Top 15 Notable U.S. Beaches: A Personal Favorites Review
Ready to dip your toes in the sand and soak up the sun? Here's a rundown of some prime U.S. shores that are perfect for you, from wild horses to stunning Pacific views. Let's dive in!
First, Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Hawaii, honors the father of modern surfing. Expect calm water, family-friendly lagoons, and clear seas revealing a dazzling array of sea life. Relish the tropical vibes and soak up some Hawaiian culture on this warm, sandy beach.
Next, Coopers Beach is nestled in Southampton, Long Island, New York. With a backdrop of historic mansions and elegant amenities, this spot offers a beach break that screams vacation comfort. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic and indulge in a relaxing coastal experience.
Clearwater Beach, Florida, is a family-friendly haven with shallow, calm waters. Here, you can take a dip, engage in water sports, or just lounge in the powdery white sand. Don't forget to check out the stunning sunsets and the nearby art galleries and resorts.
Moving to the West Coast, Cannon Beach, Oregon, showcases dramatic rock formations like the iconic Haystack Rock. This West Coast gem is known for its wild animals, dog-friendly atmosphere, and misty charm. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding pine trees and towering dunes.
Over in sunny California, Coronado Beach boasts fantastic views across the bay from downtown San Diego. Its wide, flat shore glitters with mica and attracts both families and keen surfers with small waves and beautiful scenery.
If you're seeking a vibrant, energetic beach, South Beach, Miami, Florida, is the place to be. With an art deco vibe and festive crowd, this spot is perfect for those seeking fun, sun, and surf. Small waves might give way to big energy in this popular stomping ground.
Bag a bite at Coast Guard Beach in Massachusetts, renowned for its rugged charm on Cape Cod's National Seashore. You might even spot seals bobbing offshore while enjoying the scenic views.
Switching gears, Orange County's Laguna Beach offers more than just sand and sea. With dramatic coastline, coves, and tidal pools, this California standout is perfect for adventure, surfing, or simply gazing at the scenery.
Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, combines luxury with a view. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, swim gently in calm waves, or simply relax at one of the nearby upscale resorts. The stunning Hawaiian coastline promises a memorable beach vacation.
Main Beach in East Hampton, New York, exudes charm, natural beauty, and East Coast elegance. It's a long, clean, family-friendly stretch of sand, ideal for a laid-back summer day.
Venture to Big Sur, California and explore Pfeiffer Beach. Enjoy patches of purple sand, sea arches, and rugged coastline. While swimming may not be the main attraction, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
On the Gulf Coast, Gulf Shores, Alabama, features white sand and warm Gulf waters for all ages. Take advantage of the town's numerous seafood spots, boat tours, and enjoy classic beach fun.
Half Moon Bay, California, provides dramatic cliffs, coastal views, and surfing opportunities. Explore the nearby state park and enjoy cool breezes on even the hottest summer days.
North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia, is peaceful, clean, and steeped in historic charm. Enjoy a quiet beach break filled with wildlife, birdwatching, and an easy-going vibe.
Last but not least, Sleeping Bear Dunes in Lake Michigan, Michigan, offers a freshwater beach experience with towering sand dunes, lush greenery, and stunning vistas. Here, you can hike, beachcomb, or learn about glacial history in this unique, unspoiled setting.
Our guide was created in collaboration with AI technology, and it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Enrichment Insights:
- Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oahu, Hawaii: This beach offers a great spot for families to swim and snorkel, with calm waters and a lagoon that reveals sea life. The area is home to a statue of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing.
- Coopers Beach, Long Island, New York: Set in the upscale town of Southampton, this beach features wide, sandy beaches and a gentle surf. Enjoy its picturesque dunes, and beach access with vacation-worthy amenities.
- Clearwater Beach, Florida: Known for its powdery white sand and shallow, calm water, this beach is perfect for water sports, fishing, and lounging. Stunning sunsets and nearby art galleries and resorts add extra luster to your beach getaway.
- Cannon Beach, Oregon: Cannon Beach isn't your typical beach, featuring dramatic rock formations, wild animals, dog-friendly vibes, and misty charm. Pine trees and towering dunes create a stunning, real-life painting.
- Coronado Beach, San Diego, California: With stunning views and a wide, flat shore that sparkles with mica, this Southern California beach attracts families, surfers, and even wildlife like seabirds.
- South Beach, Miami, Florida: This vibrant beach scene boasts art deco vibes, a lively crowd, and clear water. While the waves are small, the energy is big for those seeking fun, sun, and surf.
- Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts: Located on Cape Cod's National Seashore, this beach is acclaimed for its natural beauty and sand dunes. Enjoy wildlife sightings, including seals, within the barrier island setting.
- Laguna Beach, California: Known for its art scene and dramatic coastline, this Southern California beach offers more than just sandy beaches. Explore tide pools, coves, and scenery that outshine typical beaches.
- Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii: Wailea Beach combines luxury with a view. Relax on soft sand or take a dip in calm waters surrounded by upscale resorts. Snorkeling in the surrounding coastal waters comes with stunning ocean views.
- Main Beach, East Hampton, New York: Main Beach offers a blend of charm, natural beauty, and East Coast elegance. Its long stretch of clean, family-friendly sand is ideal for relaxation in the Hamptons.
- Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California: This storied beach features patches of purple sand (most visible after rain), sea arches, and rugged coastline. It's one of the most scenic beaches in the world, nestled in a state park setting.
- Gulf Shores, Alabama: With its white sand and warm Gulf waters, Gulf Shores is a haven for families and couples seeking classic beach fun. Experience a wide range of activities from seafood spots to boat tours.
- Half Moon Bay, California: Half Moon Bay offers dramatic cliffs, long walks by the ocean, and surfing big waves. Take a break in the nearby state park for more adventures.
- North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia: Located near Savannah, North Beach exudes a peaceful and clean atmosphere. It's ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the laid-back vibe of a barrier island.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan, Michigan: The freshwater beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes features massive sand dunes, pine trees, and scenery that rivals ocean views. Explore, hike, and beachcomb in an unspoiled, idyllic setting.
Take your summer escape to the next level by visiting these top U.S. beaches, where you can soak up stunning views, enjoy vibrant city scenes, and connect with wildlife. ¿Ready to dive in?
1.At Cannon Beach in Oregon, technology can be used to explore the local marine life through underwater drones, combining a home-and-garden hobby with a travel adventure.
- For an energy-efficient beach getaway, consider a trip to Wailea Beach, Maui. Solar-powered resorts are gaining popularity, offering a sustainable lifestyle option while enjoying the crystal-clear waters and stunning Hawaiian views.
