Top 15 US Beaches for 2021 Spring Break Travel

Many Americans had their spring break plans derailed by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic a year ago and while the coronavirus crisis continues to impact how and where people can travel as of March 2021, there are still plenty of exceptional destinations for travelers looking to leave home and practice social distancing by the sea this spring. Here are some of the country's best beaches for a spring break getaway in 2021.

Florida's Emerald Coast is home to numerous beaches, including the lively and diverse Miramar Beach and Grayton Beach. The latter was named the best beach in America for 2020 by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, who praised the destination's sugar-white sand, emerald green water and excellent nearby amenities.

The beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are some of the best in the country and the Gulf Coast region offers a wide variety of waterfront experiences, including some of the best shelling in the world as well as blissful kayaking and paddleboarding. Romantic views and serene nature and wildlife aren't hard to come by here, making it an ideal spring break escape for travelers of all types.

Cannon Beach is perhaps best known for the iconic Haystack Rock and provides the perfect setting for a postcard-worthy spring break getaway. It's no wonder the beloved beach was named one of the world's 100 most beautiful places by National Geographic. However, visitors will discover much more in this Pacific paradise, including an underrated arts scene.

North Carolina's most accessible beach, Wrightsville, has also been voted the state's best beach and named one of the top surfing towns in the world by National Geographic. This walkable beach town truly has it all, including relaxing nature, history and vibrant nightlife as well as tasty dining options and unique shops.

Virginia Beach has got everything you could possibly want or need from a great American beach town, whether you identify as a beach bum, foodie, shopaholic, history buff or are passionate about arts, music and entertainment. Meanwhile, nearby Sandbridge offers a quieter beachfront escape for those seeking seclusion.

South Carolina's Hilton Head Island is no stranger to accolades, having been recognized as the number one island in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler readers in recent years. Hilton Head boasts not only pristine beaches, inviting waters and plenty of sunshine but also a variety of things to do, including world-class golf, water sports, spas, shopping, guided tours and more.

To the northeast of Hilton Head, buzzing Myrtle Beach is an iconic spring break and summer vacation destination on the East Coast that offers visitors not only dozens of miles of stunning coastline but a seemingly endless selection of hotels and resorts, restaurants and attractions to choose from ensuring that they never run out of new and exciting things to do.

Named one of the top 10 beaches in America for 2020 by Dr. Beach, Coronado Beach in San Diego is perfect for spring break travelers of all types, including couples and families. The beaches here literally sparkle but visitors won't be limited to the sand and sea as charming Orange Avenue offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

Located just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, South Padre Island can be reached from San Antonio or Houston in a few hours' drive and is a favorite among many for its wide sandy beaches, attracting college students and families to experience some of the best that the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Families are sure to fall in love with Port Aransas and the beaches of Mustang Island off of the coast of Corpus Christi. Visitors can enjoy 18 miles of sandy shoreline providing the ideal locale for an array of activities, including fishing, camping, building sandcastles (Texas SandFest is the largest Native-Sand Sand Sculpture Competition in the U.S.) and much more.

The vintage California town of Pismo Beach is home to one of the most walkable beaches in the country and also offers travelers a laidback vibe with plenty of gorgeous views not far from some of the best vineyards and wineries on the West Coast. Do as much or as little as you want while reconnecting with nature and treating your taste buds to sensational clam chowder at Splash Cafe and other scrumptious eats.

The beach is one of the first things that comes to mind when you think Southern California and while Los Angeles and San Diego certainly claim their fair share, Orange County's Laguna Beach is not to be missed. Whether your idea of spring break is adventure or relaxation, Laguna Beach is ready to deliver with miles and miles of scenic trails, curving coastlines with hidden coves and beaches and plenty of arts and culture.

Miami's South Beach is the ideal getaway for those who want to be seen and make their friends jealous on social media this spring. Beyond the beautiful beach and the glistening Atlantic Ocean, South Beach draws visitors from all over the world to experience its awesome food and nightlife scene as well as one-of-a-kind shops and exceptional art.

North Carolina's Outer Banks offer spring break travelers no shortage of exceptional beaches, from the pet-friendly shorelines of Duck to Dr. Beach's personal favorite Ocracoke Beach and the surf-friendly Lighthouse Beach in Buxton in between. Meanwhile, Nags Head recently completed a 12-plus mile beach nourishment program to give visitors even more space to spread out.

There's much to explore in Long Beach beyond the sand and sea as the city boasts numerous neighborhoods and waterfront attractions such as the famous Queen Mary ocean liner and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Visitors can even board the Catalina Express to explore California's stellar Catalina Island.