To spend a day at the beach is to relish simple pleasures. The fragrance of salty air, symphony of thundering waves, sensation of heels sinking into the sand—it’s the ultimate balm for the soul. And while any opportunity to visit the sea is worth savoring, there are certain destinations where it feels like mother nature cooked with only the finest ingredients. The best beaches in the US offer a medley of these sorts of good traits, from pristine sand and azure waters to staggering rock formations and biodiverse tide pools.
Of course, practical considerations also come into play when planning a beach day. If you have little ones in tow, a location with parking, public restrooms, and a lifeguard will be appreciated. If you’re setting out into the sun with a group of friends, a beach with food trucks or grills could also tip the scales. Or perhaps you’re in search of somewhere isolated and arresting—that’s always a recipe for a memorable experience.
From a black sand shoreline in Hawaii to a coastal enclave in Maryland that’s populated by wild horses, the best beaches in the US deliver on all of the above and then some. Ahead, 13 stretches of sand to add to your bucket list.
Honokalani Beach, Maui
The iconic Road to Hana is famed for its otherworldly scenery and winding path (619 hairpin turns, to be exact). One stop on this famous drive is the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park called Honokalani. Formed by a lava flow that eventually cooled, hardened, and fragmented from waves repeatedly cascading over it, this black sand offers a striking color contrast from the lush green tropical forest that meets the shoreline. A couple of tips: reservations to visit the beach are now required and a pair of water shoes will make it easier to traverse the coastal path that leads to a blowhole and wet caves.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock at Oregon’s Cannon Beach was created some 17 million years ago and now serves as the impressive focal point for this breathtaking stretch of coast. At low tide, you can walk right up to the massive rock to spot sea stars and giant green anemones. There’s also a diverse ecosystem here, meaning whale-watching, elk sightings, and birdwatching are all on the menu. The beach sits beside a charming village with small breweries and eateries with ocean views, making it a well-rounded destination for your beach day.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
When you think of Big Sur and its majestic landscape, Pfeiffer Beach likely comes to mind. It is one of the few points in the steep cliffside region where you can access the ocean, making it all the more special. And as if the waves crashing through Keyhole Arch weren’t enough to lure you in, the beach is also known for purple patches of sand caused by Manganese garnet eroded down from nearby hillsides (it’s especially visible just after it rains).
Caladesi Island, Florida
Along the Gulf Coast of Florida and accessible only by boat is Caladesi Island State Park, home to an undisturbed beach and bayside mangrove and pine forests that can be explored by kayak. The ferry from Dunedin takes about 20 minutes and despite the island’s wild, undeveloped habitat, visitors can still enjoy creature comforts like restroom facilities, a picnic pavilion, and casual beach bites like fish and chips served at the local cafe.
Ruby Beach, Washington
Located near Forks (yes, that Forks) in Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is a quintessential Pacific Northwest coastline with sea stacks and a dramatic abundance of driftwood that lines the shore. The beach takes its name from the ruby-hued crystals in the sand, which give it a reddish tint. Also worth noting is that the sunset here is unrivaled—grab an evening beverage and perch on one of many logs to watch golden hour wash over the rugged landscape.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
Local folklore has it that the wild horses of Assateague Islands are survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast (though in reality, they’re likely descendants of horses brought to the barrier island in the 17th century). This unique habitat straddles Maryland and Virginia and offers animal lovers the opportunity to experience their beach day with a side of equine sightings. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails, a ride on an over-sand vehicle, as well as swimming and surfing.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
Lake Michigan beaches hit differently, with their sprawling miles of pristine sand and grassy vegetation. Sleeping Bear Dunes is one such destination where sunbathing and sand castles are an everyday affair, and swims in aquamarine water offer a picturesque respite from the heat. There are several lakeshores to choose from here based on where’s convenient, like the pebbly Glen Haven Beach or Good Harbor Beach 651 where sunset views are top-notch.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
A sense of adventure washes over once you step foot on Driftwood Beach, situated on the north end of Jekyll Island in Georgia’s Golden Isles. Naturally, it’s named after the eroded driftwood and trees scattered across the shoreline, which creates a dreamlike ambiance for soaking in the sun. The waves are calm and the water is shallow, so swimming is a breeze. Plus, the island has plenty to explore once you’re ready for a fresh bite or a leisurely bike ride.
Cooper’s Beach, New York
The sandy white shores of this Southampton beach are beloved for their proximity to large dunes and historic mansions. Sun chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and there’s a beachside cafe for post-swim snacks. It’s also worth noting that whale and dolphin sightings here are quite common, and that a nice beach break allows for pleasant bodysurfing.
Steps Beach, Nantucket
It isn’t difficult to find a beautiful beach in Nantucket, the island is a sun-dweller’s paradise during the summer season. But if you’re looking for a locale that’s a bit less frequented, head for Steps Beach off of Cliff Road around four miles from town. It offers no lifeguard, facilities, or parking and is only reached by a set of stairs—but once you arrive, the stunning views and gentle surf will make it all worth it. Tip: During August and September, bioluminescent creatures can be spotted in the water.
Biddeford Pool, Maine
Accessed by small trails that unfold from the forest, Biddeford Pool’s beaches are as storybook as they are rustic. This spectacular site is actually a large tidal pool on the south coast of Maine and the surrounding seaside village all but guarantees a picture-perfect beach day. What really guarantees it? The rare ability to have a fire on the beach (allowed with a daily permit from the town). Do yourself a favor and rent one of the beachfront cottages for the weekend so you can savor the fresh lobster and sandcastle building in this unique destination.
Iona’s Beach, Minnesota
If you’re keen on something out of the ordinary, Iona’s Beach on Minnesota’s Lake Superior fits the bill with its shoreline of salmon-colored rocks that sing—yes, sing. When waves roll in these small stones produce a symphony of sound similar to ringing bells. The rocks come from a nearby Rhyolite cliff formed by magma roughly a billion years ago. Bring your camera.
Black Sand Beach, Alaska
More arduous to reach but worth every minute of the journey, Alaska’s Black Sand Beach offers the memorable opportunity to see what black sand looks like contrasted with minty blue glaciers. It’s a popular spot for sea kayakers to camp and is accessible via boat charter, a tour, or a lengthy paddling excursion. A five-minute paddle from the beach takes you to the Coxe glacier, and at low tide, it’s possible to stroll the coastline past the length of the beach.
