If you love the feel of sand between your toes and the sound of waves crashing nearby, you’re in for a treat. The United States is home to some incredible coastlines, from the sunny shores of Florida to the laid-back beaches of California.
In this list, we’re sharing seven of the best beaches in America that stand out for their beauty, fun activities, and all-around good vibes. We’ll also share tips on how to get there and things to do nearby, including experiences you can book to make your beach day even better!
1. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Sunny day at Waikiki Beach
If there’s one beach that screams “bucket list,” it’s Waikiki Beach. Located in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, this famous stretch of sand is surrounded by stunning views, shopping spots, and cozy cafes.
The beach itself is great for just about everything like swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing. You’ll find lots of surf schools right along the shore, so it’s easy to book a Waikiki surfing lesson and ride your first wave in one of the most famous surf spots in the world.
Prefer to stay right on the sand? The Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel puts you near the water on one of Hawaii's most celebrated stretches of sand, a great base if you want to spend as much time on the beach as possible.
📍 Address: Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815
🚕 How to get there: 20–30 minute drive from Honolulu International Airport
2. Venice Beach, California
Venice Beach in Los Angeles | Photo Credits: RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Venice Beach in Los Angeles brings energy like no other. Walk or bike along the famous Venice Beach boardwalk, check out street performers, or take a photo at Muscle Beach. The waves are also great for beginner surfers, so don’t be shy to give it a try.
Besides people-watching, you can rent a bike and cruise down the Venice Boardwalk or try beginner Venice Beach surf lessons. Short on time in LA? Join a Los Angeles day tour that includes Venice Beach along with top spots like Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But if you prefer to stay the night, both Hotel Erwin Venice Beach and The Kinney – Venice Beach are steps from the sand. Hotel Erwin has a rooftop bar with great ocean views, while The Kinney leans into Venice's laid-back beach culture.
📍 Address: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA 90291
🚗 How to get there: 30–45 minute drive from Downtown LA (traffic dependent)
3. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Bright white sand and clear water at Clearwater Beach
Looking for sunshine, soft white sand, and clear water? Clearwater Beach has it all. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s ranked as one of the best beaches in the USA, especially for families. Also, the water is shallow and gentle. It’s perfect for kids, casual swimmers, or anyone who just wants to float and relax.
You can also spend the day soaking up the sun or get a little adventurous with joining a Sea Screamer Speedboat tour for a fun ride along the coast, which come with booking a Clearwater Beach Day Tour
Need a break from the beach? You can head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, just 5 minutes away, where you can meet rescued marine animals and learn about ocean conservation in a fun, hands-on way.
📍 Address: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, FL 33767
🚗 How to get there: Around 40 minutes from Tampa International Airport
4. South Beach, Miami
The lively shoreline of South Beach
If you’re into beach days with a bit of style, South Beach is the place to be. It’s one of the top beaches in the US, known for its soft sand, clear water, and colorful Art Deco buildings right by the shore. People come here to swim, relax, shop, and enjoy the scene.
After a day on the sand, you can grab a bite along Ocean Drive or head out on the water with a Biscayne Bay cruise; a fun way to see Miami's skyline from a different angle, and you can add a hop-on hop-off bus to keep exploring the city afterward.
Want to explore beyond the beach? Try a private South Beach airplane tour or hop on a South Beach sunset cruise, both great ways to take in the Miami views from a different angle.
📍 Address: South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139
🚗 How to get there: 25–30 minute drive from Miami International Airport
5. Siesta Beach, Florida
Calm Gulf waters of Siesta Beach | Photo Credits: Jeffrey Eisen on Pexels
Siesta Beach feels like a hidden gem, even though it’s often ranked as one of the best beaches in the USA. Why? The sand here is made of quartz, which makes it cool to the touch. So, no burning feet even on hot days!
The beach also has shallow water perfect for swimming or floating the day away. Plus, it's got plenty of space to spread out, so you’re not fighting for a spot!
📍 Address: Siesta Beach, Sarasota, FL 34242
🚗 How to get there: About 1 hour from Tampa International Airport
6. Santa Monica Beach, California
Santa Monica Beach, a popular LA beach
Santa Monica Beach gives you the perfect combo of beach time and city fun. The wide beach is great for sunbathing, tossing a frisbee, or taking a swim. But the real star is the Santa Monica Pier with its old-school arcade, roller coaster, and Ferris wheel that lights up at night.
If surfing is on your list, the private surfing lessons in Santa Monica are perfect for first-timers and returning surfers alike, as you'll have the beach as your classroom.
Want to see more of LA while you’re here? A Los Angeles Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour makes it easy to explore everything from Santa Monica to Hollywood, no parking stress required.
📍 Address: Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90401
🚆 How to get there: Metro Expo Line or a 30–40 minute drive from Downtown LA
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Oregon | Photo by DiscoverWithDima on Wikimedia
Located on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach is best known for the giant Haystack Rock rising straight out of the water, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the US. The beach stretches for miles and is great for long walks, tide pooling, and watching the sunset over the Pacific.
The town itself is worth exploring too, with galleries, cafes, and shops just a short walk from the sand. It's a great option if you want the best beaches in the US without the summer crowds you'd find further south.
📍 Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110
🚗 How to get there: About 1.5 hours by car from Portland
FAQs about the best beaches in the US
What is the most beautiful beach in the United States?
Waikiki Beach and Siesta Beach are two of the most beloved beaches in the world, and it's easy to see why. Waikiki wins for its tropical setting and iconic views, while Siesta earns praise for its powdery quartz sand and calm Gulf waters. If dramatic coastal scenery is more your style, Cannon Beach and the Nā Pali Coast of Hawaii are hard to match.
What is the number one beach in America?
Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida, is widely considered the number one beach in America. Its quartz sand, warm shallow water, and spacious shoreline make it a consistent fan favorite. That said, the best beaches in the US really depend on what kind of trip you're after; Waikiki tops for water sports, while Myrtle Beach leads for sheer entertainment value.
Which US state has the best beaches?
Florida and Hawaii are the two most popular states for the best beaches in the US. Florida brings the Gulf Coast's white sand and warm, calm waters (where you’ll find Clearwater Beach and Siesta Beach), while Hawaii offers volcanic beauty, world-class snorkeling, and surfing.
What are the best beaches in the US for families?
Clearwater Beach is the usual go-to for family beach trips thanks to its shallow, gentle Gulf water, lifeguards on duty, and easy access from Tampa. Myrtle Beach is another great family pick, with a packed boardwalk, amusement parks, and budget-friendly accommodation options.
What is the clearest-water beach in the United States?
Clearwater Beach in Florida lives up to its name; the Gulf water is calm, warm, and very clear, especially outside of storm season. Waikiki Beach and other Hawaiian beaches like those near Honolulu also have famously clear water, great for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.
Let’s hit the sand!
From the lively boardwalk at Venice Beach to the soft sand of Siesta Beach, the best beaches in the US are ready for your next adventure. Each spot offers its own unique charm, even if you're in the mood for swimming, surfing, or just catching some sun.
Make your trip even better by booking fun experiences on Klook, from sunset cruises to city tours. Your perfect beach day is just a few clicks away. 🏖️
Pack your sunscreen, grab your flip-flops, and get ready to explore the best beaches in the US!
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