North America's Top 50+ Beaches
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Mitchell Cove Beach // USA
David Merrett The Santa Cruz beach of Mitchell's Cove is marked by a pinnacle of sandstone that stands right at the centre of its sands. South facing, much of the depth of the beach is lost during high tide, although there is the possibility of catching sight of migrating grey whales.
Free parking is available at the top of the steps that… read more »
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Ogunquit Beach // USA
Mark Bonica Stretching for over three miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Ogunquit are known for its white sand and crashing waves. The Main beach is easily accessible from the center of town via Beach Street and extends northwards for around a mile before seamlessly blending into Footbridge Beach. In general, the further north you head, the quieter it… read more »
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Ferry Beach // USA
Gary Lerude Ferry Beach runs for several hundred glories yards on southern Maine's Saco Bay before its soft pale sands blend with those of Bayview Beach. Although relatively narrow, Ferry Beach is still a popular place to soak up the sun or take a dip in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. The adjoining state park features picnic benches, walking trails and… read more »
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Short Sands // USA
Fred Hsu Short Sands Beach stretches for around 300 yards within the oceanfront community of York, southern Maine. Despite its name, Short Sands Beach still manages to form a suitable fine ribbon of sand within Ellis Park. On the highest tides, Short Sands can all but disappear temporarily.
Together with the park, Short Sands Beach provides amenities which include public restrooms, basketball courts,… read more »
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Wells Beach // USA
Bud Wells Beach stretches for almost a mile just south of the town of Kennebunkport. It was named Wells Beach after the small resort town nearby, which has been referred to as both the antiques capital and the friendliest town in Maine. It's believed to be the third-oldest town in the state, having been founded as long ago as 1643.
The beach… read more »
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Blooming Point Beach // Canada
Larry Located on the north coast of Prince Edward Island, Blooming Point Beach is a stunning white sandy beach edged with rolling dunes. It extends along a natural sand spit that partially blocks the entrance to Tracadie Bay.
The beach is fairly hard to find and consequently is beautifully quiet and peaceful. Access is from Route 218 (little more than a dirt… read more »
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MacKenzie Beach // Canada
Ruth Hartnup Close to Tofino on Vancouver Island, MacKenzi Beach (also spelt Mackenzie or MacKenzie Beach) has surprisingly calm sheltered waters making it popular with families.MacKenzi Beach's main claim to fame is that the remake of the movie The Fog was filmed there.
Protected from high winds and wave action by rock formations and the offshore island, Mackenzi Beach is a good choice… read more »
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Rathtrevor Beach // Canada
Marcin Chady Rathtrevor Beach is located off Highway 19, three kilometres south of Parksville within Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. It has a massive 5 km wide expanse of flat white sands that are popular for walking in all seasons.
The beach was named after a pioneering gold prospector, William Rath who settled here in 1886 with his wife Elizabeth and 5 children.… read more »
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Goochs Beach // USA
Wesley Fryer One of the best beaches in the US according to US News, Gooch's Beach lies between the rocky promontory known as Oaks Neck and the mouth of the Kennebunk River in southern Maine. Curving gently around its Atlantic frontage, the beach's waters are partially protected by breakwaters at either end, while its rich sand is backed by beachside properties.
While only… read more »
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Playa Delfines // Mexico
jc_castaneda Playa Delfines is a quiet sandy beach towards the south end of Cancun's Hotel Zone and about 10 miles from downtown Cancun. The word "Delfines" means "dolphins" and these playful creatures can often be seen leaping and swimming in pods just offshore.
The beach is on the famous white sandy spit that separates the calm Nichupte Lagoon on one side from… read more »
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South Beach // USA
William Waterway Beautiful South Beach (also known as Katama Beach) is a free public beach in the Katama area of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. Washed by the Atlantic waves, the 3-mile beach is on a barrier island with rolling surf on one side and calm pond waters on the other. The surf is good for body surfing but youngsters are safer swimming… read more »
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Carmel Beach // USA
© Blake Carroll Located in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, in central California's Monterey County, Carmel Beach is formed of a stunning arc of pale sand that runs for close to a mile in length. Edged by vegetation to one side and clear Pacific waters to the other, it looks almost tropical in appearance.
Despite slightly chilly water temperatures, which top out at around 61°F/16°C,… read more »
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San Clemente State Beach // USA
Bennilover Found at the southern end of the city of San Clemente in California, San Clemente State Beach is a favourite with water sports enthusiasts. Set below attractive cliffs, its light-coloured sands continue for some over a mile in length, although much of its breadth can be lost with the high tide.
Family-friendly and accessible to those with reduced mobility it is… read more »
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Salt Creek Beach // USA
bfick Orange County's Salt Creek Beach is named after the stream which runs across the northern part of the beach during wetter times of year. Backed by scrub, the beach consists of a wide ribbon of sand paired with the lawns of Bluff Park, which is almost three hectares in size. It has a good number of picnic tables for anyone… read more »
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Marshall's Beach // USA
© Frank Schulenburg Located in San Francisco's Presidio park, which encloses an area of historic military installations at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach is the closest beach to this icon of California and the United States.
Offering exemplary views of the bridge, as well as of sunsets over Helmet Rock and the Pacific Ocean, its rich golden-brown sands are… read more »
