“Life’s a beach,” said that famous ’80s t-shirt slogan — if only it were true. In reality, life is anything but.
However, in a literal sense, life can be a beach across the United States, where there are beaches of all kinds.
Mainstream culture alludes to vacation resorts, saltwater taffy, and watersports, but a beach can take shape anywhere water flows. We have compiled a list of well-known and lesser-known American beaches, some of which are in places you may not consider to fit your idea of a relaxing paradise.
1. Rye, New Hampshire
Driving to a busy seaside location usually involves miles of traffic jams, and Hampton Beach in New Hampshire or Portsmouth fits this description. Therefore, for crowd-shy sun lovers, setting one’s sights on the more peaceful coastal town of Rye seems more appropriate.
Aimee Tucker writes for Yankee Magazine’s New England how this beach is only one hour from Boston. Both Wallis Sands State Beach and Jenness State Beach are only three miles apart, and both offer plenty of amenities and aesthetic appeal.
2. Eisenhower State Park Beach, Texas
The Texas Gulf Coast (formerly the Gulf of Mexico, by some accounts) garners most of the attention in the Lone Star State. Summertime can be extremely punishing in Texas, and while many will flee south, there are other solutions.
Lake Texoma, shared by Texas and Oklahoma, has Eisenhower State Park Beach, a freshwater alternative to Padre Island. OnlyInTexas rates this spot atop its “Pristine Hidden Beaches” feature. “Hike four miles of trails, fish, observe wildlife, and look out for breathtaking flora and fossils from an ancient ocean,” writes contributor Katie Lawrence.
3. Belle Isle Park, Michigan
Anja Javiad of The Travel insists that beach lovers can escape the hot summers in Detroit at a river beach resort. Belle Isle Park is located on the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.
“Among the most enticing is the fact that it offers some of the best riverside beaches in the US (and its entire surroundings aren’t half bad, either),” she says.
4. Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, Nebraska
At first glance, one might think they are at a tropical Mexican beach, so white are the sands at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area’s Sandy Beach. However, a brief dip in this Nebraska reservoir will soon bring you back down to Earth.
Nevertheless, when you live in Nebraska, a chilling reservoir beach is just fine. “Lake Mac’s white sand beaches and clear waters are a favorite with campers, boaters… and others seeking outdoor fun,” reads Visit Nebraska’s guide.
5. Gulfport Beach, Mississippi
We must remember that Mississippi has a moderate stretch of Gulf Coast territory, and the town of Gulfport straddles 25 miles of white sand beaches. From Biloxi Beach at the eastern end to Long Beach in the west, the coast provides an alternative to the typical U.S. beach retreat.
“This beach embodies a calm and tranquil environment and offers plenty of opportunities for activities,” reports the local booking website, Biloxi Beach Resort Rentals. Fans of incredible Gulf sunsets will enjoy this underrated beach pilgrimage.
6. Southwick Beach, State Park, New York
“Now don’t get me wrong, if I had to choose, I would be headed for the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Bora Bora,” writes A Healthier Upstate writer and New Yorker Erika Gruszewski. “But, let’s face it, I live in Central New York.”
The coolest feature here is the collection of endless dunes and its remote location. Don’t expect any beachside bars. Instead, stock up your cooler and flee the urban stresses of Rochester or Syracuse for some well-needed beach time.
7. Assateague Island, Maryland
One of the coolest beaches in the United States must be Assateague Island, Maryland’s answer to a true fairytale. Here, sunbathers and swimmers can watch wild horses frolic in the surf.
A driver’s permit is necessary for a beach driving section, in addition to biking and hiking routes. “If you want less rustic accommodations, the seaside resort of Ocean City, Maryland (10 miles north of Assateague), has a variety of waterfront hotels,” writes Zach Everson for Visit The USA.
8. Shi Shi Beach, Washington State
It sounds like the Mandarin for “thank you,” but Shi Shi Beach in the Pacific Northwest is the Contiguous United States’ most extreme coastal retreat. Sitting on the far tip of the epic Olympic National Park is Washington’s Shi Shi Beach.
