15 Best Beaches In The USA For Sand, Sea And Surf

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When it comes to beach destinations, the United States has an abundance of options that are perfect for any traveler. From the sunny shores of Florida to the rugged coastline of California, countless beaches are worthy of being travel destinations in their own right. 

To help narrow down your options, we've compiled a list of 15 of the coolest beaches in America. Whether you're looking for soft, white sand, crystal-clear waters, or breathtaking views, these beaches have something for everyone!

1. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach, Florida
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Clearwater Beach in Florida is a must-visit destination, especially for families seeking fun vacations. Located on the stunning Gulf Coast, the beach boasts soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. The beach has several amenities to make visitors comfortable and convenient, including restrooms, showers, and beach volleyball courts.

The clear waters make it easy to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, and fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines from the beach or a nearby pier. Clearwater Beach is an excellent destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation with plenty of opportunities for adventure and fun.

2. Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Ka'anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
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Ka'anapali Beach is a stunning three-mile-long beach on Maui, Hawaii island. This beach is an incredible destination that offers visitors breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The crystal-clear waters make it the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, as visitors can easily explore the underwater world of Hawaii. 

Ka'anapali Beach also features a variety of luxurious resorts that provide visitors with the ultimate relaxation experience. The beach also has excellent dining options, from casual beachside cafes to upscale restaurants that serve Hawaiian cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy activities like beach volleyball, surfing, and whale watching

3. Santa Monica Beach, California

Santa Monica Beach
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Santa Monica Beach is a must-visit destination in the heart of Los Angeles, California. This beach is famous for its iconic pier, offering visitors many entertainment options, including an amusement park, aquarium, and carousel. 

The beach is ideal for those seeking to soak up the California sun, with soft sand and clear waters perfect for swimming and surfing. Santa Monica Beach is also an excellent spot for people-watching, with a diverse mix of locals and tourists enjoying the beach and pier. Visitors can also rent bikes or rollerblades along the beach's bike path. 

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach beachfront boardwalk Myrtle Beach South Carolina
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Myrtle Beach, located on the east coast of the United States, is a favorite vacation spot for tourists. This beach offers various recreational activities such as golfing, fishing, and water sports. In addition, visitors can enjoy strolling along the boardwalk, where they can find many shops, restaurants, and amusement park rides.

Myrtle Beach is especially renowned for its pristine sand, crystal-clear water, and many family-friendly activities. For golf enthusiasts, plenty of golf courses are available, and for those who prefer fishing, the beach offers an excellent chance to catch fish. Additionally, the boardwalk provides various food choices and shops to explore.

5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California

San Diego beach. Coronado Island, San Diego California USA
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Coronado Beach in San Diego, California, is a stunning location situated on the bay opposite downtown San Diego. This beach is renowned for its pristine golden sand, exceptional waves, and breathtaking sunsets. Besides the natural beauty, visitors can explore the historic Hotel del Coronado, which has welcomed guests for over a century.

The beach provides visitors with an ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other water sports. The rolling waves offer surfers an excellent opportunity to ride the surf and experience the thrill of the ocean. The warm and inviting sand is perfect for families to build sandcastles, relax, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

6. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon
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Cannon Beach in Oregon is a scenic destination on the stunning Oregon Coast. The beach boasts towering rock formations that draw nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Additionally, visitors can explore the town of Cannon Beach, which offers a range of delightful attractions, including art galleries, boutique shops, and dining options.

The beach is a perfect spot to relax and take in the serene beauty of the coast. The towering rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for sunsets, and the rolling waves offer an opportunity for beachcombing, swimming, and other water sports. The area is also home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

7. Siesta Key Beach, Florida

Siesta Key Beach, Florida
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Siesta Key Beach is a stunning destination situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This beach is renowned for its powdery white sand, which is composed of 99% quartz crystal, making it one of the most unique beaches in the world. Visitors can also enjoy the warm and inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach provides visitors a tranquil setting to unwind and soak up the sun. The powdery white sand is soft and relaxed, providing an ideal spot for families to build sandcastles or enjoy the scenery.

8. Ocean City Beach, Maryland

Ocean City, Maryland
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Ocean City Beach in Maryland offers visitors a diverse range of activities to enjoy. Kayaking and parasailing are great options for those looking for excitement on the water, while fishing can be a relaxing and peaceful way to spend the day.

Exploring the Ocean City Boardwalk is also a must-do activity, as it offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and amusement park rides that are sure to keep visitors entertained. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, a souvenir to take home, or a thrilling ride, the boardwalk has something for everyone.

9. Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Beach at sunrise, Cape May, New Jersey, USA
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Cape May Beach is a delightful vacation spot situated on the southern end of New Jersey. This beach is known for its Victorian-style architecture and mesmerizing sunsets, making it a popular tourist destination. Along with the beach, visitors can also explore the historic town of Cape May, which boasts numerous attractions such as shops, restaurants, and landmark buildings.

The beach is peaceful and scenic, offering a relaxing atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks. The water is usually calm and warm, making it an excellent spot for families with young children. At night, visitors can enjoy the stunning sunsets from the beach or take a sunset cruise for a more romantic experience.

10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Sunrise on the beach- Hilton Head Island-South Carolina
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Hilton Head Island, situated on the coast of South Carolina, is a sought-after travel destination that offers a variety of attractions. Its pristine beaches, top-rated golf courses, and numerous activities for families make it an ideal vacation spot. In addition to enjoying the island's natural beauty, visitors can explore the charming town of Hilton Head, home to an array of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. 

Whether looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Hilton Head Island has something for everyone. You can soak up the sun on the beaches, tee off at world-class golf courses, or engage in various activities designed for all ages. The island's laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and vibrant culture ensure that your trip will be unforgettable.

11. Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island Lighthouse, in Sanibel, Florida.
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Sanibel Island is a stunning travel destination famous for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes. The island is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This destination is a paradise for nature lovers, with over 200 species of birds that can be spotted throughout the year. Besides, Sanibel Island's shell-filled beaches are a must-visit attraction for beachcombers and shell collectors as they offer an opportunity to collect unique souvenirs. 

Sanibel Island's seclusion from the mainland and development makes it an ideal destination for those who seek a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island is a perfect place to relax, unwind and explore nature's beauty at its finest. 

12. Laguna Beach, California

Laguna Beach, Orange County
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Laguna Beach in Orange County, California, is a charming and scenic location known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters, rugged coastline, and unique tide pools make it an ideal destination for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, surfing, swimming, and exploring the stunning marine life in the tide pools.

Apart from the natural wonders, Laguna Beach is also a hub of culture and art. The town boasts an array of art galleries where visitors can admire and purchase works of local artists. The boutiques and restaurants delight foodies and shopaholics, featuring an eclectic mix of cuisines and fashionable wares.

13. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii

Hapuna Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii
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Hapuna Beach, situated on Hawaii's Big Island, is a spectacular location that offers visitors a mesmerizing view of the Pacific Ocean. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, this beach is a paradise for sun-seekers and enthusiasts. 

Besides soaking up the sun, visitors can indulge in exciting water activities, such as snorkeling and swimming, which provide an up-close encounter with the island's diverse marine life. Hapuna Beach's tranquil atmosphere and serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're looking for an adventure or just a place to unwind, Hapuna Beach is worth a visit.

14. Outer Banks, North Carolina

North Carolina, Outer Banks
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The Outer Banks, a stunning stretch of coastline off the coast of North Carolina, boasts over 100 miles of unspoiled beaches, historic landmarks, and iconic lighthouses. The area is a popular destination for tourists and beach lovers looking for a serene and picturesque getaway. Visitors can explore the endless miles of pristine shoreline, soaking up the sun and enjoying the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

For adventure seekers, the Outer Banks offers many activities, such as surfing, fishing, and kayaking, allowing them to experience the thrill of the ocean firsthand. The area's rich history and culture are also reflected in the numerous historical landmarks and museums that glimpse the past. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, the Outer Banks is a must-visit destination.

15. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach Baordwalk
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Located on the East Coast of the United States, Virginia Beach is a sought-after destination known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The beach offers many recreational activities, including fishing, surfing, and boating, which attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is another major attraction that visitors can explore, featuring a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and live entertainment venues. 

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, Virginia Beach offers something for everyone. The area's rich history and culture can be explored by visiting the many museums and historic sites, including the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which offers an exciting glimpse into the marine life of the Atlantic Ocean. In short, Virginia Beach is a must-visit destination for those seeking sun, sand, and endless fun.

Whether you're looking to surf the waves, sunbathe on the sand, or explore a charming coastal town, the beaches on this list offer something for everyone. From the rugged beauty of Laguna Beach in California to the soft, white sand of Hawaii's Hapuna Beach, these destinations will satisfy any beach lover's wanderlust. So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and head to one of these amazing beaches for your next seaside escape.

Thank you for reading about the 15 coolest beaches in the United States. according to a Reddit post, Happy travels!

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