Most Popular Beach Cities In The United States

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

Located in the commercial center of Huntington Beach, Huntington City Beach and Pier is a great place for a lively beach day. The most notable feature of this beach is its bustling pier. The pier is a perfect spot to take in ocean views or try your hand at fishing. 

Located at the end of the Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater, Santa Barbara Harbor Beach is a small beach with light brown sand. This beach has four alternative names - Sandspit Beach, Jetty Beach, Point Castillo, and Sandbar. This beach is formed primarily due to the transportation and deposition of sand by ocean water currents along the walls of the breakwater.  This deposition, if left unchecked, can potentially close off the entrance of Santa Barbara Harbor. As a result, local authorities frequently conduct dredging operations around this beach to remove the excess sand present here.

We’ve all heard of Miami’s South Beach. Featured heavily in iconic films such as Scarface, Miami Vice, Baywatch, Goldfinger, and Ride Along, it’s one of the world’s most famed and instantly recognizable beaches. With its iconic Ocean Drive, renowned restaurants, luxury shopping, opulent hotels and resorts, and bustling nightclubs, South Beach is possibly the world’s most popular beach destination. Additionally, Miami Beach – South was named theBest 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.”

When you arrive at South Beach, you’ll immediately notice the beach’s incredible views. From the sand, beachgoers marvel at Miami Beach’s skyline. With its art-deco architecture, dramatic modern high-rises, and sky-scraping palm trees, the skyline is arguably South Florida’s most iconic sight.

Once you walk onto South Beach’s glistening golden sand, you’ll see that South Beach is more than just a tourist destination. It’s a naturally stunning beach in its own right. With vibrant turquoise water and glistening golden, it’s the perfect place to lounge and enjoy nature while just steps from the big city. While you’re there, be sure to catch South Beach’s vibrant sunsets, which peak at around 7 pm.

Located in the resort town of Ocean City, Ocean City Beach – also known as OC Beach – is a 10-mile-long and large beach with light brown sand with a rocky jetty near its southern end.  Ocean City Beach was named the 24th 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.  This beach was listed as the 10th best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award in 2017 and it was also listed as one of the 16 best beaches in Maryland by Travel+Leisure magazine.

Located along the Tybee Island shoreline, Mid Beach – also known as Tybee Island Mid Beach and Tybee Mid Island Beach – is a one-and-half mile long white-sand beach. 

Located in the city of Anna Maria, Anna Maria Beach is a long and wide beach situated near the northern side of Anna Maria Island. Also known as Anna Maria Public Beach, Anna Maria Beach has beautiful white sand and is surrounded by many old fallen tree stumps where you will many families and couples.  Anna Maria Beach is situated in front of the very beautiful Palma Sola Bay at the northern end of the town of Longboat Key.  

Located in the town of Ogunquit on Maine’s southern coast, Ogunquit Beach – also known as Main Beach and Ogunquit Main Beach – is a large beach with soft white sand.  The Ogunquit River also flows near this beach – once this river passes the beach, it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.  This beach has been named the 38th 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.”  The beach was also named one of the best beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice awards in 2023, and was also listed as one of the “Best Beaches in New England” by Condé Nast Traveller in 2020.

Located in the beachfront city of Asbury Park in New Jersey, Asbury Park Beach is a popular beach with light brown sand.  The northernmost portion of this beach is sometimes called Asbury Park Dog Beach.  This beach was listed as one of the 25 best beaches in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine.  In addition, it has also been listed as the second-best beach in the United States by the financial magazine Money.com, and is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  The portion of this beach that is located between the eastern ends of 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue is popular with the LGBTQ community. 

Located in the city of Gulf Shores in Alabama, Gulf Shores Main Public Beach – also known as Gulf Place West and East Beach, Gulf Place, and Gulf Shores Public Beach – is a large and popular white-sand beach.  This beach was listed as one of the 25 best beaches in the United States by the Travel+Leisure magazine.  It was also listed as one of the “The Best Beaches Near New Orleans You Can Drive to This Summer” by the online media website Thrillist, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

Carmel Beach is renowned by both locals and tourists as one of the most spectacular beaches in the world - and for good reason. The beach is an oasis with a backdrop of white sand and turquoise water, and is overlooked by beautiful, grassy hills. The world-class scenic pathway is filled with old, green trees and looks onto the beach. Watching the sunset on the beach is a local tradition - add to the natural romance with a bottle of wine, as alcohol is permitted on specific days of the week. With the gorgeous scenery of Carmel City Beach, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable beach day!

