The 20 Best East and West Coast Beaches in the U.S. [2024]

The U.S. is very fortunate to have some of the most impressive coastlines in the world, with beaches ranging from soft and sandy to wild and rugged. Calm waters, lifeguard patrols, and showers are useful for families looking to set up camp for the day, and those looking to escape the crowds will often journey off-the-beaten-track to reach remote, unspoiled beaches.

We’ve looked at 10 of the best beaches on the East Coast and 10 of the best on the West Coast, so whether you’re flying in for your next beach vacation or taking a road trip with the kids, there will be the perfect beach for you.

Don’t forget to check out our beach vacation packing list which include our best tips to ensure you have everything you need!

Map Locations

The Best East Coast Beaches in the U.S.

Block Island, Rhode Island

At only 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, Block Island is small enough to explore all 15 of its glorious beaches. Located around 12 miles from Rhode Island’s coastline, most visitors arrive by foot via the passenger ferry, and mopeds and bicycles are available to rent from the ferry port.

Every beach offers something different, from Fred Benson Town Beach with lifeguards, showers, and a concession stand, to the more rugged and rocky Vail Beach with its secluded coves.

Where to Stay

• Island Manor Resort, a VRI resort has vacation rental apartments close to the old harbor, shops, restaurants, and Baby Beach. From $277 per night.
• The 1661 Inn is a 3-star boutique inn with stylish rooms complete with antiques. Located in New Shoram, the hotel is close to the town’s amenities and Ballard’s Beach. From $141 per night.
• Neptune House, a VRI resort is a 4-star property that offers studios and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. The resort has a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, and games room. From $198 per night.

Hot Tip: Baby Beach is a great spot for families with children as the water is calm and shallow compared to other beaches on the island. For more information check out all of the best beaches in Rhode Island.

Cooper’s Beach, New York

Cooper’s Beach is at the southeast end of Long Island, forming part of The Hamptons — a popular summer retreat for New York City residents.

Visitors can rent chairs and umbrellas and relax on the rolling dunes, admiring the spectacular beachfront mansions. Bring a travel cooler with a picnic or head to Cooper’s Beach Cafe to cool off with ice cream.

Where to Stay

• Southampton Long Island Hotel is a 3-star hotel located 3 miles from Cooper’s Beach. Rooms are well-equipped with either a kitchen or microwave and refrigerator, and the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool. From $99 per night.
• Southampton Inn offers free shuttles to Cooper’s Beach (located around a mile away). This 4-star hotel is set on 5-acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and has an excellent on-site restaurant. From $175 per night.
• Bridgehampton Inn is a 5-star hotel with elegant rooms and a fabulous restaurant. Dine out on the patio or enjoy fresh food to take away from the quaint Loaves & Fishes Cookshop. From $250 per night.

Hot Tip: Parking is costly at Cooper’s Beach, so if you’re looking to save a buck, cycle in from Southampton, located just a couple of miles away. 

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood Beach is eerily beautiful, with sun-bleached trees forming natural sculptures scattered across the beach. Decades of erosion has caused the uprooting of the trees, and the spot is now a favorite with couples looking to tie the knot with a unique backdrop for photographs.

Driftwood Beach is just a short walk from the Jekyll Island Campground, or if you’re looking for a more comfortable stay, we’ve suggested some hotels below. Parking near the beach is free, however, there is a $6 entry fee for the island.

Where to Stay

• Seafarer Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection is a 2-star boutique hotel located a couple of miles from Driftwood Beach. Rooms are comfortable and include a continental breakfast. From $125 or 25,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island is a few minutes’ walk to St. Andrew’s Beach and is 5 miles from Driftwood Beach. This 3-star hotel has a heated swimming pool, and rooms include a hot breakfast. From $122 or 32,000 Hilton Honors points per night. 
• The Westin Jekyll Island is a 5-star beachfront hotel with a poolside bar and restaurant. Driftwood Beach is 4 miles away, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is 1.2 miles away. From $203 or 35,000 Marriott points per night.

Hot Tip: Access to Driftwood Beach is dependent on the tides, so check the tide table before visiting. Where possible, you’ll want to aim for low tide to see the beach in all of its glory.

Hollywood Beach, Florida

Hollywood Beach is designated a blue wave beach — an accreditation for its cleanliness and safety. The 2.5-mile boardwalk is packed full of attractions, hotels, and restaurants, meaning you don’t have to leave the beach for a second (if you don’t want to).

