The Top U.S. Beaches to Put on Your 2026 Travel List

Just about everyone is familiar with beaches like the sparkling sands of Coronado in San Diego and Florida‘s Daytona Beach, known for its drive-on sand. But among the nearly 100,000 miles of coastline, there are many other beach destinations in the USA to consider in 2026, from the tropics of Hawaii and California’s golden shores to east coast gems.

Whether you want to escape the crowds, perhaps go tidepooling to search for colorful marine creatures along rugged shores, or soak up the sun on a lively white sandy beach with all the essential facilities, you’ll find some great options across the country that are sure to inspire the perfect beach trip. 

Located on the Gulf Coast, Naples is renowned for its 16 miles of sugary sands, all of which are public. Half of its coastline is part of various park systems, with rentals, concessions, and activities, such as Laudermilk Park and the Naples Pier area. The pier is a popular spot for fishing and dolphin watching, while three-mile-long Vanderbilt Beach has opportunities for activities like paddleboarding, wakeboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing. 

With a rich cultural scene, in between time on the sand, you might explore works of art at the Baker Museum, wander through the vibrant flora at the Naples Botanical Garden, or enjoy concerts at the Naples Philharmonic.

A jewel on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin is an ideal alternative to popular destinations like South Beach, known for attracting big crowds. Here you’ll find a more laid-back atmosphere for basking in the sun on postcard-perfect beaches lapped by turquoise water. There are plenty of opportunities for recreational activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling, while the end of the day brings the chance to toast to a glorious sunset over the Gulf. Destin also has an emerging culinary scene that includes waterfront eateries offering outdoor dining on fresh seafood and Southern coastal cuisine.

Orange Beach offers nine miles of beach, mostly made up of quartz, which means it sparkles under the sun. With electric blue water lapping against the sandy shores it creates a stunning contrast. Visitors can enjoy swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, SUP, and dolphin watching, with guaranteed sightings through Dolphin Cruises Aboard the Cold Mil Fleet. 

For fun on land, there are scenic hiking and biking routes, golf courses, and popular attractions, like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA. The Wharf is a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub with a Ferris wheel, arcade, and amphitheater that frequently hosts well-known performers.

St. Marys is somewhat of a hidden gem, providing a great base for spending time on the beaches that are part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Draped in Spanish moss and oozing with Southern charm, it offers plenty to do in between time on the sand too, from the historic Tabby Ruins to the St. Marys Submarine Museum. It’s also within close proximity to Amelia Island, with more magnificent beaches, while the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is about a 50-minute drive west, with common sightings of alligators in the waterways of the swamp. 

Hop on the ferry to take advantage of the 17 miles of pristine white sands that are part of the Cumberland Island National Seashore. It’s undeveloped and ideal for strolling or swimming. By walking the Dungeness Loop Trail, you’ll have a good chance of spotting wild horses. If you’re up for an adventure, there are campsites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach.

The tiny town of Topsail Beach lies between Surf City and the southernmost tip of the 26-mile-long island of the same name. Sometimes referred to as “The South End,” it boasts a breathtaking stretch of coastline with unspoiled white sand and clear blue water as far as the eye can see. It’s a popular place for relaxing, shelling, and building sandcastles.

While the waves on Topsail’s Atlantic side are good for surfing, you’ll find calmer waters for swimming on the Intracoastal Waterway side. Paddleboarding and kayaking (rentals available in the local shops) are also popular here. Topsail’s unique location, with the waterway separating the island from the mainland, means you have access to bays, sounds, and saltwater rivers. The town itself has unique shops, several restaurants, and a museum for learning more about the island’s history.

Located in the greater Portland area, just south of the city, Old Orchard Beach offers seven miles of sandy beach with umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. It’s also home to New England’s only beachside amusement park, Palace Playland. Located on an oceanfront boardwalk, it includes Maine’s largest arcade, over two dozen rides like the heart-pounding Drop Zone and gentle rides for the little ones, and fireworks on Thursday nights. Whale watching and golfing at the Dunegrass Golf Club are popular, while the Old Orchard Beach pier hosts small, local shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels. 

Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Block Island is an ideal destination for beachgoers with 17 miles of soft sand, including popular Crescent Beach (also known as Fred Benson). Easily accessible near the Old Harbor, it stretches for 2.5 miles and has all the facilities you need, including boogieboard, beach chair, and umbrella rentals. The gentle surf is great for swimming, and there are restrooms and concessions on-site too. Just a quarter-mile north is Scotch Beach with wide stretches of white sand and bigger waves for bodysurfing. Horseback riding and kayaking can be enjoyed here, and any active pursuit can be fueled with delicious lobster rolls or clam chowder. 

