What Is Beach Maxxing? Plus the Best U.S. Beaches for It

What started as an internet wellness trend has expanded to all facets of life, including travel. So, what is maxxing? According to social media, it’s the movement where people try to optimize something in their life to the absolute maximum. 

Here, the goal is to enjoy beach vacations to the max. You show up early, put your phone away, take a scenic oceanfront stroll, swim if the water’s calm, and then stay for hours with no plan for the day beyond basking in the sunshine.

Beach-maxxing is all about resisting the urge to fill your time, avoiding the stressors (and notifications) of everyday life, and instead appreciating the moment and ocean views. So why should you try the beach maxxing trend, and where are the best beaches to enjoy the trend? Read on to find out. 

First, there have been many studies showing that spending time near the ocean is linked to better moods and lower stress. So beach maxxing is not only about maximizing your relaxation, but it’s also good for your mental health.

It’s also a great way to avoid busier beaches where you can’t unwind. Crowded shorelines and party crowds don’t really complement this trend, so you’re forced to find a stretch of sand that’s quiet enough to hear the surf rolling in. The U.S. has plenty of beach destinations that fit the bill, from “coolcation” beaches in the Northwest to the warm bathwater beaches in the Gulf. 

Accessible by ferry or private boat from Honeymoon State Park, Caladesi Island is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets and a great alternative to nearby Clearwater Beach. Located on the stunning Gulf Coast, this remote coastline is a quiet paradise for kayaking, collecting colorful seashells, and strolling along the pristine coast. Services are limited, so pack water and food for the day. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel far from everything without leaving Florida.

Cannon Beach is a charming coastal city in Oregon, beloved by nature lovers. Enjoy the pleasant, cooler weather at this beach with a morning stroll along the sandy shoreline. After, explore the small boutique shops and quaint cafes that line the downtown area, or if you’re the active type, enjoy kayaking, surfing, and wildlife watching, with puffins often spotted at Haystack Rock between April and August.

Assateague Island is a protected barrier island, famous for its picturesque setting where you can watch wild ponies frolicking along the shoreline. There are ocean beaches where you can enjoy swimming and fishing in warmer months, while the bayside area is popular for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing excursions. It’s also possible to spot Sitka deer and more than 200 species of birds, including snowy owls and eagles. Camping on the island is also possible, as Assateague has plenty of overnight options. You can pitch a tent or camp out in a trailer, where you’ll be just steps from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Located on the Panhandle’s 30A corridor, Grayton Beach is an eccentric Northwest Florida destination beloved by artists. It’s home to Grayton Beach State Park, a tranquil spot where you’ll find 2,000 acres of incredible white sand beaches and crystal clear water. It’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and simply soaking in the warm Gulf breezes. Go at sunrise, walk to the lake’s edge, and swim once the water warms up.

Located about four miles southwest of Princeville, Hanalei Bay is a two-mile crescent-shaped bay that is the perfect spot for beach maxxing. It offers a great setting for kicking back on the soft sands and enjoying the beautiful backdrop of the lush mountains, while in summer, the water is generally flat for easy access to swimming. For more amenities, head a few blocks south on Kuhio Highway to find popular restaurants, shops, and water sports rentals such as kayaks and catamarans. 

The longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, according to the U.S National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore offers both a quiet stretch of shoreline to stretch out and an array of outdoor activities to choose from. Boasting over 70 miles of pristine Texas coastline, visitors can find a remote stretch of sand to completely unplug. It offers the perfect setting for beach maxxing and a day of soaking in the sunshine.

Ogunquit means “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language, and that about sums it up. Running about three miles along the southern Maine coast, the sandy beaches and craggy coastline are backed by dunes and the Ogunquit River, which features a shallow pool for swimming. Follow the paved footpath along the Marginal Way to nearby Perkins Cove for a scenic stroll in the morning.

Located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach features a long stretch of sand overlooking the Atlantic. It’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy the sunshine, while surfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding are alternative options. Fishing off the pier is a popular activity, and a collection of beachfront bars and casual eateries line the sand. You can rent a fat wheel bike and cruise the area on two wheels, while the west side of the beach turns into Folly Beach County Park. This is a great place for a quiet beach stroll, with views across the Stono Inlet to Kiawah Island.