notable exception. From the moody surf town energy of Half Moon Bay to the crystal-clear snorkeling at La Jolla to the tropical calm of Hapuna Beach on the Big Island, the West Coast delivers four wildly different beach personalities across three states.

10. Half Moon Bay, California (a string of beaches just south of San Francisco worth the detour)

• Address: Half Moon Bay, CA
• Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, biking, paddle boarding, surfing, walking
• Where to Stay Nearby: Oceanview penthouse

If you're looking for a postcard-perfect coastal experience, head to Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County. This winsome town is located just south of San Francisco, and it's famous for its eponymous beach, which is so expansive that it's actually divided into several smaller beaches. In Half Moon Bay, Dunes Beach at the northern end and Francis Beach at the southern end are both must-visit shores. For the most sweeping beach views, pack your hiking shoes and head to the California Coastal Trail.

11. La Jolla Beach, California (clear-to-the-bottom water, great snorkeling, and legendary sunsets)

• Address: La Jolla Shores, San Diego, CA 92037
• Recreation Opportunities: Scuba diving, kayaking
• Where to Stay Nearby: Cormorant Boutique Hotel

If it's a laid-back, technicolor Beach Boys California you're seeking, La Jolla Beach is the destination for you. Known for its breathtaking blue waters, La Jolla Beach is a dazzling California gem. The waters at this beach are so clear that you can see to the bottom of the ocean floor, which makes for amazing snorkeling. You'll want to stay as the sun goes down, as the sunsets at La Jolla Beach are downright glorious. The sky is ethereal as the sun dips behind the ocean, and the experience will truly fill your soul. Plus, it's close to other Southern California cities and attractions.

12. Harris Beach, Oregon (tide pools, sea stacks, and wildlife at the southern Oregon coast)

• Address: Harris Beach, Brookings, OR 97415
• Recreation Opportunities: Tide pooling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping
• Where to Stay Nearby: Luxury cliff vacation home

Sea stacks and tide pools, verdant green foliage, and dunes—that's the Oregon Coast. And while most of Oregon's beaches are a bit more rugged, Harris Beach is a delightful anomaly, with a soft, sandy shoreline and cerulean blue waters. Swimming, hiking, and biking are popular activities at this under-the-radar beach. Abundant wildlife, including migrating whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions, only adds to its charms. The camping at Harris Beach is also spectacular—fully-equipped campgrounds for RVs, tents, and even a few yurts are located a quarter-mile from the beach—offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in pure, PNW splendor.

13. Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii (the Big Island's best swimming beach, by a wide margin)

• Address: Hapuna Beach, Hawaii 96743
• Recreation Opportunities: Snorkeling, fishing, swimming, hiking
• Where to Stay Nearby: The Surf House in Waimea

Named the Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2021, Hāpuna Beach is the very definition of paradise. It's a 61.8-acre oasis with a gorgeous stretch of white shoreline and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, bodysurfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Hāpuna Beach State Park is also part of a sweeping sea change that's happening in Hawaii: to protect and preserve its pristine shores, the state has banned the sale of all SPF sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, and smoking is prohibited on all Hawaii beaches. Small steps can effect big change, and Hāpuna Beach State Park is certainly a treasure worth preserving and one of the best beaches in Hawaii.

Best Lake Beaches in the U.S.

The best lake beaches in the US tend to be the ones people outside the region don't know about yet. No saltwater, often no crowds, and in several cases water so clear it barely looks real. The six picks here span the Southwest desert (Lake Powell, Lake Havasu), the Hill Country of Texas, the Great Lakes, and the Sierra Nevada, which means the experience shifts dramatically depending on which one you visit. If you've never considered a lake beach as a legitimate beach vacation, Schoolhouse Beach in Wisconsin or Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe will change your mind quickly.

14. Lake Travis, Texas (Austin's go-to lake beach, with clear water and Hill Country views)

• Address: Lake Travis, Texas
• Recreation Opportunities: Boating, kayaking, water park
• Where to Stay Nearby: Lakefront Sunsets | Family Getaway | Fire Pit

Lake Travis looks like something you'd see in Hawaii, not the middle of Texas. This pristine lake offers Texans the opportunity for a beach day that rivals any of its coastal counterparts. Technically a reservoir, with 30 square miles of surface area, Lake Travis has the largest storage capacity of the seven reservoirs known as the Highland Lakes, and it feels oceanic. A popular place for outdoor recreation (Lake Travis is home to the largest zipline in Texas), the sunsets here are positively perfect and best enjoyed over a relaxed dinner at The Oasis. This is sure to become one of your favorite Texas beaches!

