There’s nothing enchanting like a cool, sandy beach where the gentle waves crash and the warm sun glows. Luckily, the United States is home to countless beaches. If you’re looking for a new summer destination to visit, you might be wondering which beach is best suited for you. Do not worry, our guide will help you figure out beaches with breathtaking waters, exciting beaches, clean sand, and a safe shoreline. Stunning retreats wait just for you.
How We Chose the Best Beaches
To put this list together, we used certain criteria that helps determine the factors that could turn standard shorelines into extraordinary ones. Here’s what we considered while compiling our top picks:
• Pleasant Waters: Perfect for relaxation or water activities, calmness begot swimmable waters.
• Attractions: Look out for nearby restaurants, hiking trails, boardwalks and other form of entertainment.
• Clean Sands: Beaches that are clean and well maintained are crucial for comfort, unwind in those well kept sands.
• Safe Locations: Look for areas that offer lifeguards, child friendly spaces and overall reputation for safety.
• Unique Amenities: Look for extras like cabana rentals or beachfront yoga.
Keeping these in mind, we thoughtfully created a mix of well-known and lesser-known beaches so that all of you get the exact experience you are looking for.
Top Beaches in the United States
1. Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
If you fancy turquoise waves as well as gently whirling white sand, then Kaanapali Beach surfacing over three miles of the northwest coast of Maui is a destination you must visit. This beach provides seclusion and serenity along with phenomenal views.
Highlights:
• Calm Waters: Strongly recommended for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Attractions: The Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a) Cliff Diving Spot and other big seaside resorts.
• Beachfront: luaus and seasonal whale watching are also offered.
Noteworthy: It is considered one of the world’s best beaches perennial receiving Kaanapali beach remarks for its unparalleled cultural richness and surroundings.
2. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
With an atmosphere suitable for both families and solo travelers, the beach offers calm waters and a lively vibe alongside its signature powdery sand composed of 99% quartz.
Highlights:
• Clean Sands: Renowned quartz sand that is both ultra-clean and never too hot to walk on.
• Attractions: Daily drum circles, peddlers selling sunset snacks, family-friendly recreational areas, and captivating sunsets abound.
• Safe Location: Shallow waters suitable for children, with guard patrols year-round.
Why it’s notable: Siesta Key Beach is well-known for its remarkably soft sand, as well as the quaint small-town feeling.
3. Cannon Beach (Oregon)
For nature lovers, this is the place! Cannon Beach along the Oregon Coast merges landscapes rugged with nature with a soothing atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Highlights:
• Attractions: The not to be missed Haystack Rock and the tide pools teeming with marine life make for spectacular photos.
• Safe Location: Open expanses of beach which are flat and easy to walk on.
• Interesting Features: Beaches which are pet-friendly, artists’ studios, galleries, and other places nearby!
Why it’s notable: The tranquil coastal landscape combined with the rocky islands is captivating, making Cannon Beach a dream for artists and natural lovers alike.
4. Coronado Central Beach (California)
A few minutes from downtown San Diego, Coronado Central Beach is a sunlit golden sand surf area with historic charm.
Highlights:
• Pleasant Waters: Renowned paddle and swimming areas due to calm waters and gentle waves.
• Attractions: An exquisite boutique shopping experience combined with visiting the historic Hotel Del Coronado cannot be missed.
• Clean Sands: Immaculately constructed wide sandy areas perfect for picnicking and family gathering.
Why it’s notable: Coronado is a favorite for relaxing beach family vacations and date trips because of the upscale elegance and beach vibes it effortlessly blends together.
5. Myrtle Beach (South Carolina)
As part of the East Coast, Myrtle Beach shores up the experience with cheerful boardwalks and an abundance of things to do.
Highlights:
• Attractions: The soaring SkyWheel, arcades, and a multitude of ocean-facing restaurants provide fun for everyone.
• Unique Amenities: Exciting seasonal trips like the Carolina Country Music Fest keep things fresh year-round.
• Safe Location: Family-friendly areas with lifeguard supervision ensure comfort.
Why it’s notable: Myrtle Beach’s bypassing vibrant atmosphere allows it to stand as a great option for vacationers looking for packed days filled with activities.
6. Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts)
Cape Cod National Seashore is an untouched jewel along New England’s coastline, known for its astonishing beauty and rich history.
Highlights:
• Clean Sands: Offers a more secluded and quieter vibe along with a promise for litter-free surroundings.
• Attractions: Magnificent historic lighthouses, whale-watching adventures, and numerous bike paths give Cape Cod its classic beauty.
• Pleasant Waters: A bit on the colder side, but great for a refreshing dip or surf.
Why it matters: ‘Cape Cod is known for its nautical heritage and offers a blend of recreational activities and cultural sightseeing.’
Comparison Table for Quick Grasp
| Beach | Pleasant Waters | Attractions | Clean Sands | Safe Location | Unique Amenities |
| Kaanapali Beach | ✔️ | Black Rock, whale watching | ✔️ | ✔️ | Cultural luaus |
| Siesta Key Beach | ✔️ | Drum circles, playgrounds | ✔️ | ✔️ | Cool quartz sand |
| Cannon Beach | ✔️ | Haystack Rock, art sales | ✔️ | ✔️ | Pet-friendly beaches |
| Coronado Central Beach | ✔️ | Hotel Del Coronado | ✔️ | ✔️ | Boutique shops |
| Myrtle Beach | ✔️ | SkyWheel, events | ✔️ | ✔️ | Music festivals, arcades |
| Cape Cod National Seashore | ✔️ | Lighthouses, bike trails | ✔️ | ✔️ | Whale-watching tours |
Pack Your Bags for the Perfect Day by The Beach
Cultural exploration, a lively crowd, or peace and quiet, the US offers beaches tailored to every kind of traveler. Your next summer travel destination awaits from the iconic cliffs of Cannon Beach to the velvet sands of Maui.
Need help deciding? You can find hidden gems near you. Also, don’t forget to leave your personal beach recommendations in the comment section. Make your pick and remember that relaxation and adventure are a beach towel away!
