Best Beaches in the USA: Coastal Gems for Every Type of Traveler

Soft white sand between your toes, warm sunshine on your skin, and the rhythmic crash of waves in your ears. Beaches in the USA offer some of the most idyllic and soul-soothing getaways on the planet.

From the sun-drenched shores of Florida and Hawaii to the rugged coastlines of California and the Northeast, America’s beaches are as diverse as they are stunning. Ready to find your perfect stretch of sand? Listed below are the 10 best beaches to visit in the USA.

1. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida

Regularly topping lists of the best beaches in the USA, Siesta Beach is celebrated for its powdery white quartz sand. The pure, soft sand stays cool even on scorching days, making it a pleasure to walk barefoot.

• Address: Siesta Key, Florida, just a short drive from Sarasota.

• Timings: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

• How to Reach: From Mumbai or Delhi, fly to Tampa International Airport, then drive 90 minutes south to Siesta Key. Indian travelers can also fly to Miami and drive about 3.5 hours west. Rental cars are widely available, or you can book shuttle services in advance.

• Things to Do: Swimming in crystal-clear waters, dolphin watching boat tours (Rs. 3,000-5,000 per person), collecting unique shells, beach volleyball on free public courts, parasailing, and jet skiing. The beach has excellent facilities, including clean restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November offer pleasant temperatures (24-29°C) and fewer crowds. Indian visitors should avoid hurricane season (June-November) if possible.

• Places to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, Siesta Key Palms Hotel

• Places to Eat: The Old Salty Dog, Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Suggested Read: USA Visa for Indians

2. South Beach, Miami, Florida

Miami’s most iconic stretch of sand, South Beach, pulses with energy. Backed by pastel-hued Art Deco buildings and swaying palm trees, this is the spot to see and be seen.

• Address: Miami Beach, Florida, just minutes from downtown Miami.

• Timings: The beach is open 24/7, but swimming is only permitted from dawn to dusk.

• How to Reach: Direct flights connect major Indian cities to Miami International Airport. From the airport, take a taxi (approximately Rs. 2,500) or the Airport Flyer bus (Rs. 250) to South Beach, about 25 minutes away.

• Things to Do: Sunbathing on the wide sandy beach, swimming in warm Atlantic waters, people-watching along Ocean Drive, exploring Art Deco buildings, shopping at Lincoln Road Mall, and experiencing Miami’s legendary nightlife.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April offers comfortable temperatures (21-27°C) and lower humidity, ideal for Indian travelers used to warmer weather.

• Places to Stay: The Setai, The Betsy Hotel

• Places to Eat: Joe’s Stone Crab, Puerto Sagua

Suggested Read: USA Visa Appeal for Indians

3. El Matador Beach, Malibu, California

A hidden gem along the Pacific Coast Highway, El Matador Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in the USA. With its dramatic rock formations, secluded coves, and rugged cliffs, this beach is best for a day of relaxation and exploration.

• Address: Malibu, California, about 10 miles northwest of Santa Monica.

• Timings: Open from 8 AM to sunset.

• How to Reach: Indian travelers typically fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), then rent a car for the 45-minute drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. No public transportation directly serves this beach.

• Things to Do: Photography of rock formations and sunsets, exploring sea caves during low tide, picnicking on the beach, watching for dolphins and whales (December-April), and tide pooling.

• Best Time to Visit: September and October offer warm weather (21-26°C) with fewer crowds. Mornings often have less fog than other times of day.

• Places to Stay: No hotels directly at the beach. Nearby options include: Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Malibu Beach Inn

• Places to Eat: Geoffrey’s Malibu, Neptune’s Net

Suggested Read: USA Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

4. Orange Beach, Alabama

Hugging Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Orange Beach offers 32 miles of pearly-white sand. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, and spotting dolphins.

• Address: Orange Beach, Alabama, about 30 miles east of Mobile.

• Timings: Open 24/7

• How to Reach: Fly to Pensacola International Airport (Florida), then drive approximately 30 minutes west. Alternatively, fly to Mobile Regional Airport and drive about one hour south.