15. Schoolhouse Beach, Washington Island, Wisconsin (one of only five limestone pebble beaches in the world)

• Address: 1824 Washington Harbor Rd, Washington, WI 54246
• Recreation Opportunities: Sunbathing, picnicking, swimming
• Where to Stay Nearby: Water's Edge Cottage

In Wisconsin, there's a beach that's superlative in every way. Schoolhouse Beach is an oasis and one of the most gorgeous Wisconsin beaches that will take your breath away. A geological wonder, Schoolhouse Beach has a white shoreline, but no sand. Instead, the shore is covered in a layer of white limestone rocks that have literally been there for hundreds of thousands of years. The pebbles are silky smooth, having been buffed by millennia of waves and glacial movement. These rocks are so treasured, in fact, that there's a federal law prohibiting their removal from this beautiful Lake Michigan beach.

16. Iona's Beach, Minnesota (the Lake Superior shore that hums when the waves roll in)

• Address: 3548 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
• Recreation Opportunities: Walking, birdwatching
• Where to Stay Nearby: Waterfront Lake Superior Cabin: Fire Pit & More!

It should come as no surprise that there are some truly spectacular beaches in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but the lesser-known Iona’s Beach on Minnesota’s North Shore is something special. Unlike some of the expansive white sand shores on this list, the terrain here is pink and pebbled, and as it is located within a designated Scientific and Natural Area, it’s one of the best-protected beaches on Lake Superior in Lake County. The color of the smoothly-worn stones isn’t the only impressive feature at this peaceful beach—when the waves hit the pebbles, they make a musical tinkling sound that has led to the nickname "the Singing Beach."

17. Windsor Beach, Lake Havasu City, Arizona (a desert lake beach beside the actual London Bridge)

• Address: Lake Havasu City, AZ
• Recreation Opportunities: Camping, hiking, fishing, boating, swimming
• Where to Stay Nearby: Lake Front Water Access Home on the Island

Out to prove that Arizona is more than just desert, Lake Havasu is an absolute oasis that you might not expect to find in the landlocked Southwest. The fine, white sand (imported from nearby Nevada) and copious palm trees on Windsor Beach would look right at home on any tropical island, but it’s beckoning you to explore the Grand Canyon State beyond its world-renowned natural wonder. It's one of the best Arizona beaches. Once you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun on Lake Havasu’s stunning shores, dive right into the refreshing lake or consider renting a boat to take part in the endless options for exciting water sports. While you’re in Lake Havasu City, make sure to visit the real London Bridge, which was imported from England in 1968.

18. Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah (canyon walls, turquoise water, and beaches carved by nature)

• Address: Lake Powell, AZ 86040
• Recreation Opportunities: Boating, rafting, camping, paddle boarding
• Where to Stay Nearby: Your Southwest Hub for AZ and Utah

As the second-largest reservoir in the U.S., you better believe that Lake Powell offers some truly beautiful beaches. The lake itself is one of the most pristine in the Southwest, created as a result of damming the Colorado River and straddling the border between Arizona and Utah. Sandy shores rim much of the reservoir, providing plenty of options when you visit. Lone Rock Beach is a particularly laid-back spot for swimming and camping, while Wahweap Beach provides stunning views while you kick back and relax. For the ultimate Lake Powell experience, consider renting a houseboat and spending a few days on the water to explore the copious canyons and seemingly endless selection of sandy nooks reachable only via boat. You’ll likely find a spot that you can enjoy all to yourself!

19. Sand Harbor State Park, Nevada (Lake Tahoe's clearest water and most photogenic shoreline)

• Address: 2005 NV-28, Incline Village, NV 89452
• Recreation Opportunities: Swimming, kayaking, scuba diving
• Where to Stay Nearby: Creekside Cabin 3Bdr King Beds Arcade

Nevada's Lake Tahoe is an American treasure, and Sand Harbor State Park is its crown jewel. The beach here is stunning; the white sand shores and turquoise waters look like something you'd find in the Caribbean. But Sand Harbor State Park is better, because it's nestled in one of the most pristine and picture-perfect places in the U.S. Lake Tahoe is the ultimate vacation for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the best hiking, camping, and recreation in the country. There's even a three-mile pedestrian bike path that will take you right up to Sand Harbor's stunning shores, for the perfect Lake Tahoe experience.

Best National Park Beaches in the U.S.

The best National Park beaches in the US come with something most beaches don't: a reason to stay longer than a day. Whether it's the multicolored pebble shore at Glacier, the towering dunes at Indiana Dunes, the wild driftwood coast at Olympic, or the boat-only access to the remote waters off Dry Tortugas, these beaches sit inside some of the most remarkable protected land in the country. Most require a park pass or entry fee, and some — looking at you, Dry Tortugas — require genuine planning. They're worth it.

20. Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, Montana (multicolored pebble beach beneath the Going-to-the-Sun Road)

• Address: Lake McDonald, Montana 59936
• Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, boating, picnicking
• Where to Stay Nearby: West Glacier Home w/Majestic Mountain Views

Montana's Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park, and it offers a beach experience that's truly unlike any other in the world. Known for its pebbly waters and scenic surroundings, this idyllic lake is also the perfect place to dip your toes and unwind in the majestic Montana nature-scape. Because of the park's year-round low temperatures, the waters of Lake McDonald are incredibly clear and also quite cold. But if you can brave the chill, Lake McDonald's crystal-clear waters and prismatic pebble beaches are sure to take your breath away. It's one of the most stunning Montana beaches and lakes.

21. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana (a beach with a skyline view that surprises everyone)

• Address: Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter, IN 46304
• Recreation Opportunities: Hiking, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, picnicking
• Where to Stay Nearby: Modern Indiana Beach Home Near Lake Michigan

Indiana Dunes is one of the Midwest's greatest secrets. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park features more than 2,000 acres of gorgeous beaches, dazzling coastal vistas, and a hilly, sandy terrain that's tailor-made for unique outdoor recreation. While renting dune buggies is certainly on most adventure seekers' Indiana Dunes bucket list, the stargazing here is also phenomenal, and might actually be the park's biggest draw. With some of the darkest skies in the Midwest, distant stars and galaxies are often visible above the rolling dunes and lulling waters of this national park, making for a wondrous, life-affirming experience.

22. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington (driftwood, sea stacks, and wild Pacific coast energy)

• Address: Ruby Beach, Washington 98331
• Recreation Opportunities: Tide pooling, camping, birdwatching
• Where to Stay Nearby: Twilight A-Frame in Forks With Sauna & Hot Tub

Ruby Beach is one of the greatest treasures of the Pacific Northwest and one of the most beautiful Washington Beaches. Here, the craggy coastline of Olympic National Park is on full display, making the sunset vistas that much more sublime. A classic PNW beach, Ruby Beach is marked with dramatic sea stacks, abundant driftwood, and rocky shores. This postcard-perfect sea setting makes Ruby Beach one of the most popular places in the park—which is saying something, because Olympic National Park is home to some of the most wondrous places on the planet!

23. Marconi Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts (protected dune cliffs and some of the East Coast's best surf)

• Address: Marconi Beach, Wellfleet, MA
• Recreation Opportunities: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, beach bonfires (by permit only)
• Where to Stay Nearby: Wellfleet Woods Escape

Located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, the sweeping dunes and pristine sands of Marconi Beach in Wellfleet make it one of the best Massachusetts beaches. During the daytime in the summer, a lifeguard is on duty. This is also an amazing beach to go stargazing at night. You can also inquire with the Cape Cod National Seashore about obtaining a beach bonfire permit, which will make a summer night all the better. Whether you stay right on the water or in the lush woods close by, you're in for a treat.

24. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas (the longest undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world)

• Address: Padre Island, Texas
• Recreation Opportunities: Beachcombing, swimming
• Where to Stay Nearby: Sunrise Retreat on South Padre Island

Padre Island National Seashore is a barrier island off the coast of South Texas that offers some of the best beachcombing in the state. You'll find seashells, sea beans, driftwood, and other surprises. When the weather is warm, take a dip in the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No matter the time of year, this is a great place to pull up your truck or RV trailer and camp out for the evening. If you're not into roughing it on the seashore, visiting a nearby boutique hotel or cottage also provides an amazing experience.

25. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida (boat-or-seaplane-only access to one of the most remote beaches in the US)

• Address: Key West, FL
• Recreation Opportunities: Snorkeling, swimming, and camping
• Where to Stay Nearby: Pilar House

Dry Tortugas National Park is home to one of the best Florida beaches. But it's quite remote and can only be reached by boat or seaplane. Located 70 miles from Key West, a day trip will reward you with unspoiled natural beauty, a pristine beach, and some of the most jaw-dropping views in the state. It's one of the most hidden gem beaches in the U.S., but well worth the visit for the scenery.

While some of these beautiful beaches may challenge your very conception of a beach, the fact remains that all of these places make for incredible waterside retreats. Craggy coastlines, pebbly sands, waters in every blue and aquamarine hue, horizons dotted with sea stacks and lighthouses—you'll find all of these things at America's beaches. Don't be limited by definitions; be open to expanding your horizons. Because that's when you'll discover some of the most spectacular places in the entire country.

Ready to start planning your beach getaway? Only In Your State's itinerary planner can help you find all the best lodging, dining, and sightseeing options near the beach of your choice, guaranteeing you a once-in-a-lifetime trip.