1. Poipu Beach Park, Poʻipū, Kauai, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-June, Aug-Oct
- Poipu Beach Park is a beach located on the southern shore of Kauai
- The park is well-suited for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, and surfing
- It has areas designated for both calm swimming and more challenging surf breaks for experienced surfers
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
2. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Driftwood Beach is situated on Jekyll Island, and is known for its collection of ancient driftwood and weathered tree trunks on the beach, often described as resembling a graveyard for sun-bleached trees
- Driftwood Beach is part of Jekyll Island State Park, accessible via two boardwalks
- Visitors can enjoy various activities such as picnicking and stargazing
Featured in The Best of Georgia
3. Ocean City Beach, Maryland
Best time to visit: late May-early Sept
- Ocean City Beach refers to the coastline located in Ocean City, which features a 10-mile stretch of pristine sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean
- The beach is known for its clean, smooth sand and clear waters, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and various beach sports
- The area includes a boardwalk with numerous attractions, including arcades, restaurants, and shops
Featured in The Best of Maryland
5. Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Ka'anapali Beach is a renowned beach located on the coast of Maui
- The beach is flanked by several resorts, restaurants, and shopping areas
- Ka'anapali Beach is known for its diverse recreational activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping
- It is also a location for spotting marine life, such as Hawaiian green sea turtles
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
6. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Best time to visit: Oct-Dec
- Clearwater Beach is a renowned beach destination located in Clearwater, that stretches along the Gulf of Mexico
- It is situated on a barrier island, where it offers a range of activities, including swimming, water sports, and beachside dining
- Additionally, there are also inflatable water attractions near the pier
- Pier 60 features shops, restaurants, and sunset views
Featured in The Best of Florida
7. Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
- Grayton Beach is a small, historic beach village on the Florida Panhandle Gulf coast, founded in the mid-1880s
- The village is known for featuring a mix of quaint historic cottages and modern beach homes, along with local art galleries, shops, and live music venues
- It offers various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking in its coastal dune lakes
Featured in The Best of Florida
8. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Siesta Beach is a beach located on Siesta Key
- Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of pulverized coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz, most of which comes from the Appalachian Mountains
- Even on the hottest days, the sand is so reflective that it feels cool underfoot
Featured in The Best of Florida
9. Duke's Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Best time to visit: mid-April-early June-Sept-mid-Dec
- Duke's Beach, also known as Duke Kahanamoku Beach, is located in Waikīkī, Oahu
- The beach is part of the famous Waikīkī Beach and is situated in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon
- It is named in honor of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and a celebrated figure in Hawaiian culture
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
10. South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- South Beach, also nicknamed colloquially as SoBe, is a neighborhood in Miami Beach
- South Beach is famous for its picturesque beaches, offering a range of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports
- The neighborhood boasts a bustling nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants
- South Beach is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Art Deco Historic District, which features well-preserved buildings from the 1920s and 1930s
Featured in The Best of Florida
11. Santa Monica State Beach, California
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Santa Monica State Beach is a California State Park located in the city of Santa Monica
- The beach has parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, as well as, the Muscle Beach, bike rentals, concessions, a few hotels, a bike path, and wooden pathways
- Visitor activities include volleyball, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and swimming
Featured in The Best of California
12. Coronado Beach, California
- Coronado Beach is a beach located in the city of Coronado, just across the San Diego Bay
- It is situated adjacent to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic beachfront hotel
- Coronado Beach offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing
Featured in The Best of California
13. Venice Beach, California
- Venice Beach includes a promenade that runs parallel to the beach, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Beach Recreation Center with handball courts, paddle tennis courts, a skate dancing plaza, and numerous beach volleyball courts
