Best USA Beaches

By | Last Updated:
Contents
  1. South Cape Beach
  2. Longnook Beach
  3. Veterans Park Beach
  4. South Beach
  5. Menemsha Beach
  6. Long Beach, Nahant
  7. Revere Beach
  8. Half Moon Beach
  9. Niles Beach
  10. Carson Beach
  11. Cliff Beach
  12. Jetties Beach
  13. Surfside Beach
  14. Nantasket Beach
  15. Miners Beach
  16. USA beach map

The Best U.S. Beaches...

  • 256. South Cape Beach // Cape Cod

    South Cape Beach
    Pintsmasher
    Great for:
    • Fishing
    • Swimming

    Stretching for about a mile, the near-white sands of South Cape Beach are a wonderfully wild yet accessible part of the Cape Cod coast. Beyond the dunes the beach backs onto an area of wetlands and the estuary of Waquoit Bay. Out front are the sheltered waters of Vineyard Sound, a far cry from the Atlantic waves to be found along the Cape Cod National Seashore.

    Along with swimming and sunbathing… read more »

  • 257. Longnook Beach // Cape Cod

    Longnook Beach
    Ollie Jones
    Great for:
    • Surfing

    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 waves are usually mild, making it a good spot for… read more »

  • 258. Veterans Park Beach // Cape Cod

    Veterans Park Beach
    William DeSousa-Mauk

    One of Cape Cod's prettiest beaches near Hyannis, Veterans Park Beach has excellent facilities and delightful views across Lewis Bay.

    Ideal for families, there's a playground, BBQ grills, disabled facilities, benches, bike racks, showers, lifeguards, restrooms…in fact everything you need for a full day's activities. There is also plenty of parking in the area for a fee.

    The beach is moderately busy but rarely overcrowded. There's a volleyball court and the all-important… read more »

  • 259. South Beach // Martha's Vineyard

    South Beach
    William Waterway
    Great for:
    • Fishing
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    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 in the pond.

    The wide expanse of unspoilt sand has lifeguards… read more »

  • 260. Menemsha Beach // Martha's Vineyard

    Menemsha Beach
    N. Friedler
    Great for:
    • Fishing

    Located on the exclusive island of Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha Beach is northeast of Menemsha Pond between Aquinnah and Chilmark. It is home to the local US Coastguard Station and featured in the filming of Spielberg's epic movie, Jaws.

    This public beach is one of the white sandy beaches that the island is known for. It overlooks the channel of ocean known as Vineyard Sound with views to Gay Head Lighthouse and… read more »

  • 261. Long Beach, Nahant // Massachusetts

    Long Beach, Nahant
    Kcboling
    Great for:
    • Family

    Long Beach in Nahant is a good-sized stretch of sand offering a quiet coastal escape just to the north of Boston. This mile-long barrier beach, also known as just Nahant Beach, is part of Nahant Beach Reservation and is popular for walking, swimming, and sunbathing. Its proximity to the city makes it an accessible getaway while still feeling fairly remote and unspoiled.

    The beach features soft, light-coloured sand and gentle… read more »

  • 262. Revere Beach // Massachusetts

    Revere Beach
    Magicpiano
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Swimming

    Just north of Boston, Revere Beach is the oldest public beach in the United States. Established in 1896, this historic shoreline stretches for nearly three miles along Broad Sound, offering a wide sandy beach, a lively promenade, and a rich heritage. The beach's easy accessibility by public transport makes it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to escape the city.

    The beach itself is comprised of a… read more »

  • 263. Half Moon Beach // Massachusetts

    Half Moon Beach
    At-Hand Guides

    This small, crescent-shaped cove is located within Gloucester’s historic Stage Fort Park. Tucked away between rocky outcrops and shaded by trees, this sheltered beach offers a quiet and scenic escape with calm waters and soft golden sand. Its natural curve creates an enclosed setting, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

    Half Moon Beach is a great choice for families with young children. The water is calm… read more »

  • 264. Niles Beach // Massachusetts

    Niles Beach
    Kristina Smith
    Great for:
    • Family

    Niles Beach is a small but charming spot located on the shores of Gloucester Harbor. This quiet, sandy beach is primarily used by local residents, offering a peaceful escape with calm waters and scenic views over the harbor and nearby Ten Pound Island. Unlike some of the busier beaches in the area, Niles Beach provides a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet day by the… read more »

  • 265. Carson Beach // Massachusetts

    Carson Beach
    Nhatchimai8

    South Boston's Carson Beach is one of the city’s most popular waterfront spots, with its wide sandy shoreline and views of Boston Harbor. Combined with its easy access from downtown and well-maintained facilities, it provides a convenient escape to the coast.

    The beach is ideal for swimming, thanks to ongoing water quality improvements, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The long, paved boardwalk stretches from Castle Island… read more »

  • 266. Cliff Beach // Nantucket

    Cliff Beach
    Tim Sackton

    Located on the north-facing coast of Nantucket Island overlooking Nantucket Sound, Cliff Beach is north of Town Pasture and close to Nantucket Cliffs which stand about 11 metres high.

    The white sandy beach is edged by dunes with tracks providing access to the sand. The easiest public access is from Nantucket Beach Club and then walk west.

    You can still see the remaining two conical white towers known as the Nantucket Cliff… read more »

  • 267. Jetties Beach // Nantucket

    Jetties Beach
    Jeff Dell
    Great for:
    • Swimming
    • Kitesurfing

    Jetties Beach is a large sandy on the north shore of Nantucket, facing the Cape Cod coastline and protected by Nantucket Sound. It is on the outskirts of the town and takes its name from the large jetty that protrudes from the point of land at the entrance to Nantucket Harbor.

    There is ample parking near the beach including disabled parking spots. You can also take the NRTA shuttle bus… read more »

  • 268. Surfside Beach // Nantucket

    Surfside Beach
    Bob P. B.
    Great for:
    • Surfing
    • Kitesurfing

    Situated on Nantucket South Shore and 3 miles from downtown, Surfside Beach lives up to its name with powerful Atlantic waves, strong currents and cooler water.

    It's a great beach for families with plenty of space for picnics, sandcastles and ball games as well as fishing. There are food concessions, a taco truck, showers and restrooms - no wonder it's one of the most popular beaches with locals and tourists of… read more »

  • 269. Nantasket Beach // Massachusetts

    Nantasket Beach
    Rob McCready
    Great for:
    • Family
    • Swimming
    • Surfing

    Nantasket Beach lines the coast of Hull town in the greater Boston area. At high tide, it takes the form of a relatively narrow but long stretch of fine greyish sand running for around four kilometres. The low tide reveals an expansive area of rock pools. When walking along the water line, visitors should watch out for large pebbles, which can be washed up by the incoming tide, especially towards… read more »

  • 270. Miners Beach // Michigan

    Miners Beach
    John Uhrig

    Miners Beach is one of the finest stretches of the Lake Superior shoreline. Set within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this mile-long sandy beach is backed by dense forest and rugged sandstone cliffs. The contrast between the golden sand, turquoise water, and the towering rock formations makes it a favourite with photographers.

    The beach is popular for swimming, although the water temperature of Lake Superior can… read more »