Laguna Beach, CA
The Main Beach stretch at Laguna Beach is easily one of California’s best beaches. It’s a spot favored by celebrities and has even appeared in television and film productions. The only downside to Main Beach is that you won’t get as much space to relax, but there are plenty of other beach stretches at Laguna Beach for that.
Main Beach is all about the activities and art in the area. From volleyball to basketball, there’s plenty of athletic things to do, but its also a good place to stroll and admire the public art displays. Other common activities in the area include snorkeling, bodysurfing and kayaking. This is the place to be at Laguna Beach.
Kauai, Hawaii
Hanalei Beach Park is a beach of exquisite beauty and easily one of the most photographed beaches in Hawaii. Offering white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and a backdrop of lush green mountains, the view of Hanalei Beach is absolutely breathtaking. It’s also an excellent spot for surfing, kayaking, snorkeling or sunbathing.
The beach is made up of three main sections. The first is the Black Pots at Hanalei Pier, which is the part of the beach where the Hanalei River meets the ocean – a popular spot for kayaking. Then there’s Wai’oli Beach Park which offers plenty of grass for kids to roam, and offshore, it’s a good spot for snorkeling. Finally, there’s Waikokos - the ideal surfing spot.
Block Island, Rhode Island
One of the most beautiful beaches in New England would have to be Rhode Island’s Mohegan Bluffs. The beach, located at the base of the 200-foot-tall Mohegan Bluffs, is a secluded area where those looking for some peace and quiet will surely find it. The area is the perfect spot for surf or swim.
However, the rocky area is a bit of a steep climb, so be aware of that. There are 141 steps that lead down to the sand from the top of the Bluffs. The area also offers plenty of other activities, along Block Island’s 17 miles of beach. You can ferry to and from Block Island from several different locations including Newport, New London and Montauk.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
If you are looking for over 60 miles of jaw-dropping beauty, the Myrtle Beach coastline is where you want to be. It’s a place of natural wonder and its almost always a warm spot to hang out, even during the winter. The area is well-known as a vacation resort for people in need of some time away from all their routines and responsibilities.
If you don’t like tourists, you may not appreciate this spot but the subtropical climate, numerous activities and countless restaurants in the city make Myrtle Beach a place everyone should experience at least once. It’s also worth noting that Myrtle beach is by far the largest shopping destination in South Carolina, so shoppers rejoice!
Sarasota, Florida
Siesta Key Beach is the best spot in Florida for relaxation. If you want to get away from the crowds, Siesta Key is the place to go. In 2020, the beach was named the #1 Beach in the U.S by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards. The powder sand beach and gentle waves give you a chance to meditate, whereas most touristy beaches in Florida never give you room to breathe.
The beach also has the advantage of having a large parking area, so you aren’t spending half of your time looking for somewhere to park. Concession stands are always around for a quick bite to eat and a free trolley can take you anywhere you want to go on the Island. Activities include paddling, dining and shopping.
Santa Barbara, California
East Beach is the beach in Santa Barbara. All of the major hotels are located across from it. This is your typical California beach: plenty of space for biking and rollerblading, multiple children's playgrounds, and a long expansive sandy coastline. East Beach's claim to fame is its world-class volleyball courts.
East Beach extends from Stearns Wharf to the city limits, along the end of the four-miles of beach parks in the area. In addition to the beautiful ocean views, there are picnic tables available and a playground for kids to enjoy. There are no dogs allowed, however, on the sand.
Naples, Florida
This Florida beach is located in a state park on an island just across the water from the city of Naples. Not only can you work on your tan, visitors can also launch boats, canoes, and kayaks from this area into Turkey Bay. There's even a hard bottom reef nearby that offers snorkeling.
It should be noted that due to the popularity of the beach, it frequently experiences closure during the day on weekends. There's also a small vehicle parking fee but its open to the public all-year round, from 8am to sundown. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, snorkeling and much more.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Beachwalker Park is a county-owned beachfront in the otherwise gated golf community of Kiawah Island. The cool Atlantic waters are a nice contrast to the island's boardwalks that wind their way through oak and pine trees, among other vegetation. It's truly a sight to see and experience at least once.