- It also includes a bike trail and many businesses on Ocean Front Walk
- The basketball courts in Venice are renowned across the country for their high level of streetball; numerous professional basketball players developed their games or have been recruited on these courts
Featured in The Best of California
14. Hollywood Beach, Florida
- Hollywood Beach has a broadwalk that extends about 2.5 miles along the ocean
- Restaurants and hotels line the broadwalk, along with a theater, children's playground, and other attractions, including bicycle rental shops, ice-cream parlors, souvenir shops, and a farmer's market
- The broadwalk is used for walking and jogging, and has a bike lane for bicyclists and rollerbladers
Featured in The Best of Florida
15. El Matador State Beach, Malibu, California
Best time to visit: Aug-Sept
- El Matador State Beach is a picturesque beach located in Malibu, known for its natural beauty
- The beach features dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and a long stretch of sandy shoreline
- El Matador is ideal for sunbathing, exploring tide pools, and enjoying scenic walks along the coast
Featured in The Best of California
16. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
- Coopers Beach is a renowned beach located in Southampton, often celebrated for its natural beauty and amenities
- Coopers Beach is frequently ranked among the top beaches in the United States, noted for its picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and historic mansions
Featured in The Best of New York
17. Pope Beach, South Lake Tahoe, California
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Pope Beach is a beach located on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
- It is known for its shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children
- The sandy beach is well-suited for picnicking and barbecuing
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking in the surrounding areas
- The beach is set against a backdrop of native pine trees and offers views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains
Featured in The Best of California
18. La Jolla Cove, California
- La Jolla Cove is a small cove with a beach that is surrounded by cliffs in La Jolla
- The area is protected as part of a marine reserve and is popular with snorkelers, swimmers and scuba divers
- While the beach has only a small dry sand area at high tide, during very low tides, tide pools are revealed at the cove
- There are hundreds of sea lions that call La Jolla Cove home, sometimes being seen in the deeper-water parts of the cove or basking on rocks
Featured in The Best of California
19. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Pfeiffer Beach is a beach located in the Big Sur region
- One of the most distinctive characteristics of Pfeiffer Beach is its purple sand, which is created by the presence of tiny garnet particles mixed with the regular sand
- The beach is famous for Keyhole Rock, a natural rock formation that creates a dramatic archway through which waves crash
Featured in The Best of California
20. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Wailea Beach is a renowned beach located in Wailea, Maui
- Wailea Beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts
- Visitors can enjoy views of nearby islands like Kaho'olawe and Molokini, especially during the winter months when whale sightings are common
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
21. Harris Beach State Park, Oregon
- Harris Beach State Park is a scenic park renowned for its seascapes, sandy beaches, and rocky outcrops
- The park features rugged coastal bluffs and numerous sea stacks
- The park is home to Bird Island (also known as Goat Island), which is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and a breeding site for various seabird species
Featured in The Best of Oregon
22. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park, California
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Sand Harbor is an area within the Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park, located on the shore of Lake Tahoe
- It is renowned for its gently sloping sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations, making it a popular destination for various recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving
Featured in The Best of California
23. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
- Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected area spanning approximately across Maryland and Virginia
- It is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which include sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays
- The seashore is particularly famous for its wild horses, which roam freely on the island, as well as its rich birdlife and recreational opportunities
Featured in The Best of Maryland
24. Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Coligny Beach Park is an oceanfront park located on Hilton Head Island, renowned for its sandy beach and a variety of amenities
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, volleyball, walking, and biking on the beach
Featured in The Best of South Carolina
25. Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Oak Street Beach is a popular urban beach located in Chicago, along the shore of Lake Michigan
