25 Best Beaches in The US: Activities & Accommodations
The US boasts a massive seascape, showcasing stunning destinations with emerald shores that have been among the best beaches in the US and a favourite among tourists for decades.
You can delve into the natural beauty of the Pacific Coast, top-notch restaurants and hotels, massive theme parks, and charming white shores.
Thriving nightlife, live music events, serene tropical shores, picturesque vacations, and romantic escapes, the US offers everything you need for an ideal vacation.
Dig in to explore some of the best beaches in the US that you need to visit!
1. Siesta Key
It is famous for its golden beaches, nearby shops and cosy cafés. Siesta Key village boasts tennis courts, shallow waters and a playground.
The 8-mile-long coast is a widely popular spot for hangouts. Relax on the Crescent Beach and enjoy the stunning view.
- Location: Florida
- Accommodation: Siesta Key Palms Resort, Siesta Key Beachside Villas, Tropical Breeze Resort
- Best time to visit: July to October
- Exciting activities: clear kayak, dolphin boat tour, bike tour, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, snorkelling, parasailing
2. Ocean City
Ocean City is a resort town between the Atlantic Ocean and White Bay in the States of America, with long miles of beach and a wooden boardwalk packed with restaurants, luxurious hotels and shops.
Trimper’s Ride has theme parks, widely visited by tourists for decades. A fusion of vibrant culture, energetic vibe, family-friendly atmosphere, and comfort is the ideal place for a getaway to the best beaches in the US.
- Location: Maryland
- Accommodation: Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel, Aloft Ocean City
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Exciting activities: Trimper Rides of Ocean City, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City Broadwalk. Sea rocket, banana boat, parasailing, Northside Park
3. Poipu Beach
It is famously known as the best beaches in the US and is often visited on weekends and is the favourite spot for picnics, games, sports, activities, and an opportunity to explore authentic Hawaiian culture.
The beach has a crescent shape and offers turquoise lagoons, and you can occasionally spot Hawaiian seals, tropical wildlife, giant turtles adventurous sports and beautiful sunsets.
- Location: Kauai, Hawaii
- Accommodation: Koʻa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
- Best time to visit: April-May or September-October
- Exciting activities: Waimea Canyon tour, bike tour, FUV Adventure
4. Miami
Miami offers North Beach, a residential area with kid-friendly beaches, and a calm greenspace of Oceanside Park.
South Shore is a hub of thriving nightlife, a fusion of cultures, expensive stores, fine-dine restaurants, dance-in nightclubs, luxurious hotels and tranquil poolside at the art deco-style hotels while sipping cocktails and rooftop bars.
- Location: Florida
- Accommodation: Hilton Miami Downtown, The Gabriel Miami Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, Miami
- Best time to visit: December-May
- Exciting activities: Open bus tour, cruise, eagles air tour, Safari Park, ATV Tour,
5. Coronado Beach
Hotel del Coronado is an Iconic spot, featured in the 1958 film “Some Like It Hot,” by Marilyn Monroe, is one of the best beaches in the US and a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or adventurous family picnic.
The vast golden beaches sparkle, as they contain the mineral mica. This beach is pet-friendly and frequently visited by locals and sports lovers.
- Location: San Diego
- Accommodation: Hotel del Coronado, Shore House at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton, Beach Village at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Exciting activities: Sunbathing, surfing, electric GoCar tour
6. Destin
Destine was a quiet village until a bridge was built to connect the skinny peninsula with Florida’s mainland.
It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has numerous exquisite white beaches, and sparkling blue waters, and often known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.
It offers golf courses, lip-smacking seafood, fishing activities and incredible scenic views.
- Location: Florida
- Accommodation: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
- Best time to visit: May-October
- Exciting activities: Dolphin cruise, theme parks, aquariums
7. Pfeiffer Beach
This tranquil beach is famed for its purple sands, huge rocks, and scenic views with an entree fee.
It offers vast shorelines, tropical forests and rock formations covered in vegetation. The Pfeiffer Keyhole Rock is the main attraction, the best time is to spot the sunset to capture the sun brightly shining through the keyhole.
