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The 25 Best Beaches in the US

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated:: 7:00 AM ET, Tue February 13, 2018

Santa Monica State Beach, California

1/25
This California landmark spans more than three miles and boasts much more than sand and ocean, including parks, picnic areas, bike paths and, most notably, the famed Santa Monica Pier.

South Beach, Florida

2/25
Situated between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach is the place to be year-round. After spending the day soaking up sun, you won't have to walk far to experience the best of Miami Beach nightlife.

Ocean City, Maryland

3/25
The family-friendly resort town of Ocean City, Maryland offers several miles of immaculate beach and one of the nation's most beloved Boardwalks.

Panama City Beach, Florida

4/25
White sand beaches and crystal clear waters come together flawlessly along the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida. The booming waterfront town is a hot spot for fishing and hiking.

Siesta Key Beach, Florida

5/25
Some of the best sand on the planet can be found on Florida's Siesta Key Beach. The award-winning sand is comprised of 99 percent quartz, so you don't have to worry about burning your feet.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

6/25
In addition to some of the best stretches of beach on the East Coast, South Carolina's Myrtle Beach is home to a wide array of attractions, including arcades, shops and restaurants with ocean views.

Kauna'oa Beach, Hawaii

7/25
This picturesque white sand beach on Hawaii's Kohala Coast is enhanced by scenic palm trees and clear blue waters.

Aquinnah Beach, Massachusetts

8/25
Martha Vineyard's Aquinnah Beach is truly one of the nation's most unique public beaches due to its jaw-dropping cliffs.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

9/25
Clearwater Beach was named Florida's Best Beach Town by USA Today readers during 2013 in large part because of its 2.5 miles of inviting white sand beaches.

Ocracoke Beach, North Carolina

10/25
While you can't go wrong in the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island stands out for its untouched, crowd-less beaches that almost appear as if they're being discovered for the first time.

Coronado Beach, California

11/25
The golden sand of the 1.5-mile Coronado Beach sparkles in the sunlight thanks to mineral mica. This flat beach is also perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Hapuna Beach, Hawaii

12/25
This beautiful and expansive stretch of white sand beach and turquoise waters can be found on the Big Island of Hawaii within walking distance of nearby Kaun'oa Bay.

St. Pete Beach, Florida

13/25
St. Pete Beach meets the needs of each and every beachgoer, whether they're seeking a relaxing day on Florida's West Coast or an adrenaline-pumping parasailing session.

St. Augustine Beach, Florida

14/25
Another family-friendly Florida stretch, St. Augustine Beach is just a short distance from the destination's historic district and boasts a fishing pier for enhanced views of the Atlantic.

Wailea Beach, Hawaii

15/25
No trip to Maui is complete without a stop at Wailea Beach, a postcard-quality shoreline with convenient paths and equipment rentals for various water sports.

Driftwood Beach, Georgia

16/25
The photogenic Driftwood Beach on Georgia's Jekyll Island gets its name from the numerous pieces of driftwood and trees that line its shore.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

17/25
Similar to Ocean City, Virginia Beach is immensely popular with travelers from the Mid-Atlantic during the summer because of its stellar views and three-mile-long boardwalk.

Carlsbad State Beach, California

18/25
This California state beach is protected and for good reason: Few sections of the West Coast compare. Carlsbad is also popular with campers.

Cooper's Beach, New York

19/25
Cooper's Beach in Southampton, New York is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park, South Carolina

20/25
The only public beach access on South Carolina's Kiawah Island can be found at Beachwalker Park. A wide boardwalk weaving through live oaks, pines and palmettos is among the many highlights.

Orange Beach, Alabama

21/25
Alabama's Orange Beach is a Gulf Coast gem and a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii

22/25
Hawaii's remote Hanakapiai Beach is best experienced during the summer when the sandy shoreline is exposed. It also isn't far from the popular Kalalau hiking trail.

Islanders Beach, South Carolina

23/25
Islanders Beach on South Carolina's Hilton Head Island has every amenity you need to conquer a day at the shore with the family thanks to a nearby park featuring a playground, showers, restrooms and picnic pavilions.

Paradise Cove, California

24/25
If it's pure relaxation you're after, Malibu's Paradise Cove beach is an easy choice as its located right in front of a cafe serving handcrafted cocktails and ice cold beer.

Huntington State Beach, California

25/25
Visitors to California's Huntington State Beach can get the crew together for a competitive game of volleyball or sit back by the fire for a magical sunset.

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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

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A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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