- The beach offers various amenities, including chair rentals, food and beverage options, and bike rentals
- Despite being in a metropolitan area, Oak Street Beach is noted for its cleanliness and scenic views, with the Chicago skyline providing a striking backdrop
- The beach has been a popular destination since the 1890s and has played a significant role in the development of Chicago's lakefront
Featured in The Best of Illinois
26. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-June, Aug-Oct
- Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai, where it features a crescent shape and is renowned for its picturesque views and beaches
- The bay is home to several beaches, including Hanalei Beach, which is favored for swimming, kayaking, and other water sports
- The Hanalei Pier, built in the late 19th century, served as a transportation hub for rice and sugar and remains a popular gathering spot
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
27. Assateague Island, Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia
- Assateague Island is a 37-mile long barrier island, straddling the states of Maryland and Virginia
- It is renowned for its sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays
- Assateague Island is famous for its population of wild ponies, known as the Chincoteague ponies, which roam freely across the island
- The island offers various recreational activities, including hiking on its trails, biking, and swimming
Featured in The Best of Virginia
28. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
- Caladesi Island State Park is a state park located on Caladesi Island in the Gulf of Mexico
- It is accessible by passenger ferry or by private boat from a dock on Honeymoon Island
- Amenities include a three-mile nature trail, a marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, a park concession stand, and a beach
- The park affords such activities as boating, including canoeing and kayaking; fishing; hiking; picnicking; swimming and snorkeling; and birding and other wildlife-viewing
Featured in The Best of Florida
29. Carlsmith Beach Park, Hilo, Hawaii, Hawaii
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Carlsmith Beach Park, also known as Four Mile Beach, is a public beach located on the Big Island of Hawaii
- It is renowned for its calm, shallow waters and protected lagoons, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling
- The park also offers the opportunity to see honu (green sea turtles) and various fish species in the water
- It's also possible to spot the occasional humpback whale during their migration season
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
30. Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
Best time to visit: mid-April-early June-Sept-mid-Dec
- Waikiki Beach is a renowned beach located in the Waikiki neighborhood of Honolulu, in Oʻahu
- Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki has transformed into a center for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling
- The beach offers views of Diamond Head, a volcanic crater, and one of Hawaii's most recognizable landmarks
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
31. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Wrightsville Beach is a beach and town located in New Hanover County, just east of Wilmington
- It is renowned for its stunning crystal blue waters, expansive sandy shores, and beach culture
- The beach is a popular destination for various water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing
- The area features a fitness trail known as "The Loop," which is popular for jogging and walking
Featured in The Best of North Carolina
32. Big Beach, Makena State Park, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Big Beach, also known as Makena Beach or Oneloa, is one of the largest beaches located within Makena State Park on the coast of Maui
- The beach is particularly known for its large shore breaks, making it a favorite spot for experienced surfers and boogie boarders
- The park features scenic landscapes, including cinder cones and black lava outcroppings, enhancing its natural appeal
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
33. Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Beachwalker County Park, also known as Kiawah Beachwalker Park, is located on the west end of Kiawah Island
- It is notable for being the only public beach access on the island, providing visitors with a stretch of sandy shore along the Atlantic Ocean
- Visitors can enjoy various activities including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, fishing, and biking along the scenic shoreline
Featured in The Best of South Carolina
34. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
Best time to visit: July-Aug
- Ruby Beach is a beach located on the western coast of the state, within Olympic National Park
- It is known for its unique reddish sand, which contains minerals called almandite, a type of garnet
- Ruby Beach is famous for its large sea stacks, driftwood, and views of the Pacific Ocean, offering several miles of shore to explore
Featured in The Best of Washington
35. Grand Haven State Park, Michigan
- Grand Haven State Park is a public recreation area located in Grand Haven, along the shores of Lake Michigan
