Carefree summer beach days are a time-honored tradition, and no matter where you call home, you can probably find a stretch of sand to sink your toes in somewhere nearby. From Lake Tahoe to the Great Lakes, there are plenty of prime beachfront locations inland, while the Atlantic seaboard, West Coast and Gulf Coast all offer plenty of places for sun and fun. In other words, there’s no need to journey across the globe to find a summer beach destination — though Mallorca, Spain, and Bali, Indonesia, are two prime possibilities. Instead, pack up the car and your friends or family for a beach road trip this summer.
From Californian surf hideaways to charming East Coast nature reserves, here are 20 of the best sandy shores in the U.S. for your summer beach adventure.
Cowell Ranch State Beach, Northern California
With California having more than 400 public beaches, narrowing down a summer escape in the Golden State can be challenging. For those seeking a serene stretch of sand within a short drive of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay’s Cowell Ranch State Beach is an excellent choice.
A short hike from Highway 1 takes you to a staircase descending to the quarter-mile-long cove sheltered by windswept cliffs. You may spot a variety of flora and fauna, even seals, from the shore. For a longer hike with postcard views, take the 3.6-mile Cowell-Purisima Trail, which traces the top of the bluffs south to the Seal Beach Overlook. Bring binoculars to watch the harbor seals that congregate in the pocket beach, a protected wildlife habitat that is off-limits to visitors.
Sodus Point, New York
A well-kept secret of day-trippers and weekenders from Rochester and Syracuse, Sodus Point Beach Park lies at the tip of a sandy peninsula, sheltering Sodus Bay. Once an important Lake Ontario shipping port, the triangle of soft sand extends out from a village of classic clapboard houses, many housing inns and bed-and-breakfasts. While beachgoers come to escape the summer heat, boaters crowd the calm waters of Sodus Bay. And thanks to the plentiful catch, the bustling harbor boasts several festive seafood restaurants, including Captain Jack’s Goodtime Tavern, a destination unto itself with live bands on weekend nights. Perched on a hill above town, the Sodus Point Lighthouse is open to visitors, and the excellent museum below showcases an eclectic collection of artifacts that bring the area’s maritime history vividly to life.
On the other side of the bay, Chimney Bluffs State Park is renowned for its colorful sculpted cliffs reminiscent of the canyons of the Southwest.
Kaihalulu Beach, Hawaii
Hawaii’s islands are ringed by myriad alluring beaches, so it may be hard to decide which one to try. However, its distinctive rust-red sand sets Kaihalulu Beach, on Maui‘s rugged east coast, apart from the rest.
The steep, narrow trail to the beach can be difficult and even slippery. However, it offers a unique, crowd-free opportunity to enjoy the blue waves crashing against the rich, colorful sand.
Related: Your guide to Hawaii’s best beaches
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North Avenue and Montrose beaches, Illinois
One of Chicago’s finest city beaches, North Avenue Beach beckons with the refreshingly crisp waters of Lake Michigan set against a stunning view of the city’s skyline.
With an array of summer festivals like Volleywood, the Chicago Air and Water Show, and various music events, North Avenue Beach’s allure lasts all summer. If you tire of the sand and lake, visit nearby Navy Pier or rent bicycles and ride them along the lakefront.
A few miles farther north, Montrose Beach is a popular beach for locals (it has a fun dog-friendly section), backed by a tranquil bird sanctuary. There are paddleboards and kayaks for rent, a marina for boat rentals, a golf course nearby, and the much-loved The Dock beach bar with vacation vibes and live music.
Sand Harbor Beach, Nevada
On the northeastern shores of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor is a cove dotted with boulders offering visitors idyllic lake and mountain views. Swim in the refreshing, clear waters, paddle out by kayak to admire the large rocks along the shoreline or enjoy a picnic at one of the tables.
If it gets too hot, retreat to the shade of the cedars and Jeffrey pines that line the beach. Visit during the annual summer Shakespeare Festival, which sets up a beachfront stage for performances.
Related: Lake Tahoe on a budget: How to plan a weekend getaway without breaking the bank
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
If the name sounds familiar, maybe it’s because “Good Morning America” named this national lakeshore the “Most Beautiful Place in America” back in 2011 and it’s been attracting more folks ever since. The park likely earned the accolade thanks to its towering sand dunes that contrast sharply with the cobalt waters of Lake Michigan (and the smaller Glen Lake), as well as the surrounding green forest.
