Sand Beach in Maine doubles as the perfect day and night-time getaway, where visitors can swim seaside all day and then lay back, relax, and stargaze by nightfall.

The beach is also close to three of the park's most popular hiking trails: The Beehive, Great Head Trail, and Ocean Path.

Famous for its expansive shoreline and the towering Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach in Oregon offers spectacular views and a serene atmosphere.

Visitors can explore tide pools brimming with marine life, stroll along sandy stretches, or hike the nearby Ecola State Park trails for panoramic vistas. If you visit the nearby town, check out the boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

Hawaii's "postcard perfect" Kā'anapali Beach is the "crème de la crème of beaches," according to Hawaii Magazine, which named it the state's No. 1 beach in 2022.

Thanks to its crystal clear waters, this Hawaiian haunt is perfect for underwater exploration, making it a snorkeling hot spot. It's home to a variety of sea creatures, including Hawaiian green sea turtles, colorful corals, and, in winter months, humpback whales.

The beach, located on the shores of Cape Cod, has stunning natural surroundings, including a 50-foot ridge with stairs leading down to the shores.

It was named after Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor who successfully communicated a message via wireless connection from President Theodore Roosevelt in the US to King Edward VII across the Atlantic in 1903.

Shackleford Banks is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque views. The island is also home to a herd of wild horses that roam freely along the beach, grazing on the grass on the shoreline.

It's an ideal spot for anyone hoping to escape the daily hustle for some seaside quiet.

The drive to Key Biscayne is just as scenic an experience as spending time there.

The coast, which extends 4 miles across Barrier Island, is popular among tourists for its soft sand and crystal clear waters. It's shared by two main beach parks, Crandon Park to the north and Cape Florida Beach to the south.

In 2022, Travel + Leisure named Crandon Park one of Florida's best beaches in Key Biscayne.

In 2024, US News & World Report called Kiawah Island "the closest you'll come to paradise in South Carolina."

Kiawah, which overlooks the Atlantic, is a barrier island that's popular for its 10-mile coastline, wildlife, and golf resort. Visitors can spend the day at either its East or West beach, where they can birdwatch or, in summer, spot sea turtles.

Driftwood Beach in Georgia offers a one-of-a-kind landscape, with weathered trees scattered across the shore.

The beach, famously featured in "The Walking Dead" and "X-Men: First Class," was shaped by decades of erosion. It transformed from a lush maritime forest into a sand-lined shore with sun-bleached tree trunks and branches.

Nestled along the shores of the Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park features 2 miles of pristine beachfront.

From walking trails and a nature center to areas for fishing and camping, the park has something to offer every type of traveler.

The beach's incredible views, combined with well-maintained facilities, make it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Connecticut's coastline.

On the southern tip of New Jersey sits Cape May, a seaside city and resort that's well known for its striking Victorian-era architecture.

Notable landmarks include the Emlen Physick Estate, a preserved Victorian house museum, and the iconic Cape May Lighthouse, which offers views of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The remote Sandbridge Beach in Virginia is one of the state's most gorgeous beaches.

Its peaceful surroundings and stillness make it the perfect place to visit when you wish to slow down. Other activities that you can indulge in include fishing, kayaking, and hiking in the nearby False Cape State Park.

Sandy Point State Park is one of Maryland's best beaches because of the gorgeous views of the bay.

It is located on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and lounging. For those who prefer activities, the park also has plenty of hiking trails and fishing areas.

Lined by the Pacific coast on one side and acres of wild trails on the other, the 7-mile-long Laguna Beach is best for surfing, swimming, and, on sunny days, sunbathing.

A popular beach spot in California, the beach is full of beautiful coves, one of the reasons US News & World Report named it the state's best beach.

The beach has been impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles; the National Weather Service has issued multiple red flag warnings — warning of a combination of conditions that raise the risk of fire — for Orange County's coastal zone, including Laguna Beach.

This white-sand beach, situated by the 26-mile-long Mississippi Gulf Coast, offers a refreshing getaway during Mississippi's hot summers.

At Biloxi, water sports enthusiasts can paddleboard or canoe, while those who prefer relaxing can picnic by the shore. There are also plenty of restaurants where you could sample some delicious Southern-style seafood, or if you prefer, take a shrimping trip for a live catch of your own.

Named after the red mineral almandite, which is found in the sand here, Ruby Beach is among the country's most famous yet unspoiled beaches.

Located in Kalaloch, a three-hour drive from Seattle, unlike traditional sand beaches, the shore at Ruby Beach is covered in stones and sea stacks. Those visiting should stay until sunset for stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula.

Ketchikan's oceanfront is home to varied sea life and has an average temperature of 56 degrees, which means that kids — and adults — wishing to swim had to find an alternate source.