$10 per vehicle is the entrance fee to visit Pfeiffer Beach and is only open from 9 am to 8 pm.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Carmel Mission Inn, Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa, Alila Ventana Big Sur
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Exciting activities: sunset, family picnic, Andrew Molera State Park
8. Blue Beach (La Chiva), Vieques
During the navy’s visit to this island, this beach was named the Blue Beach, the ocean is pure perfection.
The initial shades of La Chiva are blues and later ones are turquoise. Explore the island and its untouched beautiful shores, lush vegetation and wildlife.
- Location: Puerto Rico
- Accommodation: Las Casitas Village At El Conquistador Resort, Bravo Beach Hotel, Casa de Tortuga
- Best time to visit: April-June
- Exciting activities: snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing
9. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
McWay Falls, falling 80 feet down a cliff into the Pacific Ocean, is one of the park’s major attractions.
The park is a widely visited destination for hiking and scuba diving, and it also boasts 300-foot redwoods that are over 2,500 years old.
The rocky hills around the isolated beach are covered in cypress trees, bushes, and wildflowers. You can explore whale watching season from December to January.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Big Sur Lodge, Glen Oaks Big Sur, Big Sur River Inn
- Best time to visit: March-May
- Exciting activities: Hiking, waterfall, marine wildlife, Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary
10. Carmel-by-the-Sea
This seaside city is on the Monterey Peninsula in California and is well known for its dreamlike cottage galleries of its village core, as well as the museums and library of the Ancient Carmel Mission.
Enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience throughout the year by spending days in a fancy village with fairy-tale-themed cottages, white sand beaches, boutique stores, wine tasting, art galleries, creative restaurants, and exquisite scenery.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: L’Auberge Carmel, Carmel Beach Hotel, La Playa Hotel
- Best time to visit: September-November
- Exciting activities: wine tasting, historic Carmel Mansion, China Cove, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel Beach
11. Malibu
It is famous for its vast Zuma Beach and celebrity residences and is widely known for iconic movies in Hollywood.
Malibu is beautiful as well as picturesque, located in the North of Los Angeles. It offers numerous exotic beaches and an adventurous community of surfers known as “Bu”.
It’s one of the best beaches in the US for retreat due to its beautiful coastline and mild environment. Make sure to explore the city’s museums and colonial homes, or just relax and cool off on pristine shores.
- Location: Los Angeles, California.
- Accommodation: Hotel June Malibu, Malibu Beach Inn, The Surfrider Hotel
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Exciting activities: Vineyard tour, Malibu Waterfall. Helicopter Tour, Tandem paragliding
12. Laguna Beach
Laguna Ocean Side is a little beachfront city in Orange Province, California. It’s known for its numerous galleries, exhibitions, bays and sea shores.
Main Ocean side attractions are the tide pools and a promenade, The waters off Crystal State Park are assigned as mosaic.
Delve yourself into exploring the vast open doors to experience in seven miles of hidden coves massive canyons, and sandy sea shores and romantic getaways.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, Montage Laguna Beach, Casa Loma Beach Hotel
- Best time to visit: April-May or September-October
- Exciting activities: BBQ, wine gallery, cultural art centre, whale watching, dolphin cruise, private air tour, Laguna Art Museum
13. Clearwater Beach
It is renowned for its unique strip of fine, white sands that attracts tourists throughout the year for its tranquil waters, which are ideal for jet skiing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding and other water sports.
Along a meandering promenade by the ocean, cyclists, and rollerbladers ride and tourists stroll along casual restaurants and cafés serving seafood.
Pier 60 holds a thriving nightly event at dusk that features street entertainers and craft vendors.
- Location: Florida
- Accommodation: Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Opal Sands Resort, Clearwater Beach Hotel
- Best time to visit: October-December
- Exciting activities: Dolphin cruise, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, party buffet cruise, Tiki boat, Sailing cruise
14. Hanalei Bay
This is the biggest bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The largest harbour on Kauai’s north shore, this crescent-shaped bay boasts breathtaking scenic views and exquisite beaches.
Enjoy till dusk to catch astonishing views of Mount Makana. This vast coastline offers a stunning view and a tranquil atmosphere, with its golden sands stretching beneath swaying palm trees and bordered by lush mountains.
