Best Sandcastle Beaches In The United States

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Misquamicut State Beach

United States, Rhode Island, Westerly

Misquamicut State Beach, located in Westerly, Rhode Island, is a vibrant and popular destination known for its half-mile stretch of sandy beachfront. The area offers a modern beach facility with amenities like a playground, concessions, outdoor showers, and shaded gazebos, making it ideal for families and beachgoers alike. The beach has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s and was officially established as a state beach in 1959. It attracts both locals and tourists, offering a lively summer atmosphere with nearby restaurants, hotels, and attractions.
The beach is surrounded by scenic views and is close to other notable spots like Watch Hill and Weekapaug. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, picnicking, and saltwater fishing off-hours. The area also hosts various summer events, including concerts and classic car nights.
Misquamicut State Beach is a must-visit for those seeking a quintessential New England beach experience, with its blend of natural beauty and lively community events.

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4.05

Wildwood Crest Beach

United States, New Jersey, Wildwood Crest

Wildwood Crest Beach is a massive beach in New Jersey and has fine white sand, and clear turquoise waters. This is one of the few beaches in New Jersey that is free. The beach is family-friendly and the gradual sloping of sand into the ocean means that Wildwood Crest is perfect for swimming or boogie boarding. The beach is very clean, due to daily cleaning in the morning.

The beach is guarded by lifeguards from Memorial Day Weekend through to Labor Day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Chair and umbrella rental locations are conveniently located throughout the beach. There is a boardwalk that runs parallel to the sand that has a few restaurants and shops. The beach is also an ideal location for those looking for an adventure, with many visitors coming to Wildwood Crest for power boating, jet skiing, sailing, and parasailing.

Wildwood Crest beach can be accessed by car, with plenty of nearby parking. If you are staying for longer than a day, modern motels and condos lined the beachfront, and offer breathtaking views of the ocean.

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4.1

Fort Gratiot County Park

United States, Michigan, Fort Gratiot Township

Fort Gratiot County Park is a picturesque 30-acre park located in the northern part of St. Clair County, Michigan. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron with 852 feet of lake shoreline and beach. The park is popular for its sandy beach, clear water, and shady trees, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy facilities like a playground, picnic areas, and .85 miles of paved walking trails. The park also hosts a ceremony plaza overlooking Lake Huron, perfect for weddings and other events.
The park's significant historical landmark is the 1971 Tunnel Explosion Memorial, commemorating the lives lost during a construction accident under the park. This memorial adds a profound layer of history and remembrance to the area.
With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Fort Gratiot County Park attracts a range of visitors looking for both leisure and reflection.

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4.8

East Beach

United States, Texas, Galveston

East Beach, located in the charming city of Galveston, United States, is known for its inviting stretch of coastline that encompasses a vast expanse of soft, golden sand. This beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering an array of activities, including swimming, beach volleyball, sunbathing, bird watching, and camping. East Beach stands out for its pet-friendly policy, allowing visitors to enjoy the sunny days alongside their furry friends. However, it's important to note that East Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does allow dogs and offers camping facilities.

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4.2

Newport Beach

United States, California, Newport Beach

Located in Newport Beach in Southern California, Newport Municipal Beach is one of the beaches most popular with families in the area because of its clear waters, expansive sands, and picturesque pier.

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4.85

Clearwater Beach

United States, Florida, Clearwater

Located along Florida’s central coastline, Clearwater Beach is an immensely popular beach that has soft white sand. This wide beach is situated in Pinellas County and spans over two-and-a-half miles. Clearwater Beach’s reputation as one of the United States’ premier beach destinations is not simply a tall claim - the beach has received many accolades from travel websites and media publications. The beach has been named the 5th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world's foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach" - and was also featured by Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice awards in 2016, 2018, and 2019. USA Today also listed Clearwater Beach as the "best beach town in Florida" in 2013. A 1,000 feet-long concrete pier named Pier 60 is also present in Clearwater Beach

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Tybee Island - South Beach

United States, Georgia, Tybee Island

Located within the community of Tybee Island in Chatham County, Tybee Island - South Beach – also known as South Beach - has a long and wide beige sand beach. The beach is positioned near the city of Savannah on a barrier island along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Tybee Island - South Beach is adjacent to Tybee Island - Mid Beach and has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, and nearby vacation homes, which together provide Instagram-worthy views, especially during sunset.

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4.8

Destin Beach

United States, Florida, Destin

Located in the city of Destin, Destin Beach is a beach with white sand.

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4.2

Manhattan Beach

United States, California, Manhattan Beach

Located along the County of Los Angeles shoreline, Manhattan Beach – also known as Manhattan County Beach – is a two-mile-long and wide beach with light brown sand, a pier named the Manhattan Beach Pier, nearby shrubs and palm trees, and a nearby reef. This beach is located within a city that is also called Manhattan Beach. This beach is also part of a region within the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area that is called South Bay.

This beach has been listed as one of the best beaches in California by many publications, including Reader’s Digest and Travel+Leisure magazine, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

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Imperial Beach

United States, California, Imperial Beach

Located on the southernmost point of California, Imperial Beach is a bustling beach town with a four-mile stretch of beach area situated near the United States - Mexican border. The Imperial Beach shoreline has four beaches from north to south - Imperial Beach City Beach, South Imperial Beach, the beach in Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and Border Field State Park Beach which ends at the United States’ border with Mexico. All of the beaches in Imperial Beach have light brown sand. The Tijuana River meets the Pacific Ocean on the southern part of the Imperial Beach shoreline, where a wetland is also present. The beach in Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and South Imperial Beach allows dog on leash and Imperial Beach City Beach has a small designated dog - friendly area along the intersection of Carnation Avenue and Seacoast Drive.