What are the Best Beaches in the US?

The United States has beaches along its 95,000 miles of coastline. Among these, some are perfect for family vacations while others attract adventure seekers. There are also beaches known for their unique natural features like special colors of sand, rock formations, or wildlife sightings.

But how would you know which is the best beach site for your next trip? Well, here is a thoughtful ranking of the best beaches in the US to add to your bucket list. While personal preferences vary, one can go through these options in terms of interests whether of swimming, surfing, relaxing, or experiencing something unusual.

Best for Families

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater beach is a popular choice for families in Florida to enjoy together. After all, it’s perfect for everyone whether one has to explore the ocean or just want to see the beauty of nature.

The best part is that children also love this place as the water here is shallow. Kids can enjoy water activities without going too deep into the water which is safe and relaxing at the same time. A playground is also there to engage children in different activities other than swimming. Not just this, there are also beach chair and umbrella rentals for adults to rest and witness the wild beauty of the ocean.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Poipu beach faces towards the sunny south side of Kauai and comes out as a curved shape of a half moon. The beach offers both calm water and bigger waves in different areas.

This is the reason family members with different interests can have fun together here. For example, some of the parts have gentle waves while others have wild ocean tides for adults. Spotting water creatures and riding the tides are the best activities that visitors love about this beach. Families also love to spend evenings on Poipu beach for its beautiful sunset view. And if you’re planning a relaxing day by the shore, you might enjoy checking out some of the best beach read books to make your beach time even more enjoyable.

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a quiet relaxing spot in Florida that is perfect for families to have a fun time together. This west coast of Florida tells the story of US beauty before the era of development came. The best part is that the surroundings don’t feel crowded and remains calm even during busy seasons.

Children love seeing dolphins swimming and having fun jumps over water. Meanwhile, adults can rent bikes to explore peaceful island streets. Shell collection from shores is also a great activity for many. Moreover, the historic fishing pier extends far into the Gulf of Mexico. So, fishing from the pier costs nothing and provides hours of fun. Overall, it’s a place for families to escape crowded tourist beaches.

Best for Adventure & Water Sports

Waikīkī Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Waikīkī beach is a popular relaxation spot in Hawaii. It’s basically in a busy Honolulu having a diamond head crater nearby. Tall hotels behind the sand create a whole city skyline.

Unlike other beaches, Waikīkī beach is popular for surfing. Though professional surfers used to have fun here, its gentle waves are also friendly to beginners. Even surf instructors are available there to have an adventure. Surfboard rentals are also everywhere and easy to find. Even if you are not doing anything, watching surfers practicing their skills is also a great experience.

Huntington Beach, California

Huntington beach is another fun spot for surfers and is thus also known as Surf City USA. Being along the Pacific Coast, it attracts surfers, adventurers, and even families who want to have fun together.

It’s the fact that serious surfers come here which also has a good reason. For example, this beach has consistent waves and a long fishing pier. The waves are powerful and reliable. Not just this, fire pits also dot the beach for evening gatherings. Similarly, bonfires are also allowed until late at night.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

South beach is a part of the famous Art Deco district of Miami. The whole of ocean drive is occupied with colorful buildings from the 1930s. Overall, visitors know this beach for its party atmosphere and nightlife.

Specifically, Art Deco buildings create a colorful backdrop behind the sand. The party atmosphere also continues well into the night. In fact, it’s a popular choice for adventurers who want to experience unique water activities. For example, there are clear swimming areas for safety. Windsurfing conditions are often perfect here. Similarly, Kitesurfing has also become popular in recent years there.

Best for Scenic Beauty

Pfeiffer Beach, California

Visitors recognize this beach for its purple sand which makes it unique over the world. Meanwhile, large rock formations also make this beach worth exploring once in a lifetime.

To be specific, purple sand comes from tiny garnet pieces mixed with regular sand. Massive rocks jut up from the water like ancient monuments. The wild coastline is the best part as it feels untouched by modern development. The sunset view is also worth capturing at this beach. So, make a plan to visit Pfeiffer beach with your loved ones to experience the wild beauty of the ocean.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Unlike Pfeiffer beach, Lanikai beach is popular for its fine white sand stretches. Towards the windward side of Oahu, this beach is calm and quiet away from the crowds.

The best part is the fine combination of powder-soft sand and crystal-clear water. One can easily spot water creatures swimming or experience fishing for hours. Palm trees lean over the water which provides ample shade. Trade winds also keep temperatures comfortable year-round. Windsurfing and kitesurfing work well when conditions are right.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon beach is famous among visitors because of Haystack Rock. It’s the 235-foot tall rock formation that rises from the ocean floor.

Interestingly, people visit Cannon beach to take pictures of Haystack Rock which makes it the most photographed landmark on the Oregon Coast. This beach stretches for miles in both directions. Sand dunes covered with beach grass create natural barriers. Puffins also nest on Haystack Rock during summer months which further enhances the experience.

Best for Unique Experiences

Wai’ānapanapa State Park, Maui

This park features the most famous beach of Hawaii having black sand. In fact, volcanic activity years ago made its regular sand black.

The contrast between dark sand and blue ocean is striking which attracts more tourists. Red volcanic cliffs also tower behind the beach. Camping facilities are available within the park which is the best part of adventure. There are also hiking trails for thrill seekers which lead to hidden freshwater pools and waterfalls.

Driftwood Beach, Georgia

Driftwood beach is another perfect visiting spot for photographers. Unlike rocks, this beach has bleached tree skeletons that feel like natural art installations stretching along the entire shoreline.

Actually, shoreline trees fell into the ocean years ago and washed back to shore. After that, each piece of driftwood has been shaped by waves into unique forms. Photographers travel from around the world to capture these formations. Long walks and shell collecting are perfect activities here.

Coronado Beach, California

Coronado beach is famous for its sparkling sand. Actually, it’s the mica minerals that create a glittering effect in sunlight. So, the sparkling sand catches sunlight and creates an attractive effect. The beach is enormous yet rarely becomes overcrowded. Gentle waves make bodysurfing easy and fun here. For pet owners, it’s the best place as it offers a dog beach area. Sunset views across San Diego Bay are also incredible to witness here.

Final Words

Though beaches vary widely, the best beaches in the US share common traits like clean water, good sand, safe surroundings, and reliable conditions. Specifically, family spots keep kids safe while surf beaches deliver consistent waves. Similarly, unique shores offer something different without needing extra hype. As you see above, no single beach works for everyone. But the coastline of America has solid options to choose from as per your interest.