Here are the best beaches in the USA, chosen for American travellers. From Hawaii’s turquoise bays to the dunes of Cape Cod, America’s coastline offers a beach for every style of trip.
Best beaches in the USA
1. Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)
Oahu is Hawaii’s most visited island: Waikiki’s beaches and Honolulu’s city life on one side, the big-wave North Shore and quiet windward bays on the other. Read our Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) travel guide.
- Best time: April to May and September to October
- Getting there: About 5–6 hours’ flight from the West Coast
- Don’t miss: Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument and Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
2. Maui
Maui is known for the Road to Hana, the summit of Haleakala and resort beaches in Kaanapali and Wailea. Lahaina is still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfire, and visitors are asked to travel respectfully. Read our Maui travel guide.
- Best time: April to May and September to November
- Getting there: About 30–40 minutes’ flight from Honolulu
- Don’t miss: Haleakala National Park, Road to Hana and Molokini Crater
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
3. Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US, a laid-back island of pastel houses, sunset celebrations and turquoise water. Read our Key West travel guide.
- Best time: December to May
- Getting there: About 3.5–4 hours from Miami
- Don’t miss: Mallory Square sunset, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point buoy
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
4. Miami
Miami is a glamorous mix of Art Deco beaches, Latin American culture, world-class nightlife and street art, with the Everglades and the Florida Keys on its doorstep. Read our Miami travel guide.
- Best time: December to April (dry season)
- Getting there: About 3.5 hours to Orlando; 3.5–4 hours to Key West
- Don’t miss: South Beach and Ocean Drive, Wynwood Walls and Little Havana
- Mid-range hotels: $260–450 a night
Pack smarter
- Waterproof action cameras BuyrSkip
Film snorkelling, ziplines and mountain biking hands-free. - Best travel backpacks BuyrSkip
A 30–40 litre backpack handles a long weekend and fits under most airline seats. - Top-rated wireless earbuds VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
5. San Diego
San Diego has near-perfect weather year-round, laid-back beaches, a world-famous zoo and a lively food scene shaped by its location next to Mexico. Read our San Diego travel guide.
- Best time: year-round; September to November is ideal
- Getting there: About 2 hours from Los Angeles
- Don’t miss: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and La Jolla Cove
- Mid-range hotels: $180–300 a night
6. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Powdery white sand and calm Gulf water near Tampa, consistently ranked among America’s best family beaches.
7. Siesta Key, Florida
Quartz sand that stays cool underfoot and gentle surf near Sarasota.
8. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Haystack Rock, tide pools and moody Pacific scenery.
9. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Barrier islands with wild horses, lighthouses and the Wright Brothers memorial.
10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Dunes, lighthouses and the Cape Cod National Seashore.
11. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sugar-white sand and good-value condos.
Beach safety
Swim near lifeguards, learn the beach flag system and how to escape rip currents (swim parallel to shore). Hurricane season on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts runs June 1 to November 30.
How to choose
Start with when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Some destinations on this list shine in summer, others in shoulder season; some suit active travellers, others are made for slow days and good food. Pick one or two that match your style rather than trying to see everything, and read the linked guides for timing, costs and where to stay.
How we chose
We picked destinations that consistently impress first-time and returning visitors, balanced famous names with lesser-known gems, and considered access, value, seasonality and the quality of the experience on the ground. Prices, opening dates and reservation rules change, so confirm the details before booking.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant licence or another accepted ID such as a passport. See our guide to REAL ID and TSA rules.
- Money: Sales tax is added at the register and varies by state and city; tipping 18–20% at sit-down restaurants is expected.
- Insurance: Your health plan may have limited out-of-network cover in another state, and trip-cancellation cover is worth having for expensive bookings, especially in hurricane season.
- Driving: Most visitors drive; rental cars are widely available, and a US licence is all you need. Gas prices vary widely by state; California and Hawaii are usually the most expensive.
- Saving money: our budget vacation and cheapest places to travel guides have dozens of practical ideas.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120–$180 | motel or hostel, casual meals, self-drive or transit |
| Mid-range | $250–$400 | good hotel, sit-down meals, some tours |
| Luxury | $600–$1,200 | resort or boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Our travel gear picks
- Top-rated carry-on suitcases BuyrSkip
Skip checked-bag fees with a cabin-size spinner that fits US airline sizers. - High-capacity power banks for road trips BuyrSkip
Navigation, photos and cold weather drain phones fast; a 20,000 mAh bank keeps you going. - Best wireless earbuds for travel VerdictFox
Compact earbuds for flights, trains and long drives.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best choice on this list?
It depends on your travel style, but Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki) is a standout for most travellers.
When should I go?
Most of these destinations are best in spring and fall, when crowds are lighter and prices lower.
How many days do I need?
Plan at least two to three days per destination.
Are these good for families?
Most are; check each guide for family tips.
How much should I budget?
Mid-range travellers typically spend $250–$400 per person per day.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Oahu Travel Guide: Waikiki, North Shore and Beyond
- Maui Travel Guide: Beaches, Road to Hana and Haleakala
- Key West Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay and Tips
- Miami Travel Guide: Beaches, Neighbourhoods and Food
- How to Plan a Budget Vacation in the USA: 25 Money-Saving Tips