When Will America's Most Popular Beaches Open Up?

With the weather heating up and some places beginning to loosen COVID-19 restrictions, Americans are beginning to flock to their favorite beaches. With summer just around the corner, many tourist-friendly coastlines have reopened at least partially with some restrictions and others have announced reopening dates.

As of late April, Myrtle Beach beaches have begun reopening to the public with social distancing guidelines in place. Visitors should keep in mind that a majority of attractions and pools remain closed and most restaurants are open for takeout and delivery only.

As of May 5, Laguna Beach beaches will be opened on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on for active use only. "Those violating the closure orders outside of the permitted timeframe or on weekends can be cited with a misdemeanor, fined up to $1,000, or arrested," the City of Laguna Beach confirmed.

Florida's Clearwater Beach reopened to the public on May 4 with no restrictions in terms of chairs, blankets, umbrellas, or other items that are normally allowed, however, visitors cannot rent cabana or chairs and authorities are enforcing social distancing rules.

North Carolina's Outer Banks will reopen to visitors on May 16. The lifted restrictions on entry include places like Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Manteo; Hatteras Island; Roanoke Island; the Dare mainland; the Currituck County Outer Banks-which include Corolla and Carova-and Ocracoke Island.

Ocean City, Maryland reopened its beaches and boardwalk to the general public on May 9. Like most places, visitors are advised to adhere to state-mandated directives such as social distancing and limiting crowd sizes.

In San Diego, Coronado Beach reopened late last month with some restrictions. While swimming, surfing, single-person paddling, kayaking, walking and running on the beach is allowed, visitors are prohibited from loitering, laying on the sand, gathering in groups and using fire pits as well as accessing the Dog Beach and Sunset Park. What's more, beaches will close at sunset.

Los Angeles County's beaches are scheduled to reopen Wednesday, May 13 for limited and active use only. That means that activities such as walking, running, surfing and swimming will be permitted so long as beachgoers practice physical distancing. Lounging and picnics are not allowed under the restricted reopening.

The beaches in Miami Beach remain closed until further notice as many local officials fear that reopening the shores would draw massive crowds that would significantly increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

South Padre Island reopened its beaches back on April 25, allowing beach activities, including lounging and sunbathing. Nonetheless, visitors should be mindful of curfews, limits on group sizes, mask and social distancing requirements.

Panama City Beach reopened its beaches on May 1 with the enforcement of social distancing protocols and strict limits on group sizes. Restaurants were allowed to reopen on May 4 with full outdoor seating and indoor seating limited to 25 percent building capacity.

The beaches along Alabama's Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have reopened but visitors must continue to practice social distancing and keep groups to no more than 10 people.

Beaches in Florida's Sarasota County officially reopened with some restrictions late last month, limiting visitors to activities such as walking, running, biking and swimming so long as they practice responsible social distancing.