The Best Beach in Every State

You'd be hard-pressed to find a word that generates more travel buzz than the word "beach". America's best beaches are the places where our summer vacation memories are made, where we go after school or work to watch the sunset or spend a well-deserved day off letting off steam and soaking up the sun. Luckily, you don't have to be located on the Coasts or the Great Lakes to be by a great American beach, as the following list of the best beaches in every state shows. The finest American beaches range from gorgeous stretches of white sand on the ocean to brilliant lake beaches surrounded by mountains in the middle of landlocked states. Click on the slideshow to see the best beach in each state.

You can't go wrong spending a day at any of the great strands of soft white sand in Gulf Shores, but the main public beach combines all that's great about this Gulf coastal town. You will find spots for picnicking, multiple open-air pavilions, a grassy "Town Green" and all the facilities you'll need to have a great day at the beach.

Dramatically jutting into Kachemak Bay, Homer Spit stretches over four miles and is beloved by locals for its views of the local landscape and the opportunities for fishing, beachcombing and eagle-watching that it provides. During summer evenings, you can expect to see plenty of people out casting a line or strolling in the sand as the fishing boats return for the day.

You'll find a handful of fine stretches of sand on the fringes of Lake Havasu-located on the border with California-but you won't top this one. Home to white sand and sweet views of the mountains, it's the perfect place to post up for sunset before heading out for a night out at one of the lake's sizzling beach bars.

As the biggest body of water in the Natural State, Lake Ouachita is known for its sparkling clear & clean water and its scenic location near Ouachita National Forest. You'll find two official beaches in this state park if you decide to hit the water, there are over 200 islands waiting to be explored around the lake.

Owning five interconnected soft brown sugar beaches-each with its own vibe-Huntington is perhaps the quintessential Southern California Beach. Sunbathers, skaters, cyclists and surfers all feel equally at home here and after you've spent a day on the sand or the water, take a stroll down its historic pier that stretches out into the Pacific for a sweet view of the sunset.

This "beach" only appears for a short amount of time each year at Great Sand Dunes National Park, but boy is it ever sweet. Each year during spring, the calm and shallow Medano Creek appears due to snow melt and meanders its way through the glorious-yet underrated-Great Sand Dunes National Park. The result is a fun little strip of sand perfect for family fun.

A two-mile stretch of loveliness on Long Island Sound, this beach is the crown jewel of the beloved local gem that is Hammonasset Beach State Park. In addition to bliss on the sand, you'll find an array of facilities here including a concession stand and kayak launch point.

Known for its soft rolling sand dunes and superb stretch of beach, this state park is the perfect place to spend a day (or a few). Make for "The Point" around sunset to watch the golden light turn the sky into a symphony of color and to snap a great photo of the park's lighthouse.

You're in for adventure heading to the sugar white sand of Caladesi Island, as this dreamy uninhabited isle near Dunedin can only be reached by boat-but that's what makes it so special. One on the island, you'll find soft, pure white sand and mangroves teeming with all sorts of local wildlife.

It's not the most lauded South Beach in the land, but it's most definitely one of the best. All the beaches on Tybee Island by Savannah have their own personality, and buzzy South Beach is the perfect spot to lounge in the sand and take a stroll past the pier before heading out to nearby Tybrisa Street for a spirited evening full of dining and libations.

A beach has to be pretty special to get anywhere near the top of the heap in Hawai'i and that's precisely what Kailua Beach Park is. Located on the east end of Oahu and stretching over two miles long, the beach's water is "screen saver turquoise" and the sand is white and powdery.

This lake in central Idaho is home to a few sandy beaches (North Beach and Davis Beach being two of the most popular) and each summer they're packed with locals dipping their toes in the water. Spend your days warming up in the sun and refreshing yourself in the lake before taking one of the romantic cruises that tour the water in the evening or exploring downtown McCall.

You can't top spending a warm and sunny summer day in Chicago at one of its cool urban strands (Wait, you didn't know Chicago did sandy beaches?). This strip of beach on lake Michigan is renowned as a place to be seen in the summertime, home to plenty of space to throw down a blanket and a lively boathouse bar called Castaways.

Don't let the word "dunes" throw you off, not all of the sand at Indiana Dunes National Park is piled high, looking pretty. Some of the park's sand is being lapped by Lake Michigan, and Porter Beach is an especially fetching three-mile section worth visiting on your next trip to the park.