- Location: Hawaii
- Accommodation: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Bay Resort, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- Best time to visit: July-August
- Exciting activities: Hanalei Beach, Hanalei Pier, Waiʻoli Huiʻia Church, Hanakoa Falls
15. Honokalani, Maui
Maui offers 120 miles of coastline along with 30 miles of pristine beaches.
A black sand beach in a cove Waianapanapa State Park boasts a lava tube, Hawaii’s biggest temple known as “heiau”.
You can find black or white sand beaches on these widely famous shores. The most white, beautiful sand and one of the best beaches in the US is “Big Beach”, one of Maui’s most famous islands.
- Location: Hawaii
- Accommodation: Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort – A Concept by Hyatt, Maui Beach Hotel, Hana Kai Maui Resort
- Best time to visit: April-May or September-November
- Exciting activities: Hana Highway, Hana lava tube, Haleakala, Hanawi Falls, Hike Maui, sunset cruise, Old Lahaina Lūʻau.
16. Myrtle
Myrtle is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of beaches. It is popular for its golf courses designed by celebrities.
The beachfront Broadwalk also features restaurants, the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park, theatres, arcades, and the Sky Wheel, the country’s one of the tallest Ferris Wheels.
The beach also boasts live music events, theatres hosting shows with dinner, an amazing aquarium and over 90 gorgeous golf courses.
- Location: South Carolina
- Accommodation: Grande Shores Ocean Resort, Dunes Village Resort, Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
- Best time to visit: April-August
- Exciting activities: SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach State Park, Pirates and Voyage dinner
17. Honolulu
Honolulu is the state capital and largest city of Hawaii, a state in the Pacific Ocean in the United States.
Discover everything this vibrant capital city has to offer, including world-class shopping, exquisite restaurants, and historic sites.
The island is a “Gathering Place” for Hawaiian culture, further adding charm with its world-class restaurants, vibrant cultural events, and exciting nightlife.
The Waikiki district serves as the city’s hub for entertainment, dining, and shopping. It is well-known for its crescent-shaped beach, which is flanked by high-rise buildings and palm trees, and for the distant Diamond Head volcano crater.
- Location: Hawaii
- Accommodation: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk, Prince Waikiki – Honolulu Hotel
- Best time to visit: April-June or September-December
- Exciting activities: Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Manoa Falls
18. Santa Monica
Santa Monica, west downtown of Los Angeles, is a coastal city. This beach is lined with Palisades Park, offering exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Park for amusement, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a colourful cityscape filled with thrilling experiences, art and culture are the main attractions of Santa Monica Pier.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Sandbourne Santa Monica, Hotel Casa del Mar, Shutters on the Beach
- Best time to visit: June-August or September-November
- Exciting activities: Venice Beach Tour, Hollywood Day Tour, LA Sightseeing, Downtown Santa Monica, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Tongva Park
19. Assateague Island
Assateague Island has a 37-mile barrier that faces the Atlantic Ocean, located on the eastern shore of Delmarva Peninsula.
There are more than 37 kilometres of stunning beaches on Assateague Island. On the whole East Coast, this beach is regarded as one of the greatest.
Explore coastal bays, maritime woods, and sandy beaches. Spend some time relaxing, rejuvenating, and having fun at the edge of the shore.
- Location: Atlantic Ocean
- Accommodation: The Inn On Main, Comfort Suites Chincoteague Island Bayfront Resort, Hampton Inn & Suites Chincoteague-Waterfront
- Best time to visit: Mid May-October
- Exciting activities: Kayak, sightseeing cruise, Assateague Lighthouse, sunset boat cruise
20. Huntington
Huntington Beach is located in the Southeast part of Los Angeles, Southern California. It is located between San Diego and Los Angeles.
It is well-known for its surf beaches, including Huntington City Beach, which has a lengthy pier. Open sandy beaches spanning 10 miles make it an ideal spot for surfers, family picnics, couples, and pets.
The year-round weather at Huntington Beach allows for dining by the ocean and enjoyment.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Huntington Beach Inn, The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
- Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Exciting activities: Whales and dolphins, Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific
21. Half Moon Bay
A little city called Half Moon Bay is located south of San Francisco on the California coast. It has one of the best beaches in the US around the bay.