This beach isn’t a casual stop, and its nightlife is limited to cougars, black bears, and coyotes. The National Park Service explains that recreational and camping passes require permission from the local Makah Tribe.
9. Medano Creek, Colorado
If someone told you to head to Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park to find a beach, you might ask questions. Then again, you may never have heard about Medano Creek’s seasonal beach — but that’s okay: neither had we.
Okay, this beach depends on sufficient snowmelt from the neighboring Sangre De Cristo Mountains, which run into the San Luis Valley. “Medano Creek offers a recreational oasis that allows visitors to take in the sights while relaxing or playing in its cool, flowing water,” reports travel hub Alamosa.
10. Harris Beach State Park, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest makes for some of the most spectacular scenic drives in the land. At the top end of the beauty spectrum is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. This 12 miles of rugged coastline has many hidden coves and almost deserted beaches — an excellent spot for beachcombers and surfers.
“The best time to visit Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor is from the months of April to October,” explains van life blog Light of the Pack. “During these months, you can expect better weather with good conditions for hiking the coastline.”
11. City Beach, Idaho
If you enjoy the beach, you need to get creative if you live in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Sandpoint, Idaho, is on the magnificent Lake Pend, framed by the Kaniksu and Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Its City Beach is a magnet for mountain dwellers needing to cool off from the continental summer heat. “May we say, modestly, that Sandpoint’s City Beach is simply one of the finest city parks anywhere?” boasts the Sandpoint Idaho website. Who can argue with that?
12. Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania
Lake Erie is the next location for underrated beaches, namely Presque Isle, which lies off the north shore of Erie City. The island’s sandy shore is part of Pennsylvania’s very limited coastline, though there is plenty of room for everyone —11 miles in total.
In Jim Cheney’s Uncovering PA feature, he lists the coolest pastimes associated with this coastal hangout. For those who just need to unwind, the beaches are pristine in most areas. Meanwhile, more restless wanderers can enjoy 300 bird species and endless watersport opportunities.
13. Dauphin Island, Alabama
Like the other Gulf of Mexico (or America — this is so confusing) States, Alabama has some beach mileage. Alabamans can be forgiven for resenting Florida’s Panhandle, which muscles in on their southern shores.
Therefore, to enjoy Alabama’s white sands, beachgoers need to hit Dauphin Island, part of Alabama’s Southern Barrier Island network. Access is possible via the Dauphin Island Bridge or the Mobile Bay Ferry. “Dauphin Island in Alabama has all of the amenities of a popular beach destination with a quaint small-town feel,” writes Travel & Leisure’s Clinton S. Thomas.
14. Mohegan Bluffs, Rhode Island
New England has a special relationship with the coast, considering how historical this stretch of water has been. Few places in the United States can match the magic of Mohegan Bluffs at Block Island. A Lonely Planet review describes “craggy bluffs that drop into the ocean” above 17 miles of public beaches.
During the summer, the area becomes far busier than during the off-peak season. Visitors can enjoy excellent cycling and walking tours, visiting lighthouses, pristine beaches, and lookout points. The guide describes a “dramatic spot (that) feels remote but is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels.”
15. Flathead Lake, Montana
Like other Rocky Mountain states, Montana has its share of lakes. Perched between the Mission Mountains and the Salish Mountains, Flathead Lake is where those landlocked residents can unwind.
The lake has a thriving watersports and recreation community that comes alive over the summer. Of course, there are campgrounds sprinkled about to support those visiting. For high-rollers, Big Arm Resort’s casino may appeal to those with bigger boats. The resort website shares its amenities and pricing if you’re looking to learn more.
16. Glencoe Beach, Illinois
Chicago is one of America’s largest cities, and while there are many city beaches to enjoy, avoiding the crowds is preferable. Therefore, during the summer months, a trip to Glencoe Beach on Chicago’s extreme northern end makes sense.