A family-friendly stretch of soft brown sand and brand-new facilties, Terrace Park Beach is the perfect spot to relax beside the lovely waters of West Lake Okoboji. After soaking up some midday Midwestern rays, talk a stroll out to the edge of the pier and jump into the cool, refreshing water. You won't regret it.

Located on the outskirts of cool college town Lawrence, this spacious state park boasts over 1,500 acres of scenic grounds in addition to several lakeside beaches. Dig your toes into the sand on a weekend in summer and you'll get to experience a "coastal" vibe right in the heart of Kansas.

Set directly next to the engineering marvel that is Kentucky Dam, this patch of soft light brown sand sits on the grounds of the Kentucky Village State Resort Park. Open seasonally, it's the perfect spot to go for a swim, have a picnic or just play some sand volleyball.

Famously the "only white sand beach between Florida and Texas", this beauty on the shores of Lake Charles is the perfect place to sink your feet into the sand. The best part? Since it sits directly off Interstate 10, it owns one of the breeziest access points of any beach on this list.

You can find bigger beaches up the coast, but you won't find anything better than this pretty little strand set in a cove inside Acadia National Park. Sand Beach is surrounded by some of the park's signature rocky outcrops, only adding to its allure.

The Old Line State's section of 37-mile-long Assateague Island is full of untamed windswept stretches of sand, including two official beaches. After you've soaked up some rays and gone for a swim, bounce over to the bayside to do some kayaking or seek out the island's famous wild ponies.

The famed writer Henry David Thoreau was so impressed with this stretch of Massachusetts sand that he nicknamed it "The Great Beach", and you'll most certainly agree with him. Located near Eastham, Coast Gaurd routinely turns up on lists of the finest beaches in all of America and its soft sand and fascinating nearby marshes make for a perfect day out in any season.

Home to beautiful beige sand, gentle waves, and close-up views of the town's famous dreamy red lighthouse-South Haven Light-you simply can't beat South Beach. The beach features a full range of facilities too, which makes it one of the best family beaches in the region.

Located on the shores of lovely Lake Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, this strip of sand offers beachgoers views of the skyline and plenty of space to stretch out by the water. After you've topped up your tan, head out onto the water for a canoeing or kayaking session.

The most gorgeous stretch of the state's Gulf Coast, Front Beach stretches from the harbor in Ocean Springs to the Biloxi Bay Bridge. Admire views of the bridge and offshore islands before taking a walk on the sand and exploring the shops & restaurants of charming Ocean Springs.

The only sandy swimming beach at Table Rock Lake, this wide stretch of sand will make you think you're on one of the coasts, not the Ozarks. Simply lay out on the sand gazing at the lake, play some beach volleyball or do some grilling, it's all on the cards at Moonshine.

Whitefish is well known for being a friendly small town that's also a great jumping-off point for visits to Yellowstone National Park. But come summer, you could make a case that it's a beach town too. City Beach sits directly on Whitefish Lake and provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Set on the fringes of gorgeous Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska, this beach is a fine base for exploring the eponymous Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area. The state park also offers the opportunity for visitors to camp directly on the sand.

There are some spectacular bodies of water on the Las Vegas Strip, but the Silver State's best beach is up north on Lake Tahoe. Famed for soft sand that borders the crystal-clear alpine water of the lake, Sand Harbor is the perfect place to spend a summer day, with many a beachgoer then heading up to nearby Cave Rock to watch the sunset.

Synonymous with summer in the Granite State, Hampton Beach is home to a handsome stretch of beach lapped by cool clean water. Off the sand, you'll find a lively boardwalk filled with family attractions and entertainment venues.

The grandest beach town on the Jersey Shore, Cape May owns a gorgeous shoreline and several stretches of sand-each with its own personality. Head out to Cape May Point to find solitude, the beaches alongside Beach Avenue for shops & attractions and Sunset Beach to watch the sky come alive with color at dusk.

When the Cochiti Dam was built on the Rio Grande River, it resulted in one of the Land of Enchantment's most beautiful bodies of water. Lake Cochiti is home to an attractive swimming beach, which makes it the perfect place to rest up before heading out onto the water to do some sailing, windsurfing or kayaking.

From fine beaches in the Finger Lakes to cool urban strands in Queens, the Empire State has more great beaches than you might expect, but nothing holds a candle to this beauty on Long Island. Soft, clean sand with a backdrop full of dramatic dunes and historic mansions helps it stand out from the crowd, landing it on the shortlist of Dr. Beach's annual round-up of the nation's finest beaches several times.