According to alaska.org, until the 1970s, the city did not have a swimming pool, so Rotary Beach became the go-to spot for kids — and adults — to learn and enjoy swimming. Visitors stopping by this pond can take a dip in the waters or picnic by the shore while enjoying views of Nichols Passage.

Cape Henlopen State Park, where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean merge, is home to pine forests and more than 6 miles of coastline.

The park is also home to many marine animals, shorebirds, and scenic bike trails, with access to quiet and buzzy areas. History enthusiasts can enjoy a guided tour of nearby Fort Miles, an important World War II site.

Secluded and serene, Mohegan Bluffs in Rhode Island provides stunning views from 150-foot cliffs that line its shore.

Getting to the beach involves a bit of a hike, but it is worth the effort — as you will see — once you step onto the sandy shores and watch the gentle waves of the Atlantic glide back and forth. Nearby, the Southeast lighthouse is also worth visiting.

Park Point, with beautiful views of Lake Superior, is Minnesota's No. 1 beach, according to TripAdvisor.

A popular summer destination, the beach offers more than just a space to relax or swim. It also includes access to volleyball courts, grill stations, and pavilions for picnics.

A visit to New Hampshire's Lakes Region is incomplete without a trip to Weirs Beach by Lake Winnipesaukee.

One side of the beach features a boardwalk, where visitors can explore the entire beach on foot, while the sandy areas closer to the shore are perfect for those looking to unwind or dip in the water. Across the boardwalk, on Lakeside Avenue, there are a variety of game shops and food outlets, including a mini-golf station.

Kohler-Andrae State Park in Wisconsin has dunes, clear blue water, and over 2 miles of sandy beaches.

Set along the shores of Lake Michigan, this park offers abundant natural beauty and activities for visitors to enjoy. Spend the day hiking, swimming, or exploring nature trails, and as evening falls, try stargazing, camping, or attending wildlife presentations.

Florida might be the go-to for a seaside vacation, but if you're looking to switch it up this year, Alabama's palm-lined and pristine Gulf Shores are a hidden gem worth exploring.

Named one of the top beach destinations in the US and the No. 1 spot in Alabama by US News & World Report last year, this beach offers something for everyone. It's conveniently located near a boardwalk and has plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also ideal for activities like beach volleyball and bodyboarding.

Washington Park and Beach in Indiana is home to 2 miles of sandy shoreline, a historic lighthouse, and a zoo.

With its soft sand, clean waters, and a space free from crowds, the beach offers a serene respite from everyday city life. It's close to restaurants and charming boutiques, and if you're up for more adventure, a short drive west will take you to the Indiana Dunes National Park, where you can explore even more natural beauty.

Situated in southern Texas, close to the Mexico border, South Padre Island is "beloved by generations of spring breakers," Travel + Leisure reported in 2023.

The island has space for both, people who love dining at buzzy beach bars and restaurants and those who prefer to be left undisturbed in a quiet corner while on holiday.

Last year, Thrillist described Grand Haven State Park in Michigan as "arguably the grandest Michigan beach town of all."

Just west of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven has a stretch of soft, sandy shoreline and a picturesque lighthouse pier. There's a dog-friendly section of the beach and the town features several quaint coffee shops, rooftop bars, and family-run restaurants.

Visitors to Ohio's Huntington Beach can swim in the vast, beautiful Lake Erie.

Known for its clean shoreline and stunning lake views, this beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking with family and friends. The walking trails nearby are ideal for those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area, while the picturesque sunsets over the water make for the perfect photo backdrops.

Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania is a natural escape on the shores of Lake Erie.

This 3,200-acre peninsula is home to a collection of beaches, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and biking along scenic trails. Birdwatchers will love the park's diverse wildlife, as it's a key stopover for migratory birds.

A "perfect getaway for camping, picnicking, and surfing," Louisiana's Grand Isle offers beautiful views over the Gulf of Mexico, according to Travel + Leisure.

Alongside classic beach activities like swimming, this barrier island has also become a hot spot for surfing enthusiasts.

With over 6 miles of white-sand beaches, Jones Beach State Park is the perfect spot for seaside strolls and swimming.

The park features a 2-mile boardwalk lined with snack stands and shops, where visitors can eat on the go while enjoying beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other outdoor activities like mini golf, fishing, and biking are also easily accessible.

Marble Beach State Recreation Area in Iowa is a peaceful retreat on the shores of Big Spirit Lake.

The park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with a beach nearby, designated spots for fishing, and shaded campsites for overnight stays. Boaters can enjoy easy access to the lake, while nature lovers can explore scenic trails, including one that covers the whole park.