From dramatic Pacific coastlines to powder-soft Gulf sands, the best beaches in the USA offer something for every kind of beachgoer.
Whether you're planning a bustling beach vacation in the USA or looking for a quiet paradise tucked off the beaten path, these coastal gems promise pristine sand, stunning views, and unforgettable experiences.
Hidden along California's rugged Big Sur coastline, Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most scenic beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Known for its purple-tinged sand and the iconic Keyhole Arch, it’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
While swimming conditions are rough, it’s perfect for a quiet stroll, tide pool exploration, and sunset-watching.
Few places say "California" like Venice Beach. This Pacific-side hotspot in Los Angeles is packed with energy. Expect bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, skateboarders at the park, and artists, jugglers, and performers galore along the boardwalk.
It's a prime spot for sunbathing, people-watching, and catching the colorful essence of Los Angeles.
Famous for Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast is where moody landscapes meet incredible wildlife.
Oregon residents adore this beach, which is perfect for exploring tide pools filled with sea life, taking long beach walks, and spotting puffins. The soft sand and scenic beauty make it one of the best beaches in the USA.
Set against the freshwater expanse of Lake Michigan, Oval Beach is a Midwestern treasure with soft sand and calm water ideal for families. It’s a top pick for building sandcastles, swimming, and soaking in summer sun.
The charming town of Saugatuck in Michigan offers art galleries, restaurants, and more just a short distance away.
Welcome to glitz and glamour. South Beach in Miami is one of the best beaches in the USA for lively nightlife, iconic Lummus Park, Art Deco architecture, and perfect weather year-round.
The clear turquoise water, volleyball courts, and golden sands make it a beach that Florida visitors flock to again and again.
A unique barrier island straddling Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its wild horses.
With salt marshes, nature trails, and wide open stretches of beach, it's a paradise for nature lovers and those looking for a more rustic escape. Don’t miss the Maryland side, with its accessible beaches and shallow waters.
One of Laguna Beach's best-kept secrets, Treasure Island Beach is known for its calm water, tide pools, and dramatic bluffs.
Perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll, it’s also wheelchair-accessible; ideal for everyone looking to enjoy some of California’s most pristine sand.
Myrtle Beach is the crown jewel of South Carolina’s Grand Strand, a long beach known for its family-friendly vibe, water sports, and soft sand.
With boardwalk attractions, seafood spots, and affordable resorts, it’s one of the best beach vacations USA travelers can plan.
Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Grayton Beach offers soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and rare coastal dune lakes. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding are all popular here, as are peaceful hikes through the nearby nature preserves.
It’s a Gulf Coast gem for nature lovers and sun seekers alike.
With sea stacks, driftwood, and dramatic coastal cliffs, Ruby Beach is a magical destination in Olympic National Park.
Families love its tide pools filled with sea stars and crabs, and photographers adore the moody Pacific light. It's a favorite beach in Oregon and Washington, where visitors often travel for adventure and beauty.
Tucked beneath Malibu’s cliffs, El Matador State Beach is one of the most romantic beaches in California. Known for its sea caves, arches, and golden-hour glow, it's a paradise for photography, tide pool discovery, and seaside beach picnics.
Expect waves and scenic beaches that feel worlds away from city life.
Located in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Nags Head is a quintessential East Coast beach with wide shores, historic piers, and sand dunes ideal for hang gliding and nature hikes.
The area is family-friendly, full of wild beauty, and offers some of the best beach experiences on the Atlantic coast.
Accessible only by boat, Playa Tortuga (or Turtle Beach) on Isla Culebrita is a secluded treasure.
With crystal-clear waters, sea turtles, and coral-rich snorkeling spots, it’s a must for those seeking quiet, natural beauty and vibrant marine life. The tide pools, known locally as “The Jacuzzi”, are a relaxing bonus.
Tucked away on the Gulf Coast, Fort De Soto Park offers a quieter, more nature-rich escape for beachgoers who prefer peace over crowds.
With calm waters, pristine white sands, scenic nature trails, and incredible birdwatching, it’s the kind of place where you can kayak through mangroves in the morning and stretch out with a book in the afternoon.
But if you’re craving a more energetic beach day, with volleyball courts, waterfront dining, and a buzzing boardwalk, head up the coast to Clearwater Beach. It’s a short drive away and perfect for balancing out your trip with a livelier vibe.
Nestled along the Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park offers sugar-white sand dunes, pet-friendly trails, and excellent swimming conditions.
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, spot dolphins, or enjoy a picnic, this pristine stretch of beach, which Florida locals love, is a top pick for one of the best beaches in the USA.
No matter which of the best beaches in the USA you choose, Wander makes it easy to find the perfect vacation home base.
From luxury beachfront vacation rentals near the surf to cozy escapes off the beaten path, Wander properties let you enjoy the beach lifestyle in comfort and style.
While beauty is subjective, Pfeiffer Beach, El Matador State Beach, and Playa Tortuga often top the list for their natural beauty, unique colors, and stunning views.
The clearest waters in the US can be found in Destin, Florida (Henderson Beach State Park), Lake Michigan’s eastern shorelines, and the beaches of Culebra, Puerto Rico (especially Playa Tortuga).
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