• Things to Do: Fishing charters (the Gulf of Mexico is famous for red snapper), dolphin cruises (Rs. 2,000-3,000 per person), parasailing, paddleboarding, visiting Gulf State Park, and family amusements at The Wharf.

• Best Time to Visit: May and September-October for pleasant temperatures (24-32°C) and fewer crowds. Water remains warm enough for swimming during these months.

• Places to Stay: Turquoise Place, Hampton Inn Orange Beach

• Places to Eat:The Gulf, Cosmo’s Restaurant & Bar

Suggested Read: USA Visa Extension for Indians

5. Ka’anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii

Located on the western shore of Maui, Ka’anapali Beach is a picture-perfect stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Swaying palms and crystal-clear water create an idyllic scene.

• Address: Lahaina, West Maui, Hawaii.

• Timings: Open 24/7

• How to Reach: Fly from India to Honolulu, then take a connecting flight to Kahului Airport on Maui. From there, drive or take a shuttle approximately 45 minutes to Ka’anapali.

• Things to Do: Snorkeling at Black Rock with tropical fish and sea turtles, watching the daily cliff diving ceremony, whale watching (December-April), catamaran sunset cruises, shopping at Whalers Village, and attending traditional luaus.

• Best Time to Visit: April-May and September-November for ideal weather and fewer crowds. Temperatures remain consistent year-round (24-30°C).

• Places to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Royal Lahaina Resort

• Places to Eat: Monkeypod Kitchen, Duke’s Beach House

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6. Clearwater Beach, Florida

Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the USA, Clearwater Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its soft, white sand, calm waters, and lively atmosphere. This Gulf Coast beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.

• Address: Clearwater, Florida, about 30 miles west of Tampa.

• Timings: Open 24/7, with lifeguards on duty year-round

• How to Reach: Fly to Tampa International Airport, then drive approximately 30 minutes west to Clearwater Beach. Shuttle services and taxis are readily available.

• Things to Do: Swimming in calm waters, dolphin watching tours (Rs. 2,500-4,000), sunset celebrations at Pier 60 with street performers and crafts markets, boat tours, visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and water sports.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November for pleasant temperatures (22-30°C) and smaller crowds.

• Places to Stay: Sandpearl Resort, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

• Places to Eat: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Columbia Restaurant

7. Coronado Central Beach, San Diego, California

With its glittering sand and historic hotel, Coronado Central Beach is a San Diego icon. The mile-and-a-half-long strand is perfect for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and admiring the grand Hotel del Coronado.

• Address: Coronado, California, just across the San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego.

• Timings: Open 24/7, with lifeguards on duty from 9 AM to dusk

• How to Reach: Fly to San Diego International Airport, then take a 15-minute taxi ride (Rs. 1,800-2,500) or use public transportation. The ferry from downtown San Diego (Rs. 500) offers a scenic approach.

• Things to Do: Swimming in gentle waves, tidepooling at low tide, beach volleyball, surfing lessons, biking along Ocean Boulevard, and touring the historic Hotel del Coronado.

• Best Time to Visit: June through September for the warmest water temperatures (18-22°C). San Diego’s climate is mild year-round.

• Places to Stay:Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island Marriott Resort

• Places to Eat: Serẽa, Miguel’s Cocina

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8. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A bustling coastal city along the Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach is a popular vacation destination known for its wide, sandy beaches, lively boardwalk, and abundance of family-friendly attractions. This vibrant beach town offers something for everyone.

• Address: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, about 100 miles north of Charleston.

• Timings: Open 24/7, with lifeguards on duty from 9 AM-5 PM in season

• How to Reach: Myrtle Beach International Airport serves the area with connections from major U.S. cities. Indian travelers typically connect through Atlanta, Charlotte, or New York.

• Things to Do: Swimming, fishing from piers, boardwalk attractions, amusement parks, golf (over 100 courses in the area), shopping at Broadway at the Beach, and live entertainment shows.

• Best Time to Visit: June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. Water temperatures range from 23-28°C during these months.

