Whether you’re looking for powdery white sands, epic surf, or tranquil seclusion, the best beaches in America offer something for everyone. From the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Gulf in between, here are 25 must-visit beach destinations that promise sun-soaked memories and breathtaking views. Pack your sunscreen it’s time to explore the coastal gems of the U.S.!
1. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Siesta Beach, located on an eight-mile barrier island near Sarasota, is renowned for its cool, powdery white quartz sand, ranking 12th in North America and 42nd globally on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list 2025.
2. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Waikīkī Beach, one of the best beaches in America, dazzles visitors with surf, shopping, stunning views of Diamond Head, and rich Hawaiian heritage, drawing millions annually to Oʻahu’s vibrant south shore.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, incorporated in 1957, is a beloved family destination offering beautiful sandy shores, thrilling amusement parks, and world-class golf. Its name, chosen in 1900, honors the native wax myrtle shrub.
4. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in America. It features powdery white sands, emerald waters, and easy access to hotels and restaurants, earning global praise as a top beach destination in 2025.
5. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is famous for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack. This scenic beach destination offers breathtaking coastal views and was named among National Geographic’s 100 most beautiful places.
6. Coronado Beach, California
Coronado Beach, located in the historic City of Coronado, stretches 1.75 miles of soft sand bordered by U.S. Naval Base beaches. Since its 1890 incorporation, it has offered ocean village charm.
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7. Cape May Beach, New Jersey
Cape May, home to one of the best beaches in America, is the nation’s oldest seashore resort, known for birdwatching, Victorian architecture, and its charming, historic Cape May Historic District.
8. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii
As the largest of the Big Island’s white sand beaches, Hāpuna Beach consistently ranks on international Top Ten lists. It offers excellent conditions for swimming, bodyboarding, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
9. South Padre Island, Texas
Known for its stunning nature and vibrant nightlife, South Padre Island is a popular vacation spot offering a range of activities and dining options.
10. Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia
Renowned for its wild horses and coastal charm, Assateague Island—designated a National Seashore in 1965 remains one of the best beaches in America for natural beauty and unique wildlife.
11. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, a stunning half-mile stretch in Kaʻōhao, Oʻahu, boasts powdery white sand and Nā Mokulua island views yet offers no restrooms, lifeguards, or easy parking for beachgoers.
12. Coopers Beach, New York
Coopers Beach in Southampton offers white sand, historic mansions, and Atlantic views earning its place among the best beaches in America for a serene and scenic coastal getaway.
13. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf Shores is famous for its stunning beaches and the iconic Bushwacker cocktail, with over 50 coastal spots serving unique takes on this frozen drink, making it a must-try experience in Gulf Shores.
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14. Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Ocean City, one of the best beaches in America, is famed as the “White Marlin Capital of the World,” drawing over 430 boats each year to its thrilling White Marlin Open fishing tournament.
15. Kiawah Island Beach, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is a premier beach destination known for its unspoiled natural landscapes, luxurious resorts, world-class golf courses, and award-winning tennis facilities, making it an idyllic retreat for relaxation and recreation.
16. Rockaway Beach, New York
Rockaway Beach in Queens, NYC, is one of the best beaches in America boasting legal surfing zones, vibrant art, trendy dining, and stunning oceanfront views along a massive sandy stretch.
17. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks (OBX) is a 175-mile beach destination featuring wild horses, scenic lighthouses, and charming towns like Corolla and Duck perfect for surfing, fishing, and family-friendly beach travel adventures.
18. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach, one of the best beaches in America, offers stunning coastline, oceanfront resorts, a vibrant arts scene, and the free Pacific Marine Mammal Center for unforgettable coastal adventures and wildlife encounters.
19. St. Pete Beach, Florida
Known as “The Sunset Capital of Florida,” St. Pete Beach offers emerald-green waters, friendly vibes, and great dining perfect for families and beachgoers seeking a relaxing beach travel experience.
20. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
This stunning national lakeshore spans 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s coast, offering sandy beaches, 450-foot bluffs, inland lakes, lush forests, and historic treasures like a lighthouse and farmsteads.
21. Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach is a top Los Angeles beach destination, drawing 28,000–30,000 visitors daily to its lively Boardwalk filled with performers, shops, and eateries along the scenic Ocean Front Walk.
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22. La Jolla Shores, California
This mile-long beach in La Jolla, San Diego is perfect for families and surfers. With gentle summer waves and access to an ecological reserve, it’s one of the best beaches in America for outdoor adventures.
23. Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach, a charming beach town in South Palm Beach County, offers boutique shops, restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene making it a must-visit beach travel destination with small-town charm and world-class appeal.
24. Goose Rocks Beach, Maine
Goose Rocks Beach is a scenic, crescent-shaped beach in Maine, perfect for families with its soft sand and calm surf. Protected by a barrier reef, it offers tranquil views of islands and the Atlantic.
25. Bandon Beach, Oregon
Bandon Beach, located in the Bandon State Natural Area, offers public access to tide pools, dramatic rock formations, and wildlife viewing, making it a must-see destination along Oregon’s stunning coast for beach travel lovers.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or natural wonder, these 25 coastal destinations showcase the very best beaches in America. From the wild shores of Oregon to the tropical tranquility of Hawaii, there’s no better time than now to start planning your next beach getaway.
Ready to hit the sand? Which of these beaches will you visit first?
