Best beaches in the USA

There's no shortage of breathtaking beaches in the USA. From the island paradise of Hawaii to Cape May in New Jersey, here's our rundown of the best beaches in the USA.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to the USA, your essential guide for visiting the USA.

1. Makena Beach State Park, Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace – Paul Theroux, Travel writer

Where to stay

• The Mauian - Very friendly, laidback little resort, in vintage architectural style, on ravishing Napili Beach a few miles north of Lahaina.

What to do

• Go on a catamaran sailing tour to discover the fascinating underwater world. Molokini is a partially submerged volcano crater offering stunning marine life.

2. Poipu Beach, Park Poipu, Hawaii

The shoreline itself, however, is nondescript. Waimea, the largest town, is just one short street at the foot of the poorly marked road up to the canyon.

Where to stay

• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - set amidst river pools and tropical gardens, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa boasts a golf course, 7 restaurants and a spa. Each guest room includes a private balcony.

What to do

3. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

Every time I come, I'm still amazed at the breadth California has. Big Sur, Yosemite, the desert... I love it - Theo James, Actor

Where to stay

• In keeping with Big Sur’s backwoods qualities, most accommodation is in rustic lodges, with scattered affordability.

What to do

• Explore Big Sur in true California fashion - rent a motorcycle and take in the panoramic views of the coastline on two wheels.

4. South Beach, Miami, Florida

Miami is one of these great places that is a sensual, physically beautiful place - Michael Mann, Film director

Where to stay

• Cadet Hotel - tranquil boutique hotel, with a peaceful patio reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, in the South Beach fashion; the fresh strawberries and chocolate in the rooms upon arrival are nice touches.

Also, explore our guide to the best places to stay in Miami and find your perfect accommodation option in South Beach.

What to do

• Take in the gorgeous views of Biscayne Bay in style. Take a cruise along the homes of the ultra-rich on Star Island and further on the Venetian Islands.

5. Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida

The park occupies one bank of Clearwater Pass, across which a belt of sparkling white sands marks the holiday town of Clearwater Beach, where a condo boom has all but obliterated the small-town feel.

Where to stay

• Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach is located on the sparkling shores of Clearwater Beach. Guests can take a refreshing plunge in one of the hotel's 2 pools or get a workout in the fitness centre.

What to do

• Sail the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and witness a magnificent Florida sunset. Tour from Clearwater Bay through Clearwater Pass at sunset and learn of the stunning natural wonders of the Gulf Coast along the way.

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina - one of the best beaches in the USA for a family holiday

Where to stay

• First Colony Inn - Luxurious inn in a 1930s beach hotel, with wraparound verandas and a pool. The airy rooms are filled with antique furniture and have a crisp white colour palette. Continental breakfast is included, and there’s free access to the water park and exercise rooms of the nearby YMCA.

What to do

• Discover what makes the Outer Banks the most haunted beach in America. Tour through downtown Manteo and hear about the haunted history of the Outer Banks.

7. Cape May, New Jersey

Wind your way through stately Victorian homes, visit the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse, take in the fading light of day with your toes curled in the sand, and then hit the seafood shacks where you can dunk fresh lobster in bowls of melted butter.

Where to stay

• Queen Victoria - thirty-five rooms, all named after British people and places, in four expertly restored buildings. Rates include bicycle loans, beach chairs, breakfast (in bed, if desired) and afternoon tea.

What to do

• Enjoy a colourful sunset onboard a sunset cruise. Watch out for dolphins along the way and see historic sights such as the lighthouse and the Victorian homes at the waterfront.

8. Florida Keys, Florida - one of the best beaches in the USA for snorkelling

Among the top spots are Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo, and Biscayne Bay. Toast your adventures with a beachside margarita (or three) – and stop by Key West where the nightlife rivals its sea life.

Where to stay

• The Gardens Hotel - one of the swishest hotels in town, this graceful inn has just seventeen suites decked out in airy Malaysian style with flatscreen TVs, fresh flowers and enormous beds. Groves of greenery and orchids envelop the building and hide it from prying eyes.

