With miles and miles of coastline in the US, it can be hard to decide which beach to pick for your next vacation. To help you choose I’ve put together my favorite beach vacations in the US. My selection of beach vacations is based on popularity, scenery, and the amenities available, as well as how easy they are to get from across the country.
You’ll find a good mix of luxurious and budget-friendly options, as well as some unique places to visit this summer. So, let’s dive right in.
1. The Hamptons
- Location: Long Island, NY
- Best for: If you enjoy luxury vacations
The Hamptons is one of the best summer vacation spots in the northeast. Often considered a getaway for the rich (and sometimes famous), it’s a great option if you’re looking for a little luxury this summer.
The Hamptons is home to many beaches, so you can explore a new one every day. Egypt Beach is known for its calm atmosphere, while East Hampton Main Beach has a lifeguard for extra safety. Two Mile Hollow Beach is one of the most scenic, while Georgica Beach is famous for its great sunbathing areas.
Whether you’re making a full trip out of it or just coming from New York for the day, the Hamptons is a great choice.
2. Rockaway Beach
- Location: Queens, NY
- Best for: Anyone visiting or based in NYC
If you’re visiting New York City, this is a great place for a day trip or weekend. And you don’t even need a car – Rockaway is accessible via subway and bus.
Rockaway Beach is NYC’s only legal surfing spot, so if you’re looking to catch a wave, this is the place to come. In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, it’s a great spot for beach sports. Think volleyball, handball, skateboarding, rollerblading, playgrounds for the kids, and more – Rockaway has it all.
When you’re looking to clean up, take advantage of the spray showers and restrooms on-site. There’s also a five-mile boardwalk offering plenty of restaurants, bars, and picnic areas for when you get peckish.
3. Asbury Park Beach
- Location: Asbury Park, NJ
- Best for: Music lovers
Asbury Park Beach is one of the best beach vacations in the US along the Jersey Shore. This area boasts historic charm and a unique personality, as well as pristine white sand along the waterfront.
The beach stretches for about a mile, and you’ll find people swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and more here. Whether you want to stretch out on the sand, play a game of beach volleyball, or hit the waves, this is the perfect place to do it.
The historic boardwalk is full of restaurants, shops, and bars to explore. Music lovers will want to visit The Stone Pony, the storied bar that famous locals like Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen used to frequent.
4. Ocean City Beach
- Location: Ocean City, Maryland
- Best for: Travelers without a car
Ocean City Beach is one of the best summer vacation spots if you’re on a budget. The city boasts 10 miles of white sand beaches along with a three-mile boardwalk. Those looking to get right into the water can go kayaking, jet skiing, or surfing. Otherwise, you can try a spot of fishing or build sandcastles.
Afterward, head to the boardwalk. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops there, and even some amusement park rides like the Ferris wheel and the legendary Jolly Roger’s two-level carousel.
This is also one of the best beach vacations in the US to visit without a car. The town is fairly small and most of the attractions are within walking distance. If you want to explore more, rent a bike from one of the shops along the boardwalk.
5. Coligny Beach Park
- Location: Hilton Head Island, SC
- Best for: Golfers
Hilton Head Island is known for its resorts, golf courses, and remarkably well-maintained beaches. This particular beach is located on the southern half of the island near many of the area’s luxury resorts.
While you don’t have to stay at a fancy resort to enjoy this beach, stepping foot on it will make it feel like you are. The entrance is beautifully landscaped, lined with gazebos and palm trees galore. You’ll also find more amenities than you would at the average public beach: enjoy free wi-fi, benches, swings, fountains for kids to play in, and more.
6. Clearwater Beach
- Location: Clearwater, Florida
- Best for: Budget travelers
This is the best location in Florida for beachgoers on a budget. Don’t let the concentration of upscale resorts fool you; there are plenty of wallet-friendly accommodation options in Clearwater. For example, check out the Tropical Inn & Suites.
Located along the Gulf of Mexico, this beach stretches for 2.5 miles, giving you plenty of space to spread out your towel. If you want protection from the sun, rent a cabana or umbrella. Or if you like fishing you can rent equipment here.
Once you’re done in the water, head to the beachfront Pier 60 to enjoy some food, drinks, and a free nightly entertainment program,
7. Gulf Shores Public Beach
- Location: Gulf Shores, Alabama
- Best for: Families with young children
Another option for those on a budget, Gulf Shores has all the perks of a Florida beach without the Florida prices. The waters in Gulf Shores are calm and crystal clear, making it the perfect spot for families and beginner swimmers. Come try your hand at boogie boarding or play some outdoor sports on the sand.
While this public beach may not have many amenities, it’s known for being incredibly clean and safe for kids. It also boasts a pier with a small entry fee, where you can mingle with fishermen and maybe even spot a dolphin.
8. Glass Beach
- Location: Port Townsend, Washington
- Best for: Hikers
Glass Beach of the best places to visit this summer for those who want something a little different. Glass Beach is located on the Olympic Peninsula and is famous for its abundance of high-quality sea glass. As a result, it’s perfect for scavengers hunting for jewelry-quality gems.