- The park features a half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan, where it is situated at the mouth of the Grand River, providing scenic views of both the lake and the river
- Visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and fishing
- The park also offers views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse, and is walking distance of downtown Grand Haven, allowing easy access to local shops and restaurants
Featured in The Best of Michigan
36. Panama City Beach, Florida
Best time to visit: May-Oct
- Panama City Beach is a resort town in the Florida Panhandle
- It is a popular vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States
- The area is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, which have been recognized among the top beaches in the United States by various travel platforms
- The town is also a popular spring break destination, due to its beach and proximity to most of the Southern United States
Featured in The Best of Florida
37. Treasure Island Beach, California
- Treasure Island Beach is a picturesque beach located in Laguna Beach
- It features a sandy bottom and can experience strong shorebreak surf, making it popular for beachgoers who enjoy swimming and sunbathing
- The beach is a popular spot for photography, especially due to its scenic landscapes, including a naturally occurring cliffside arch
Featured in The Best of California
39. Nāpili Bay, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Nāpili Bay is a beach located on the coast of Maui, known for its crescent-shaped sandy shoreline, which is fringed by coconut palms
- The bay is sheltered by a reef, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
- Nāpili Bay is a great spot for observing marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
40. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
- Main Beach is a beach located in the Village of East Hampton, in eastern Long Island
- It is a center of the summer resort and upscale locality at the East End of Long Island known as The Hamptons and is generally considered one of the area's two most prestigious communities
- East Hampton's beaches are highly regarded because of their clean white sands, the fact they're relatively accessible and because there is minimal development along the beach, which is strictly residential
- Parking space at the village beaches is limited, which prevents crowding
- Parking is prohibited on neighboring street, but there is no law that restricts people from accessing the beaches via bike, foot or being dropped off
Featured in The Best of New York
41. Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
- Medano Creek is a seasonal stream located within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- It is notable for its unique surge flow, where the water moves in rhythmic waves across sandy terrain
- The creek typically begins to flow in late March to early April, peaks around June, and then dries up by August, depending on snowpack and rainfall
- This makes it a popular destination for recreational activities such as picnicking and floating on rafts
Featured in The Best of Colorado
42. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote national park located approximately 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, in the Gulf of Mexico
- The park is renowned for Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress built in the 19th century
- Fort Jefferson is one of the largest brick structures in the Americas and serves as a significant historical site
- The park is celebrated for its coral reefs, marine life, and bird populations, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving
Featured in The Best of Florida
43. Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Dec
- Fort Lauderdale Beach stretches approximately three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring golden sand and clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for sunbathing and swimming
- Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling
Featured in The Best of Florida
44. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Best time to visit: Sept-early Oct
- Sand Beach is a prominent destination located within Acadia National Park, situated on the east side of Mount Desert Island
- It is the largest sandy beach in Acadia National Park, and is nestled between granite mountains and rocky shores
- Sand Beach is accessible via Park Loop Road, and it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking
- The beach is described as a "migrating beach," meaning its appearance can change due to natural forces like tides and storms
Featured in The Best of Maine
45. Hoʻokipa Beach Park, Paia, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Hoʻokipa is a beach on the north shore of Maui
- The beach is perhaps the most renowned windsurfing site in the world
- A combination of large, well-shaped waves breaking across a system of reefs that extend across the bay and consistently strong winds make it ideal for the sport
- Ho'okipa Beach is occasionally a tourist attraction in the winter time because of spectacularly large surf
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
46. North Beach, Tybee Island, Georgia
- North Beach, on Tybee Island, is a beach and area that features historic sites, as well as, unique eateries and shops.