What to do

• Spot bottlenose dolphins on a cruise from Key West. An expert guide will explain the marine life to you on this eco-friendly 3-hour tour.

9. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Where to stay

• Martin House Inn - Thirteen lovely rooms, some with working fireplaces, offer good value in this romantic 1803 seaman’s house, with inviting common areas and a spacious veranda – local art and antique feature throughout.

What to do

• Discover the island of Martha's Vineyard on this Boston day trip. Admire the extraordinary gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, the quaint shops of Edgartown, and the breathtaking Gay Head Cliffs. Enhance your trip with a fully narrated 3-hour island tour.

10. Baker Beach, San Francisco, California

One day if I go to heaven... I'll look around and say, it ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco - Herb Caen, Journalist

Where to stay

• Queen Anne Hotel - Gloriously restored Victorian building enjoying its second life as a boutique B&B. Each room is stuffed with gold-accented Rococo furniture and bunches of silk flowers, while some have fireplaces; the parlour (where afternoon tea and sherry is served) is packed with museum-quality period furniture.

Find more accommodation options to stay with our guide to the best areas to stay in San Francisco.

What to do

• Explore three major US cities on this tailor-made Cross country USA trip: from the hilly streets of San Francisco to the glitzy lights of Las Vegas (and an aerial view of the Grand Canyon!) to the French Quarter in New Orleans, this tour allows plenty of time to discover hidden local gems.

11. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Where to stay

• The Society Hotel - a thirty-six-room boutique hotel in a restored 1881 building in Old Town Chinatown offering dorms, private rooms (shared baths) and suites, plus a street-level café and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views.

What to do

• If you're staying in Portland, consider taking a day tour of toon Beach, combining it with Haystack Rock and other spots on Oregon's coastline.

12. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

There is a gentleness in Michigan that you just can't replicate – Jennifer Granholm, Politician

Where to stay

• Grand Beach Resort Hotel - featuring a private beach and indoor pool, the Grand Beach Resort Hotel is a smoke-free property and provides guests with a continental breakfast served daily. The resort is less than 1 km from Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf.

What to do

• Discover why Sleeping Bear Dunes is the #1 attraction in the Traverse City area. Enjoy round-trip transportation, snacks, drinks, and a catered lunch.

13. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod

Displays and movies at the main Salt Pond Visitor Center, on US-6 just north of Eastham, trace the geology and history of the Cape. A road and a hiking and cycling trail head east to the sands of Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Light Beach, both of which offer excellent swimming.

Where to stay

• Captains Quarters Motel & Conference Center - this North Eastham, Massachusetts motel is 1.6 km from Cap Cod National Seashore and Coast Guard Beach. It offers free Wi-Fi and a seasonal outdoor heated pool.

What to do

• Experience the beauty of Cape Cod and Provincetown on a private and customizable tour from Boston. Ride a ferry from Boston Harbor to soak in the city skyline or explore small towns by car.

• Visit 4 of the most iconic East Coast cities on this tailor-made East Coast Adventure: New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Take the Amtrak trains between cities and have private local guides introduce you to each city. From foodie gems over Broadway shows - this itinerary allows you to explore greatly.

14. Ocean City Beach, Ocean City, Maryland

Where to stay

• Grand Hotel Ocean City Oceanfront - this hotel is located off the Ocean City Boardwalk, and features shopping and dining. The Grand Hotel features a full-service salon and rooms with balconies and views of the ocean.

What to do

• Parasail high above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy a breathtaking birds-eye view of the Maryland coastline. Soar high above Ocean City and the banks of Assateague Island State Park.

15. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Located within Jekyll Island State Park, Driftwood Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the USA among nature lovers. Thanks to its secluded location and serene atmosphere, the beach is an ideal place to relax, meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature. More than half of Jekyll Island is undeveloped, and activities including biking, swimming and horseback riding abound.

Where to stay

• Jekyll Ocean Club Resort - set on Jekyll Island, 16 km from Sea Island, Jekyll Ocean Club boasts an oceanfront pool, hot tub, and fire pit. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant Eighty Ocean Kitchen & Bar.

More ideas for travelling in the USA can be found in our guide to the best things to do in the USA.

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