Beach escapes are ideal for anyone willing to get into a relaxing vacation. Interestingly, there are many top beaches in the US boasting picturesque sights and numerous beachy activities. Each beach in the US offers something unique that comes with the natural beauty of the surroundings. There is truly something for everyone from city dwellers to those looking for a relaxing pace.
When planning your vacation, you must determine the top beach vacations in the US to spend a memorable time. Find out the Top Beaches in the US where you can enjoy unforgettable beach holidays. This list ensures that a beach can be found in almost every part of the country to match with your holiday plan.
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Poipu Beach on Kauai’s south shore is one of the top beaches in the US. The beach attracts travelers for its white sand and clear blue waters while making it one of the most attractive on the island. It’s simple to get there by taking Highway 56 south to Lihu’e. You’ll travel through Hanalei on your way to Poipu.
Poipu Beach is the place to be if you’re searching for a location to relax and chill. Snorkeling, swimming, surfing, hiking, and other activities are the most popular activities at Poipu Beach. Further, you can hire kayaks at the beach and take advantage of enjoying a boat ride. Several shops and restaurants along this stretch of coastline cover your getaway in every aspect. Sometimes, your luck might be enough to catch a view of a sunbathing endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
If you are up to a beach escape around the Golden State, Coronado Beach is the ideal option for you in our Top Beaches in the US list. Coronado Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing day at the beach in San Diego, California. The beach boasts a wide, sandy shoreline approximately 1.75 miles long and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. The beach is located on the island of Coronado, which is easily accessible from the mainland by driving over the Coronado Bridge.
Further, visitors to Coronado Beach can enjoy various activities, including beach sports. Moreover, beach lovers can rent umbrellas and chairs to dip into a deep beachy escape. This beach is also excellent for a picnic, as you can easily catch many nearby picnic areas and grills. Don’t forget to stop by the San Diego Zoo another day and say hi to all of the animals!
Clearwater Beach, Florida
This beach is famous amongst the locals, and this is also voted as one of the top beaches in the US several times. Clearwater Beach is a beautiful coastline on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. This Beach is just a short drive from Tampa and can easily be accessed by car or public transportation. Visitors can park at one of the many public lots near the beach or take a trolley to get there.
When you consider the things to do in Clearwater Beach, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking are the key activities you can enjoy around the premise. Further, parasailing or jet-skiing may satisfy you if you are up to turning on your adventure mode. Also, taking a dolphin-watching tour is one of the key things many travelers try during their escape on Clearwater Beach. All these activities and relaxing surroundings open doors to you enjoying one of the best beach getaways in the US.
Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey
This Charm Jersey Shore getaway offers everything you want in a summer destination in the Northeast. Asbury Park Beach is a beautiful coastal destination located on the Jersey Shore in New Jersey. The beach is famous amongst travelers for its iconic boardwalk, vintage carousel, and historic Stone Pony music venue. Getting to Asbury Park Beach is easy, with many convenient transportation options available. Visitors can take the NJ Transit train from New York City or other nearby locations and disembark at the Asbury Park Station.
If you are a surf lover Asbury Park Beach is the best option that allows you to catch some great waves in the Atlantic Ocean. During your New Jersey days, you can have a peaceful time on Asbury Park Beach, as it is great to treat yourself by sunbathing while enjoying the inspiring atmosphere. Moreover, Asbury Park Beach allows you to satisfy your fishing cravings to mark it as one of the top beach vacations in the US.
Waimanalo Beach, Oahu Island, Hawaii
Waimanalo Beach is the perfect beach for those looking for CALM waters in Hawaii, not saves for surfing. It’s located next to Bellows Beach. It is located on the Windward side of Oahu Island! Nearby, you’ll find local food stands selling authentic Hawaiian cuisine like laulau. Check out my relevant Oahu Island blog posts that you may find helpful!
- 1 Week in Oahu Itinerary
- Two Weeks in Hawaii Itinerary
- Top 20 Things to Eat in Hawaii
- Oahu Things to Do
Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York
Looking for a beachy escape just a few miles away from the busy city that never sleeps? Rockaway Beach would be one of the top beaches in the US for you. Rockaway Beach is a beloved coastal destination in the Queens borough of New York City. This 7-mile-long beach may not add that tropical flavor to your escape, but it’s famous for its wide, sandy shoreline, rolling waves, and lively atmosphere. Most New Yorkers come to Rockaway Beach to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying activities like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Visitors may reach Rockaway Beach by taking the A train from Manhattan to the Beach 116th Street Station, then transfer to the Rockaway-bound shuttle bus. Visitors can also drive to the beach and park in one of the many public lots or on-street spots. To complete your beachy experience, Rockaway also has a skate park, volleyball courts, handball courts, playgrounds, spray showers, and restrooms.
