A day spent with the entire family at the best beaches in the US would be amazing, especially if you can get a smooth stretch of the whitest sand. There are great, secluded beaches with enough elbow room for you to enjoy, from those located in national parks on remote islands to state parks and beaches all along the East and West coasts. These are the ten best beaches in the US, from California to Florida to Hawaii—notable for their attractions, location, or unique amenities.
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Siesta Key Beach, Florida
This large beach is full of the world’s finest, whitest sand and is located along the Gulf of Mexico. The sand is more than 99 percent pure quartz. This helps to keep the sand cool even in the hottest temperatures. MTV’s popular reality show portrayed Siesta Key as a place of drama, but instead, it’s a kid-friendly beach overflowing with beautiful sand sculptures and families enjoying the sunshine and clear blue water.
This eight-mile-long island offers luxurious shopping, resorts, delicious cuisine, and exciting nightlife. It’s known for its splendid quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beachside comforts, making this one of the best beaches in the US.
Interesting Fact: You can still find shipwrecks right off the coast of Siesta Key. One of the most famous of these is the rum collision between the Antonio Ensenat and the Charta, spilling 159 barrels of rum into the gulf near one of the best beaches in the US in 1943.
Read More: The Top 5 Stunning Guam Beaches You’ll Fall in Love With!
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Want to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in a safe and clean environment? With its very own natural swimming pool just off the Poipu Beach shoreline, you can relax knowing that you won’t be taken away as you swim and snorkel in these gorgeous turquoise waters. Thanks to the safety, it’s a great place to come with the family; there are lifeguards seven days a week. While it’s perfect for swimming, there are also sections of the beach where you can jump on your surfboard. There’s no arguing that this is one of the best beaches in the US!
Interesting Fact: The endangered Hawaiian monk seals are the rarest seals, but sometimes they stop by Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in the US!
Read More: Top 7 Islands in the British Virgin Islands
Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, Florida
The Dry Tortugas National Park has 60,000 annual visitors and is one of the least visited national parks in the US. It’s known for its unique coral reef system, historic fort, and sea turtles. The beautiful park is located about 70 miles west of Key West, making it an extraordinary place to visit. Approximately 99 percent of the park’s hundred square miles are submerged underwater, where goliath grouper, moray eels, and nurse sharks thrive. Throughout the day, visitors spend their time snorkeling, kayaking, and learning about when Ponce de Leon first stepped foot here in 1513. If you camp here, you’ll have one of the best beaches in the US almost to yourself!
Interesting Fact: This beautiful park and beach are relatively bug-free because there’s no freshwater to attract mosquitos.
Gray Whale Cove Beach, California
In the coastal city, Half Moon Bay, Gray Whale Cove State Beach is one of Northern California’s underutilized beaches. Pack a delicious lunch and head out to the picnic area on the cliff to witness a breathtaking view. If you’re there during the Gray Whale migration from November to April, be on the lookout for these magnificent sea creatures. The whales often come pretty close to the shore, making this one of the best beaches in the US. The gorgeous beach is located in a cliff erosion between Pacifica and Montara called the “Devil’s Slide.” The beach is safe, but the old highway in this area was re-routed through a tunnel to avoid the dangerous slide zone.
Interesting Fact: Directly above Gray Whale Cove to the north is a rotting old WWII bunker on what is known as Bunker Point.
Read More: Sliding Through 10 of the Best Water Parks in the US
Gold Beach, Oregon
Most of northern Oregon’s beloved beach towns are less than two hours from Portland, meaning they get crowded in the summer and on weekends. Southern Oregon isn’t as famous, but it still has the same exceptional Pacific frontage as the rest of Oregon, protected for public use as “The People’s Coast.” Gold Beach is one of the best beaches in the US, where the powerful Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean. If you like adventures, then be sure to go kayaking with South Coast Tours to explore hidden coves and learn about the past of this historic gold rush town and the colorful marine life.
Insider Tip: World-class river fishing is available year-round, including salmon, steelhead, and trout. Ocean Charters for lingcod and rockfish are also available, or you can dig for clams and drop your own traps for Dungeness crab!
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
From dunes to sea cliffs, Michigan is full of natural wonders worthy of a quick escape. Speak to any Michigan resident for recommendations, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on South Manitou Island will definitely come up. Hiking to the top is practically a rite of passage. If you take the Dunes Trail, the trip is about three and a half miles and takes two to four hours. This area is home to 35 miles of shoreline, so picking your spot is easy. With beautiful blue water in the front and dunes behind, it’s one of the best beaches in the US.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is a special place with a national seashore that’s a shelter for an abundance of wildlife. On the beach, you’ll find loggerhead turtles and wild horses. If you hike through the island’s interior, you will find shaded oak tree canopies for a glimpse of armadillos, deer, squirrels, hogs, rabbits, turkeys, and raccoons. Vintage cars still sit somewhat preserved on broken roadsides, and wild horses run freely on one of the best beaches in the US.
Home to Cumberland Island National Seashore, the island’s historic, diverse ecology and environmental integrity is preserved. Dunes, lakes, and marshes are home to a variety of wildlife and create remarkable island scenery. Dungeness Ruins more famously define Cumberland and other sites like Plum Orchard and Greyfield Inn and represent the former luxurious way of life that has since been abandoned.
Interesting Fact: Except for the wildlife, it’s never crowded because the only way to get here is by boat or ferry ride. Once you’re there, you’ve got 17 miles of sandy beaches to pick from.
Read More: Top 10 Best California Beach Hotels in Orange County
Singing Beach, Massachusetts
Some people may visit Manchester-by-the-Sea to see where the Oscar winner movie was filmed, and others come for the unique Singing Beach! If you walk in the sand, you’ll hear a sing-song-like squeak. It’s immensely popular with families in summer, but from mid-October to mid-April, expect to hear more barking than singing, as it’s the beach’s official dog-friendly season.
Insider Tip: The beautiful beach is just a 45-minute drive from Boston. Boston has tons of great properties to choose from when visiting one of the best beaches in the US.
Pope Beach, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is the biggest alpine lake in North America! It sits on California and Nevada’s border and is recognized for its beaches and ski resorts. Located on the lake’s south shore, Pope Beach is close to a mile-long stretch of sand surrounded by shady pine trees. The beach is excellent for watching the Nevada mountains, swimming, and picnicking with the entire family. People can take advantage of kayak rentals, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Food trucks are available in the summer season, in addition to several restaurants within walking distance. Pope Beach is one of the best beaches in the US to visit with family.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
The striking Chicago skyline works as the backdrop for this famous beach, located on Lake Michigan’s shores. Lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and private cabanas are available for rent, and there’s a variety of food from local restaurants. Oak Street Bistro, with a bar and a full-service restaurant, can also be found nearby. Bikers, joggers, and rollerbladers are found on the pathway surrounding the beach. Relax in the sun at one of the best beaches in the US.
Pack your swimsuit and beach towel and run off to the beach for a great day in the sun! As listed in this guide, visiting any of the best beaches in the US will ensure a memorable and enjoyable day for all. These beaches promise plenty of sunshine and crystal clear water during your visit.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Do you want to explore the most beautiful islands around the world after exploring the best beaches in the US? Check out Traveling To 10 Of The Best Islands In The World.
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