When it comes to planning a beach vacation, it can be a challenge to choose a destination. There are thousands of beaches from which to select across the United States. Whether you want to explore the beaches of Florida or just play golf in the Carolinas, there is a beach to suit everyone’s tastes.
Below, you’ll find ideas to help you decide on where to go for your vacation. Although, there are hundreds of beaches that could be listed here, only a few are mentioned for each state.
1. California – With over 500 beaches that offer diverse landscapes, activities and attractions, California is one of the top coastal beach states in the country.
- Carmel
- Coronado
- Newport
- Ocean
- Santa Barbara
2. Florida – The “sunshine” state offers some of the best beaches in the world. Florida beaches are within a short driving distance from just about anywhere in the state since much of the state’s land mass is a large peninsula with the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean to the south.
- Cape Florida State Park
- Daytona
- Panama City
- Pensacola
- Siesta
- South Beach
3. Georgia – Off-shore barrier islands dot much of the coast. You can take pleasure in the warm Atlantic waters and beautiful sandy beaches which vary from exciting destinations to the secluded.
- Cumberland Island
- Jekyll Island
- St Simons Island
- Tybee Island
4. Massachusetts – Some of the best known seashores are in Massachusetts. Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Island, and Cape Cod are well known for their picturesque beaches and provide all the outdoor facilities and services that are preferred for a vacation.
- Aquinnah, Martha’s Vineyard
- Coast Guard, Cape Cod National Seashore
- Crane’s, Cape Ann
- Jetties, Nantucket
5. New York – While New York may not offer a tropical climate, they have some world class beaches. New York State has over 1800 miles of shoreline and during the summer months the beaches are in full swing.
- Brighton
- Coopers, Southampton
- Fire Island
- Main, East Hampton
- Sylvan
6. North Carolina – The coast of North Carolina provides peaceful beauty and an abundance of history. The state has over 300 miles of unspoiled coast, but the best beaches are found along the Outer Banks.
- Cape Hatteras
- Myrtle Beach
- Ocracoke Island
- Outer Banks
- Wrightsville
7. South Carolina – Over 200 miles of wide, sandy beaches and breathtaking coastline. You can encounter some of the best family beaches along the east coast here.
- Beachwalker Park
- Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach
- Hilton Head
- Isle of Palms
- Kiawah Island
8. Oregon – You’ll find cozy small towns, majestic lighthouses and breathtaking photo opportunities along this Pacific coastline. Oregon is popular every season of the year and is known for whale watching, storm watching, clamming and crabbing.
- Bandon
- Cannon
- Nye
- Seaside
9. Texas – Many excellent beaches are often overlooked in Texas. There’s a lot to the Texas coast, including delightful waterfront communities, vast empty beaches, a national seashore, and a bay system that rivals anywhere else in the world.
- Corpus Christy
- East Beach
- Galveston Island
- South Padre Island
10. Washington – Washington State has some of the most scenic beaches in the country. The state’s Pacific coastline runs down the Strait of Juan de Fuca and all around Puget Sound, from Admiralty Inlet to Olympia. Clam digging, whale watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, beach combing and just watching the waves are some of the activities you can enjoy.
- Alki
- Deception Pass State Park Beaches
- Long
- Pacific
- Shi Shi
As previously mentioned, these beaches are just a few of the many that can be found in the United States. Always remember, the best vacations are what you make of it; swim, snorkel, surf, relax, or sip refreshing beverages while you enjoy the smell of the breeze and the calming effects of the surf. What are you waiting for?
