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The United States boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, each offering unique experiences and landscapes. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation with family or friends, or a mixture of both, many unique beaches across the U.S. promise to captivate your senses and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
From the beautiful tropical beaches of Hawaii to the rugged coastal beaches of Oregon, here’s a list of seven beaches you must visit once in a lifetime.
Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
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This stunning beach features a crescent-shaped bay framed by lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls. Soft-golden sands stretch for almost two miles, offering space for recreational activities, exploration, and relaxation. Its serene and picturesque environment makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S.
Some popular activities you can engage in include surfing in the gentle waves, swimming in the calm, clear waters, and kayaking and paddleboarding in the bay. You can also visit the nearby town of Hanalei to sample local delicacies, explore cultural sites, and shop. The Hanalei Valley Lookout also offers panoramic views of the lush valley and taro fields.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. This quintessential beach paradise is consistently rated among the best beaches in the United States. It’s also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and cleanliness. So, if you’re visiting with kids, be sure to pack light. This beach is a popular hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities like jet skiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, and paddleboarding.
The warm, calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the beachfront promenade offers the ideal space for rollerblading and biking. If you want to explore the surrounding areas, you can visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset celebrations with live music, fantastic street performances, and local artisan displays. Be sure to sample the many fresh seafood restaurants and the vibrant nightlife around the beach.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
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This unique beach boasts a rugged coastline with unique rock formations that stand out, including the iconic Haystack Rock, rising 235 feet from the shoreline. Cannon Beach is known for misty mornings, dramatic scenery, and stunning sunsets that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers. Beach activities include kite flying, picnicking, beachcombing, tide-pooling, and observing marine life, such as sea stars, puffins, and anemones.
You can also walk to Haystack Rock during low tide to explore the tide pools. For adventure enthusiasts, you can hike around the nearby Ecola State Park to enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and even spot elk and other wildlife. Cannon Beach town also has many art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes to explore.
Coronado Beach, California
This beach features wide, flat sands and sparkling waters, offering an inviting setting for visitors. It’s renowned for its shimmering mica-infused sand, which gives it a unique glittering effect under the sun. This makes it ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and long walks along the shore. It’s also a dog-friendly beach with designated areas for dogs to play and run. The beach’s gentle waves make it suitable for paddleboarding and surfing for beginners.
One of the major attractions near the beach is the historic Hotel del Coronado. This Victorian-era resort offers a glimpse into the past while offering luxurious dining and accommodation. If you love shopping or want to explore shopping opportunities while enjoying spectacular views of the San Diego skyline, visit the nearby Coronado Ferry Landing.
Lake Michigan Beach, Michigan
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Lake Michigan Beach features a stunning freshwater shoreline with sandy beaches that stretch for miles, backed by towering dunes and lush forests. If you’re looking for a serene and refreshing landscape ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best lake beaches in the US. Activities you can engage in include swimming in the clear and cool waters, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
The lake offers perfect opportunities for carp fishing, especially in the flats around Grand Traverse Bay and Beaver Island. Be sure to stock up on carp hooks and other tackle before visiting for a fishing trip. Visitors can also explore the charming towns along the lake’s coastline, visit local breweries and wineries, and hike scenic trails in the nearby state parks. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and dune climbing.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
This unique beach offers picturesque scenery with rolling dunes, sandy beaches, and tranquil marshlands that stretch for miles. The seashore boasts over 40 miles of pristine coastline, protected for its natural beauty and historical significance. With its diverse beaches, Cape Cod National Seashore is suitable for many activities, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and kayaking in protected waters.
Historic lighthouses like the Nauset Light and Highland Light offer tours and panoramic views of the vast coastline. Visitors can also rent bikes to cycle along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which winds through scenic landscapes and quaint villages. You can also visit the nearby towns of Chatham and Provincetown to shop, dine, and engage in cultural experiences.
Olympic National Park Beach, Washington
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This beach boasts one of the most rugged and remote coastlines with dramatic clicks, tide pools, and old-growth forests. The beach is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its diverse and pristine ecosystems. It’s an adventurer’s and nature enthusiast’s paradise. Activities include beachcombing, hiking around the surrounding coastal trails, tide-pooling, birdwatching, whale watching at specific times of the year, and photography.
The surrounding landscapes make great attractions, including dense forests and mountain ranges, perfect for hiking and camping. For those who love exploring the wilderness, the necessary outdoor gear is recommended when visiting attractions like the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, and the Sol Duc Hot Springs.
Pack Your Bags
While there are many more beaches to explore across the U.S., these seven offer a blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and unique attractions. They’re perfect additions to your travel bucket list for unforgettable beach experiences with family and friends or even on solo trips. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure spirit, and discover the breathtaking beauty of these must-visit beaches around the U.S.