Located in the small town of Haleiwa, Haleiwa Beach Park has a small, narrow, and rocky beach situated south of Kahawai Beach Support Park. Spread across 80 acres, Haleiwa Beach Park is a marine conservation area and is home to many animals including tiny fish, black-and-yellow trigger fish, eels, and turtles making it a very popular swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing destination during summer season. 

Located in central Maui, Lower Paia Park - also called Lower Pāʻia Park - is a one-and-a-half-acre recreational park that has a narrow beach with light brown sand, many nearby trees, and a slightly sloping incline. This beach is named Lower Paia Park Beach and it is also called Lower Pāʻia Park Beach. 

Located in the city of Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park is a 312-acre state park that has a wide white sand beach which is approximately a mile long. A maritime forest and sand dunes are present near the beach. The beach also has a pier named Myrtle Beach State Park Pier. A creek also flows through the beach into the Atlantic Ocean. Myrtle Beach State Park was the first South Carolina State Park, and has been named the 14th 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." Myrtle Beach State Park has lifeguards in its northern portion between mid-May and mid-September.  

Considered by many to be one of the New Jersey coast’s most popular beaches, Cape May Beach boasts fine golden sand and clear turquoise waters. The beach’s aesthetic is unique, as its long stretches of tree-lined Victorian homes provide an architecturally-striking backdrop to an already stunning beach.

Although popular during the summer, Cape May’s paid beachfront parking lots and street parking make it a stress-free beach to access. When beachgoers arrive at Cape May, they find a variety of amenities that promise to make their beach day one to remember. With showers, changing rooms, restrooms, lifeguard stations, and the Cape May Beach Patrol that protects the beach during summer, Cape May is a comfortable and safe place to sunbathe and spend time with loved ones. In addition to the beach’s swimming areas, there are designated beach areas with ideal conditions that allow thrill-seekers to surf, kayak, fish, and play volleyball freely.

When you’re done with your beach day and want to grab a bite, Cape May’s local restaurants serve top-notch food to locals and visitors alike. Looking for something savory? Head to Lucky Bones Back Water Grills, and order their locally renowned clam pizza. Craving something sweet? The raspberry truffle ice cream at Fine Fellows Creamistry can’t be beaten. And for a drink by the beach, head to Carney’s and grab a locally-sourced craft beer. If you’re planning on spending the night in Cape May, check-in at the ICONA Cape May or the Ocean Club Hotel, two stunning beachfront hotels that, according to past guests, offer large modern rooms and impeccable service.

Hanalei Bay, located on Kauai's North Shore, is one of the best beach locations in all of the Hawaiian islands, with verdant mountains, spectacular surf breaks, and timeless waterfalls. Beautifully-blue waters and golden sand add to this picturesque location, making it one of the most popular beaches in the U.S.A.

Channel your inner soul-surfer and ride one of the powerful waves on the far right side of the bay. You can also snorkel along one of the many coral reefs throughout the beach, including Waikoko Reef on one side and Pu'u Poa Reef on the other. Hanalei Pier is located on the mouth of the river where the calmest waters are found -- perfect for young children. You can kayak along the river and camp at the park nearby, complete with full amenities.

After a jam-packed beach day, it's time for some good eats and an ice-cold beverage. Hanalei's food truck network includes juice bars, island wraps, acai bowls, and more, giving the bay a unique dining scene and laidback island vibe. Kealia Poke is the new fad on the island, along with the refreshing Wishing Well Shave Ice. One thing that makes the island so carefree is the commitment to authenticity and the refusal to give in to tacky tourist attractions. For example, you'll never see a chain restaurant at Hanalei Bay -- only mom-and-pop shops are scattered throughout the island. Free of typical brand names and tacky souvenirs, you'll feel like a local yourself! Enjoy your stay at Hanalei Bay, a beachy heaven that will leave you on a breezy, tropical Cloud Nine.

