I don’t know about you, but this warmer weather has me thinking a lot about fruity umbrella drinks and toes in the sand! While the Caribbean is often the first place you think of when it comes to great beaches, there are plenty of perfect seaside spots for your toes right here in the United States. Check out this list of some of the best beaches in the US. Have you been to any of them?
- La Jolla Beaches, California. This stretch of beach is known as “The Jewel of San Diego” for a reason. It truly is a gem! The mile-long stretch where the Pacific Ocean kisses the white sand has something for everyone including cliffs, nature walks, sea life, and even a children’s pool for the littlest ocean lovers. There is one thing necessary to note: the beach doesn’t have adequate parking in the summertime. If you plan on visiting La Jolla, you should arrive early to stake out your parking spot.
- Clearwater Beach, Florida. Clearwater Beach is known for…you guessed it! Clear water! This great family vacation spot offers all of the “beachy” things you’re looking for, like white sand, crystal blue water, and gorgeous marine life. In addition, it’s a little more family-friendly than “traditional” Spring Break destinations like Daytona or Myrtle Beach. Clearwater Beach additionally offers great shopping, resorts, restaurants, and recreation. TripAdvisor named it Best Beach in the US in 2016.
- When you talk beaches, you can’t skip Hawaii, right? The black sand beaches of Hawaii are popular tourist destinations simply because the sand is black. Combine this with the turquoise blue water and you’ve got one astounding example of natural beauty. There are a couple of black sand beaches on the island of Hawaii, but Punaluu Black Sand Beach is a favorite. This beach is also known to be a place where you could catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or two. It’s rare but possible!
- If you don’t like black sand, you can always check out the red sand at the Kaihalulu Beach on the island of Maui. But be warned – this isn’t a place to take the kiddos. It’s only accessible by a particularly dangerous trail…and it’s also a popular destination of nudists!
- Hawaii is also home to a beach with green sand! Papakolea is a remote beach in Hawaii that can’t be reached easily. It’s located two and a half miles down a dusty and dug up dirt road. The road is so bad that most people prefer to hike to the beach because it’s easier. The currents are also very strong and there are steep ledges, so this is one of the beaches in Hawaii that only the most adventurous ever make it to.
- While they don’t exactly have the popularity of beaches in Hawaii, Virginia Beaches are a great family destination, too. Chesapeake Bay Beach in particular is a pet-friendly as well as family-friendly spot to spend some time. There is plenty of shopping, nightlife and other recreation to enjoy, including the Cape Henry Lighthouse. You’ll never be bored in Virginia Beach, even if you visit in the winter!
Whether you’re actually going to take a beach vacation or just want to sit around and dream about the beach, this list is a great jumping-off point. I hope you all have a warm and wonderful summer!
What is your favorite beach?
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.
