Top Things to do in United States
10 Beaches in United States That You Shouldn't Miss
Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
Restaurants in United States
1. Cape Cod National Seashore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 625 reviews
Over 40,000 beautiful acres of protected beach and dunes, stretching from Chatham to Provincetown.
Reviewed By StacyInDC2012 - Alexandria, United States
During our visit to Cape Cod National Seashore we enjoyed relaxing beach time at Marconi Beach, complete with several seal appearances just beyond the waves and then hiked in the white cedar swamp. The park wasn’t very crowded as we were there during the week just after Labor Day. Loved the visit and the fact that it gave us the opportunity to both be active and relax.
2. Port Aransas Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,064 reviews
Public beach on Port Aransas that is clean, has a lifeguard and has car-free locations.
Reviewed By MichelleGarcia84
No vehicle traffic sucks when it comes to bringing stuff to set up at the beach, but nothing a wagon can’t fix, the trade off has been no vehicle traffic, and no cars all over the beach! This is so nice and I wish Port A would keep this rule even after Covid, maybe year down a condo and build a parking lot lol Anyway, clean beach, warm water, bathrooms and rinse stations, trash cans available, watch out for jelly fish and sting rays, plenty of sea shells, various crabs to look for if you enjoy that sort of thing. Sand is perfect for sand castles! Pretty sunsets too!
3. Santa Monica State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,705 reviews
Reviewed By morrisjkm - Ann Arbor, United States
Fantastic huge beach on the Pacific Ocean with the famous Santa Monica Pier, endless volleyball nets, bike path, Muscle Beach, eateries, sunshine with epic sunsets. Maintained daily by large tractor which sifts white sandy beach.
4. Clearwater Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,523 reviews
With hundreds of things to do on Clearwater Beach, the main attraction is still pretty much its near-perfect beach (USA Today readers voted Clearwater Beach "Best Beach Town in Florida" in 2013). Beautiful white sand and clear, shallow water make this beach an ideal playground for families.
Reviewed By ideasinfluence - Forest City, United States
Spent a winter day in February walking, jogging, tanning, orgeous white sand, spacious, spent quiet time near the rocks by Opal Sand Resort's beautiful outdoor bar, the perfect spot to watch the sun set. No matter where you are in Clearwater it seems everything you need is right there.
5. Siesta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,855 reviews
Public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand.
Reviewed By Radman509 - Mechanicsburg, United States
While I can appreciate people on vacation looking forward to a spectacular time, only to arrive and see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world In a bit of disarray, does not take away from all its splendor! What it does remind me is how wonderful our natural resources are, how important it is to take care of them as much as we can, and understand what we can do to preserve it. The algae and bacteria are usually found in pockets, but this year they've mushroomed to stretch up and down the coast including Siesta Key. Warmer waters and runoff from lakes and streams can exacerbate the problem, but the ecosystems will replenish itself at this beach along with many Florida Gulf coast beaches, they will be restored. It is sad to only experience disappointment because of the current state and a bit disheartening, but it is not an amusement park that closed when you showed up at the gates because the amusement park decided to do a full restoration.. That’s is like saying you’re going to the beautiful Caribbean beaches only to be caught in a hurricane, and say it’s the worst beach in the world because of the rain and torrential winds. Silly! The beautiful white sand, the turquoise and green water and amazing weather a majority of the calendar year still makes Siesta Key one of my favorite beaches and still pne of the best in the world! I’ll be back! :-)
6. South Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19,860 reviews
People watching is a great pastime in Miami's South Beach, which draws celebrities and beautiful people in skimpy swim attire to see and be seen. The wide and fine, white sand-covered beaches are popular spots for fashion photo shoots, so you're sure to see models. The area is known for its hip clubs and wild nightlife as well as numerous excellent restaurants.
