America's Best Beaches to Visit This Summer

Summer will be here in a flash so don't put off planning the perfect beach vacation any longer. With so many awesome beaches to choose from, the hardest part might just be settling on a destination. Here are America's best beaches for summer 2020.

There's a lot to love about Honolulu's famous Waikiki Beach beyond the surf-friendly seashore as this bustling neighborhood features a slew of excellent hotels, bars, restaurants and shops in addition to stellar attractions such as the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Savannah, Georgia's Tybee Island is home to a handful of beaches, including three oceanfront beaches and a pair of river beaches. South Beach is the most popular of these spots and the best for families while visitors seeking fewer crowds can head over to Mid Beach or North Beach to chill like a local.

Oregon's scenic Cannon Beach is far from traditional but a worthwhile summertime stop nonetheless. In addition to being named among the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic, it's one of the most romantic beaches you can visit with your significant other.

Don't sleep on Alabama's Gulf Coast this summer as Orange Beach and nearby Gulf Shores offer visitors more than 30 miles of pristine sugar-white sand beaches ideal for almost any activity you can imagine. Visitors will also be pleasantly surprised by the live music scene.

Oahu's Kailua Beach Park is the reigning best beach in America, according to the nation's foremost expert, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach. The calming and soft white-powder sand is complemented by stunning turquoise blue waters that are certain to put even the most restless minds at ease.

An All-American summertime destination, Coney Island boasts nearly three miles of friendly beaches convenient to a bustling boardwalk and thrilling amusement rides. Sports lovers can even participate in games like beach volleyball and basketball under the sun.

Cooper's Beach in The Hamptons is routinely ranked among the nation's best beaches and has got everything chilled-out vacationers need to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, including parking, concessions, a bathhouse and convenient chair and umbrella rentals.

No trip to America's Finest City is complete without a day spent at sparkling (literally) Coronado Beach, where lovebirds and large families alike can stroll, splash around and snap a selfie in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado. If you've got the time, nearby La Jolla is also a worthwhile seaside paradise.

Florida's Siesta Key has been getting more buzz lately thanks to the namesake MTV reality show but the truth is this barrier island sells itself. First-time visitors will definitely notice the quartz-crystal sand that's drawn comparisons to powdered sugar (just don't eat it). Don't miss, Crescent Beach, which has been ranked "the finest, whitest sand beach in the world" and is even great for snorkeling.

One of several islands Americans can visit without a passport, Galveston Island features more than 30 miles of beautiful beaches offering travelers fun in the sun year-round. The island's Historic Pleasure Pier is also one of the world's most unique attractions as it's home to a multitude of rides that sit over the water.

Rehoboth Beach is Delaware's most-visited city and has a positive reputation as being one fo America's most LGBTQ-friendly destinations. This coastal town in the Mid-Atlantic offers visitors everything they need and nothing they don't, including a beachfront boardwalk and tons of shops and restaurants.

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk might have spooked some folks in the 2019 horror movie "Us," but there's nothing to be afraid of here. This West Coast destination features close to 30 miles of phenomenal beaches ideal for both relaxation and recreation, including the crowd favorite Natural Bridges State Beach.

When on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Kapalua Bay Beach is an absolute must. Recognized as one of America's best beaches for decades, this little slice of paradise has got everything you could ask for in a warm-weather escape, including unbeatable views, soothing golden sand, swaying palm trees and inviting waters that are excellent for activities like snorkeling and swimming.

The Lifeguard Beach on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina's Outer Banks isn't the most secluded you'll find in this region but it's a no-brainer for families in search of a peaceful coastal locale that isn't lacking in terms of safety and accessibility.

Myrtle Beach and boring definitely don't get along. This singular summer vacation resort is always adding something new and exciting for visitors whether it's rides and attractions, shops and restaurants, world-class golf courses and entertainment or brand new accommodations suited to practically every style of traveler.