The USA has a long and varied coastline, stretching from the temperate Atlantic to the rugged Pacific. From family beach holidays and surfing resorts to tranquil and secluded retreats, the beaches in USA suit everyone who wants to relax or go on a beach vacation. Whether you are looking for seaside resorts or wild and beautiful places, the USA has a beach for all occasions. Let’s check out the 10 most popular beaches in the USA, which will be the highlight of your next trip.
Top 10 Beaches In USA To Explore
From the iconic shores of California to the peaceful retreats of Florida, these beaches are sure to give you a blissful break. Here are the top beaches in USA:
1. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Photo: 4net / Wikimedia Commons
It’s the powdery quartz sand and crystal clear water that makes Siesta Key Beach the best beach in Florida. The beach extends miles, which makes it convenient for visitors to spread out and unwind. Its pristine, white sand is 99% quartz, and the sand itself, even on a hot day, remains cool. Water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkelling in calm waters are also available for tourists. The Siesta Key Village is an evening hub with restaurants, bars, and stores to make sure visitors don’t feel bored after a day on the beach.
Best Time To Visit: March to August
Location: Sarasota, Florida
2. Wailea Beach, Hawaii
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
On Maui, Wailea Beach boasts panoramic Pacific Ocean views, soft sand and crystal-clear water that are perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling. The beach is known for its clear waters and is ideal for families with little kids or newbie swimmers. You can walk the stunning coral reefs that lie just offshore, filled with sea creatures, or lounge under a beach umbrella and soak up the Hawaiian sun. The surrounding landscape is dotted with some of the island’s most opulent resorts with fine dining and spa facilities.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
3. Huntington Beach, California
Photo: DHN / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as “Surf City USA”, Huntington Beach boasts miles of sand and the right waves for surfing. The beach hosts surfing competitions, with professional surfers visiting from all over the world. The surf here is usually open to novices and professionals alike, which makes it one of the easiest spots for anyone to surf. There’s plenty of room to play beach volleyball, sandcastle, and sunbathe. The Huntington Beach Pier is a favourite attraction and provides a beautiful backdrop for a stroll, fishing or a dinner at one of the restaurants by the water.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Huntington Beach, California
4. South Beach, Florida
Photo: Kiran891 / Wikimedia Commons
In Miami, South Beach is one of the most iconic places, with its party culture, Art Deco architecture and classy ambiance. The beach itself has fluffy white sand and warm, clear water to swim and sunbathe in. You can also take your time there, strolling the beach and spotting fashionable locals as well as tourists. Around South Beach, you’ll find many hip cafes, bars and boutiques where you can kick back and enjoy Miami life. South Beach is also known for the vibrant nightlife of clubs and lounges that stay open late with cocktails and dancing by the ocean.
Best Time To Visit: December to March
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
5. Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
Photo: Joe Parks / Wikimedia Commons
The Kaanapali Beach on Maui is a gorgeous golden sand beach with clear water and great water sports available. The beach is one of the most inhabited beaches on the island and provides numerous leisure opportunities for tourists. There are even resorts and shopping malls along the beach, which makes it a great option for both tourists and luxury tourists. If you want something different, you can take a sunset boat from Kaanapali Beach for a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean when the sun sets behind the island. The gentle waves make the beach ideal for swimming, and nearby Black Rock is ideal for cliff diving.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii
6. Coronado Beach, California
Photo: Myukie / Wikimedia Commons
Coronado Beach sits across the bay from downtown San Diego, with a long and beautiful stretches of golden sand for lounging, swimming, and family fun. The beach is a safe swimming place for families as its waters are calm. Perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions at Coronado Beach is the historic Hotel del Coronado. The beach has volleyball courts as well, which makes it a perfect place to get some exercise or catch a tournament. You can take a walk along the coast to view the Pacific Ocean or wander around Coronado’s small town with its stores and restaurants.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Location: Coronado, California
7. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Photo: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons
The clear sand and shallow water of Clearwater Beach make it one of the most popular beaches for families in the US. There is enough space to relax and sunbathe on the beach, and the water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. People can stroll along the historic Pier 60 to witness street acts and boutiques and admire a gorgeous vista of the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby Sand Key Park is a quieter place to hang out if you’d like something a little more private. Clearwater Beach is also a great place to indulge in water sports like parasailing and jet skiing.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Location: Clearwater, Florida
8. Zuma Beach, California
Photo: Chris M Morris / Wikimedia Commons
Zuma Beach in Malibu is known for its wide, golden sands and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also renowned for its surf quality and attracts surfers of all skill levels. You can experience the pure nature of the beach, which is not as crowded as other Malibu beaches, and feel comfortable. Zuma Beach has ample parking for anyone who wants to spend a day in the sun or play beach volleyball. For those who prefer to have a little privacy, the northern part of the beach is usually quiet and is a good place to enjoy a picnic or a scenic walk. Zuma Beach is also equipped with modern amenities such as washrooms and showers.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Malibu, California
9. Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Photo: XeresNelro / Wikimedia Commons
Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of the most distinctive and scenic beaches in the USA because of the eerie nature of broken, weathered trees lying on the beach. You can shoot photographs at the beach during sunrise or sunset, as it gets lit magically. You can walk the beach and see the driftwood tidal pools sometimes created around it. You might also glimpse small animals. The beach is quite silent, where you can take a little time to be quiet and feel the beauty of nature. Driftwood Beach also offers opportunities to stroll, picnic, or just enjoy the sound of waves.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
10. Maui’s Makena Beach, Hawaii
Photo: Dennis Clayton / Wikimedia Commons
Makena Beach, or Big Beach, is one of Maui’s largest and most beautiful beaches. This stunning golden sand beach on the south coast of the island is a wonderful place to swim, sunbathe and admire the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The clear water is ideal for snorkelling, and its natural splendour makes it an ideal location for photographers. People looking for a bit of action will find the bodyboarding and surfing at Makena Beach very good, especially during the winter.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Makena, Maui, Hawaii
From the breathtaking Pacific coast to the rejuvenating Gulf of Mexico, beaches in USA are innumerably beautiful. Every destination offers something special, whether it is spending time in the sun, surfing or experiencing local culture. So, if you are ready to take your next beach trip, allow TripXL to turn your journey into the best one with the right accommodation and custom tour options. Book your trip to explore the beaches in the USA now.
Cover Photo: hh oldman / Wikimedia Commons