One caveat: beach access is required during the summer. Nevertheless, entry grants visitors the use of the park “Sprayground,” volleyball courts, and trained lifeguards. Glencoe Park District’s website shares more details for Illinois beachgoers.
17. Bethany Beach, Delaware
A contributor for travel guide site FlowAndWonder sums up Bethany Beach, north of Delaware’s Fenwick barrier islands. “I wasn’t expecting much from a Delaware beach, having lived in Florida a lot of my life, but I was VERY pleasantly surprised.”
Delaware’s beach stretches all the way up its Atlantic coast, making for dozens of great day trips from any of the nearby towns. Anywhere along Bethany Beach is the perfect spot for sunrise walks and mooching around little mom-and-pop stores.
18. Seal Beach, California
Santa Monica or Venice might appeal to the masses, but down in Orange County, there is a lesser-known sand retreat. “Seal Beach’s Main Street offers a slice of Americana to visitors,” writes Leslie Veliz for Islands. “Think quaint small boutiques on three tree-lined blocks.”
Seal Beach is the sandwich filler between Long Beach and Sunset Beach. Its 1.5 miles of coastline might get fewer visitors (and be slightly edgier), but kitesurfers and windsurfers will enjoy the easier parking and powdery, white sand. What’s more, it has the second-longest wooden pier in California.
19. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Wine and travel hub Fisher Vino Vibes showers love over Wrightsville Beach on North Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. “This four-mile-long island prioritizes its God’s beauty and historical character over commercial attractions,” reads a surprisingly evocative travel guide.
Expect sweeping views and colonial architecture, not video game arcades and mini-golf courses. Sidenote: Wrightsville Beach is not named after the Wright Brothers — I checked, so you don’t have to.
20. Playa de Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Okay, Puerto Rico is clearly at an advantage with its beach scenes: millions of Americans flock there for perpetual sunshine each year. Afar Magazine’s Chloe Arrojado rates Playa de Luquillo (Luquillo Beach) as the perfect alternative to Tripadvisor-ready spots.
This beach community, 30 miles east of the capital, San Juan, offers something for those who seek a “quiet stay by calm waters and some local food.” That doesn’t mean isolation, however: nearby, there are many local kiosks, bars, and shops.
21. Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
“Life in the Indiana Dunes is like a day at the beach,” reads the proud Indiana Dunes webpage guide. “That’s because we have 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline to explore and nine oh-so-swimmable beaches.”
There is room for everyone at this Lake Michigan retreat — 2,000 acres, to be precise. Of course, during that thick continental summer heat, most visitors will be hitting the water. The more adventurous types can attempt the “Three-Dune Challenge.”
22. Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota
Anyone who labels places like North Dakota “flyover states” is missing a trick. Here, you can experience unique swimming spots and unexpected landscapes, such as Lake Sakakawea.
Here, there are beaches with stunning monoliths and cliffs, giving the impression of a Mediterranean landscape. U.S. vacation platform ForSomethingMore captures the essence of this unique summer beach spot, calling it “North Dakota’s Ocean.”
23. Island Beach, New Jersey
“Island Beach, one of the best state parks in the country, manages to avoid detection,” reads a Thrillist review. This story involves New Jersey’s most non–New Jersey beach. It describes sections of beach where only “beachcombing wild foxes and preservation-minded visitors” roam.
Boardwalk Empire, this isn’t. However, as with any pristine New Jersey beach, it’s only a stone’s throw from rowdier coastal hangouts. “This is New Jersey, folks,” reads the post.
24. Coquina Beach, Florida
Okay, Florida hands down has America’s best beaches, although some Floridians must tire of the crowds. There are many—and I mean “many”—underrated Florida beaches — the state is geographically designed to catch sand.
Coquina Beach is on Florida’s Anna Maria Island on the Gulf Coast, a recipe for mind-blowing sunsets and year-round fair weather. This smaller beach community is a perfect crowd-busting getaway, yet with equally good amenities. Just stop it, Florida.
