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

1. Orange Beach, Alabama ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Gary/stock.adobe.com

2. Coronado Municipal Beach, San Diego, California ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Natalia Bratslavsky/stock.adobe.com

3. East Beach, Santa Barbara, California

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© tsuguliev/stock.adobe.com

4. Van Damme Beach, Mendocino Coast, California

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Gary Saxe/stock.adobe.com

5. Santa Cruz Beach, California

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Chris/stock.adobe.com

6. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© baluzek/stock.adobe.com

7. St. Pete Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Jeff Kinsey/stock.adobe.com

8. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© FotoMak/stock.adobe.com

9. Sea Camp Beach, Cumberland Island, Georgia

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Alex Papp/stock.adobe.com

10. Hanauma Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© claudiaf65/stock.adobe.com

11. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawai’i, Hawaii

© DmitriK/stock.adobe.com

12. Manini'owali Beach, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Mariusz Blach/stock.adobe.com

13. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© 9nito/stock.adobe.com

14. Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, Maryland

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© littlekitty/stock.adobe.com

15. South Ocean Beach, Assateague Island, Maryland

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© joscelynm/stock.adobe.com

16. Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit, Maine

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© millyelm/stock.adobe.com

17. Nags Head Beach, North Carolina

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Jim/stock.adobe.com

18. Ocracoke Beach, Ocracoke Island

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© WideAwake/stock.adobe.com

19. The Cove Beach, Cape May, New Jersey

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© rufar/stock.adobe.com

20. Cooper's Beach, New York

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Rido/stock.adobe.com

21. Islanders Beach, Hilton Head, South Carolina

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Creaturart/stock.adobe.com

22. Kiawah Beachwalker Park, South Carolina

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Klint Arnold/stock.adobe.com

23. Malaquite Beach, North Padre Island, Texas

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Richard/stock.adobe.com

24. Kalaloch, Olympic National Park, Washington

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© winterbilder/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Many beaches offer bustling boardwalks with amusement rides, museums, ice cream parlors, and candy shoppes, with opportunities for water and beach sports for the entire family to enjoy.
  • Others host annual kite festivals, sandcastle competitions, or family beach sport challenges, with educational programming leading families on nature hikes or teaching visitors about local marine life.

Map:


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