In addition to its ocean view, you'll also get a view of the river. Cook up your own food and have a picnic in the designated picnic area, or grab some grub at the snack bar. At Kiawah Beachwalker Park, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a good time.
Eastham, Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach is one of Cape Cod's gems. If the tides are right, visitors can walk out onto the spit that juts into Nauset Bay where seals like to congregate. Coast Guard Beach is a prime swimming location in the summer so parking will be hard to come by and extremely limited, but shuttles run from Little Creek.
Coast Guard Beach is an ideal beach to visit during the summer months, starting in late June and up until Labor Day, according to the National Park website. There are numerous natural wonders to explore as well as historical structures such as The Outermost House built in the 1920s.
Key Biscayne, Florida
From the beach, you can see Cape Florida Light, one of the oldest structures in the Miami area. Located on Florida's Atlantic side, Bill Baggs Cape has over a mile of beachfront, as well as many other outdoor activities throughout the 400 acres of the state park. Fun fact: the harbor in this area is actually named No Name Harbor.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is exceedingly busy on the weekends, so if you are looking for relaxation, you might want to take a day off during the week. If you can't, be sure to arrive early for parking as the park will be closed after it reaches its maximum capacity.
Buxton, North Carolina
If you're searching for a local experience without typical commercialization, head to North Carolina's Outer Banks. Along these barrier islands is Cape Hatteras, the point in the U.S. closest to the Atlantic island of Bermuda. Similar to Bill Baggs, Cape Hatteras features its own lighthouse, this one the tallest in the country at 198 feet.
Cape Hatteras allows the use of off-road vehicles on the sand, which separates it from other beaches. You can also set up camp near the shore and activities such as fishing are allowed as well. Famous historical people have visited this beach including the likes of Blackbeard and Charles Haywood Fulcher.
Maui, Hawaii
This Maui beach is a true tropical paradise. The crescent shape of the beach arches into a jungle of heavy vegetation and trees that gives the dark sand some natural shade. The actual beach is small, however, so arrive early or you'll be out of a parking spot.
Even though it looks secluded, Hamoa Beach offers public showers and restrooms for your convenience. A washing station close by will also help you keep your car clean. The soft sand beaches and gentle waters make this beach a great spot for relaxation. Street parking is available but it will require a bit of a walk to the beach.
St. George Island, Florida
Like many of Florida's other amazing beaches on this list, the sandy shores of Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park are undeveloped and free from commercialization. It may take some extra planning (and time out of your schedule) to visit the barrier island, but the beautiful uncrowded beaches are worth the effort.
St. George Island State Park is open from 8am to sundown, 365 days per year. There's a $6 parking fee but it's totally worth it. Whether you just want to bathe in the sun, go camping,boating or watch some birds, St. George Island State Park has something for everyone who just wants to get away for a while.
Bonita Springs, Florida
With a name like Barefoot Beach, how could you not visit? Not only are the beaches popular in Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park, the area is also great for fisherman. The preserve is known for its sea turtles, and park rangers offer tours to view turtle nests.
Barefoot Beach seclusion that's not too far out of reach. It offers gentle waves for surfing and the water is shallow, so if you have kids, you won't need to worry as much. Activities include cycling, camping and kayaking. Manatees can be seen in the winter months. There's is a $10 parking fee.
Waimanalo, Hawaii
This is the beach that puts all others to shame...and nobody knows about it! Even when others are crowded and full of tourists, Waimanalo is somehow still sparse and relaxing. The water is always crystal clear, and the sand is feathery soft. Take advantage of the slow pace by learning how to bodysurf or just relax and take in the sun's warming rays.
This is the one beach in Hawaii where you can really get away from it all because it is a beach rarely visited by tourists. The stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains, in combination with the soothing sounds of nature, will make you feel as though you've stepped into an unexplored world.