Located in the city of Del Mar, Del Mar City Beach is situated between Powerhouse Park and the lagoon entrance at the San Dieguito River in the north.

Located in Honolulu, Waikiki Beach is a beautiful and extremely popular beach  with light brown sand and nearby palm trees. This beach is located in the popular touristy neighborhood of Waikiki. The beach’s name in Hawaiian means "spouting water" - the beach received this name because in the past multiple springs and rivers used to flow around this beach – as another fun fact Waikiki Beach was used by Hawaiian nobility for surfing. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the United State and was named the 4th 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.” It is important to note that Waikiki Beach is a part of a larger beach area that stetches for almost two miles that is also called Waikiki Beach – in addition to Waikiki Beach, this larger beach area is composed of seven other beaches including Duke Kahanamoku Beach (also called Kahanamoku Beach and Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Beach Park), Fort DeRussy Beach (also known asFort DeRussy Beach Park, Gray’s Beach (also known as Grays Beach, Halekulani Beach, Kawehewehe, and Grey’s Beach), Royal Hawaiian Beach (also known as Waikiki Beach Center and Royal Moana Beach), Kuhio Beach (also known as "The Ponds", Kuhio Ponds, and Kūhiō Beach), Queen’s Beach (also known as Queen Kapiolani Beach , Queen’s Surf Beach, and Kapiolani Beach Park), and Kaimana Beach (also known as also known as Kaimana Beach Park, Kaimana’s Beach, Waikiki at San Souci Beach, Sans Souci Beach, and San Souci Beach).

Waikiki Beach is constantly threatened by erosion – some of Waikiki Beach’s parts have been significantly reduced in size due to erosion. There are multiple rocky jetties and seawalls near Waikiki Beach – the beach’s southwestern portion particularly has many rocky seawalls near it. Although most of the portions of Waikiki Beach have lifeguards, there are some portions that do not have lifeguard deployment – these portions are located near 2055 Kalia Road, in front a hotel named the Halekulani Hotel, and adjacent to another hotel named Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.  In addition to lifeguards,

Located to the north of the Hearst Castle, Arroyo Laguna Beach is a popular beach with light brown sand and pebbles. The beach is a part of a state park known as the Hearst San Simeon State Park. A vibrant meadow is present near this windy beach. Oak Knoll Creek (also known as Arroyo Laguna) flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean. 

Located in the Oregonian city of Cannon Beach, the beautiful Cannon Beach is a large four-mile-long beach with light brown sand. Cannon Beach has been named the 2nd 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." Portions of this popular beach are situated below oceanfront bluffs. This beach has a magnificent backdrop of oceanfront hills and residential houses. Many offshore rock formations are present in the water near Cannon Beach and the most iconic offshore rock formation along the Cannon Beach shoreline is a 235-feet tall intertidal basalt sea stack named Haystack Rock - this rock is the third largest intertidal rock formation in the world. This beach was named as the sixth best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards in 2020. In addition, the beach was also listed by the travel division of the American media company U.S. News & World Report as one the 27 best beaches in the United States. Renowned academic Dr. Stephen Leatherman has listed Cannon Beach as the "Best Overall Beach" in Oregon in his book America’s Best Beaches. The city of Cannon Beach was also listed by National Geographic as one of "America’s Best Beach Towns." A creek occasionally flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean. As an interesting fact, the beach and the city of Cannon Beach are named after a cannon from the 19th century United States Navy schooner Shark - this cannon was discovered near Cannon Beach’s current location in 1898 and it sparked the name change of the city from "Elk Creek" to "Cannon Beach." 

Located in the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Oceanfront - also known as Oceanfront Beach - is a large and extremely popular beach area that has light brown sand. Virginia Beach Oceanfront has a marvelous background of waterfront high-rise buildings. An approximately three-mile long boardwalk named Virginia Beach Boardwalk is present near the beach - this boardwalk was listed by CNN as one of the 19 best boardwalks in the United States. Additionally, Virginia Beach was named the 48th 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.” A rocky jetty is also present near the southern end of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, along with an aquatic inlet named Ruddy Inlet. 

