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14 Beaches You Won’t Believe Are In The U.S.
We’re about to blow your mind with some jaw-dropping beaches right here in the U.S. You’d think you’d need a passport to visit some of these beauties, but nope, they’re all stateside if you can believe it. Get ready to feel the sand between your toes and wonder why you ever considered hopping a plane to some exotic island location.
And hey, we didn’t just stick to the usual white-sand suspects; we’ve peppered in a few offbeat picks because why not keep things interesting? From turquoise waters to quirky coastlines, here’s our ultimate list of America’s best-kept beach secrets.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is what you’d get if a postcard and a fairy tale had a baby. Famous for its towering Haystack Rock—because why settle for regular-sized rocks?—this beach offers more than just fodder for your camera.
You can explore tide pools filled with starfish, anemones, and other aquatic life. And here’s a neat little tidbit: Haystack Rock stands at 235 feet tall, making it one of the tallest intertidal structures in the world! So, pack your curiosity and your camera—you’re in for a visual treat.
Ruby Beach, Washington
Ruby Beach offers up a dramatic coastline that feels like it was pulled straight from a movie set. Here, it’s all about those iconic sea stacks and logs sprawled haphazardly across the dark sands—as if Mother Nature just couldn’t be bothered to tidy up.
The real kicker? Ruby Beach is part of Olympic National Park, which boasts three distinct ecosystems. So, whether you’re into trekking through temperate rainforests, strolling along Pacific beaches, or gazing up at glacier-capped mountains, this place serves up a triple whammy of jaw-dropping scenery.
Dry Tortugas Beach, Florida
Dry Tortugas Beach, Florida: Paradise found! Tucked about 70 miles west of Key West, this beach is part of the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is basically a fancy way of saying, “Come here, you won’t regret it.” Picture crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs. It’s like swimming in an aquarium but without the funky smell.
Oh, and did we mention Fort Jefferson? This massive, unfinished coastal fortress will give you all the old-timey vibes while you’re soaking up the sun. Plus, fewer tourists (this national park is one of the least visited) means more beach for you to hoard. Enjoy the secret seclusion, you lucky duck.
Hapuna Beach, Hawaii
Hapuna Beach is the kind of place where your worries get washed away faster than your footprints in the sand. This Big Island beauty is all about vast, white sandy expanses and crystalline waters, beckoning beach bums and adrenaline junkies alike.
Did you know it’s consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S.? There’s ample room to stretch out with a good book or dive into those waves – just be aware that the surf can get lively. So, bring your sunscreen, water wings, and a sense of adventure.
Black Sands Beach, California
Black Sands Beach is a drama queen’s paradise. Located in Northern California, this beach is cloaked in dark, volcanic sands that contrast vividly with the churning blue Pacific Ocean. It’s part of the Lost Coast, which sounds like a place you’d find treasure or pirates – not a bad spot to play castaway for a day!
And this area is so rugged and remote that no major highways pass through it, making the trip here an adventure in itself. Feel free to channel your inner explorer, but consider leaving the pirate hat at home. Or don’t, who are we to judge?
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida
Located in the lower Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park boasts some of the best snorkeling in the state —exploring these underwater wonders is basically mandatory. And the sand here? It’s so powdery and white that it makes you wonder if they import it straight from a dream.
Due to its isolated location, Bahia Honda was once only accessible by boat or ferry. How’s that for exclusivity? You’ll be trading your desk chair for a beach towel in no time.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
If you’re all about capturing those dreamy, photo-worthy shots, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is your spot. Strewn with weathered trees and driftwood that resemble nature’s sculptures, it’s a surreal art gallery sans the pretentious owner watching over you.
The beach is actually the result of erosion over many years, making it both hauntingly beautiful and nature’s way of showing off its artistic flair. It’s a playground for photographers who don’t mind getting a little sand in their shoes for that perfect shot.
Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay is one of those places that makes you question why you’d ever leave the beach. Situated in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s a slice of heaven complete with powdery white sand and ridiculously clear water.
One standout feature? The snorkeling trail. That’s right—a marked underwater trail that guides you through some of the most vibrant marine life you’ll ever see. Plus, the National Geographic-worthy views make it a perfect spot for your personal zen moments. It’s the ultimate getaway for those in the know.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Tired of the typical beach vibe? Enter Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can trade the ocean for freshwater views. With massive sand dunes that look like they hired a personal trainer, climbing them feels like a workout and a scenic adventure rolled into one.
Oh, and get this: one of the dunes rises 450 feet above Lake Michigan—those heights will get your legs shaking. It’s the perfect escape for those who enjoy getting sand in all the wrong places while being captivated by panoramic views that will make you cry with happiness.
Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach), Hawaii
Get ready for a splash of the unusual with Kaihalulu Beach in Hawaii. This hidden beauty boasts rust-colored sands thanks to the surrounding cinder cone’s crumbling lava rock. Located against dramatic cliffs with the ocean’s waves crashing in, it’s a striking backdrop for your beach day selfies.
The reddish tint of the sand comes from the high iron content in the nearby volcanic hills. And it is also only accessed via a somewhat precarious trail. So, if you’re up for a trek and love a beach with a dramatic flair, Kaihalulu is your crimson-hued paradise waiting to be discovered.
Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore defies expectations with its pristine beaches, wild horses, and ancient ruins—think of it as your own personal slice of untouched paradise. This Georgia beach offers a whopping 17 miles of unspoiled sandy shorelines.
And Cumberland Island is also home to feral horses that roam freely, adding a touch of the wild to your beach day. It also provides a rich tapestry of history with sites like the ruins of the Dungeness mansion. With the mix of nature and history, it’s a getaway that feels a world away.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
Lining the coast of the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is pure magic for beach and history lovers. With its iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse standing guard, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a beach postcard.
This seashore is home to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, towering at a whopping 210 feet. On a visit, you will navigate through rolling dunes and unspoiled beaches while braving the ever-fickle Atlantic winds. And for those keen on kite surfing, Cape Hatteras offers the perfect spot.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Fancy a beach that’s quirky and chill? Folly Beach in South Carolina offers laid-back vibes, perfect for anyone who enjoys a less crowded shoreline without sacrificing beauty. With a famous pier that’s ideal for fishing or just soaking in the sunrise, you’ll find plenty to do besides building sandcastles.
Did you know that Folly Beach is often referred to as “The Edge of America?” From surfing to lounging with a good book in hand, it’s the ultimate location for a relaxed getaway. And if you’re into wildlife, keep an eye out for playful dolphins and nesting sea turtles.
Glass Beach, California
Glass Beach is your childhood dream of a treasure hunt come true. This beach is famous for its sea glass, remnants of broken bottles, and pottery smoothed over by the relentless ocean waves. The sand here sparkles with colorful bits of glass, turning a simple beach stroll into a glittering adventure.
The beach gets its sea glass from years of ocean-pounded trash deposits, proving that nature can sometimes make art out of our waste. So, whip out your camera and start combing through the sparkling sands – you might just find a treasure or two.
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