One of the most stunning and tranquil locations on earth is the Half Moon Bay Coastside, which is home to several open spaces, lush forests, rolling hills, farms, and ocean cliffs.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay Lodge, Beach House Hotel
- Best time to visit: July-September
- Exciting activities: E-Bike tour, Airplane San Francisco tour
22. Kaua’i
Kauai is one of the Hawaiian archipelago’s islands, located in the Central Pacific. Since a large portion of its area is covered in tropical rainforest, it is known as “the Garden Isle”.
With its striking pinnacles and cliffs, the Na Pali Coast has provided the scenery for several big-budget Hollywood productions.
It is covered with jagged cliffs, emerald valleys, and majestic mountain spires that have aged over time.
- Location: Hawaii
- Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay
- Best time to visit: April-June or September-December
- Exciting activities: Wailua Falls, Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park
23. Bowman’s Beach
This beach features swimming and picnic spots and is well-liked by beachcombers looking for seashells.
This is thought to be even more modest, peaceful, and charming than its neighbour on the Gulf Coast—and that’s saying a lot.
It boasts vast miles of sand, stunning sunsets, and superb shelling at the northernmost end of Sanibel Island, which is yet undeveloped, lies 50 acres of magnificently natural Bowman’s Beach.
- Location: Sanibel Island, Florida
- Accommodation: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Sanibel Island Beach Resort, Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts
- Best time to visit: December-April
- Exciting activities: Gulf side City Park, Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Captiva Island, Lighthouse Beach Park
24. Monterey
Located on the untamed central coast of California, Monterey is a well-known strip of souvenir stores, seafood restaurants, and pubs constructed in former factories.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is another famous attraction that features hundreds of marine wildlife and plants in interactive and underwater displays and is known to be one of the best beaches in the US.
Inland Monterey, sometimes referred to as “The Salad Bowl of the World,” is a year-round whale-watching destination that also offers some of the exciting California tours.
With its wealth of natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and mouthwatering seafood restaurants, Monterey may be the ideal spot for your next holiday.
- Location: California
- Accommodation: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, InterContinental The Clement Monterey, The Monterey Hotel
- Best time to visit: April-June
- Exciting activities: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Point LobosState Natural Reserve,
25. Harris Beach
Located on US Highway 101, Harris Beach State Park is an Oregon state park that offers visitors miles of sandy beaches and rocky seascape to explore various trails and a magnificent coastline.
Enjoy a picnic on the beach while admiring the stunning view of the sea stacks scattered over the ocean. From the vantage points around the park, the island offers fantastic wildlife views.
- Location: Curry County, Oregon
- Accommodation: Brookings Inn Resort, Beachfront Inn, Wild Rivers Motorlodge
- Best time to visit: July-August
- Exciting activities: Camping, hiking, picnic, Azalea Park, Medford
4 Most Dangerous Beaches in America You Should Be Aware of
There is a higher crime rate on some of the beaches in America, including robbery, rape, theft, stalking/aggravated assault, shark attacks etc. Some deadliest beaches in America are:
- Smyrna Beach, Florida (score of danger: 8.14 out of 10)
- Venice Beach, Los Angeles: (score of danger: 7.19/10)
- Daytona Beach, Florida (score of danger: 7.18/10)
- Carlsbad Beach, California (score of danger: 4.34/10)
Things to Remember in Best Beaches in The US
- Don’t go snorkelling or swimming if the waves are high.
- Swim only in areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Be extremely cautious when approaching the lava rocks, whether swimming or not. They might be sharp.
- Never approach a wild animal up close.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the prettiest beach in the US?
10 prettiest and best beaches in the US are:
- Half Moon Bay, California
- Monetary, California
- Pfeiffer, California
- La Chiva, Vieques
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Miami, Florida
- Carmel by the Sea, California
- Malibu, Los Angeles
2. Where is the clearest beach water in the US?
“Schoolhouse Beach”, Washington Island, has the clearest beach water in the US.
3. What is the #1 best beach in the world?
The U.S. Virgin Islands is the beach in the world.