Harris Beach, Oregon
Harris Beach is a stunning coastal destination located in the state of Oregon. This beautiful beach is known for its rugged coastline, towering sea stacks, and lush greenery. There are several transit alternatives available to get to Harris Beach. Visitors can drive to the beach and park in several public lots or on-street parking spaces. Moreover, visitors can also take a shuttle bus to the beach from nearby towns or cities. Like other beach hotspots in the Us, Harris beach also offers enough space for visitors to enjoy swimming and sunbathing. The unique experience is you can explore the views with its extensive network of hiking trails.
Harris Beach is not limited to typical beachy experiences like fishing and kayaking. You can engage in unique experiences like birdwatching with many species of sea birds and waterfowl, making their home in the surrounding area. Undoubtedly, it makes this beach one of the best beach getaways in the US for nature lovers.
Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington
Ruby Beach is a stunning stretch of shoreline in the Washington Olympic National Park. This beach takes the attention of travelers for its breathtaking scenery, featuring towering cliffs, massive rock formations, and a rugged shoreline dotted with driftwood and colorful pebbles.
You can drive to the park and follow the signs for the beach to access this incredible beach setting. The drive to the beach is scenic, offering views of the lush green forests and rolling hills that make up the Olympic National Park. Ruby Beach lets you walk along the shoreline leisurely, take in the breathtaking views, and explore the rocky outcroppings that line the beach. Further, several picnic areas near the beach make it a great spot to stop and enjoy a meal while observing the site’s beauty. Ruby Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking top beach destinations in the US.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
If you are looking for a beachy escape around an urban area, Oak Street Beach is one of the top beaches in the US that you can access without leaving the city. This urban beach is easily accessible via public transportation or by driving. Visitors can take the CTA bus or the Red Line ‘L’ train to the Chicago Avenue stop and then walk a few blocks east to the beach to get to Oak Street Beach.
The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball. Further, you can step inside several restaurants and cafes nearby to satisfy your foodie cravings. Oak Street Beach allows you to enjoy its scenic views, which include the iconic Chicago skyline, the Navy Pier, and the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
Sand Beach, Mount Desert Island, Maine
Sand Beach is a breathtaking natural attraction on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It’s a 265-meter-long beach amid rocky outcroppings ideal for a day at the beach. This crescent-shaped beach attracts visitors for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors may reach Sand Beach by taking a picturesque drive along the Park Loop Road. This road runs through the center of Acadia National Park. The beach is easily accessible, and there is enough parking for visitors.
During your time on the Beach Beach, refresh yourself by swimming in the calm waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Maybe go sunbathing on the sand, or going for a scenic hike along the nearby trails. Further, you will notice several picnic areas and scenic overlooks near the beach, making it a great place to stop and enjoy a meal while taking in the beauty of the setting.
North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
Ideal for travelers who are looking for an extremely quiet getaway with spectacular surroundings. North Beach is a picturesque beach located on Tybee Island, Georgia. You may quickly get to the beach by driving over the Tybee Island Bridge. Further, plenty of parking spaces near the beach make it easy to access.
Here, warm waters, gentle surf, and scenic views of the nearby lighthouse and fort can be easily identified. Beyond that, you can lose yourself amidst the typical beachy activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing on North Beach. You may notice several nearby restaurants, cafes, and shops offering a range of dining options and shopping opportunities. The Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum are popular attractions around for history buffs. Lighthouse enthusiasts will enjoy the view while also being just a short walk from the beach.
Destin Beach, Destin, Florida
Destin sits on the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico and is home to stunning white sandy beaches, emerald green water. It is often referred to as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. This beach town is known for its plentiful fishing, challenging golf courses, mouth-watering seafood restaurants, and incredible Gulf views.
Destin Florida offers a wide variety of activities including parasailing, watersports, dolphin cruises, aquariums, theme parks, and more. With Destin Beach’s clear blue water and powdery white sand you might forget you’re still in the US and not in the Caribbean.