- Notably, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is situated on North Beach
- Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, and strolls along the shore, especially during low tide in the late afternoon
- North Beach is also a great spot for birdwatching, with various species often seen near the dunes and scrub areas
Featured in The Best of Georgia
47. Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Montara, California
- Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a coastal California State Park between Pacifica, California, and Montara, California
- It features a sheltered cove surrounded by abrupt cliffs, with trails connecting to nearby Montara Mountain and McNee Ranch State Park
- The beach is named for the frequent sightings of gray whales, especially during their migration seasons
Featured in The Best of California
48. St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- St. Augustine Beach is a coastal city, and is known for its rich history and beaches
- The beach is popular for its soft sands and surf, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports
- The sunsets at St. Augustine Beach are particularly noted for their beauty, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike
Featured in The Best of Florida
49. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Good Harbor Beach is a beach located in Gloucester, known for its white sand and gentle surf
- The beach boasts a curved shoreline with fine, clean sand, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing
- It is renowned for various activities, including swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding
- At low tide, visitors can walk out to Salt Island
Featured in The Best of Massachusetts
50. Seacliff State Beach, Aptos, California
- Seacliff State Beach is a state beach park on Monterey Bay, in the town of Aptos
- Seacliff includes picnic tables, and fire pits, and is also a popular place for surfing and fishing
- The beach is most known for the concrete ship SS Palo Alto lying in the water
- The unfinished ship was hauled to Seacliff Beach in 1930 by the Cal-Nevada Company, beached, and turned into an amusement center, complete with a ballroom, a cafe, a 4-foot heated pool, and carnival booths
- The company went bankrupt after two seasons, though, and the ship was stripped
- Nowadays, it is now permanently closed to the public
Featured in The Best of California
51. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
Best time to visit: April-May
- Henderson Beach State Park is a state park located near Destin
- The park has such amenities as beaches, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and camping facilities
Featured in The Best of Florida
52. Rockaway Beach, New York City, New York
Best time to visit: Jan-Dec
- The Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk is a public park in Rockaway, Queens, New York
- The beach became a popular resort area in the late 19th century - Today Rockaway Beach is the only one of New York City's beaches that sees significant surf, and the city's only legal surfing beaches are along Rockaway Beach
Featured in The Best of New York
53. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Sept-Dec
- Padre Island National Seashore is a protected area located on Padre Island, notable for being the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world
- The park encompasses pristine beaches, dunes, grasslands, and the unique hypersaline Laguna Madre
- The seashore includes various habitats such as coastal prairie, dynamic dune systems, and tidal flats rich in wildlife
- It offers beach access, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation
- The area is also a significant nesting ground for sea turtles
Featured in The Best of Texas
54. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
Best time to visit: March-June
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida state park located on a barrier island on Florida's coast, near Naples
- The Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico are accessible from the park, which contains a hard-bottom reef.
- Activities include fishing, sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, boating, geocaching, hiking, and nature viewing
- Visitors can also scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, and picnic
Featured in The Best of Florida
55. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
Best time to visit: April-May
- Henderson Beach State Park is a state park located near Destin
- The park has such amenities as beaches, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and camping facilities
Featured in The Best of Florida
56. Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey
- Asbury Park Beach is located along the Jersey Shore, and features a beach that stretches for a mile, attracting surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishers
- It has been a favored spot for outdoor recreational activities for centuries
- Throughout the year, Asbury Park hosts various events, including summertime fireworks and concerts
- Adjacent to the beach is the Asbury Park Boardwalk, which offers a mix of food, shopping, and entertainment options
Featured in The Best of New Jersey
57. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-June, Aug-Oct
- Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, is located on the North Shore of Kauai
- The beach gets its nickname from the extensive network of lava tubes that can be found within its coral reef
- Tunnels Beach is famous for its exceptional coral reef teeming with marine life, including turtles, fish, and even Hawaiian monk seals
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
58. Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina
- Edisto Beach State Park is a scenic state park located on Edisto Island
- It is renowned for its pristine beaches lined with palmetto trees and offers a variety of recreational activities
- Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing
Featured in The Best of South Carolina
59. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
- Ogunquit Beach is a popular beach located in Ogunquit that features soft, white sand along picturesque dunes edged with beach roses
- The beach offers various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying gentle surf
