From the sunny coasts of California to the rocky coasts of Maine, the USA is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Whether you’re a surfer looking to catch some waves, a sun-worshipper looking to catch some rays, or a beachcomber looking to explore the shoreline, there’s a beautiful beach in the USA waiting for you.
Soaking up the beauty of the Pacific views on Huntington Beach, California, exploring the diverse marine life and coral reef of Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, or enjoying the classic charm of Cape Cod in Massachusetts is among the many fantastic and unique beach experiences available to visitors and locals across the country.
From the sparkling white-sand coast of the Florida Panhandle to the dramatically beautiful Big Sur along the California coast, these beaches are sure to provide spectacular memories for years to come. We discuss the Top 10 most beautiful beaches in the USA.
1. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii
Hanauma Bay is a sheltered bay and popular snorkeling destination located in the Honolulu neighborhood of East Oahu, Hawaii.
The crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay are home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, eels, sea urchins, and green sea turtles.
Not only is the bay a popular destination among tourists, but it is also a favorite destination among locals who come to take advantage of the bay’s healthy coral reefs and diverse sea life.
The bay is protected by a wide reef, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors interested in exploring further can book a guided tour or rent a kayak or paddle board for a more adventurous experience.
2. Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key is a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida near Sarasota. It is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and its laid-back vibe.
This small island is made up of quiet residential areas, art galleries, casual cafes, unique boutiques, and some upscale beachfront resorts.
Popular activities in Siesta Key include jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and of course, sunbathing and swimming. Siesta Key also hosts many special events throughout the year, including illuminated boat parades, art festivals, music festivals, and weekly farmers markets.
There are also numerous sites for camping and camping-related activities nearby.
3. Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii
Ka’anapali Beach is a three-mile stretch of beach located on the western side of Maui, Hawaii. It is one of Maui’s most popular tourist destinations due to its stunning sand, crystal-clear waters, and majestic views of the neighboring islands of Lanai and Molokai.
The beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, as well as beach activities like walking, sunbathing, and surfing. Ka’anapali Beach hosts many beachfront resorts and restaurants, making it a great place to stay.
The beach is also home to the iconic Black Rock, a crescent-shaped lava rock formation located at the beach’s northern end. Ka’anapali Beach is part of the Ka’anapali Resort, which also includes multiple golf courses, shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.
4. Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city located in Orange County, California. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning seaside views, art galleries, and festivals. Popular activities include beach volleyball, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
The city is home to several of the region’s most popular beaches, including Main Beach, Thousand Steps Beach, Aliso Beach, and Treasure Island Beach. Popular attractions include the Laguna Art Museum, the Sawdust Festival, the Laguna Playhouse, and the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters.
Laguna Beach is known for its laid-back, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere. It is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for visitors. Many of the city’s restaurants offer stunning ocean views and relaxing outdoor seating.
The city is also home to several popular annual events, including the Sawdust Festival, the Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, and the Pageant of the Masters.
5. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. It is located on the Oregon coast, approximately 90 miles (145 km) northwest of Portland. The population was 1,690 at the 2010 census.
It is named after Cannon Rock, to the north, just off the shore, a large monolith 474 feet (144 meters) high, visible from Ecola State Park just to the north of Cannon Beach. The rock was named by the explorer William Clark during the 1806 expedition of Lewis and Clark.
6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (Auxiliary Field 8) was established in February 1952 and it was located on Highway 501 near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The base was used by the United States Air Force until 1965 when it was closed due to budget cuts.
The site was then used by the South Carolina National Guard as an aviation operations area until it was closed in the late 1970s. Today, the former base is a part of the Myrtle Beach International Airport. History Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was established in February 1952 as auxiliary Field 8 of the greater Shaw Air Force Base located near Sumter, South Carolina.
Auxiliary Field 8 was initially proposed as early as 1947 due to its proximity to the Sumter base and Myrtle Beach’s strong air traffic potential.
Upon completion, the base was home to several air-defense aircraft given its location on the Atlantic coast fronting the U.S. East Coast. From 1952 to 1965, a variety of aircraft operated from the base including an A-26 Invader attack bomber, B-25 Mitchell bomber, C-47 Skytrain transport, C-54 Skymaster transport, F-101 Voodoo fighter-interceptor, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart aircraft.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the base’s fighter interceptors were called to active duty, though the base was eventually deactivated in 1965 due to budget cuts. In 1969, the base was turned over to South Carolina’s National Guard and used as an aviation operations tenancy until the late 1970s.
By the 1980s, the base had been converted into a civilian airport and incorporated into the existing Myrtle Beach International Airport. Today, the former base is used by the airport for commercial flights and other aviation activities.
See also * List of United States Air Force Installations Category:
Installations of the United States Air Force in South Carolina Category: Closed installations of the United States Air Force Category: Myrtle Beach International Airport
7. Destin Beach, Florida
Destin Beach, Florida is known for its beautiful white beaches, amazing emerald waters, and outdoor activities. Visitors to Destin can experience activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, and even dolphin cruises.
There are plenty of other activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and beach volleyball. There is something for everyone on Destin Beach and the restaurants, bars and nightlife provide great entertainment.
Destin is also home to many golf courses, tennis courts, and other attractions such as the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. There are also plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in Destin.
From charming gift shops to boutiques, there is something for everyone. With its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, Destin Beach, Florida is one of the best vacation destinations around.
8. St. George Island, Florida
St. George Island is an island in the northern Gulf of Mexico in Franklin County, Florida, near Apalachicola. It is a popular tourist destination, offering miles of sandy beaches, excellent fishing, and a variety of unique stores, eateries, and activities for visitors.
St. George Island State Park is located at the eastern end of the island, offering non-motorized recreational activities like sunbathing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and nature exploration. Numerous walking trails and boardwalks can be found throughout the island’s coastal scrub environment, as well as observation towers and plenty of parking.
St.George Island is also home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. The island is a known nesting site for the Loggerhead Turtle, and bald eagles, ospreys, and other water birds are commonly seen.
The island is home to a variety of state-protected plants and trees, including live oaks and palmetto, making it popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
St. George Island is a great destination for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or simply some time away in beautiful nature. With miles of beaches and plenty to do, St. George Island has something for everyone.
9. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras is a small unincorporated community situated on Hatteras Island in North Carolina.
It is the largest of the Outer Banks barrier islands and is known for its numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
The area is also home to multiple historical and cultural sites, including a lighthouse that was built in 1870 and is still operational. Aside from its outdoor attractions, visitors can visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to explore the region’s beauty, from the wide beaches and salt marshes to the unique barrier island habitats.
10. Coronado Beach, California
Coronado Beach, located in San Diego, California, is a vibrant beach destination that is popular with locals and travelers from all around the world.
The beach is known for its wide sandy shoreline and beautiful views. A variety of activities can be enjoyed here, such as surfing, reserving or fishing, swimming, and boating.
There are also several restaurants and bars located along the beach where you can stop for a cold drink or a bite to eat. If you’re looking for a relaxing day out at the beach, Coronado Beach is a great choice.
Conclusion:
The USA is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From the white sand and sparkling waters of the Florida Keys to the dramatic Pacific Northwest coast, the country offers a wealth of stunning seascapes.
The USA also offers plenty of city beaches and lake beaches, as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. With a little bit of exploration, you can find plenty of beautiful beaches in the USA to explore.