With the onset of summer, the only thing that crosses your mind is visiting the beach. However, if you’re living in the US, you’ll know that all sandy stretches are not created equally.
There are several different criteria that define a perfect beach, the sand, the waves, the public transportation, the level of emptiness, the activities available, parking accessibility and also the shaded trees.
Best Beaches In the United States
Therefore, if you’re off for a vacation to the US or you want to go out for a recreation to the beach, here is a list of the best 20 beaches.
Maui
Travelers visit Maui for its beautiful and bountiful of island beaches. The large stretches of Wailea Beach and Kaanapali Beach are classics that you shouldn’t miss but for those who seek a low-key experience, the Hookipa and Napili Beach are certainly better. You can’t leave the Hawaiian island without visiting the Waianapanapa State Park.
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
This is located on the southern shore of Kauai and it is made of two of the best beaches that are separated by a narrow spit of sand called tombolo. One side is given the name of Baby Beach and the water is sheltered and shallow for snorkeling and surfing.
Ocean City, Maryland
This is a stretch of 10 miles of white-sand beach and a three-mile dog-friendly board walk that is packed with rides, shops, bike rentals and some of the most delectable treats that make this a perfect spot for vacation. You’ll find a plethora of restaurants and hotels and even a brewery on the boardwalk.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
The sunny and warm weather of this place is enough reason to visit San Diego. Coronado Beach offers a mile-and-half stretch of sparkling and shimmery golden sand with bits of mineral mica. This is a favorite spot for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers who love to witness memorable sunsets.
Pope Beach, Nevada
Lake Tahoe is certainly the largest alpine lake in North America and it sits on the border of Nevada and California. The Pope Beach is perched on the south shore of the lake is a long stretch of sand surrounded by pine trees.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach brags the best white sand beaches that stretch two and half miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Pier 60 is the main place for entertainment and it is located on the beach being surrounded by umbrella chairs and cabanas.
Harris Beach, Oregon
Harris Beach is located in the state park of the south coast of Oregon and it is well-known for its miles of sandy shoreline, lovely tide pools and amazing rock formations. This is perfect for bird watching, swimming and hiking.
Glass Beach, Washington
Glass Beach is named for its abundance of sea-glass which is of the same quality of jewelry. It begins at the North Beach and the hike towards the beach is around 3 miles. You’ll find the best treasures along the way.
Oak Street Beach, Illinois
This is a most impressive Chicago skyline that serves to be a backdrop of this famous beach and it is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. You get umbrellas, lounge chairs and cabanas for rent from the local vendors.
Carlsmith Beach, Hawaii
This is not your average sandy stretch but it is grassy and filled with trees and lava-ringed lagoons. The turquoise waters are safeguarded by a reef, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Across a drawbridge from the mainland is the quaint Atlantic waterfront town called Wrightsville Beach. This beach offers water sports like paddle boarding, surfing, kite boarding and kayaking.
Grand Haven State Park, Michigan
This beach is set on the shores of Lake Michigan and it is a 48 acre park with powdery white sand that offers activities like barbecuing, fat-tire biking, swimming, and sunbathing and for volleyball. It also has a playground for children.
Santa Monica Beach, California
This is a vibrant stretch through the Pacific and it is prime spot for participating in activities like swimming, sunbathing, volleyball and surfing. The Santa Monica Pier features an iconic amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel and you’ll love the carnival food.
Medano Creek , Colorado
Medano Creek is located in Great Sand Dunes National Park and it is a wide shallow river that appears every spring and again disappears in August. It is dependent on the amount of snow that falls on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
This is a reachable beach from Savannah and it just takes 20 minutes by car or by shuttle. This is a family-friendly and peaceful beach that is often frequented by the locals. The North Beach Bar and Grill are located between the beach and the lighthouse.
Good Harbor Beach, Massachusetts
This too is a family friend spot with calm water and sugar-soft sand. Due to low tide, you can walk through a sand bar and explore the Salt Island. You can get water toys and tasty snacks on rent at this Good Harbor Beach.
Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
No, this won’t be your typical palm-tree lined beach but for the New Yorkers who can hop on a subway or take a bus to reach this white sand beach, it is no less than weekend heaven. The beach has perfectly recovered from the damage done by the Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Crystal Lake State Park, Vermont
Lined with a mile of white sand and backed by scenic mountains, the history of this rich Crystal Lake dates back to the 1700s. It is a great place for swimming, picnics and for catching fishes on a canoe ride.
Gulf Shoes Public Beach, Alabama
The clear water, pretty palm trees and the pristine white sand make this beach a perfect getaway. The well-kept beach is a great place for activities like boogie-boarding, volleyball and calm surfing.
Park Point Beach, Minnesota
Located on Lake Superior, the Park Point Beach is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Not only that, it is also the longest freshwater sandbar. The beautiful sandy beach competes with the waves and gives you the ultimate feel of an ocean.