It’s just a 45-minute drive from Traverse City, where you can stop for the famous annual Cherry Festival, which includes parades, races, air shows and musical performances.
Sagg Main Beach, New York
Sagg Main Beach in Southampton combines the highbrow feel of the Hamptons with the relaxed comfort of a neighborhood beach. Backed by Sagaponack Pond, a wild, natural area, the beach feels secluded, yet there’s a lifeguard present during the day as well as restrooms, bike parking and other facilities.
It’s also slightly closer to Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) than some of the other beaches in East Hampton or Montauk, making it easy for city-dwellers or travelers to arrive. AvGeeks landing late at JFK should consider spending a night at the TWA Hotel before heading east to the beach.
Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
Stretching for almost 28 miles, aptly named Long Beach in southern Washington is one of the country’s longest continuous beaches. There are seven access points to different sections of the beach, which never feels crowded.
Although the water is chilly for swimming, it’s an incredible beach for a good long stroll. Just back from the sand, a long wooden boardwalk traverses dunes anchored with native plants, passing by the Gray Whale sculpture. The 8.2-mile Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail connects the village of Long Beach with neighboring Ilwaco. Hospitable Long Beach hosts numerous festivals, including the Washington State International Kite Festival, a sandcastle competition and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival.
Grant Park Beach, Wisconsin
Though it’s just a quick 20-minute drive from central Milwaukee, Grant Park Beach feels like a hidden refuge. It’s accessible by car or a short, relatively easy hike along a wooded trail. In addition to the required dip in Lake Michigan, a day at Grant Park Beach might include a game of beach volleyball, taking the kids to the beachside playground and teeing up at Grant Park Golf Course.
Combine a beach day with a visit to Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest, which features an impressive lineup of both well-known and up-and-coming musical artists and groups.
Mustang Island, Texas
On the Gulf coast of Texas, 18-mile-long Mustang Island might be diminutive, but it’s long on sandy coastline. Mustang Island State Park is an ideal spot to explore the quiet, protected sands and experience the Mustang Island Paddling Trail, a collection of kayaking routes that run through shallow fishing waters. Camping is also available for those wishing to take advantage of superlative stargazing.
For a little more action, the 6-mile Port Aransas Beach is close to Fishermans Wharf Pier and the observation tower at Roberts Point Park, where you can sometimes spot dolphins and other marine life.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Just an hour and a half from Portland, Oregon, Cannon Beach feels worlds away with its relaxed beach town vibe and long swath of sand protected by dunes. Some visitors come to sun and swim, others for the picture-perfect view of famous Haystack Rock, familiar from its role in “The Goonies,” “Kindergarten Cop” and other favorites. And bird-watchers study the tufted puffins that nest on the rock from early spring to midsummer.
Augment your nature time with a stroll around the town’s shops and galleries, then finish the day with fresh seafood at one of several popular eateries along the strand.
Asilomar State Beach, Central California
Jutting into the Pacific, the Monterey Peninsula boasts a string of walkable beaches separated by rocky outcroppings. Wait for low tide to go tide-pooling on the reefs at either end of Asilomar and neighboring Sunset Beach, seeking out anemones, sea stars and hermit crabs jostling for the best shell houses. While Sunset Beach lives up to its name, the entire peninsula offers picture-perfect positioning to see the sun sink below the westward horizon. To savor the views from multiple angles, follow the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which hugs the clifftops from downtown Monterey and its historic Cannery Row to the cypress-fringed bluffs of Pacific Grove.
Alternatively, traverse a longer stretch of the 18-mile paved path by bike with a rental from one of the numerous outfitters in town. But that’s just the beginning; Monterey and its beaches offer at least a week’s worth of recreation highlights, including a chance to visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, where highlights include otter and penguin feedings. To get up close and personal with gray, humpback and even rare blue whales and orcas, take a whale-watching expedition with one of several naturalist-guided expedition companies operating from historic Fisherman’s Wharf.
Related: The iconic Big Sur Highway 1 road trip
Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
Enjoy Cape Cod’s serene sands at the 20-mile-long Coast Guard Beach. Fans of Henry David Thoreau especially should visit, as he deemed this spot the “Great Beach.” It’s also only about an hour and a half away from Boston by car.
The area is part of the saltwater Nauset Marsh, home to a number of shorebird species, as well as marine life such as sharks and seals. Active beachgoers can swim, surf or boogie board in the Coast Guard Beach waters or bike along the marsh paths.