- Visitors can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Ogunquit River, especially at low tide when walking from the ocean side to the river side is possible
- Ogunquit Beach offers various amenities, including seating areas with Adirondack chairs
Featured in The Best of Maine
60. Carmel River State Beach, California
- Carmel River State Beach is a state park at the mouth of Carmel Valley, featuring a 1-mile-long (1.6 km) protected beach with a lagoon formed by the Carmel River
- The lagoon attracts many migratory birds, and is popular with scuba divers and kayakers, who can access the notable kelp forests in the area
Featured in The Best of California
61. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, Massachusetts
- Coast Guard Beach is a beach located in Eastham, that is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore
- The beach is well-known for activities such as surfing and boogie boarding
- The nearby visitor center offers a shuttle service to this bustling locale
Featured in The Best of Massachusetts
62. Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
- Fort Macon State Park is a state park located in Carteret County, centered around a meticulously restored 19th-century Civil War fort, which offers visitors a glimpse into historical military architecture and life during that era
- The park encompasses a diverse barrier island ecosystem, providing visitors with 5 miles of trails and beach areas
- The park also includes daily tours of the fort, along with cannon and musket demonstrations
Featured in The Best of North Carolina
63. Bahia Honda Key, Florida
- Bahia Honda is an island in the Florida Keys, virtually uninhabited, being home to Bahia Honda State Park
- The 2.5-mile (4.0 km) natural, white sand beach is popular for swimming
- A nature trail near the park's oceanside beach skirts a tidal lagoon
- Bicycling and inline skating can be done on the park's paved road, and there are several fishing and picnicking spots in the area
- The Sand and Sea Nature Center features displays about local sea and shore life, including corals, shells, crabs, sea urchins, drift seeds, sea sponges and sea turtles
- Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented at the park, and boat trips for snorkeling on the reef are available
Featured in The Best of Florida
64. Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Nov
- Siesta Key is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida, renowned for its beaches
- The island offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
- Siesta Key also features a village with shops, restaurants, and local attractions
Featured in The Best of Florida
65. Waiʻanapanapa State Park, Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Nov
- Waiʻanapanapa State Park is a park located in Hana, on the island of Maui
- It features a dramatic volcanic coastline, renowned for its black sand beaches, freshwater caves, and panoramic coastal views, making it a popular destination for visitors along the famous Hana Highway
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
66. Melbourne Beach, Florida
- Melbourne Beach is a town and coastal community known for its beaches and outdoor activities
- The town offers various attractions and sites that provide opportunities for fishing, nature walks, and enjoying the local wildlife, particularly during the sea turtle nesting season
- Melbourne Beach also features boutiques and artisanal shops, especially in areas like the Eau Gallie Arts District
Featured in The Best of Florida
67. Alki Beach Park, Seattle, Washington
Best time to visit: Sept-Oct
- Alki Beach is a beach located in the West Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, stretching along Elliott Bay, known for its scenic views, recreational activities, and historical significance
- The beach offers a variety of activities, including volleyball courts, tidepooling opportunities, as well as walking and biking paths
- Alki Beach provides views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound
Featured in The Best of Washington
68. Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg, Florida
Best time to visit: March-May
- Fort De Soto Park is a park operated on five offshore keys, or islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and the main island, Mullet Key
- The keys are connected by either bridge or causeway. The island group is accessible by toll road from the mainland
- Historically, the islands were used for military fortifications; remnants and a museum exhibit this history
- Two piers, beaches, picnic area, hiking trails, bicycling trails, kayak trail, and a ferry to Egmont Key State Park are available.
- The park is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Featured in The Best of Florida
69. Hapuna Beach, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, Hawaii, Hawaii
Walk difficulty: moderate
Best time to visit: Sept-Nov
- Hapuna Beach is a renowned beach located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii
- Visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mauna Kea and Hualalai volcanoes
Featured in The Best of Hawaii
70. Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn, New York
- Coney Island Beach is a renowned recreational area located in Brooklyn
- It features nearly three miles of sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, making it a destination for visitors seeking sunbathing, swimming, and various beach activities
- The beach is part of a larger entertainment district that includes the famous Coney Island Boardwalk, amusement parks, and attractions like roller coasters and games
Featured in The Best of New York
71. Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Florida
- Sombrero Beach is a public beach located in Marathon at mile marker 50 on the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys
- It is renowned for its sandy shoreline and clear waters, making it one of the most attractive beaches in the area
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach volleyball
Featured in The Best of Florida
72. Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan
- Oval Beach is a renowned beach located in Saugatuck, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities
- Nestled among towering sand dunes and bordered by the Kalamazoo River, Oval Beach offers a setting along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and area is also popular for picnicking
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