The quintessential American summer is not complete without a trip to the beach, but that doesn't mean summer is the only time to take a seaside venture. Springtime travel plans to popular beach destinations like Florida and Hawaii increased 211% in 2022, according to AAA.
There is no shortage of beaches in the United States. The nation has 95,471 miles of shoreline, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Whether you’re looking for a wild beach, a party beach, a beach with a developed boardwalk or an underwater paradise to explore with a snorkel or scuba gear, we’ve got lots of recommendations for you.
What are the best beaches in America?
To answer this question, we’ve broken down U.S. beaches into a few categories — boardwalk beaches, undeveloped beaches, family beaches, party beaches and beaches for snorkeling. Here are the highlights of each category.
Best beaches with a boardwalk
If you’re looking for a beach with more than just a nice view, a beach with a boardwalk might be the best choice for your trip. With food options, souvenir shops and even built-in amusement parks, boardwalks can add great variety to your experience.
Some of the best boardwalks in the United States, according to Attractions of America:
- Atlantic City Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey
- Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Ocean City Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland
- Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah, Texas
- Mission Beach Boardwalk in San Diego, California
Best uncrowded beaches
If you’re looking for a more tranquil trip, it might be best to find a less-developed beach area to get rest and relaxation while avoiding crowds. According to The Culture Trip, here are some of the best uncrowded beaches in the U.S.:
- Sandbridge Beach in Virginia
- Cumberland Island in Georgia
- Carova Beach in North Carolina
- Enderts Beach in California
- Montaña de Oro State Park in California
- Wildcat Beach in California
- Dry Tortugas in Florida
- St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida
- Awahua Beach in Hawaii
Best family beaches
According to U.S. News & World Report, some factors to consider when planning a family trip are “kid-friendly attractions, dining options, spacious accommodations and multigenerational appeal.” According to these criteria, they ranked these destinations as the best in the nation for families:
- Destin, Florida
- Sanibel Island, Florida
- Maui, Hawaii
- Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Laguna Beach, California
- Bald Head Island, North Carolina
- Nantucket, Massachusetts
Best party beaches
If you are of drinking age and looking for a good time, here are some beaches for those looking to party, according to Complex:
- Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California
- South Beach in Miami, Florida
- South Padre Island in Cameron County, Texas
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York
- Seaside Heights in Ocean County, New Jersey
- Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida
- Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California
Best beaches for snorkeling
If you’re looking to see beautiful sights and diverse wildlife underwater, here are the beaches Tripadvisor recommends for snorkeling:
- Key West, Florida
- Crystal River, Florida
- Lahaina, Hawaii
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Big Pine Key, Florida
- Catalina Island, California
- Poipu, Hawaii
- Kapolei, Hawaii
- Hatteras Island, North Carolina
- Captain Cook, Hawaii
- La Jolla, California
- South Padre Island, Texas
