The United States is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and best beaches. From the white sands of Hawaii to the roaring Atlantic Ocean in New York, there are countless options for beachgoers to choose from.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day under the sun or a quiet place to work on your tan, the beaches in the US have something for everyone. Below we will discuss some of the best beaches in America, in twelve different categories!

---

Our list of the Best Beaches in America

---

Best Beaches in One Place

Dana Point Beach in Dana Point, California

Why You Should Go

At Dana Point, there is not one, but six beaches to choose from! Each beach is unique in its own way, which allows visitors to select the beach that best suits their preferences.  

Locals will tell you that Baby Beach is the best if you’re bringing young children with you. At Baby Beach, the calm water is more reminiscent of sitting by a lake rather than an ocean. Capistrano “Capo” Beach, on the other hand, has basketball courts, volleyball courts, fire pits, and a boardwalk.

Doheny State Beach has statues dedicated to the men and women who popularized surfing. The waves are also great for those looking to get into surfing or boogie boarding for the first time.

Monarch Beach is ideal for an evening stroll because of its incredible views, while Salt Creek Beach is a favorite amongst more seasoned surfers while the tide pools are great to cool off.

You’ll get a workout just getting to Strands Beach by taking the stairs that lead to and from the sand. Continue to get your steps in by taking a trail through the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area.

With so many options, you’re sure to find a beach that is just right for you!

---

Best State Park Beach

Crystal Cove State Park Beaches in Laguna Beach, California

Why You Should Go

Crystal Cove State Park has 3.2 miles of coastline, chaparral canyons, hiking trails, and, of course, stunning beaches. Within the park there are four beaches– Moro Beach, Reef Point, Historic District, and Pelican Point.

Moro Beach is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and having a picnic. There are also tide pools rich with marine life for those curious about the ocean.

There are ample cliffs at Reef Point that are fantastic for a rock climbing excursion, while the 2.5 mile hike offers spectacular views of the ocean.

At the Historic District, there are forty-six vintage beach cottages built between the 1920s and the 1930s, recently restored, preserved, and now used as a museum and as vacation rentals. Along with the opportunity to learn about the community that once lived in the Historic District, you can snorkel, swim, or visit the local general store or restaurant.

Finally, Pelican Point is known for being a beginner-friendly spot for those who want to try out surfing. Pelican Point also offers visitors the chance to sleep right on the beach, as it has a beachside campground equipped with fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. I

ts breathtaking views, commitment to preserving marine life, and thoughtful amenities make Crystal Cove State Park one of the best state parks in the country.

---

Best Beach for Families

Wildwood Crest Beach in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey

Why You Should Go

Named by USAToday as the “Best Beach in New Jersey,” New Jersey Wildwood Crest Beach is a hot spot for families with young children. When you hear about what Wildwood Crest Beach has to offer, you’ll understand why.

With five miles of shoreline, you and your family can sunbathe, play volleyball, surf, or boogie board the day away. Right next to the beach is a water park with rides to help you beat the summer heat as well.

If your children grow tired of relaxing on the beach,  take them to the boardwalk, where there are shops, restaurants, entertainment and over one hundred rides and attractions.

Wildwood Crest Beach truly has something for everyone which makes it the ideal spot to visit or vacation with your family.

---

Best Beach for Dogs

Jupiter Dog Beach in Jupiter, Florida

Why You Should Go

As one of the last remaining dog-friendly beaches in the state of Florida, Jupiter Dog Beach promises that you and your four-legged friend can both experience the sun and surf. This 2.5-mile beach allows you and your dog to play in the water, enjoy a game of fetch, or just chill out and watch the waves come in.

Dogs are not required to be on a leash while on the beach, so they are free to run and swim as much as they would like. Despite the name, Jupiter Dog Beach is also open to people without dogs so, if you don’t have a dog but want to play with some pups anyway, Jupiter Dog Beach is the place to be.

---

Best Beach for Surfing

North Shore Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii

Why You Should Go

Looking for a surfer’s paradise? Search no further than the North Shore Beaches.

Located on the isWhy You Should Goland of Oahu are twelve beaches that are all part of the North Shore. While all of the beaches are beyond exquisite for sightseeing and sunbathing, the real draw here is the surfing opportunities and the swells provided at each beach.

For the surfing pros, there is Haleʻiwa Beach Park which hosts men and women’s surfing contests regularly. The waves here are some of the best but most dangerous to surf.

Waimea Bay Beach Park has waves twenty-five to thirty feet high, so visitors are advised to enjoy the awe-inspiring site safely from the shore.

Want to get started on surfing? Puaʻena Point has more gentle waves and it’s where surf schools take their classes.

No matter your skill level, the beaches at North Shore provide plenty of opportunities to those who want to show off their surfing skills or for visitors who want to experience it for the first time.

