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1. Miami Beach, FL
It’s no shocker that Miami Beach tops the list of best beach destinations in the US. Also unsurprising is this lush beach’s position as one of the top beaches in Florida
Of all the beaches on this list, it’s likely the most fun. While here, you can swim, surf, Jet Ski, waterski, or participate in the number one activity on Miami Beach – people-watching. Models, celebrities, and “beautiful people” abound, strutting their stuff on the boardwalks and white-sand beach. People literally come here to see and be seen.
The closer you get to South Beach, the more interesting things get. You literally have to see it to believe it. This thriving district, best known for its Art Deco buildings (circa the 1930s and 1940s) and vibrant restaurant and shopping scenes, is a go-to for culture and entertainment. Beware: it can be a bit pricey!
Lummus Park lies between 5th and 14th Streets, just north of South Beach. It boasts volleyball courts, a playground, and easy access to even more tasty eateries. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are on offer everywhere, and ice cream trucks are parked right on the sand.
Looking for live music? You’ll find it here. Craving fresh seafood? You’ve come to the right place. Want to see a dog being pushed in a baby stroller by a Speedo-wearing man wearing roller skates? Look no further!
2. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, CA
Boasting nearly 70 miles of coastline, San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in America. La Jolla Cove may not be the most expansive, but it’s one of the most photographed and top-rated beaches in California. Facing north, this small gem is tucked between sandstone cliffs, making it the perfect spot to swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. No wonder it is deemed one of the best beaches in the US.
The deep, blue-green bay is well protected, and the visibility is great (at times you can see beyond 30 feet). Another bonus: It’s nestled within the La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which prohibits fishing and removal of objects from the area. The result: the bay is teeming with marine life. It truly is a diver’s paradise and one of the best beaches in San Diego. Be sure to pack your snorkel gear.
A quick jaunt north (about 12 minutes by car) will take you to La Jolla Shores. This laid-back spot offers tourists a mile-long stretch of soft sand and gentle surf. Thinking of trying your hand (and feet) at surfing? The small waves featured at this pretty beach make it ideal for beginners. Paddleboarders and families with young kids will also appreciate the calm waters.
If you’re hoping to spend a day on the water, this beach is the only one within city limits to offer a boat launch.
3. Lanikai Beach, HI
Hawaii is known for its beaches. With bright, sparkling blue water lapping picture-perfect seashores, it’s no wonder people flock here to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy lives. Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is also the most visited. Home to many of the best beaches, that’s not surprising.
Waikiki is probably the best-known of Oahu’s beaches. This ultimate Hawaiian beach destination is lined with luxury resorts and high-end retailers, not to mention delicious restaurants. The majority of visitors, however, prefer a beach that is 100 times more beautiful and much quieter than the commercialized Waikiki-Lanikai Beach.
Lanikai has been said to have the best swimming in Hawaii. It has also been voted as the “most beautiful” beach on Oahu. Not surprisingly, its name translates to “heavenly ocean.” Another plus: Lanikai is more secluded than other beaches on this list and is free from crowds.
Don’t miss out on the Lanikai Pillbox Hike, a 20- to 30-minute trek that will reward you with spectacular views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Also, the beach can be tough to spot as there aren’t any posted signs. Look for a large pillar with the word “Lanikai.” This marks the official entrance. We told you it was secluded
It may be outstandingly beautiful, but Lanikai Beach doesn’t offer facilities (i.e. bathrooms, showers, or shops). So, bring everything you need (including water, towels, a beach umbrella, and sunblock) with you.
4. Siesta Key Beach, FL
Siesta Key Beach has been voted time and again as one of the country’s best beaches to visit. Clear blue water is highlighted by the type of turquoise that screams relaxation at this beautiful Sarasota spot.
Siesta Key is home to several beautiful beaches. The most popular is aptly named Siesta Key Beach, which is sometimes referred to as Siesta Beach or Siesta Key Public Beach. A beautiful gem, this tourist hot spot boasts two concession stands, year-round lifeguards, and facilities to make it easy to stay all day.
Powdery, white quartz sand beckons beachgoers to spread out and spend the day. Being shallow for a long way from shore, this is a perfect beach for families. Plus, the quartz sand stays cool (unlike its coral-based cousin), which means little (and big) feet will stay protected from the sun’s intense heat. The beach is exceptionally wide, so you’ll never struggle with finding a place to set up with all your beach toys.
Concession stands, colorful bungalows, shops, and restaurants abound, especially on nearby Ocean Boulevard. If you’re lucky, you can catch a free yoga class (it’s BYOT-bring your own towel), art walk, concert, or performance. There’s certainly no lack of things to do
5. Pensacola Beach, FL
Pensacola Beach easily makes the list for the sheer beauty of its squeaky white sand beaches and summer fun.
Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast and easily reached from many of the major population centers in the Southeast United States, Pensacola’s miles of blindingly white sand, cool clear waters, and delightful ocean breezes offer relief from the heat of the interior.
This is a lively summer destination with a fun vibe on the sand and endless opportunities for enjoying the water. The beaches around Pensacola run for miles in either direction making finding your own perfect patch of sand, whether that’s with the crowds or far away from them, an easy undertaking. You can even find dog-friendly beaches.
