Exploring the US coastline can be a great way to spend a vacation. From New York to California, there are plenty of stunning beaches to choose from. Whether you're looking for a surf haven with stellar waves, a family-friendly spot with powder-soft sand, or a bustling waterfront packed with restaurants and shops, there's something for everyone. Here are the 25 best beaches in the US, each notable for their unique attractions, location or services.
Ocean City Beach in Maryland is a popular vacation spot, boasting ten miles of white sand beach and a three-mile boardwalk filled with attractions, bike rentals, shopping and delicious delicacies. Jet skiing, surf fishing, and fishing trips are also popular here. San Diego's Coronado Beach is a mile and a half stretch of golden sand that shines with bits of mineral mica. Swimmers, surfers and sunbathers flock here during the day and stay to witness the beautiful sunsets.
The historic Hotel del Coronado is an elegant backdrop and an excellent place to enjoy a bite or cocktail at sunset. Dog-friendly North Beach is an added attraction. Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe is a stretch of sand nearly a mile long backed by shady pine trees. The beach offers great options for swimming, picnicking, and views of the Nevada mountains.
Kayak rentals, picnic tables and barbecue grills are also available. Clearwater Beach in Florida has beautiful white sand that stretches two and a half miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Pier 60, an entertainment center, is centrally located on the beach, and cabanas, parasol chairs, and a well-equipped playground only add to family fun. Visitors can rent fishing equipment and drop a line on the dock for the best year-round fishing in Florida.
Clearwater Beach also promises spectacular sunsets, and Pier 60 offers nightly entertainment 365 days a year, weather permitting. Harris Beach in Oregon is known for its miles of sandy shoreline, interesting rock formations and incredible tidal pools. Swimming, hiking, biking and bird watching are some of the most popular activities here. California's abundant wildlife adds to the excitement throughout the year. Plus, fully equipped campgrounds for RVs, tents, and even some yurts are located a quarter of a mile from the beach. Chicago's stunning skyline serves as the backdrop for this popular beach located on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Sun loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas are available to rent, and there's a variety of food from local vendors. Cyclists, runners, walkers and skaters abound on the paved path that surrounds the beach. Carlsmith Beach in Hawaii is not your average sandy stretch; it's a grassy park filled with trees overlooking sparkling lagoons surrounded by lava. The crystal clear turquoise waters here are protected by a reef making it an excellent spot for diving. The abundance of friendly sea turtles adds to the unique experience. Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina is more than just a quiet beach town; it offers water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and kiteboarding.
Rent a rod and some bait and drop a line at the Johnnie Mercers fishing pier while beach bars and live music take the party from day to night. Grand Haven State Park in Michigan offers 48 acres of powdery white sand perfect for biking with thick tires or barbecuing with friends. There's also a children's playground for children as well as panoramic views of the lake and South Pier and Grand Haven Lighthouse. Medano Creek in Colorado is an annual phenomenon that emerges every spring and disappears every August depending on how much snow falls in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can enjoy wading in the water, tubing or skimboarding while building sand castles. Good Harbor Beach in Massachusetts is family-friendly spot with soft sugar sand and relatively calm waters. At low tide you can walk along a sandbank and explore the rocky Salt Island while little ones play in warm tidal pools. Crystal Lake in Illinois has rich history dating back to the 18th century with its large granite bathhouse with showers and concession stand made of rock extracted from nearby hills.
It's an excellent spot for picnicking swimming or fishing. Park Point Beach in Minnesota is located on Lake Superior -the largest freshwater lake in the world- making it the longest freshwater sandbank in the world. The beautiful sandy beach has waves that give it an ocean feel while offering great views of Duluth. Asbury Park in New Jersey stretches approximately one mile along New Jersey's Atlantic coast boasting powdery white sand backed by picturesque mountains making it an ideal spot for sunbathing swimming or playing volleyball.