Beyond the beach, visitors can ride the free Sun Shuttle to and from downtown Hollywood, or down the full length of the beach for those who forgot to pack their rollerblades.

Where to Stay

• Dream Inn is just a stone’s throw from the Hollywood Beach boardwalk and offers free bikes and free parking to guests. This 2-star hotel has cozy and comfortable rooms with a kitchen and complimentary toiletries. From $140 per night.
• Beach Rooms Inn – Hollywood Beach is a 3-star facility with spacious, contemporary apartments, complete with kitchenette and living area. From $279 for a 2-night minimum stay.
• Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is a 4-star oceanfront resort with 3 swimming pools, a watersports facility, and a spa. Each room has a private balcony, coffee machine, and a walk-in rain shower. From $315 per night.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning to spend the day by the water, don’t forget to bring a beach umbrella or tent to protect you from the sun.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Kiawah Island is a golfing paradise, with 7 golf courses accounting for much of the island’s 13-square miles. With 10 miles of beautiful coastline, visitors are only permitted access to Kiawah Beachwalker Park, located at the west end of the island. The rest are private beaches for residents only.

Year-round, the beach is equipped with restrooms and a picnic area, and seasonally, lifeguard patrols, a snack bar, and outdoor showers are available. Admission to Kiawah Beachwalker Park for standard vehicles is $5 to $10, depending on the time of year.

Where to Stay

• Andell Inn is located 3 miles from Kiawah Beachwalker Park in Freshfields Village. A wraparound patio provides lake views to enjoy a relaxing breakfast, and drinks are served poolside at the hotel’s saltwater swimming pool. From $186 per night.
• Courtside 1412 is a homely 1-bedroom villa located in West Beach Village, around a mile from Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From $386 for a 2-night minimum.
• 2479 Shipwatch is a well-equipped apartment in West Beach Village that features access to a private beach. From $397 for a 2-night minimum.

Hot Tip: For even more options, check out the best beaches in South Carolina.

Kure Beach, North Carolina

A cute seaside town, Kure Beach is about 19 miles south of Wilmington. Take a stroll along the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast to admire the miles of coastline and encounter cheeky pelicans.

Kure Beach is home to the most visited historic site in the state — Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Museum — located at the southern end of the beach. The kids will love a visit to the aquarium at Fort Fisher or a kayaking trip to Zeke’s Island Reserve to see a variety of birds.

Where to Stay

• Ocean Dunes Kure Beach Condo w/Balcony & Pool is a 2-bedroom condo on Kure Beach with an oceanview balcony. The resort has a swimming pool, hot tub, and children’s play area. From $473 for a 2-night minimum.
• Moran Motel is a 2-star motel located just a 2-minute walk from Kure Beach. Simple rooms feature a microwave and refrigerator and facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. From $75 per night.

Hot Tip: For more options, check out these incredible beaches in North Carolina.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Being an island, Martha’s Vineyard has 19 beaches ranging from shallow, clear-water bays, to wild and rugged beaches with breaking surf. Not all beaches are open to the public, with some restricted to residents only or those that have obtained a pass from a local town hall.

Aquinnah Public Beach (south) is open to anyone, and visitors can admire the magnificent and endangered Gay Head Cliffs. There are restrooms at the parking lot, and during the summer, visitors must pay to park. Oak Bluffs Town Beach is in the north, with calm, shallow water and facilities perfect for families.

Where to Stay

• Kelley House Hotel is located in Edgartown, close to the harbor and many of the island’s beaches. This 3-star hotel offers well-appointed rooms, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. From $125 per night.
• Isabelle’s Beach House is a 4-star oceanfront B&B on Inkwell Beach. Some rooms have balconies, and the B&B has a large terrace to sit and enjoy the sea views with a coffee. From $195 per night.

Ogunquit Beach, Maine

Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the indigenous Abenaki language, and that’s exactly what it is. At high tide, the beach is surrounded by water, with the Ogunquit River on 1 side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. When the tide is out, it’s possible to walk across the river bed to access the beach without using the bridge crossing.

The beach is known for its exceptionally soft sand and excellent kite surfing conditions.

Where to Stay

• Ogunquit Tides is a 2-star hotel located 1 mile from Ogunquit Beach and has free kayaks to cross the river for quicker access to the beach. Rooms are comfortable, and the resort has indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a tennis court. From $108 per night.
• The Dunes on the Waterfront offers guest rooms and cabins just 300 yards from Ogunquit Beach. The 3-star hotel is nestled within 12-acres of private land and has an outdoor swimming pool. From $589 for a 3-night minimum.
• The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort overlooks Ogunquit Beach and is directly on the local trolley route for getting around town. Set in beautiful gardens, this 4-star hotel has a library, swimming pool and tennis court. From $140 per night.