Olympic National Park covers 1,442 square miles, larger than the state of Rhode Island. Its diverse landscapes include towering mountains, rainforest, and rugged coastline with driftwood-strewn beaches like Kalaloch. You can base yourself right here with an RV park, campground, and rooms and cabins at Kalaloch Lodge on-site. You’ll have easy access to fantastic beachcombing, with finds like sand dollars, sea glass, interesting stones, and gnarled driftwood. Walks can be enjoyed along the one-mile loop Kalaloch Trail that winds through a coastal forest, and at low tide, you can search for marine life in the tide pools. Visiting in the spring or fall, not only will there be fewer visitors, but you can watch for the gray whales that migrate by.

Located near the southern end of Washington’s coast, Long Beach is the self-proclaimed “World’s Longest Beach.” It has a 30-mile stretch of wide, soft sands and a long list of things to do. Kite flying is one of the most popular activities; in fact, the annual Washington State International Kite Festival is held here in August and attracts kite-fliers from across the globe. Year-round, visit the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame. Of course, the usual beach activities can be enjoyed too, like sandcastle building, fishing, and surfing. Clam-digging is another favorite pursuit, with many cooking up clams right on the beach on a fire pit or a portable stove. 

If that’s not enough, the downtown area has shops for renting three-wheelers to ride on the beach, a carousel, bumper cars, and carnival games. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood too.

Santa Monica is home to a legendary expanse of soft, golden sands stretching for 3.5 miles just west of downtown Los Angeles. It offers something for everyone, with areas that have lounge chairs where you can relax while enjoying waiter service for food and drink, and empty spots for tossing down your own beach towel. Swimming, paddleboarding, and surfing are all possible, and gym rats can take advantage of the exercise equipment with ropes, swings, rings, and parallel bars. Plus, the 22-mile paved path called “The Strand” runs through, providing scenic views while walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading. 

A neighborhood in San Diego, north of La Jolla and south of Del Mar, Torrey Pines is an ideal destination for beachgoers seeking a less crowded experience. Torrey Pines State Beach, adjacent to the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, offers a 4.5-mile-long span of pale golden sands at the base of sandstone cliffs for tidepooling, fishing, surfing, and swimming with lifeguards on duty during the summer. It’s also a gateway to miles of scenic hiking trails in the state reserve. Plus, if you want to combine world-class golf with beach time, Torrey Pines Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. 

Montara is only about 30 minutes south of downtown San Francisco, yet few visitors from outside the area ever seem to find it. The soft sands of Montara State Beach, framed by sandstone cliffs, span nearly a mile and are often mostly empty. Those who do come usually arrive to hit the surf, but others can relax while watching the experts ride the waves or take advantage of all the space to play. Less than a mile south, Point Montara Lighthouse provides a postcard-perfect photo op, complete with nautical rope strung over white picket fences. Built in 1881, its landscaped grounds are open for exploring while enjoying the ocean views. Just minutes north is Gray Whale Cove, a breathtaking sheltered cove accessed by a steep trail that keeps the crowds away. 

There are several eateries within minutes of Montara State Beach too. Sage Bakehouse is renowned for its seasonal savory pies—I highly recommend the traditional New Zealand Minced Beef with Cheddar, but if you’re in the mood for Mexican, get the Mole Chicken with Black Beans. For fine dining, the ocean-view Moss Beach Distillery with its famous Blue Lady ghost is only a five-minute drive away.

There are many reasons to visit Maui in 2026. Several resorts have been revitalized to enhance guest experiences, while some of the beloved businesses in Lahaina have reopened after the devastating fire in the summer of 2023. If you want to help the island’s long-term recovery while enjoying time on beautiful sands, Kaanapali is a great destination to base yourself. Just a few miles north of Lahaina, it’s a popular launching point for winter whale watching tours, and a cliff diving ceremony takes place at sunset every evening at Black Rock on the northern end. It’s quite the spectacle with a diver lighting torches along the cliff before diving into the ocean, often with a lei release. 

There’s no need to rent a car when you stay in Kaanapali either. You’ll have all the shopping and dining you need right here at the open-air Whalers Village. Plus, it hosts a variety of Hawaiian entertainment and a whaling museum. 

For a beach escape that mixes lush flora, cascading waterfalls, and a wealth of outdoor adventure, consider Poipu, the main resort area on Kauai, with resorts, shops, and restaurants right along the coast. It’s also home to one of the most popular beaches on the island. Poipu Beach has something for everyone, including families with children, as it includes a protected cove with a natural pool that’s ideal for safe splashing or swimming. Couples and families with older kids can snorkel the vibrant coral reef inhabited by all sorts of colorful fish, moray eels, sea turtles, and other marine life. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, and you’ll also find a park with a playground, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms.