Travel
9 of the US’s most epic seashores revealed, from California to Florida
Sand that stretches so far as the attention can see, prehistoric rocks lording it over the panorama, and mile after mile of boardwalk enjoyable.
Welcome to the U.S.’s most epic seashores – photogenic strips of sand you may solely seize on the widest of lens settings.
This coast-to-coast compendium is for these summer time vacationers who like their seashores lengthy and lust-worthy, with a splash of drama.
Maybe you’d prefer to throw your towel down on a seashore in Hawaii with breaching whales within the background, or tick off a record-breaker with a go to to the longest pleasure seashore on this planet.
Our checklist additionally contains Tripadvisor’s No.1 seashore in America for many who like additional assurances of high quality.
In our opinion, although, every one is a shore wager for a very good time.
Jacksonville Seaside, Florida
Situated 17 miles from the town’s downtown, Jacksonville Beach has attracted visitors since 1886, when it emerged as a resort destination.
Then called Pablo Beach, it boasted that it had the ‘finest beach in the world’.
In the early 1910s there were dance pavilions and even a roller coaster on the sand.
But while these are long gone, the stunning strip of sand remains and visitors can gaze upon the Atlantic Ocean from the 1,300-foot pier.
For more, visitjacksonville.com.
The Port Aransas beachfront, Mustang Island, Texas
Port Aransas affords a uncommon stretch of sand, an 18-mile strip of cinematic, mushy Texas grains that slope into heat Gulf waters.
And it is one of many few seashore shorelines in Texas that you’re allowed to drive on.
Portaransas.org says: “This makes it simple to carry all of your objects for a seashore day, fishing, or browsing.
“Hit the seashore in your golf cart or your automobile and discover all that the attractive Port A shoreline has to supply.”
For extra go to portaransas.org.
Carmel Seaside, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County, California
.jpeg?ssl=1?quality=75&width=640&trim=0%2C2359%2C0%2C0&auto=webp)
Iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is understood for its well-known residents (Clint Eastwood was mayor in 1986), fairy-tale cottages, and Michelin-starred eating places.
However the sugary white-sand seashore would be the most important attraction for a lot of guests, and rightly so.
It is an absolute gem, with emerald-green waters and loads of unique wildlife within the neighborhood.
Pelicans soar overhead, and should you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even spot dolphins or whales breaching offshore.
Tripadvisor consumer, Brenda P, describes the “pristine” seashore as her “pleased place”, the place the views are “beautiful”.
Pismo Seaside, California
At 17 miles lengthy and splendidly extensive too, Pismo Beach is the very definition of epic.
And with a lot shoreline, sand artwork is commonly on present, with the seashore’s first Sand Artwork Pageant happening this November.
There’s browsing too (three competitions a 12 months), superb clams (the Pismo clam has made a dramatic comeback previously 5 years after a 30-year disappearance) and if you wish to discover, simply drive to a different spot. It is the one part of California State Park the place automobiles are allowed on the seashore.
For extra go to experiencepismobeach.com.
Morro Rock Seaside, Morro Bay, California
You will not have issues figuring out the place this jaw-dropping seashore attracts its title from.
Morro Rock is a panoramic volcanic plug that stands 576 ft tall. Generally known as the “Gibraltar of the Pacific”, it has been used for tons of of years as a navigational software and for time immemorial as a sanctuary for birds.
For sure, it helps make the seashore additional photogenic.
Visit Morro Bay says: “On the finish of the day, the sunsets are dramatic, with Morro Rock turning golden and casting lengthy reflections on the sand.”
Siesta Seaside, Siesta Key, Florida
.jpeg?ssl=1?quality=75&width=640&crop=3%3A2%2Csmart&trim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0&auto=webp)
Right here, you will be throwing your towel down on an award-winner.
Siesta Seaside was named the No.1 seashore within the U.S within the 2025 Tripadvisor Vacationers’ Alternative Awards.
It has a 4.7 out of 5 ranking from over 8,500 opinions, with consumer Rob P from Pittsburgh describing it as “lovely”, with “extremely mushy sand that you could barely really feel when it will get into your footwear”.
Tripadvisor, in the meantime, notes that it is household pleasant, too, with lifeguards on obligation and plenty of shells for youngsters to gather.
For extra go to tour operator Ocean Florida.
Kaʻanapali Seaside, Maui, Hawaii
This beautiful three-mile stretch of sand occupied the highest podium spot within the 2023 Tripadvisor Vacationers’ Alternative awards.
And because the image reveals, it is at all times going to be a contender for a gong.
Beachgoers at Kaʻanapali Beach bask on postcard-perfect sands with swaying palm bushes and the occasional breaching whale including to the paradise vibe.
Virginia Seaside, Virginia
Virginia Beach is acknowledged by Guinness World Information as the biggest pleasure seashore on the planet.
The image above reveals a three-mile stretch known as Oceanfront Seaside, which runs alongside the Virginia Seaside Boardwalk.
Visitvirginiabeach.com says: “This 28-foot-wide marvel is an excellent place to go for a stroll, run or bike journey. Alongside the way in which, watch surfers catching waves, anglers reeling within the day’s catch, and little ones taking part in within the sand or having enjoyable at Grommet Island Park, a completely accessible playground at fortieth Road.”
Lengthy Seaside, State of Washington
Being 28 miles in size, Lengthy Seaside definitely lives as much as its title.
Epic vistas are entrance and heart of a visit right here.
Wish to linger longer? Stateofwatourism.com notes that there’s “an abundance of enjoyable lodging choices, from cosy cottages, to beachfront motels”.
It provides: “Lengthy Seaside is a straightforward drive from each Portland and Seattle in addition to a basic Freeway 101 street journey vacation spot.”