There are so many beaches in the United States, that it is hard to choose just a few.
Proponents of the East Coast and their counterparts in the West make impassioned arguments about the supremacy of their respective shores. We won’t attempt to take sides on that debate, instead, we’ve compiled a list with both Atlantic- and Pacific-side getaways.
With such a broad spectrum of appeals and styles, it was inevitable that some great beaches didn’t make the cut. However, the collection curated in our final list provides a suitable summary of which ones are considered the best. We’ve gathered some information that will help you narrow your choices down.
Wailea Beach
The crescent-shaped Wailea Beach is situated on the south coast of Maui. It is protected by black lava points and offers great views of neighboring islands. This beach is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
There are five hotels and stately private homes in Wailea. These include the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, Mana Kai Resort, and Wailea Elua Village. They provide beach chairs and umbrellas for their guests.
In the early 2000s, the beach was ranked the best in the world. One of the biggest reasons for this is its spectacular views. The area is also known for its fine sand and warm water.
Another reason why Wailea is one of the best beaches is because of its resort vibe. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and world-class spas. And it’s easy to access. You can park at the Wailea Beach Resort for free, and you can enjoy the paved walking path behind the beach.
If you want to get closer to the water, you can take the Wailea Beach Walk, which stretches for a mile and a half. Several of the beaches along the walk are public. Some of these beaches offer restrooms, lifeguards, and picnic tables.
Siesta Key Beach
The sand at Siesta Key is some of the finest in the world. It’s washed by warm Gulf of Mexico waters and is covered with hundreds of yards of powdery white quartz sand.
While there are many beaches on the island, Siesta Key Beach is the most popular. It’s a great place to visit with family and friends, and it is also popular for its beach bars and laid back atmosphere.
Another great thing about Siesta Key Beach is that it has a variety of things to do. It has volleyball courts, concession stands, and a playground. You can also rent a boat to explore the waters. There are numerous activities to try, including boogie boarding and jet skiing.
One of the most popular attractions at Siesta Key is the Point of Rocks. This is the area of the island that is home to a huge limestone shelf that is filled with colorful coral formations and local marine life.
Another must do at Siesta Key is to check out the Drum Circle. It is held every Sunday before sunset. Visitors can watch this ritual with family and friends.
Another thing to do is to go snorkeling at the Point of Rocks. This is a great spot for beginners and experts alike.
Cape Cod Beach
Cape Cod Beach has a lot of fun activities to keep visitors busy. These include swimming, surfing, and spotting marine animals. The area also has a good selection of historic lighthouses and ponds. It’s also home to quaint fishing villages and seafood shacks.
For beach buffs, it’s no surprise that the area is a favorite summer destination. This quintessential New England spot is a hook-shaped peninsula with nearly 560 miles of beautiful, sun-drenched coastline.
Although the beaches of Cape Cod vary from one town to the next, there are some standouts that are particularly noteworthy. Some of them have been rated as the best in America.
One of the most famous Cape Cod beaches is the Coast Guard Beach. Often referred to as one of the top 10 beaches in America, this popular stretch of sand is made up of sand bars that run offshore. The water is chilly, though, so be careful if you’re accustomed to warmer surf.
Another notable beach is Craigville Beach, which is found in the Nantucket Sound. It’s a great choice for college students or teenagers, as it offers a wide, sandy beach and rentals.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, check out Truro Beach. It’s not as crowded as other Cape Cod beaches, and is known for its grass-covered dunes.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach is one of the top beaches in the Florida Keys. This state park features a mile-long crescent-shaped beach, herring gulls, and a few other amenities. You’ll also find saltwater coves and wooded areas.
If you’re looking for a beach that isn’t touristy, Crescent Beach is the place to be. Located on Anastasia Island, Crescent Beach is an unspoiled natural wonder. It is home to a handful of local restaurants and offers plenty of opportunities to relax by the water.
As you’d expect, Crescent Beach isn’t for everyone. This is a quiet stretch of sand, but it’s also a great place to enjoy water sports and bike.
In addition to the beach, you’ll find a handful of great local shops and restaurants. The Crescent Beach Bar and Grill, for instance, serves up juicy burgers and fresh-caught fish sandwiches. Another option is the Safe Harbor Seafood. These eateries offer a beachy ambiance and a shaded outdoor courtyard.
For a more active experience, you can go horseback riding or try your hand at beach volleyball. There are also trails for walkers to enjoy.
If you’re a scuba fan, you can’t miss the Point of Rocks at the south end of Crescent Beach. It is a great snorkeling spot with lots of colorful marine life.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the United States. It is a popular vacation destination for families and couples (and a trendy place to buy a home. Aside from the beach itself, there are also other attractions to enjoy. Located in South Carolina, the town is a wonderful place to visit.
Myrtle Beach’s attractions include the Boardwalk at the Beach and Oceanfront Promenade. The boardwalk features souvenir shops and nightly live entertainment.
The city is home to many restaurants and hotels. Those who want to do some shopping can head to Tanger Outlets, which is located in the city.
The best time to visit the area is in the early fall. In summer, the temperatures range from 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. While there are many activities available, Myrtle Beach is especially appealing to those who enjoy water sports. This beach is known for its warm weather, which makes it an ideal location for sunbathing and recreation.
Some of the attractions in the area include the Myrtle Beach Ferris Wheel, the SkyWheel, and the Alligator Adventure. Also, Myrtle Beach’s Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum is a fun attraction for kids.
If you love music, the town’s beaches offer concerts and other events all year round. You can also go on a deep sea fishing trip or kayak tour.
Ocean City, Maryland
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, then you’ll want to consider visiting Ocean City, Maryland. This town offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With its three-mile boardwalk, 10 miles of white sand beaches, and plenty of shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find your dream vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of accommodations to fit your budget.
Some of the most popular attractions in Ocean City are the boardwalk, the Life-Saving Station Museum, and the fishing pier. The museum, which is open to the public, contains a collection of nautical artifacts.
Another activity that can be found in Ocean City is surfing. Surfers can choose from two beaches, depending on the weather. In the winter, the land offshore produces some of the largest waves on the east coast. Those who aren’t keen on surfing should head to one of the bay-facing sections, where the water is gentler.
In addition to the beach, you can enjoy the ocean side dining, deep-water fishing boat charters, and romantic catamaran cruises. It’s also a great place for families to have fun.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is a long sandy beach with a lifeguard tower and plenty of activities. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and kayaking. There are also plenty of restrooms, showers, volleyball courts, and a playground. A few fire pits are also available at this location.
During the summer, La Jolla Shores is often crowded. The parking lot can become full, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. You can drive or take public transportation. If you are on foot, use the paved pedestrian walkway to access the beach.
La Jolla Shores is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s also a great place to take a kite flying lesson.
Visitors can also enjoy a pier tour or a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This aquarium offers guided tours and is the official public outreach center of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
You can also check out La Jolla’s Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, a 600-acre underwater sanctuary that houses two artificial reefs. In addition, you can go scuba diving with SD Expeditions. During low tides, you can also explore the tide pools.
The beach is a favorite for locals and visitors. You can also find a beachfront boat launch at La Jolla Shores.
Did your favorite beach make the cut? Find a couple of new places to add to your list? We hope you found this list of the coolest beaches in the US to be entertaining and insightful. If you’re interested in even more beach destinations, check out our post about the best beaches in Europe.
There’s always somewhere new to travel!