---

Best Beach for Snorkeling

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Oahu, Hawaii

Why You Should Go

Located in a volcanic cone lies the best spot for beginner or experienced snorkelers to take in the stunning views beneath the ocean.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a protected marine conservation area dedicated to maintaining the delicate ecosystem. The crystal-clear turquoise waters allow snorkelers to see fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral.

While you can get up close with the marine life, touching the animals or coral is strictly forbidden, as it can cause irreparable damage to an already fragile environment.

Whip out your snorkeling gear (or you can rent some!) and take a dip in the premier snorkeling spot in the US.

---

Best Beach for Strolling

Aulani Beach in Kapolei, Hawaii

Why You Should Go

Right off the shores of Ko Olina is Aulani Beach. Aulani Beach is part of the Disney Resort and Spa in Kapolei, Hawaii. You don’t have to be Mickey Mouse’s guest to check out this beach. While the resort is for guests only, the beach is open to the public,  per Hawaiian law.

The soft sand and gentle shoreline make it a special place to take an evening stroll with someone you love, and the picturesque lagoons at Aulani Beach allow you to cool off your feet after walking on the warm white sand.

---

Best Secluded Beach 

Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys

Why You Should Go

This beach requires extra planning to get to but, when you see Dry Tortugas in person, you will realize the effort was worth the reward.

Dry Tortugas is located seventy miles west of Key West, Florida. It is only accessible by boat or seaplane, which allows both the wildlife and military fort to remain undisturbed.

Yes, there is an abandoned fort by the name of Fort Jefferson that still stands at Dry Tortugas and you are free to explore it.  After checking out the massive fortress, you can snorkel in pristine waters and see gorgeous sea life.

This beach is ideal for someone who wants to go to the beach but still try something off the beaten path.

---

Best Beach and Boardwalk

Coney Island Beach and Riegelmann Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York

Why You Should Go

Coney Island’s historic beach and boardwalk is one of the most famous beaches in America. First built in the 19^th century, Coney Island still provides adults with the nostalgia of their childhood while bringing excitement to the younger generations.

The 3-mile beach has been a haven for locals and tourists in the summer time to swim, play, and unwind. You can workout at the beach gym while your children play on the playground nestled in the sand.

By the beach is Riegelmann Boardwalk, where there are shops, food, and attractions dedicated to Coney Island’s odd past. 

On top of a beautiful beach and legendary boardwalk is Luna Park where guests can ride the Coney Island Cyclone, the second-steepest wooden roller coaster in the world, take in the aerial views atop the Deno’s Wonder Wheel, or play endless carnival games.

With so much fun packed into one place, it is easy to lose time while visiting Coney Island Beach.

---

Best Unconventional Beach

Cumberland Island in Georgia

Why You Should Go

At Cumberland Island, history and nature combine to make this beach unlike any other you have visited before. While on Cumberland Island, you will be able to walk along the sandy shore, where the ocean will be on one side and sand dunes topped with lush foliage on the other.

Located on this historic island is the Dungeness Ruins. It is what is left of a mansion built by Thomas Carnegie, brother of famed tycoon Andrew Carnegie.

The first African Baptist Church stands there as well, serving as a testament to the people who inhabited the island long ago.

On the beach, you will also find sea turtles, birds, wild horses, and even alligators.   

Want to spend a night on this magnificent island? You can camp out under the stars if you book a reservation.

If you get a chance to see Cumberland Island in person it is not an opportunity to be missed.

---

Best Beach for Sea Glass

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California

Why You Should Go

This next beach managed to turn trash into treasure. Literally.

Glass Beach located in MacKerricher State Park was once the site of a trash dump. Over the years, bottles and cans that have been tossed by residents have been transformed into smooth pieces of glass and metal by the ocean.

Visitors have taken pieces of glass from the beach, which has unfortunately caused the number of treasures to drop drastically. When visiting Glass Beach, consider leaving the glass behind and only take photos and memories with you.

---

Best Beach to See the Sunset

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara, California

Why You Should Go

If you’re still on the beach when the sun begins to go down, it is worth sticking around to see the breathtaking sunset at Butterfly Beach.

Because this beach faces west, visitors and residents can witness a totally sublime sunset unlike many you have seen before. What is extra special is that dolphins have been known to make appearances at Butterfly Beach.

Imagine a fun-filled day at the beach that transitions into a gorgeous sunset while dolphins breach the ocean surface. Butterfly Beach is perfect for a family day trip or a romantic evening with someone special.

---

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Beaches in America

---

If you enjoyed our list of the best beaches in America, you might also like:

10 OF THE BEST HOUSTON BEACHES YOU’LL LOVE TO VISIT!

---

Pin-It For Later: Our Top 12 Picks of the Best Beaches in America