Located on the southern end of Mustang Island within Nueces County on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Port Aransas Beach is a six-mile-long and wide beige sand beach.  The beach is positioned on a natural barrier island along the Texas coastline.  Port Aransas Beach has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, and nearby condominiums, which together provide Instagram-worthy views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Lydia Ann Ship Channel, and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.  The beach has a long jetty built with many large boulders and rocks to form a protective barrier for Port Aransas against strong waves and tidal currents to control erosion.

Located in the city of Venice in Southern California, Venice Beach – also known as Venice City Beach - is an extremely popular three-mile long beach that has light brown sand and rocky breakwaters. This beach is very large – approximately 238 acres in size. The southern portion of Venice Beach is known as Venice Pier Beach- this portion received this name because it has a 1,300-feet long pier named the Venice Pier that is also known as Venice Fishing Pier. Venice Beach has been named the 3rd 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.” (Please note that Venice Beach in California should not be confused with another popular beach in the United States named Venice Public Beach, which is also known as Venice Beach) that is located in Sarasota County in Florida.) 

Venice Beach hosts many sporting events, and two of them – skateboarding and 3x3 basketball – will be held there during the 2028 Summer Olympics. Venice Beach has lifeguards from 8 am to sunset (that usually occurs around 6 pm) - during summers, lifeguards here are posted from 7 am till sunset (that occurs around 8:30 pm). In addition to lifeguards, Venice Beach and the area around it offer many other amenities including picnic areas, restrooms, showers, bike rental facilities, a bike path, grassy recreational areas, paddle tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboarding, volleyball courts, handball courts, walking paths, nearby watersports equipment rental facilities, and a kids’ play area. Dogs are not allowed on Venice Beach.  

Capitola Beach is a popular spot in the charming seaside town of Capitola. Known as California’s oldest resort town, Capitola has a lively atmosphere with a beach that features colorful, Mediterranean-style buildings. Capitola Beach is part of Soquel Cove, a 3.5-mile bay on the eastern Santa Cruz County coast. The beach has been named the 16th 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.”

The western side of Capitola Beach has rocks that make the waters calm and perfect for swimming. The eastern side has more waves, which attract surfers. Lifeguards are only present during special events and busy times. Visitors can use restrooms, showers, concession stands, boogie boards, umbrellas, chairs, and seating areas. Dogs are not allowed on Capitola Beach.

Santa Monica Beach, located in the city of Santa Monica, is a highly popular 3.5-mile-long beach with light brown sand. This beach, also known as Santa Monica State Beach, is divided into three main sections: Santa Monica Beach - North Beach (which is also known as Santa Monica - North Beach and Santa Monica North Beach), Santa Monica Beach - Pier Beach (which is also called Santa Monica - Pier Beach and Santa Monica Pier Beach), and Santa Monica Beach - South Beach ( which is also called Santa Monica – South Beach, Santa Monica South Beach, and Ocean Park Beach). 

Santa Monica Beach—North Beach is quieter, offering a more peaceful experience, while Pier Beach is at the center and features the iconic Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Beach - South Beach, also referred to as Ocean Park Beach, is situated to the south of the pier.

Santa Monica Pier, stretching 1,650 feet, is a well-known landmark and draws millions of visitors annually. It is an iconic pier that was initially opened in 1909 and has been designated as a Santa Monica Historic Landmark - this pier offers a large variety of things to do including a popular amusement park named Pacific Park that has the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, fun rides for kids (including a 1920s carousel), an arcade, an aquarium at the end of the pier named Heal The Bay Aquarium, and interesting concessions and shops. If you are planning to fish from the Santa Monica Pier or from any part of Santa Monica State Beach, please follow the local fishing regulations that can be found on the website of California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Santa Monica Beach is also frequented by snorkelers and scuba divers, and visitors may spot wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and migrating whales at certain times of the year. If you’re into biking or skating, the Ocean Front Walk (also called the Santa Monica Boardwalk) offers a scenic path with oceanfront views and passes by various restaurants and shops. The North Beach Trail section includes unique artwork inspired by local plant and animal life. A portion of another famous biking trail named the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also known as The Strand) is also located along Santa Monica State Beach - this popular 22-mile oceanfront biking, jogging, and roller-skating trail mostly runs parallel to the coastline of the Santa Monica Bay.