North America's Top 50+ Beaches

  • Quarry Beach // USA

    Quarry Beach
    Marcin Wichary

    Quarry Beach is one of two main beaches on Angel Island, which sits in San Francisco Bay, not far from Alcatraz Island. Found on the island's east coast its fine sands lie approximately two miles from the island's ferry terminal, beyond the historic Immigration Station and visitor centre which you'll likely be visiting in any case if heading to Angel… read more »

  • Kehena Black Sand Beach // USA

    Kehena Black Sand Beach
    Tal Atlas

    A thin sliver of black sand on the eastern coast of Big Island in Puna, Kehena Black Sand Beach is best accessed by following the path leading from the left of the car park. Because of its isolation, it is often used by nude sunbathers, although this is illegal on Hawaii and those who strip off may face a fine… read more »

  • Longnook Beach // USA

    Longnook Beach
    Ollie Jones

    One of Cape Cod's top nudist beaches, Longnook Beach is located in the Massachusetts town of Truro. Although situated in one of the most popular oceanside resorts on the American east coast, it remains relatively quiet because it can only be accessed via a steep path down a high sand dune.

    Formed of a narrow band of light-coloured sand, the… read more »

  • Red Sand Beach // USA

    Red Sand Beach
    Laila Goubran

    As the name suggests Red Sand beach is adorned with sand that is more than just a little red in hue. In fact the little cove is something of a festival of colors; the red sand, deep blue of the ocean, black of the rocks and green of the ironwood trees.

    The redness of the beach is provided by the iron… read more »

  • Slaughterhouse Beach // USA

    Slaughterhouse Beach
    dronepicr

    The charmingly named Slaughterhouse beach is located on the northwestern tip of Maui between DT Fleming Beach and Honolua Bay. Despite that rather unappealing name this is in fact one of the prettiest little beaches on the island.

    The name "Slaughterhouse beach" comes from the fact that there used to be a slaughterhouse above the beach. The Honolua Ranch slaughterhouse along with a tanning/storage… read more »

  • Malibu Lagoon State Beach // USA

    Malibu Lagoon State Beach
    Sergei Gussev

    Running for several hundred metres in total, Malibu Lagoon State Beach is looked after by California State Parks. It lies at the heart of Malibu, at the mouth of a lagoon as it connects with the Pacific Ocean. Its sands are ringed by the attractive Santa Monica Mountains.

    The stretch of sand that runs from the lagoon to the historic pier… read more »

  • Lone Ranch Beach // USA

    Lone Ranch Beach
    Joe Mabel

    Lone Ranch Beach lies roughly ten kilometres north of Brookings in southern Oregon, and is part of the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor. A fantastic area of coastline for nature lovers and those seeking a little tranquillity, the sea stacks here are a favourite with photographers too.

    When it comes to food, its best to bring a picnic, and then… read more »

  • Ocean Beach // USA

    Ocean Beach
    K Danko

    Stretching for over three miles between Cliff House and Fort Funston is Ocean Beach. The beach runs along much of San Francisco's westerly suburb, the aptly named Sunset. Despite this Ocean Beach still feels pretty wild, particularly towards the southern end where it is backed by dunes.

    Like the rest of San Francisco's beaches the weather can be somewhat hit… read more »

  • Calf Pasture Beach // USA

    Calf Pasture Beach
    Jllm06

    Calf Pasture Beach is located roughly midway between New Haven and the New York state line. Facing south into Long Island Sound, the beach is officially open from May until October of each year. During these months lifeguards are on duty, while visitors can use facilities including public bathrooms.

    Some of the earliest records for Calf Pasture Beach are from the… read more »

  • Rocky Neck State Park East Beach // USA

    Rocky Neck State Park East Beach
    Idawriter

    The bathing beach at Rocky Neck State Park sits within sight of Old Lyme. A broad sweep of pale-coloured sand curving around its bay, it has a protected water's edge extending for several hundred yards thanks to its position at the mouth of the Four Mile River.

    Gently sloping towards the water, and backed by a curtain of parkland, Rocky Neck… read more »

  • Lighthouse Point // USA

    Lighthouse Point
    © Stu99

    The beach at Lighthouse Point forms a dog-leg around the southern and western end of Lighthouse Point Park, in the East Shore district just south of downtown New Haven. This city beach is therefore an ideal spot from which to admire the natural beauty of Long Island Sound, in addition to Five Mile Point Light, a lighthouse dating from 1847.

    Lighthouse… read more »

  • Andrew Molera State Park // USA

    Andrew Molera State Park
    Brian Cantoni

    This is the largest state park along the Big Sur coast and since it boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, it's the perfect destination for avid trekkers.

    Here, you'll find open meadows, high ridges, groves of sycamore and redwood trees, a river, many trails, and one of the best beaches to explore in the area. 

    The beach itself isn't the most… read more »

  • Big River Beach // USA

    Big River Beach
    ~jar{}

    Big River beach sits just to the south of the town of Mendocino, within the Mendocino Headlands State Park. The beach here is a wide expanse of pale-golden sand running along the northern bank of Big River as it flows into the Pacific.

    Access to the beach is pretty easy from Highway One, with a bridge crossing the river right above… read more »

  • D Street Beach // USA

    D Street Beach
    Tim Buss

    Located below the cliffs at the end of D Street in Encinitas, just south of Moonlight Beach is D street Beach. A popular spot when the sun is out although it rarely gets as busy as its northern neighbor.

    The beach at D Street is accessed by a set of wooden stairs which wind down the bluff. Many people are… read more »

  • El Matador State Beach // USA

    El Matador State Beach
    Graham

    This public beach in Western Malibu is one of the smallest but most charming of the region's long list of shoreline attractions. El Matador State Beach sits at the base of dramatic cliffs and formed of golden sand washed by aquamarine waters.

    It is accessed along a steep path and wooden staircase, via a small parking lot suitable for around 20… read more »