Hot Tip: During the summer months, an inexpensive and fun trolley bus transports visitors between the major hotels and popular spots around Ogunquit (including the beach).

Saint Augustine Beach, Florida

The small city of Saint Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island and has miles of wide sandy beaches and a beachfront park. Anastasia State Park is just minutes from downtown Saint Augustine, with nature trails, kayaking, camping, horse riding, and many more activities on offer.

The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during peak season, and restrooms with outdoor showers are free to use.

Where to Stay

• Super 8 by Wyndham St. Augustine Beach is a no-frills 2-star hotel in a great location — 30 yards from the beach and a 2-minute walk to Anastasia State Park. Rooms have a refrigerator and coffee machine, and there’s an outdoor swimming pool. From $75 or 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.
• Courtyard by Marriott St. Augustine Beach is a smart and stylish 3-star hotel located just a 3-minute walk from the beach. There’s an on-site swimming pool and bistro serving breakfast and dinner. From $158 or 30,000 Marriott points per night.
• Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort has a beachfront swimming pool with a waterside tiki bar. As a 4-star hotel, the rooms are elegant with hand-crafted furniture; other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, and bar. From $231 or 49,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Sandbridge Beach and Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sandbridge Beach has a much slower pace than the bustling northern Virginia beaches, with 5 miles of secluded sand dunes and wide-open beaches. The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits below and behind Sandbridge Beach and provides even more outdoor pursuits for visitors such as cycling, canoeing, and bird watching.

Both beaches have gentle waves perfect for swimming and boogie boarding, and Virginia Beach has a livelier atmosphere. Watch the sunset before venturing out in Virginia Beach to enjoy some incredible seafood or sample a pineapple IPA during a visit to a brewery.

Where to Stay

• Econo Lodge Virginia Beach is a 2-star hotel on Virginia Beach with all oceanfront rooms. All come with a microwave and refrigerator, and the hotel has a swimming pool and bikes available for free. From $73 or 30,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
• Comfort Inn & Suites Virginia Beach is just steps from the beach boardwalk and features oceanfront rooms with private balconies. This 3-star hotel includes breakfast, and guests may use the indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. From $140 or 30,000 Choice Privileges points per night.
• Oceanaire by Diamond Resorts is a 4-star hotel that overlooks the beach and offers spectacular views from the elevated sun deck. Guests may relax in the 4 swimming pools or enjoy the on-site restaurant and martini lounge. From $148 per night.

Hot Tip: For even more options, check out the best beaches in Virginia.

The Best West Coast Beaches in the U.S.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach is a scenic coastal town in northwest Oregon, home to the iconic Haystack Rock and other impressive sea stacks. In spring and summer, Tufted Puffins can be seen on Haystack Rock along with various other species of birds, and grey whales can be seen migrating through spring and winter.

The town itself has a vibrant art scene with numerous art galleries and live glassblowing demonstrations.

Where to Stay

• Hearthstone Inn is a 2-star artisan-crafted hotel made from local materials. Rooms have vaulted ceilings; some come with stone fireplaces and all feature well-equipped kitchens. The beach and Haystack Rock are within walking distance at just half a mile away. From $165 per night.
• Surfsand Resort is located on Cannon Beach offering impressive views of Haystack Rock. Rooms are beautifully appointed, with some providing ocean views and a soaking tub. From $177 per night.
• Cannon Beach Hotel is a luxury boutique 4-star hotel that dates back to 1914. Rooms are classically modern with 4-poster beds and some with fireplaces. Breakfast is included in the rate, and the beach is just half a mile away. From $156 per night.

Hot Tip: Winter is an extraordinary time to visit Cannon Beach with uncrowded beaches, dramatic waves, and a better chance of seeing shy Roosevelt Elk grazing in the local parks.   

Coronado Beach, California

Set on a peninsula within San Diego Bay, Coronado Beach is a popular escape from the city, with easy access via the Coronado Bridge or by ferry from downtown. The north end of the beach is dog-friendly, and the south end is home to the Hotel del Coronado with its distinctive red roof.

The flat, sandy beach, calm waters, and lifeguard patrols are ideal for families, and facilities include restrooms, shower facilities, and volleyball courts.