Crescent Bay Beach, Southern California
Tucked under the cliffs in elegant Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay Beach is a favorite with bodysurfers and surfers when the waves are high. Calm days draw sun-seekers and even snorkelers, who search for sea life along the rock outcrops at each end of the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and sea lions basking on famous Seal Rock, about 350 feet offshore, or swimming parallel to the beach, popping their heads up to gaze curiously at beachgoers.
Disney fans, take note: This beach is only 25 miles away from Disneyland.
Related: The best beaches in California
Goosewing Beach Preserve, Rhode Island
Goosewing Beach Preserve is a serene mix of shoreline, dunes and a coastal pond. What the beach lacks in amenities, it makes up for in natural beauty (think pebbly, silver sands and many species of birds flying over the foamy swells). The preserve’s sandy bluffs and grassy dunes provide a true escape from the daily grind.
The preserve charges a parking fee per car ($20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends). Proceeds go to protect this delicate ecosystem, which is home to many threatened shorebirds.
Related: The best places for a family beach vacation
Kill Devil Hills Beach, North Carolina
Aviation enthusiasts should head to Kill Devil Hills Beach in the Outer Banks. It’s the actual site of the Wright brothers’ first flight.
Brightly colored homes line the long, sandy shore, just a short drive from the Wright Brothers National Memorial, featuring a large statue, museum and even a special junior aviation center with children’s activities.
If you’d like to visit other coastal stretches, the Outer Banks is home to myriad other summer beach options, too.
Black Beach, Minnesota
You don’t have to visit Spain’s volcanic Canary Islands to experience a black-sand beach. One of the most unusual beaches in the U.S., Black Beach is famous for its glimmering black sand along the shore of Lake Superior, the result of taconite, an iron ore found in the lake water. Upon first arrival, you may wonder what all the fuss is about, but take the rocky trail to the right of the main beach (you’ll have to do a bit of clambering) to find the coal-dark section, which won’t disappoint.
Related: The most beautiful beaches on Mallorca, Spain
Clearwater Beach, Florida
It’s hard to pick the top beach in Florida, but Clearwater is always a traveler favorite. The 3-mile stretch of powdery sand and turquoise water should be enough to satisfy sun-seekers year-round. There’s plenty to do, including parasailing and a beachfront promenade ideal for walking, rollerblading or biking.
Enjoy gorgeous hues as the sun sets. Once evening hits, there are almost endless choices for oceanfront dining and cocktails.
Reid State Park Beach, Maine
The 770-acre Reid State Park is home to Maine’s first state-owned saltwater beach. Besides sandy beaches, which are a rarity along Maine’s mostly pebble-and-rock coastline, the park has abundant plant and bird life, sand dunes, marshes, and rock formations. It’s also one of the state’s most popular surfing areas.
Combine a summer beach trip with a hot air balloon adventure in Lewiston (a one-hour drive from Reid State Park) for the Great Falls Balloon Festival, in addition to other Maine summer festivities like lobster and clam bakes.
Double Bluff Beach, Washington
Seattleites consider Double Bluff Beach, which is close enough for a day trip from the city, one of the best beaches on the Washington coast. Lovely for a lazy day on a blanket or a leg-stretching stroll, the gentle curve of sand gives way to a rocky reef with tidepools favored by shellfish harvesters. From its position on the southwest side of the island, Double Bluff Beach offers excellent views of Admiralty Inlet and the busy shipping lanes beyond. And on clear days you can see all the way to Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
On calm days, the waves are small enough for little swimmers to stay safe, while on windy days, the area is a favorite of kiteboarders. The county park also features a grassy area just back from the sand with picnic tables and a barbecue, and Double Bluff Beach is so dog-friendly that there’s even a shower for pups so you can go home sand-free.
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island charges a small fee to visit its beaches ($10 per car). Besides swimming off the tranquil beaches, you can hike trails, visit a bird sanctuary and check out historical monuments, including cannons.
It’s known as the “sunset capital of Alabama” because visitors can enjoy some of the most colorful and peaceful sunsets in the southern U.S. during a trip here.
Indiana Dunes, Indiana
The Indiana Dunes span both a national and a state park. Both are home to golden sands, blustery dunes and a number of hiking trails.
With summer events like bird-watching and stargazing meetups and sand sculpture contests, there are lots of activities if you get bored swimming, lounging on the beach, walking the trails or frolicking on the dunes. Those who want to bring lunch or stay the night can enjoy the designated areas for picnicking and camping, too.
