When you’re considering vacation places to add to your bucket list, the U.S. offers several beautiful beaches. Whether you prefer to be near the ocean or a lake, you can find many beach destinations from coast to coast. Which ones should you put on your bucket list? These are some of the best beaches to consider going to for a summer getaway.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park provides a beach getaway with plenty of outdoor adventures. Instead of soaking up the sun on a beach towel, you can explore nature up close. You’ll find rock formations, driftwood, and other scenic sights on beaches in this area. Ruby Beach, Rialto Beach, and other beaches have tide pools. You can also head to Hoh Rain Forest to go hiking in the shade and watch for local wildlife. Accommodation options in Olympic National Park for a summer getaway include lodges, resorts, and campgrounds.
Emerald Coast, Florida
Florida’s Emerald Coast along the panhandle provides pristine beaches with soft white sand and inviting waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Your getaway can include exploring the entire length of the Emerald Coast from Destin to Panama City or staying in one of the area’s small, charming towns, such as Seaside. This part of Florida has many places to enjoy, including Henderson Beach State Park, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, and much more. Lodging options along the Emerald Coast range from resorts and hotels to picturesque Seaside vacation rental cottages.
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach provides 7 miles of beach to explore in Southern California. Main Beach is one of the areas that attract larger crowds, while Fisherman’s Cove is among the areas that offer a quieter beach experience. Spend your summer beach getaway surfing, swimming and sunbathing. Laguna Beach also has other activities, including dolphin and whale-watching tours, hiking in Crystal Cove State Park, and tide pools to explore in Victoria Beach. Boutique hotels, cottages, resorts, and many other beachfront accommodations are available.
Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
This beach getaway gives you a chance to see wild horses while breathing in the fresh ocean air and soaking up the sunshine. Assateague Island National Seashore offers 37 miles of coastline and many activities, including surfing, kayaking, and swimming. You can also go hiking to see as much of the island as possible and take photos of wild horses from a distance. Campgrounds are available on the island, or you can stay in a hotel or resort in nearby Chincoteague, VA or Ocean City, MD.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu offers a beautiful summer getaway spot where you can soak up the sun on Waikiki Beach or cool off in the water. Moana Regional Park and the North Shore provide more beaches to enjoy, along with areas that are great for surfing. Other beach activities include snorkelling, parasailing, boating, and more. Oahu is also close to some of Honolulu’s top attractions, including the Honolulu Zoo and the Honolulu Museum of Art. Several accommodation options in Oahu are available, from luxury resorts and hotels to campgrounds.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Bald Head Island offers scenic beaches, fun activities, and a chance to see loggerhead sea turtles. The island, located in southern North Carolina, can be reached via ferry. Among the 14 miles of beachfront to explore are East Beach and South Beach. East Beach is ideal for surfing and other water activities, while South Beach offers a more serene setting. Other activities include canoe and kayak tours of the area, guided turtle walks, and hiking on the M. Kent Mitchell Nature Trail. Accommodations on Bald Head Island include beachfront vacation homes, hotels, resorts, and more.
Tybee Island, Georgia
Tybee Island offers historical sites, beautiful beaches, and exciting outdoor activities. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, this island has different beaches available to enjoy during your summer getaway. Back River Beach tends to have fewer crowds than North Beach if you prefer a more secluded beach environment. Other attractions and activities on Tybee Island include a lighthouse to explore, dolphin-watching tours, birding trails, and biking trails. Several accommodations are available, including beachfront hotels, condos, cottages, and inns.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck offers a quiet beach getaway on the shores of Lake Michigan. This Midwestern town has plenty of beach areas for sunbathing and swimming during your summer getaway. It also tends to be less crowded than ocean beaches on the east and west coasts. Saugatuck has tons of activities to do, including sailing, horseback riding, fishing, and canoeing. You can also head into town for arts and culture at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and visit local art galleries. The town also has several restaurants and shops. Lodging options in Saugatuck include hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and more.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod offers New England charm, delicious seafood, and cultural attractions, in addition to sand and water. During your summer getaway, you can go kayaking, whale watching, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and enjoy other outdoor activities. Provincetown, Sandwich, and other towns on Cape Cod offer art galleries, live music, historic sites, and other attractions and amenities. The area also has nearly 560 miles of coastline, with plenty of beaches to visit for sunbathing and swimming. From campgrounds to luxury resorts, Cape Cod has a wide range of lodgings to choose from.