To get to this beach, you’ll need to hike from nearby North Beach. You can even bring your furry friends if you keep them on a leash. The hike from here to Glass Beach is about three miles and you can enjoy incredible views and spot bald eagles and the occasional whale along the way.
9. Harris Beach
- Location: Brookings, Oregon
- Best for: Campers
Located inside Harris Beach State Park, this Harris Beach is famous for its incredible scenery. The beach is home to beautiful rock formations and plenty of tide pools, which provides lots of opportunities to explore nooks and crannies both in and out of the water. There’s also room to sunbathe and you can go for a swim (if you’re not afraid of the Pacific’s chill).
Because of its unique terrain, this beach also attracts plenty of wildlife. Be prepared to encounter sea lions, seals, migrating whales, a variety of birds, and much more. It’s also a popular spot for hiking and biking, and you can stay at the campground less than a mile from the coast.
10. Lake Tahoe
- Location: Tahoe National Forest, California
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts
Heading inland, Lake Tahoe is situated in northern California right on the border with Nevada, and as the largest alpine lake on the continent, it’s surrounded by dozens of towns. This means you have plenty of options for where to stay based on your budget and preferred activities.
Pope Beach is known as one of the best in the area. Located in South Lake Tahoe, it stretches for about a mile and is lined by majestic pine trees. Spend the day swimming, rent a boat or kayak, and head out to explore more of the lake itself. After your day on the water, stop for a picnic and enjoy the unmatched mountain views.
11. Carmel Beach
- Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Best for: Travelers with dogs
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most picturesque places in the US, so it’s no surprise that the beach here is incredible. It boasts pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and amazing views. It’s also a popular surfing spot, so be sure to bring your board.
If you’d like to bring some food along, this beach is a popular picnic spot, and dogs can roam unleashed. It’s also permitted to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy during sunset.
If you’re on a budget, the good news is there are plenty of quaint inns and vacation rentals nearby.
12. Santa Monica Beach
- Location: Santa Monica, California
- Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, and surfing
Santa Monica has become world-famous as one of the best summer vacation spots in the US. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, and you can enjoy an incredible sunset view.
Santa Monica Pier, though, is the main attraction. Boasting an amusement park with games, rides, and plenty of fair food, it’s the perfect entertainment venue for all ages.
Once you’re done at Santa Monica Beach, head down the path to nearby Venice Beach, famous for its alternative crowd and unique atmosphere.
13. San Diego
- Location: Southern California
- Best for: If you’re looking for a beach vacation with variety
There are plenty of beaches to explore in San Diego, so this is one of the best beach vacations in the US for those who want a little variety. Start at Mission Beach, perhaps the most popular with tourists and residents alike. Next, head to Coronado Beach, just across the bay from the mainland. Accessible via Coronado Bridge, you’ll enjoy golden sand, comfortable sunbathing and swimming, and the opportunity to explore the historic Hotel del Coronado. Finally, hit La Jolla Cove to experience San Diego’s natural beauty.
14. Ka’anapali Beach
- Location: Maui, Hawaii
- Best for: A sunsoaked beach vacation
Heading further west, we reach Hawaii. This is a great summer destination as it’s one of the driest and warmest places in the US during this time. Ka’anapali Beach is one of the most beautiful on Maui and was once a favorite of Hawaiian royalty.
Boasting three miles of soft white sand, it’s perfect for sunbathers and swimmers looking for a relaxing day. Want a bit of culture? Stay for the daily cliff diving ceremony, a reenactment of a feat performed by an ancient Hawaiian king.
The area surrounding Ka’anapali also boasts plenty of resorts and hotels, world-class shopping, golf courses, and numerous outdoor adventure activities for you to enjoy.
15. Waikiki Beach
- Location: Oahu, Hawaii
- Best for: Beginner surfers
Waikiki Beach is located in Honolulu, so it’s easy to access and popular with tourists worldwide. This also means it can get crowded, though, so make sure to get there early in the morning.
Waikiki is known for its calm waters, so it’s the perfect place to take young kids and beginner swimmers. If you want to try surfing, it’s also a great place to book your first lesson. Authentic Hawaiian luaus and cultural events abound on this beach regularly.
Waikiki Beach is also surrounded by plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels, for you to choose from.
Looking for more summer vacation ideas? Read up on the best places to go in June, find the July hotspots, and check out the best places for an August visit. Or if you’re interested in visiting Europe check out the best beaches in Europe.
Beach vacation FAQs
Typically, they’ll be on the east coast. For example, Ocean City, Clearwater, Daytona Beach (Florida), and Virginia Beach have good affordable accommodation options and plenty of free things to do.
The US beach with the clearest water1 is located on the northern shores of Lake Michigan: Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island, Wisconsin. Some other spots with impressively clear water include Crystal Sands Beach in Destin, Florida, and Moonshine Beach on the shores of Long Creek, Missouri.