Where to Stay

• Cherokee Lodge is a well-reviewed 2-star hotel that is just a short stroll to Coronado Beach. There are 14 rooms with varying layouts suitable for couples or families, and breakfast is included in the rate. From $148 per night.
• 1906 Lodge is a historic B&B with 17 uniquely decorated rooms, including the historic lodge guestrooms. This 3-star hotel includes breakfast with a hot entrée, mimosas on the house, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres at happy hour, and bicycles and beach umbrellas free to use. From $252 per night.
• Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa has fantastic views of the San Diego skyline overlooking the bay. This 4-star hotel has 3 outdoor pools within its 16-acres of scenic waterfront and 3 restaurants. From $335 or 50,000 Marriott points per night.

El Matador State Beach, California

El Matador State Beach is around 6 miles from Malibu and is one of the 3 beaches that make up Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in California with spectacular rock formations, archways, and hidden caves that are great fun to explore and make beautiful subjects for those who have their camera handy at sunset.

With hidden rocks and choppy waters, the beach isn’t ideal for swimming, and there’s no lifeguard patrol, so any fun in the water would be at your own risk.

Where to Stay

• Malibu Country Inn is less than a mile to Zuma Beach and 4 miles from El Matador State Beach. This 3-star hotel has a swimming pool and on-site dining. From $245 per night.
• Malibu Beach Inn is a luxury 4-star spa hotel located 10 miles outside of downtown Malibu. Beautiful rooms with balconies overlook the Pacific Ocean, and specialty seafood can be enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant. Guests have access to a private beach or can head to El Matador State Beach located 12 miles away. From $678 per night.

Hot Tip: Parking for El Matador State Beach is charged at the beach parking lot and is extremely limited. An alternative is to park on the Pacific Coast Highway outside of the no-parking zones.  

Glass Beach, California

Glass Beach in Fort Bragg is an example of nature’s way of turning trash into treasure. In the early to mid-1900s, the beach was a dumping site for residents, and decades of ocean power has transformed the discarded glass into smooth pebbles.

The variety of colors create beautiful photographs with the ocean in the background. Although it is illegal to remove the glass from the beach, it can be fun to find the different colored pieces (before throwing them back).

Where to Stay

• Travelodge by Wyndham Fort Bragg is a 2-star hotel located in downtown Fort Bragg, within walking distance of Glass Beach. Rooms are simply furnished with a coffee machine, refrigerator, and microwave. From $72 or 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night.
• Beach House Inn is a 3-star pet-friendly hotel that is just a short walk of Glass Beach. Most rooms have a balcony with views over Pudding Creek Estuary and some with partial ocean views. From $123 per night.
• North Cliff Hotel is an award-winning 4-star hotel offering comfortable rooms with private balconies. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape, rooms have fireplaces, guest robes, and include a hot breakfast. From $225 per night.

La Jolla, California

La Jolla is a beautiful seaside town in San Diego with some fabulous beaches and rugged coastal views. Head to Children’s Pool to see harbor seals lounging around on Seal Rock, or La Jolla Cove, where sea lions can often be seen hanging out. La Jolla Cove is protected by rocks, so it is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling and further north is La Jolla Shores for a wider, family-friendly beach.

La Jolla itself is a wonderful place to spend the day or vacation, with great walking trails, shopping, restaurants, and kids entertainment.

Where to Stay

• Inn by the Sea, at La Jolla is in an excellent location, close to Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove. This 3-star hotel has a swimming pool, and all rooms have a private balcony. From $156 per night.
• Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is a boutique 4-star hotel with spa and wellness facilities. Guests have a variety of on-site dining options and can relax with a drink at the pool bar. From $272 per night.
• Pantai Inn is a 5-star boutique inn with Balinese-inspired rooms with artwork and wood-carved furnishings. The inn has superb reviews for its service and location, just a 5-minute walk from La Jolla Cove. From $402 per night.

Long Beach, Washington

The city of Long Beach sits along the 28-mile Long Beach peninsula. You can appreciate the sheer length of the beach from Bell’s View in Cape Disappointment State Park, offering fantastic views as far as the eye can see.

Every August, the sky is littered with colorful shapes as the beach hosts the International Kite Festival, with choreographed displays and kite battles. The beach is wide and remote with no restaurants or shops, but these are not too far away in downtown Long Beach.

Where to Stay

• Oceanview Inn at the Arch is right next to the famous “World’s Longest Beach” sign and just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. Rooms have coffee-making facilities and include breakfast. From $256 per night.
• Shelburne Hotel is a 3-star hotel located 500 meters from Long Beach. Guests at Shelburne Hotel may use the spa facilities at its sister hotel, Adrift Hotel, including a heated pool and barrel sauna. From $102 per night.
• Inn at Discovery Coast is a sister hotel to Shelburne Hotel, so guests may also share the use of the spa facilities at Adrift Hotel. This 4-star hotel has quirky, stylish rooms, a garden, and a terrace. From $178 per night.

