As someone who has driven across the country, I have been to a lot of impressive beaches in the USA.
My pick for the ultimate beach in America is of course Dry Tortugas National Park, offering you unspoiled beauty and sequestered silence.
And to me that matters because with America’s 80,000 miles of coastline, I’m always looking for diamonds in the rough. Here are a few of my favorites that I recommend you check out!
Top 15 Beaches in the USA
1. Florida: Dry Tortugas National Park
Highly rated as one of the best beaches in America, Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park is an isolated destination of nearly pristine beaches accessible only by boat or seaplane. This string of seven islands perched at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean is surrounded by crystal waters filled with coral reefs and underwater creatures: it has great spots for beach lounging and camping.
It is about a 4-hour drive from Miami to the Keys, so the perfect time to tack on an additional 70 miles past Key West to Monroe County undiscovered gem. And the visit that I made last week was all the more unforgettable as we arrived by seaplane!
2. Pfeiffer Beach, California
Pfeiffer Beach makes its way to the West Coast. This beach claims almost 2 miles of shoreline on the historic Pacific Coast Highway, which winds through Big Sur and several other houses on about 75 acres of surrounding land and is best known for its arching rock. I love the purple sand — manganese garnet rock!
You can’t go for a swim here, but it’s a lovely place to bathe your eyes in the glory of the nature. There are many photo opportunities with more dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, along with the rock arch, the roaring waves and the sandy bottoms.
3. Ruby Beach, Washington
Ruby Beach tends to be the crowning jewel of any beach day in Washington. It is appropriately named after the reddish granules that are easy to see on the sandy expanse, and the giant tide pools are filled with urchins, starfish, limpets, anemones, and those pesky green crabs.
The water is cold all year round, making the swimming a bit more challenging. The red-tinged sand, colorful tide pools, various rock formations, and the driftwoods are quite a sight to behold, and there is no doubt that photographers and adventurers alike will have a ball in this beautiful beach.
4. Trunk Bay, St John USVI
If there is one image of a perfect day at the beach, Trunk Bay on St John is it. On still days, that clear Caribbean blue on the water combined with the quarter-mile of white sand make this island wonder an idyllic travel pic.
I particularly like the self-guided underwater snorkeling trail with signs explaining coral formations and marine life. Beyond that, the beach offers the usual amenities like a snack bar, showers, restrooms and lifeguards, so it’s a great place for a retreat to the sun and the sea.
5. Honokalani Beach, Maui
This black sand beach in Maui (Honokalani Beach) is even more dramatic than the one in Iceland. While it is not a typical white sand beach, there is something to be said for the rustic feel it exudes. The ocean reef cove is on the side of the world-famous Road to Hana and is considered a sacred site to most Hawaiians. In Hawaii these waves crash against obsidian sand, a stunning clash of painted colors on black.
The beach is located in Waianapanapa State Park so it’s a good opportunity to also stop for the very interesting lava caves, stone arches, and blow holes next to the parking lot. Combined with its stunning natural beauty and cultural importance, this place is a must-visit.
6. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is one of the best beaches in Florida…. and I grew up as a native Floridian so I would know! Easily accessed by a short bridge from Sarasota, this island offers a peaceful setting. This is where a picture tells you everything and let me have a few words too publishers interested in this blog post
Spend your day sunbathing on the warm white sand, swimming in teal waters, hunting for shells and shark teeth, or even giving parasailing a try. If you are looking to really do a lot of stuff while on the beach, I would say you will not go wrong and you will enjoy a vacation destination of Siesta Key in the USA. If you prefer fewer crowds, go to during the off-season while the weather is still reasonable.
7. Cayo Icacos, Puerto Rico
One of the island’s uninhabited cayes, remember Cayo Icacos Beach by day. Just a 1.5-mile boat ride off the east coast of Puerto Rico, the island is definitely off the beaten path and requires a little extra effort to get to, but your efforts will be well-rewarded.