Reviewed By SudeshMehta - Bengaluru, India
Lots has already been said about this beach. One of the popular spots in the world known for white sand, warm waters, great beach side restaurants, beach walk way etc etc. Efforts taken to keep the place safe, secure and clean are worth appreciation. You can spend hours amidst the serenity of this beach, soaking up some sun or just watch people strolling, working out, dancing and enjoying themselves. Great getaway during chilly winters - just pack your beach wear and a pair of shades and you are all set. Advisable to not drive a car to this place because parking is painful and expensive. Uber/Lyft is the right choice.
7. Gulf State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,366 reviews
Gulf State Park's two miles of beaches greet you with plenty of white sun-kissed sand, surging surf, seagulls and sea shells, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. Inside Gulf State Park there is a brand new Gulf Front lodge and Conference Center, beach pavilion, National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World Cottages, tennis courts, camp sites, 28 miles of paved/enhance trails and a fishing pier that is 20-feet wide and extends 1,512 feet into the Gulf. This and much more make Gulf State Park the perfect in-state vacation or out-of-state adventure.
Reviewed By cyberbubba - Gulf Shores, United States
Gulf State Park is just more beautiful spot to add to the long list of amazing places to see in Gulf Shores, AL. The pier is all new and twice as big since the last hurricane with a great bar/restaurant and a great place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Gulf. There's an awesome campground with a ton of amenities, trails and more trails, bike trails, State park hotel resort by Hilton with amazing restaurant, beach front parking with boardwalk vendors and so much more. I would check several other reviews as the Gulf State Park has much more to offer than I covered here. The area is very well maintained and very scenic. There is ample parking and lots of people for fishing off the pier or on the beach with their families and friends. There is tons of beach access for miles and miles. The Gulf State Park Pavilion, for example, has terrific huge beach access. Love it, love it, love it!! We were on this beach when they ran us off @ 5pm a few weeks ago. We were here when for the re-open @ 5pm. Absolutely perfect beach day with 78° sunny day with nice northerly breeze, sweet!!! There's lots of parking and everyone is just happy to have our feet in the sand, wind in our faces & those waves. Ahhhh This uncrowded, natural beach is six miles east of Highway 59 on Beach Pkwy, with beautiful crystaline sand dunes and sea oats. There's lots of room to spread out, making it a great place for families with lots of gear. Surf fishing is a popular activity here. The beach pavilion features air-conditioned restrooms, private showers, a snack bar, plenty of shady spots to sit and eat, and even a huge fireplace for chilly days. There is a $6 fee to park all day ($12 for large vans) (residents park free so do veterans just see Beach Pavilion attendant or pick up an annual pass at Park office headquarters) and there's plenty of spaces, and lots of room for large vehicles and RVs. There's also a BBQ joint seasonally :-) The pavilion is also popular for weddings, reunions and other gatherings but you must call the Park HQ for rental information. The hours are 7:00 a.m. to Sunset, 7 days a week Bottom line; Gulf State Park's beautiful Beach Pavilion is a great place for you to enjoy a day at the beach! SWEET!
8. Makena Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 982 reviews
Reviewed By LisaO1555 - San Diego, United States
Makena beach, also known as Big Beach, is hands down the best beach in Maui. Long, wide, and sandy beach that offers a break from the crowds in Kaanapali and Kihei. Big parking lot with portable toilets. The beach is perfect for both couples and families.
9. Playalinda Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By davidmU651QN
Beautiful beach, perfect place to spend a few hours listen to music and relaxing. Bring your own food.
10. Anini Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 872 reviews
Reviewed By 910rachelh - Napier, New Zealand
This was an absolutely fantastic spot on the north shore of Kauai when the weather permits! We have a 2 year old who loved the shallow, warm protected waters and we had a good spot half under the trees. The sand is that wonderful coarser coral sand that doesn’t stick to everything too! Saw octopus, green turtle (saw 3) and loads of fish species and there is some coral trying to get a hold here - but expect a lot of degraded reef like everywhere else. You will need to be a reasonably confident swimmer to get out to the outer reef to see more interesting stuff - at least 60-100m off the shore.
