Best Beaches in the USA
America’s finest sands. From Florida’s powder-white Gulf Coast to California’s surf and Hawaii’s shores, the USA’s best beaches are a vacation in themselves — and a specialist matches the coast to you.
The United States has some of the world’s great beaches, and each coast has its own character: the powder-white, calm-water Gulf beaches of Florida (Clearwater, Siesta Key, Destin), the surf and cliffs of California (Malibu, La Jolla, Santa Monica), the volcanic shores of Hawaii, and the wide barrier-island strands of the Carolinas and the Gulf. Choosing the right beach town — for calm water, surf, nightlife, family or seclusion — and the right resort makes the trip. A travel specialist matches the beach, resort and season to your style and bundles the stay.
Set on Florida’s Gulf side? RoomsCheap.com compares Clearwater beachfront hotels and Destin and Emerald Coast stays, so you can price the sand before you settle on a town.
Why Plan a Beach Trip with a Specialist?
The right coast
Gulf, Atlantic or Pacific.
Family or surf
Calm water or big waves.
Resort value
Bundled beachfront stays.
Best season
Timed to sun & sea.
America’s Best Beach Regions
Florida Gulf Coast
Powder-white sand & calm water.
California coast
Surf, cliffs & iconic piers.
Hawaii
Volcanic shores & reefs.
Carolinas & Gulf
Wide barrier-island beaches.
Popular US Beach Vacation Ideas
- Clearwater, Siesta Key & Florida’s Gulf Coast
- Destin & the Emerald Coast
- California’s beach towns & PCH
- Hawaii’s island beaches
- Outer Banks & the Carolina coast
Ready to plan your beach vacation?
Tell us your ideal beach — calm or surf, lively or secluded — and your dates, and we’ll match the resort. Get your best-value travel quote free from a true travel specialist.
Get your best-value beach quote free!Why Smart Traveler?
Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!
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US Beach Vacations — Frequently Asked Questions
Which US beaches have the whitest sand?
Florida’s Gulf Coast — Clearwater, Siesta Key and the Emerald Coast around Destin — is famous for powder-white, quartz sand and calm water.
Which US beaches are best for families?
Florida’s Gulf beaches and the Carolinas offer calm water and gentle slopes ideal for families; a specialist matches the town to your needs.
When is the best time for a US beach vacation?
It varies by coast — Florida shines in winter and spring, California and the Carolinas in summer; a specialist advises and protects your dates.
How do I get a quote?
Request your best-value travel quote free from a true travel specialist, with no obligation, and compare beaches, resorts and dates.