Speaking of Dr. Beach, this strip of beach on the Outer Banks was just awarded the crown of "Best Beach in America" for 2022. It's all about swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing at this remarkably clean and quiet beach on the enchanting island of Ocracoke.

The nation's third-largest manmade lake, Lake Sakakawea may be lesser known than some of the famous American lakes, but that just means there's more room for you on the sand of its swimming beach. The beach sits inside Lake Sakakawea State Park, located on the south side of the lake near Pick City.

Before it was famous for the world-leading collection of roller coasters, Cedar Point attracted crowds looking to spend long summer days on its shore. These days, this stretch of sand on Lake Erie is used exclusively by guests of the Cedar Point theme park and associated resorts, campground and marina, but it's no less sensational.

Lake Eufaula is the largest lake completely within the borders of Oklahoma and it's bliss for boaters, beach lovers, and fishermen. Inside Lake Eufaula State Park, you'll find several beaches perfect for spending a day relaxing on the sand.

Bandon is home to several caramel-brown stretches of sand, with Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and Coquille Point being two of the most popular points on the beach. Regardless of where you plant your beach chair, you'll be smitten with the views of the Pacific and the local dramatic rock formations.

While you may technically be sitting on a Lake Erie peninsula when you're watching the sun disappear into the water at Sunset Point-located between Beach No. 9 and Beach No. 10- you'll feel like you're on an island far away. This is the spell that the beaches at Presque Island State Park put on the visitor, especially during the summertime.

What this beach lacks in amusements and amenities, it more than makes up for with its stunning setting under Mohegan Bluffs. In fact, you could make a case that descending the 141 steps to the sand here is the quintessential Block Island experience.

One of the most handsome beaches on Hilton Head Island, Coligny Beach truly has it all for the ultimate day on the sand. Home to a full outdoor park with all the facilities you could imagine-including swings set up under shaded gazebos and WiFi-the beach is popular with locals and visitors alike.

One of Custer State Park's best-kept secrets, Sylvan Lake is a dreamy place to stop, relax, and dip your toes into the water after a day exploring the rugged natural beauty of the Badlands. The lake is home to several beaches on its shoreline with a range of facilities.

Percy Priest Lake is located just outside the Nashville city limits and on any given summer day, you'll find the lake overflowing with people enjoying the water. Anderson Beach is located on the west side of the lake and offers access to the water alongside shady retreats and facilities.

SPI is Texas' most famous coastal destination for a reason: the unbelievable beaches. The beaches range from ones like Isla Blanca Park which possesses a full range of amenities to others that feel wild and windswept, offering solitude and the chance to appreciate some of the wonderful wildlife that calls this island home.

Nearly 20 miles long and located on the Utah/Idaho border, Bear Lake is known for having eye-catching aquamarine water and for providing plenty of space for all forms of water-based recreation. At Rendezvous Beach, you'll find boaters, jet skiers and swimmers meeting up to catch up about the day's fun out on the water.

Lake Champlain is heaven for boaters, but beach lovers can struggle to find a non-rocky place to relax by the water. That's where the beaches at Sand Bar State Park-located a short hop from Burlington-come into play as this state park offers up stretches of soft brown sand and plenty of space to stretch out a beach blanket.

Known for dreamy sand dunes and for having a more laid-back atmosphere than nearby Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is bliss. Take long walks along the shoreline before exploring the nearby National Wildlife Refuge.

Olympic National Park is known for a lot of naturally stunning sights, and the caramel sand and otherworldly sea stacks of Ruby Beach are right up there. Spend your morning hiking the park's hills and forests and your afternoon combing Ruby Beach for unique finds or simply strolling the sand.

When you think of West Virginia, you probably first think of its "almost heaven" collection of gorges, rivers and hills, but one trip to this state park near Grafton and its beaches will have you singing a new tune. Tygart Lake is ideal for boating, waterskiing and kayaking, and the seasonal swimming beach will make you forget your hundreds of miles from the sea.

Recently awarded Blue Wave status as a testament to its cleanliness and water quality, Racine North Beach sits directly on Lake Michigan and is home to a host of facilities. Take a bike ride on the Michigan Pathway, play some sand volleyball or just work on your tan; you can do it all here.

This spacious state park is located 100 miles north of Cheyenne and is the location of Glendo Reservoir, which now serves as the setting of all sorts of water-based fun. Spend some time sunbathing at either Shelter Point or Sandy Beach or make for one of the park's marinas to take a vessel out on the calm water.