Let’s face it—when the springtime weather finally starts to heat up, it’s really hard to stay inside the house. That’s why, each summer, Americans flock en masse to the coastline for sunshine and sand.
But not all beaches are created equal. While we love splashing and relaxing just about anywhere, there’s something special about white sugar sand, clear blue ocean waves, and a boardwalk brimming with funky souvenir shops and delicious seafood.
That’s why we’ve put together the definitive list of the most gorgeous beaches in America. Whether you’re used to the rocky Northeast coastline or the sandy white beaches of SoCal, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more about the eight most beautiful beaches in the U.S.
South Beach - Miami, Florida
It doesn’t get more glam than South Beach. White sandy beaches and funky art deco architecture provide a fun backdrop for some of the hottest nightlife in the country. Celebs can often be spotted among the crowd of beachgoers to soak up rays and splash in the clear south Florida waters. Make sure you protect your peepers while you’re checking out the glitterati by throwing on a pair of fun sunglasses like these vintage-inspired shades.
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach is the gem of Florida’s panhandle. The sugar sand beaches and crystal clear waters of the Gulf Coast draw tourists for swimming, sunbathing, dolphin watching, snorkeling, watersports, and more. And since the beach goes on for miles, there’s plenty of options for food and lodging to make your Pensacola Beach vacation truly memorable for the whole family.
Coronado Beach - San Diego, California
You might recognize Coronado Beach from the Marilyn Monroe movie “Some Like It Hot”. The sand on this beautiful San Diego spot is known for the high mica content that makes it glitter in the sunlight. Situated beside the iconic Hotel De Coronado, you won’t tire of taking long walks on the sparkling beach. Bonus points if you get a chance to observe one of Coronado Beach’s absolutely gorgeous sunsets in one of our hammock products.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
There’s a reason why Myrtle Beach is one of America’s most iconic beaches. Beloved by generations of vacationers, it’s one of the quintessential coastline spots in the country thanks to its wide range of gorgeous beaches, seafood spots, and nonstop entertainment. Plus, it’s home to some of the top golf courses on the East Coast. There’s something for everyone at Myrtle Beach.
Kauna’oa Beach, Hawaii
Also called Mauna Kea Beach, Kauna’oa Beach is one of Hawaii’s favorite gems. It boasts some of the prettiest white sand in the country, which makes it perfect for an afternoon of soaking up the sunshine in paradise. (Just make sure you stay hydrated with your fave crystal water bottle by your side.) If you’re feeling daring, check out the southern side of the beach for a fun adventure snorkeling in the tropical rocks and coral. At night, the adjacent Mauna Kea Hotel is known to turn on floodlights over the water to attract plankton for the native population of manta rays, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of these gentle visitors.
Ogunquit Beach - Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit Beach is well known for its fresh seafood and New England charm. Located in southern Maine, this spot is popular for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and anything else your beach bum heart desires. The super soft sand makes it easy to lose hours wandering down the three mile long beach. Depending on what time of year you visit, you might be able to check out the annual sandcastle contest or, a few months later, the traditional kite festival. And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, be sure to grab a lobster roll from one of the nearby boardwalk seafood stands. (Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.)
Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island, Georgia
Driftwood Beach is truly one of the most unique beaches in America. The mile long beach is decorated with 200 year old driftwood trees that resemble a twisted, unorthodox jungle gym along the shoreline. It’s no wonder why Driftwood Beach is such a popular spot for photos—and even the occasional wedding. (Don’t forget to pack your camera in your beach boho bag.) And if the heat gets to be too much, feel free to jump in for a dip in the south Georgia ocean.
Glass Beach - Fort Bragg, California
Glass Beach has evolved over the last few decades as one of the best beaches in America. Thanks to years of garbage dumping nearby (not practiced since the 1960s, thankfully), the shore in this region is covered in smooth sea glass. City officials ask that you leave all of the beach’s glass for other visitors to enjoy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snap photos to your heart’s content while you’re there!
5 comments
Can’t wait until it safe to hit the beach again!!
Great list! Myrtle Beach and Glass Beach are two of my personal favorites.
Jekyll Island is one of my favorite places! We live in Ponte Vedra Beach, so we are partial to that beach too :)
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I love the beach, so I pinned this so I can be sure to visit each one. Thank you! Also, have you been to Zuma Beach in Malibu? It is beautiful! 😊
Sooo cute!!!! Wish I could be on a beach right now but covid is kinda ruining it for me!