Quick Summary:

  • The United States is one of the top ten countries in the world when it comes to total coastline area, and the country's beaches are spread out over 30 states and four coasts: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes.
  • This incredible variety means the country has every kind of beach imaginable, and whether you're a beach bum or an adventure seeker, you're sure to find what you're looking for.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Clearwater Beach, Florida ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Clearwater Beach, Florida | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of ricardoreitmeyer - Fotolia.com

2. Kalaloch Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Kalaloch Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Elmo Palmer - Fotolia.com

3. Sea Camp Beach, Cumberland Island, Georgia

Category: Beaches
Sea Camp Beach, Cumberland Island, Georgia | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Brian Lasenby - Fotolia.com

4. Hanauma Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

Category: Activities
Hanauma Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of ricktravel - Fotolia.com

5. East Beach, Santa Barbara, California

Category: Beaches
East Beach, Santa Barbara, California | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of sashahaltam - Fotolia.com

6. Islanders Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Category: Beaches
Islanders Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Matt - Fotolia.com

7. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

Category: Beaches
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of eikotsuttiy - Fotolia.com

8. Malaquite Beach, North Padre Island, Texas

Category: Beaches
Malaquite Beach, North Padre Island, Texas | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Alexandre - Fotolia.com

9. Van Damme Beach, Mendocino Coast, California

Category: Activities
Van Damme Beach, Mendocino Coast, California | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Satoshi Kina - Fotolia.com

10. Nags Head Beach, North Carolina

Category: Beaches
Nags Head Beach,  North Carolina | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Jorg Hackemann - Fotolia.com

11. Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, Maryland

Category: Beaches
Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, Maryland | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Christian Hinkle - Fotolia

12. Ocracoke Beach, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Category: Beaches
Ocracoke Beach, Ocracoke Island, North Carolina | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Konstantin L - Fotolia.com

13. Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Category: Beaches
Ogunquit Beach, Maine | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of alwayspp - Fotolia.com

14. Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Category: Beaches
Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Lacey Newman - Fotolia.com

15. Saint Pete Beach, St. Pete, Florida

Category: Beaches
Saint Pete Beach, St. Pete, Florida | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Daxiao Productions - Fotolia

16. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

Category: Beaches
Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of Olivier JULLY - Fotolia.com

17. South Ocean Beach, Assateque Island, Maryland

Category: Beaches
South Ocean Beach, Assateque Island, Maryland | Beaches in the United States
© NPS Photo

18. The Cove Beach, Cape May, New Jersey

Category: Beaches
The Cove Beach, Cape May, New Jersey | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of 116908044-sinitar - Fotolia.com

19. North Manitou Island, Michigan

Romantic Islands
North Manitou Island, Michigan | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of wildnerdpix - Fotolia.com

20. Atlantic City Beach, NJ

Category: Beaches
Atlantic City Beach, NJ | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

21. 1000 Steps Beach, Laguna

Category: Beaches
1000 Steps Beach, Laguna | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of rouda100 - Fotolia.com

22. El Matador Beach, Malibu

Category: Beaches
El Matador Beach, Malibu | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of milazvereva - Fotolia.com

23. Huntington State Beach

Category: Beaches
Huntington State Beach | Beaches in the United States
© Courtesy of lunamarina - Fotolia.com

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