Hot Tip: If your visit to Long Beach doesn’t coincide with the International Kite Festival, you can visit the World Kite Museum or give it a go by purchasing your own. 

Mission Beach, California

Mission Beach is a 2-mile long beach with the Pacific Ocean on 1 side and beautiful Mission Bay on the other. The boardwalk is a bustling promenade that runs along both the beach and bayside and is perfect for walking, cycling, or rollerblading (although it can get very busy).

Mission Beach has a vibrant atmosphere, so if you’re looking for isolation, this isn’t the beach for you. Lots of shops, restaurants, and bars line the boardwalk, and Belmont Park is a popular spot for families with arcade games, a roller coaster, and many more attractions.

Where to Stay

• The Dana on Mission Bay is set in 10 acres of tropical landscape and offers views across San Diego Bay. This 3-star hotel has 2 outdoor pools and 2 hot tubs, as well as a contemporary waterside restaurant. From $170 per night.
• Blue Sea Beach Hotel is a 4-star oceanfront hotel located at the northern end of Mission Beach. Guests can enjoy the oceanfront swimming pool, rent a bike to cycle the boardwalk, or relax in the hot tub. From $212 per night.

Rialto Beach, Washington

Rialto Beach is part of the wild Pacific coastline of Olympic National Park and is known for its sun-bleached driftwood, coastal forest, and sea stacks. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful place, whatever the weather, and visitors often hike the popular Hole-in-the-Wall Trail.

The Olympic National Park is teeming with wildlife, and visitors might spot residents such as bald eagles, sea lions, or grey whales.

Where to Stay

• Camping is a popular option in Olympic State Park. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, and additional spots are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. From $20 per night.
• Quillayute River Resort features vacation rental units sleeping up to 4 people, each with a porch and river views. This tranquil resort is 4.5 miles from Rialto Beach and is about 10 miles from the city of Forks. From $304 for a 2-night minimum stay.

Hot Tip: Visitors need to purchase a National Park Pass to visit Rialto Beach. This can be purchased at a local ranger station or online.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Rockaway Beach consists of 7 miles of flat sandy shoreline and a seaside city of antique and souvenir stores, ice cream parlors, and restaurants.

Stroll along the beach and watch the sunset behind the majestic Twin Rocks or jump on board the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad that runs daily between Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi.

Where to Stay

• Surfside Resort is a 3-star oceanfront hotel located at the northern end of Rockaway Beach. All suites feature a kitchen, seating area, and a full or partial ocean view. Guests may use the indoor swimming pool or take a stroll along the beach, situated right in front of the hotel. From $121 per night.
• Silver Sands is located just half a block from the city center, where guests can enjoy excellent dining and shopping. Rooms are simply furnished, all offering sea views, and there’s an indoor swimming pool. From $114 per night.

Thousand Steps Beach, California

Thousand Steps Beach isn’t quite as accessible as others located along Laguna Beach, but it’s well worth the journey, and don’t worry — it doesn’t take 1,000 steps to get there — more like a couple of hundred. It’s a gorgeous beach overlooked by clifftop mansions, and it doesn’t get too crowded as many avoid hauling their umbrellas and chairs up and down the stairs.

When the tide is out, enjoy exploring the tide pools and sea cave at the southern end of the beach — take a picnic as there are no cafes or restaurants on the beach.

Where to Stay

• Laguna Beach Lodge is a 3-star hotel located around 2 miles from Thousand Steps Beach. The lodge has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, and rooms include a microwave and refrigerator. From $210 per night.
• Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa is a historical gem dating back to the early 1900s and is a distinctive hotel made of stone with Moroccan-inspired decor. This 4-star hotel has a swimming pool, spa facilities, and rooms with garden or ocean views. From $306 per night.

Final Thoughts

Every beach throughout the U.S. is different. Some have heaps of parking while others have excellent transport links from nearby cities. Be sure to check what facilities (if any) are available, so you can plan what you need to bring to make your visit more enjoyable.

Check weather reports and look out for beach safety flags for swimming conditions. If you’re visiting a remote cove, check tidal reports to avoid getting stuck in a sticky situation.

Watersports such as boogie boarding or surfing can be great fun for all ages, and seaside towns and cities are excellent places to vacation.