The classic Caribbean elements — all white sand and electric blue water — are all present but with many more surprises besides. It was a remarkable experience to be on a tiny island all alone in the middle of the ocean. If peace and quiet is at the top of your list, this is the place, which is reached with a 15-minute water taxi from Fajardo.
8. St Thomas USVI – Magens Bay Beach
Just Jared Due to these characteristics, Micronesia is surrounded by turquoise water, with lush green trees and plants and colorful flowers, creating a beautiful landscape.
With nature trails through the mangrove trees, this beach is excellent for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This is a definite destination for anyone looking for water activities, and the scenery is the very best.
9. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Love Cannon Beach…Great Beach town abroad the USA. Cannon Beach — This watercolor-perfect town features Haystack Rock (the third largest monolith in the world at 235 feet) and waterfalls that literally run into the sand, making it one of NatGeo’s 100 most beautiful places in 2013.
It is just that they are not tropical, they feature Doguels Firs and Red Cedar trees, and not Palm Trees. Different smells, light, colors of water from dark blue to gray set the mood.
The nearest town is full of hotels, restaurants, art galleries, and more. This is a must on your bucket list if you’re on the West Coast!
10. Jekyll Island, Georgia: Driftwood Beach
You will see something strange visiting Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island. Instead of your usual driftwood, petrified trees, whole trees at that, lay strewn upon the beach, offering an unearthly view.
Photographers and scientists are frequently seen on the beach among the weathered trees left behind after years of erosion. Great as a mid-day winter sunescape, the rocky and sometimes swampy waterfront doesnt make for great swimming. The petrified trees couldn’t provide a more stark contrast to the cloudy sky, giving me some wonderful images to work with.
11. South Padre Island Beach, TX
South Padre Island Beach, Texas — Cleanest beaches in America It is one of the top spots in South Texas. The restaurant is String of Pearls on the shore where you can dine on the beach.
In the summer, sea water is warm, but it is overcrowded beach. Likewise, late spring and early fall are quieter, and the weather is ideal. This warm beach is home to smooth sand, ideal for castle construction, and the tepid water feels seductively cool.
12. Carova Beach, North Carolina
Duck, NC Carova Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the East Coast simply due to its claim to fame, wild horses. Few things can be as thrilling as watching these magnificent animals run by the Atlantic Ocean.
While the shoreline also features twelve peaceful miles of off-the-beaten-path vibes. The area has no through roads and can only be reached by 4WD vehicle, so its isolation only adds to the beauty.
13. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
With miles of gentle sand, Coronado Beach in San Diego is also known for exceptional tide pools. Gold-flecked sand graces the shoreline which shimmers, making it all the more alluring. An added bonus: this sandy spot is so pet-friendly.
Former film site The beach itself is overlooked by the historic Hotel del Coronado, a favorite spot for filming movies — including Marilyn Monroe’s “Some Like It Hot.” If you have an opportunity to stay at that luxurious hotel, it could be an unforgettable experience.
14. Laguna Beach, California, Diver’s Cove
Diver’s Cove, Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach : Laguna Beach is one of the best places you can go diving and one of the most picturesque cities in the state so, in my opinion, that alone makes it worth the 1 hour drive. Steep mountains tumble to the Pacific Ocean on wide-sunned coves and safe harbor for diving and snorkeling are highlights of the rugged coastlines.
The diver’s cove area has a small underwater inlet where swimmers can snorkel before basking on the hot southern California sun. Its cove-like environment offers some natural protection making it great for diving.
15. Waimea Bay Beach Park, Oahu
Waikiki Beach might be what everyone thinks of when they hear Hawaii, but Waimea Bay Beach Park on Oahu’s North Shore is absolutely one of mine (and a well-known one at that).
For many years in the stretch from November to February, the North Shore called Big Wave surfers to face its massive winter swells, and Waimea is one of the most famous sites of the best surfing matches. The beach is a great spot to watch surfers year-round, and you can sprawl out on the broad sandy shores.
