The Most Beautiful Beaches in the U.S.

To give you an idea of some of the best beach options in the U.S., we’ve selected 15 U.S. beaches that offer features visitors love. These popular destinations span 4 U.S. regions, including the East and West Coasts, the Gulf Coast and the Hawaiian Islands.

The best East Coast beaches to explore

First up is the East Coast, home to many beautiful beaches. Here are 3 locations you may want to consider prioritizing on an Atlantic trek.

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Serene and cinematic, Cape Cod National Seashore boasts coastal bluffs and dramatic dunes. There’s also the chance to see a wide array of wildlife, such as box turtles, meadow voles and horseshoe crabs.

Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia

Assateague Island has fishing, crabbing, hiking and camping, among other activities. But the standout feature here is the island’s wild horses, which you may watch from a distance.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Spanning 60 miles of coastline, Myrtle Beach offers beachgoers thrills and lively entertainment, from parasailing and go-karting to a family-friendly arcade. You may also want to visit the boardwalk for a ride on the SkyWheel, which offers beach views from 200 feet in the air.

The best West Coast beaches for your trip

Next, let’s explore the West Coast, whose beaches may conjure up images of dramatic cliffs and surfboards. Here are 4 beaches you may want to earmark for your trip.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

When it comes to drama, Oregon’s Cannon Beach delivers, with access to a waterfall and views of mist-covered expanses. You may recognize the 235-foot Haystack Rock, which has been featured in a number of movies.

La Jolla Shores, California

Known as the jewel of San Diego, La Jolla Shores has beautiful reefs, natural tide pools and stunning 300-foot sea cliffs. Whether you’re looking to take advantage of water activities, like surfing or scuba diving, or indulge in more relaxed pursuits, such as having a picnic or sitting by a fire pit, you have options here.

Pfeiffer Beach, California

Between its impressive rock formations, purple sand and gorgeous views, Pfeiffer Beach offers a respite to visitors who’ve trekked along California’s scenic Highway 1. If you time your visit right, you may watch the setting sun glow through the famed Keyhole Arch.

Coronado Beach, California

Coronado Beach is known for its wide, white-sand shoreline and includes volleyball courts, year-round lifeguards and a designated dog beach. And if you’re looking to extend your stay overnight, the Hotel del Coronado sits just on the edge of the beach.

The best Gulf Coast beach destinations

Our next stop is the Gulf Coast. Also known as the “third coast,” it offers a diversity of sights, flavors and experiences. These are its top 4 beaches to explore.

Siesta Key Beach, Florida

In terms of sand quality, it’s hard to beat the quartz-crystal sand offered by Siesta Key Beach. Here you’ll find a half-mile-long esplanade, pavilions and calm waters.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

From its emerald waters to its wild dolphins, Clearwater Beach has no shortage of beauty. You may enjoy it from the comfort of a shaded cabana or while paddleboarding or parasailing out on the water.

South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island’s beach sees 300 days of sunshine per year, with warm year-round temperatures. That means there’s ample opportunity to horseback ride, watch dolphins or enjoy live music.

Orange Beach, Alabama

Miles of soft, sugar-white sand meet blue-green waters at this Alabama beach. It offers travelers a photo-worthy stretch of coastline fit for a wide variety of activities, from beach bars and volleyball to boating and camping.

The best Hawaiian beaches to visit

Finally, let’s look to the Hawaiian Islands, whose famed beaches are the stuff of dreams. Here are 4 stunning beaches, spread across some of the archipelago’s major islands.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Lanikai Beach, also called Kaʻōhao Beach, looks east over the Pacific Ocean and features turquoise waters and powdery white sands. Given its calm surf, it’s easy to enjoy the beauty this beach has to offer.

Hanalei Bay, Kauai

This crescent-shaped bay may be small, but the beach offers a view that’s hard to beat. With bright blue waters and a towering green mountain backdrop, Hanalei Bay provides a tranquil option for laid-back beachgoers.

Wailea Beach, Maui

Located just steps from hotels and resorts, Wailea Beach is a wide expanse of sand that offers gorgeous sunset views. It includes a paved beach walk for casual strolling and shallow, calm waters for snorkeling. You might even spot a whale in the offseason.

Hapuna Beach, Big Island

Hapuna Beach is touted as one of the Big Island’s most spacious white-sand beaches. This pristine location has turquoise waters, shaded gazebos and perfect waves for surfing.

Tips for visiting U.S. Beaches

A trip to the beach can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life. However, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind to make the most of your day. In general, packing supplies like towels, sunscreen and a bathing suit can make sense for a beach excursion.

Here are 6 other things you may want to keep in mind:

1. Consider the timing

The time of year you choose to visit will shape your beach experience. For example, going at the height of summer might mean facing large crowds and high temperatures. In that case, getting there early and having a plan to find shade during the hottest part of the day is likely a good idea. 

Local weather patterns are another factor to consider here. For beaches located farther north, for instance, a summer visit may be preferable, especially if you’re hoping to swim or enjoy water sports. Meanwhile, beaches along the Gulf or in the Hawaiian Islands may see warmer temperatures year-round.

2. Stay safe

Beach safety is another important factor to keep in mind. Some common tips include: 

• Swimming with at least 1 other person
• Being mindful of rip currents
• Staying hydrated
• Using sunscreen
• Watching for heat-related illnesses

Some beaches may also post signs indicating certain hazards, such as rough conditions and marine animals that may cause injuries.

3. Follow the rules

In some locations, you may need a permit or pass to enjoy the beach or have a bonfire. You can usually find those restrictions listed on the official beach or state park website.

4. Look at accessibility

Some beaches may be more accessible than others. For example, some may offer options like paved paths, ramps, extensive parking or the ability to drive onto the beach. Looking at the terrain and exploring those accessibility options may help you find one that meets your needs.

5. Keep it clean

When you’re ready to leave the beach, be sure to clean up your area and dispose of all trash. It may help to bring a trash bag with you so that you can easily collect any wrappers, cans or other garbage on your way out. That way, you’ll leave no trace and help make the beach a better place for future visitors.

6. Use your credit cards to your advantage

Beach trips can be a wonderful chance to slow down and relax. If you’re strategic about how you book and take advantage of your credit card perks, you may be able to make that relaxing vacation that much more enjoyable. 

For example, if you have an eligible Citi card, you might book your beach excursion, from flights and hotels to rental cars, with Citi Travel. That way, you can earn ThankYou^® points for your trip, which you may put toward future travel experiences.

There’s a beach for every traveler, whether you’re looking for sun-soaked family fun or a place to bask in the tranquility of ocean waves. Once you find a beach that offers what you’re looking for, you may plan your visit, keeping safety, cleanliness and local rules in mind. After that, it’s all about enjoying your trip.

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