Beaches

Best Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville has more than 22 miles of the best beaches in Northeast Florida, with a unique mix of laid-back vibes, natural beauty, and local favorites that make it a standout coastal destination.

Beaches in North Carolina

From the Outer Banks to the Crystal Coast and down to the southern beaches near Wilmington, the state has some of the best shoreline you’ll find anywhere on the East Coast.

Cheap Beach Vacations in the U.S.

For me, these are the best cheap beach ideas, underrated, totally my favorite, and full of seaside magic.

Best Beaches in Michigan

Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Michigan is be one of the best and most unique ways to spend your vacation (and I don't mean just summer!).

10 Best Beaches in Alabama

Whether you’re after relaxation, family fun, or outdoor adventure, Alabama offers the best coastal experiences.

When you think of beaches, New Mexico may not come to mind first, but the state is home to some of the best lakeside beaches in the Southwest, and they’ve become some of my favorite underrated spots for warm-weather fun.

Best Beaches Near Orlando, Florida

Orlando may be famous for its theme parks, but it’s also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Florida. Just a short drive away, you’ll find sandy shores, rolling waves, and the best mix of relaxation and fun.

Beaches in New England

For me, the beaches in New England are some of the best in the U.S. Many are rich in rare fauna and flora that are unique to New England.

Beaches in Oregon

Oregon’s coastline is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite spots for adventure and relaxation.

Beaches in Gloucester, MA

The beaches in Gloucester, Massachusetts are some of the most unique and charming on Cape Ann. They are some of my favorite spots for a classic New England seaside escape.

Beaches in Plymouth, MA

Plymouth has nine public beaches in total, so you are sure to find the best for your needs. They’re some of my favorite places to enjoy a classic New England day by the sea.

Beaches in Hyannis, MA

Like many towns all around the Cape Cod area, Hyannis is home to some truly breathtaking beaches. They’re easily some of my favorite places to enjoy a classic seaside getaway in Massachusetts.

Beaches in California

Beaches in California are some of the most unique and unforgettable coastal escapes in the world. Stretching from rugged cliffs in the north to palm-lined shores in the south, California offers some of the best variety you can find on a single coastline.

Beaches in Georgia

Georgia's 100-mile long shoreline, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean between South Carolina and Florida, has hundreds of magnificent beaches. I wish I could visit them all.

Beaches in Virginia

Beaches in Virginia are some of the most unique and underrated stretches of shoreline on the East Coast, and they’re some of my favorite places to enjoy both relaxation and history in one trip.

I took this photo of waves rolling towards an empty beach in Maryland before sunset

Best Beaches in Maryland

Maryland is defined by its scenic waterways and 31 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and magnificent Chesapeake Bay. If you’re here to plan a beach day (or a full-on summer vacation), here are the best beaches in Maryland that locals love and visitors rave about.

Beaches Near Atlanta, GA

Even though the city itself isn’t coastal, Atlanta is within reach of beautiful lake beaches and the Atlantic shoreline, making it stand out as a great starting point for sunny escapes.

Beaches in Rhode Island

From long sandy stretches to hidden coves, Rhode Island delivers the best mix of seaside fun, coastal beauty, and relaxation, often in unique and underrated spots that feel like true treasures.

Best Beaches Near Williamsburg, Virginia

There’s actually a surprising amount of choice when it comes to beaches in Williamsburg, and it can be quite a challenge to decide which beach to visit on any given day. Each is the best in its own category, whether you are looking for family fun, a romantic picnic or something historic.

Best Beaches in Louisiana

I think that Louisiana’s beaches aren’t just about swimming. They’re about the unique atmosphere, the favorite traditions, and the underrated places that make every visit special.

Lake Erie Beaches

Whether you're looking to do some swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, kite flying, Frisbee throwing, picnic eating, or something else altogether down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you'll find all you need at some of Ohio's best beaches.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind Vacation Idea. My husband, son, and I spent years on the road, basing ourselves in each place for one or two months at a time. This has allowed me to experience each destination as a local, and I'm eager to help you with travel itineraries, weekend inspiration, and local tips. I love to chase unique experiences and revisit old favorites, anything from great sunsets to places of mystery. I have 30 years of experience, over 400,000 social media followers, and my work as a travel expert has been mentioned on ABC6 Morning Show, Best of the Web, and USA Today. When I'm not traveling around the USA, I live in Austin, TX. Click for more.