Off the beach, an assortment of restaurants range from authentic beach joints like Red Fish Blue Fish right through to exceptional cuisine at the Grand Marlin of Pensacola. Pensacola Beach is also a hot spot for fishing, and the pier located in the center of town, has been the site of multiple record-setting catches over the years.
6. Wailea Beach, HI
A long crescent of the most luxurious golden sand welcomes visitors to Maui’s Wailea Beach. Boasting the kind of beach experience vacationers dream of (we’re talking calm, warm waves, a lengthy boardwalk, and silky soft sand), it’s no surprise that Wailea has been voted one of the best beaches in Maui and the world.
Along with its fame can come crowds, so be prepared to share this pristine wonderland with others, especially if you visit during the high season. No matter how many visitors you encounter, though, a trip to this Hawaiian utopia is more than worthwhile.
Exceptional resorts (namely Grand Wailea and The Four Seasons Resort at Wailea anchor each end of the beach, which means these sections are more highly populated by high-brow guests lounging in cabanas on the hotels’ swanky beach chairs. To escape the masses, keep walking to the quieter middle section of the beach.
7. Main Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
About an hour south of Los Angeles and halfway to San Diego, Laguna Beach is one of California’s premier beach destinations. Once you’ve had time to explore the sea caves, coves, and ocean-side bluffs, you’ll understand why this is one of the best beaches in the US. It can be tough to determine where to spend your time at Laguna Beach, with seven miles of coast and 30 beaches.
Main Beach makes that decision easy. The most centrally located (and famous) of the area’s beaches, Main Beach sports soft, tan-colored sand and is situated in a broad cove. It’s also a perfect spot to take a dip. The waves crash far out from shore, so you won’t be slammed onto the sand. One of the highlights is the nearby grassy park, offering basketball and beach volleyball courts, as well as a playground. There’s also a beachfront bike path.
Art is a way of life in Laguna Beach. When you’ve finished soaking up Vitamin D, stop by a gallery or take in a festival – June plays host to the Sawdust Art Festival and Laguna Art-A-Fair, while July welcomes the Pageant of the Masters.
Don’t plan a surfing trip during the summer. The sport is banned during these warmer months.
8. Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL
Similar to its cousin in Miami, Fort Lauderdale Beach is also lined by an ocean-front boardwalk. Here, too, you’ll find rollerbladers, sun worshippers, and beach volleyball aficionados. You’ll also come across a vibrant social scene complete with outdoor musical entertainment and street performers. Unlike Miami Beach, however, you won’t need to fight huge crowds to find a good spot for your sun tent on this popular beach.
Florida is packed with beach getaways. This beautiful beach vacation destination is a list-topper featuring seven miles of pure, soft, white sand backing a vast view of the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean. Two miles of this is staffed by lifeguards. Although it might appear to be one long beach, there are several beach areas in Fort Lauderdale.
Towards the north end of the beach, you’ll find Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, which has enough picnic tables to seat everyone you’ve ever met, as well as restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards, and of course, that beautiful boardwalk Fort Lauderdale Beach is so famous for.
9. Myrtle Beaches, SC
There’s nothing boring about Myrtle Beach. With over 60 miles of amazing coastline, this popular East Coast beach offers visitors a little bit of everything, making it one of the best beaches for families.
Soak up the sound of the Atlantic Ocean as its waves crash onto the shore. Throw a frisbee, play beach volleyball, or head out on a surfboard. If you can find the energy to peel yourself from your towel, take a stroll out onto one of the seven piers in the Myrtle Beach area.
When the kids get bored, you can spice things up at WonderWorks, a 50,000-square-foot complex that contains rides, obstacle courses, a glow-in-the-dark indoor ropes course, and over 100 hands-on educational exhibits. Or, spend a few hours at Ripley’s Aquarium before riding the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, which offers impressive views from almost 200 feet above the boardwalk.
While Myrtle Beach can often feel crowded and busy, Southern hospitality abounds at local shops and restaurants like Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille. Their NY Strip steak is not to be missed.
To avoid the crowds, which can be quite intense, head to the quieter South Myrtle Beach.
10. Coligny Beach, Hilton Head
Coligny Beach is yet another of the best beaches in South Carolina. Set on the illustrious Hilton Head Island, this beautiful beach is set beside Coligny Beach Park. Spending time on its soft, sandy base is one of the best things to do in Hilton Head
. Sitting on the sand isn’t the only enjoyable activity at Coligny Beach. Frolic in the waves, head out on a paddleboard, people-watch on the boardwalk, spike a beach volleyball, or surf the web (yes, there’s free Wi-Fi on the beach). There are lifeguards on duty, a huge mat that makes the beach wheelchair accessible, and chair and umbrella rentals on-site.
To get to the beach, head through the public park, pass the amenities (i.e. restrooms, changerooms, and outdoor showers). No one will blame you for stopping for a rest on the inviting rockers or ginormous swing chairs.
When you need a break from the sun, sand, and surf, head to the shops and restaurants of nearby Coligny Plaza.