• Places to Stay:Marriott’s OceanWatch at Grande Dunes, Holiday Inn at the Pavilion

• Places to Eat: Sea Captain’s House, Hook & Barrel

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9. East Hampton Main Beach, New York

Located on the eastern end of Long Island, East Hampton Main Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand known for its pristine beauty and upscale atmosphere. This famous beach in the USA is a popular summer destination for New Yorkers and celebrities alike.

• Address: East Hampton, New York, about 100 miles east of New York City.

• Timings: Memorial Day to September 30 from 9 AM-5 PM; 24/7 off-season

• How to Reach: From New York City, drive approximately 2-3 hours east or take the Long Island Rail Road to East Hampton station, then taxi to the beach. Indian travelers typically fly into JFK or LaGuardia airports.

• Things to Do: Swimming with lifeguard protection (summer only), sunbathing on clean sands, walking along the shore, picnicking, and people-watching.

• Best Time to Visit: Late June through August for the beach season. Water temperatures peak in August (21-23°C).

• Places to Stay:The 1770 House, East Hampton House Resort

• Places to Eat: Nick & Toni’s, Bostwick’s Chowder House

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10. Cape May Beach, New Jersey

Located at the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Beach is a charming seaside destination known for its Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and pristine beaches. This historic beach town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and nostalgia.

• Address: Cape May, New Jersey, about 90 miles south of Philadelphia.

• Timings: Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10 AM-5 PM; 24/7 off-season

• How to Reach: Fly to Philadelphia International Airport, then drive approximately 1.5 hours south or take the NJ Transit bus. Alternatively, fly to Atlantic City and drive 45 minutes south.

• Things to Do: Swimming, whale watching tours (Rs. 3,000-4,000), bird watching (Cape May is a world-famous migration spot), touring Victorian homes, visiting Cape May Lighthouse, and shopping in the Washington Street Mall.

• Best Time to Visit: June through September for beach activities. September offers warm water without summer crowds.

• Places to Stay:Congress Hall, The Virginia Hotel

• Places to Eat: The Lobster House, Mad Batter Restaurant

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FAQs

Which beaches are free in the USA?

Here are some free beaches in the USA:

• Siesta Beach – Free to access, but parking fees may apply.

• Coronado Central Beach – Public access, with potential parking charges.

• El Matador Beach – Free entry; parking fees may apply.

• East Hampton Main Beach – Free access, but a parking permit is required for non-residents during peak season.

Can you swim in the USA beaches?

Yes, swimming is allowed at most beaches in the USA. Always check for warnings about water conditions or hazards. Popular beaches like Clearwater Beach and South Beach have lifeguards for added safety.

Which beach is famous in the USA?

Some of the most famous beaches in the USA include Waikiki Beach, South Beach, Venice Beach, and Myrtle Beach, known for their unique culture, attractions, and beauty.

Is the USA good for a beach holiday?

Yes, the USA is great for a beach holiday, offering diverse beaches for every preference, from lively spots to secluded getaways and family-friendly destinations.

What are the best beaches in the USA for couples?

Top beaches for couples in the USA include the hidden coves of El Matador Beach in Malibu, the lively South Beach in Miami, and the stunning sunsets at Ka’anapali Beach in Maui. For a classic experience, stay at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego.

What are the famous beaches in the USA to visit with your family?

Some of the best beaches to visit in the USA for families include Siesta Beach in Florida, Coronado Central Beach in California, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, offering calm waters, fun activities, and convenient amenities.

Which are the best beach resorts in the USA?

Top beach resorts in the USA include the Four Seasons Resort Maui, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Montage Laguna Beach, The Cloister at Sea Island, and Acqualina Resort in Florida, offering luxury rooms, spas, dining, and exceptional service.

What is the best time to visit the USA?

The best time to visit beaches in the USA depends on the location: Florida and Hawaii are warm year-round, with the dry season from November to April; California’s ideal beach season is from May to October; and the Northeast and Pacific Northwest are best from July to September when the water is warmest.