Best Beach By State
It's a rare person who doesn't love the beach, and thankfully every state in the U.S. has at least one to enjoy.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finds the United States to have 95,471 miles of shoreline. The US Census reports 12,383 of them are along the coast. That leaves the rest around lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
No matter what the body of water is, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to stake a spot in the sand and enjoy a refreshing dip. Here, we highlight each state's pride and joy so you can plan your next beach vacay.
Alabama: Gulf Shores
Why we love it: The sand is so soft here, it feels like sugar between the toes along emerald-green water. And there's plenty of beach to enjoy: 32 gorgeous miles of it, to be exact.
TripAdvisor rating: 75% excellent
Sample review: "Friendly atmosphere, calm, relaxed, great day with kids on the beach. Playing in sand, boogie boarding on shallow waves, finding wild Hermit Crabs and water so clear you can see the drop off. Just gorgeous." — Jessica G
Alaska: Homer Spit
Why we love it: Is the water warm? No. Is the beach beautiful? A resounding yes! Follow up a day of beachcombing with the freshest seafood you'll ever eat.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "Drive up the 4-mile long Spit for artistic shops and eats. Take your time to absorb the gorgeous views of the Kachemak Bay at Lands End Beach." — ctrlsftescape
Arizona: Lake Havasu
Why we love it: This oasis in the desert features calm, safe water ideal for swimming and boating. Come here in the summer to beat the Arizona heat.
TripAdvisor rating: 87% good/excellent
Sample review: "We absolutely love it here! Nice public beach, water is clear and so warm! A lot of cute little shops around the London bridge!" — Ashley S
Arkansas: Lake Ouachita
Why we love it: At more than 48,000 acres, this is Arkansas' largest lake, with plenty of quiet private coves to enjoy.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "Cleanest water that I have ever seen. Just being anywhere on Lake Ouachita takes away all of the city and corporate stress for a short time. It is well worth the visit just to see all of the beauty and wildlife." — Sightseer231604
California: Zuma Beach, Malibu
Why we love it: You can't go wrong with any California beach, but there is something just so, well, California about Malibu. Watch for seals, dolphins and surfers riding the waves.
TripAdvisor rating: 88% good/excellent
Sample review: "This is the best beach in Malibu! Beautiful sand, wide, never crowded, perfect! Very long — seems like miles, the best of the best!" — MikeinMalibu
Colorado: Grand Lake Beach
Why we love it: This beach is flanked by Colorado's most famous natural attraction: its gorgeous mountains. Come here for a long vacation so you have time to enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park, which surrounds the lake on three sides.
TripAdvisor rating: 91% good/excellent
Sample review: "A lovely place to visit and stay before or after going through Rocky Mountain National Park. The lake park and walk along the lake in the town of Grand Lake is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery of the lake." — Laurel B
Connecticut: Silver Sands State Park, Milford
Why we love it: The Long Island Sound makes up much of Connecticut's 618 miles of shoreline, and its beaches don't get the respect they deserve. Silver Sands State Park, with its abundance of seashells and sea birds, is a standout.
TripAdvisor rating: 84% good/excellent
Sample review: "Spent a sunny September morning at the beach. Big parking lot, nice and clean beach and boardwalk. Lots of people having fun at the beach and in the water. At low tide you can walk to the island." — jamjochems
Delaware: Rehoboth Beach
Why we love it: Rehoboth is the epitome of a good old-fashioned beach getaway, complete with an amusement-filled boardwalk and a bandstand showcasing live music. Families in particular love it here.
TripAdvisor rating: 86% good/excellent
Sample review: "Best place to be if you want to have fun or to relax and get a sun-kissed tan. The beach is very clean and there is a place for everyone ... While you're splashing in the water you can even get a glimpse of the school of dolphins that may swim by on occasion." —willamenia
Florida: South Beach, Miami
Why we love it: South Beach is so hot, US News and World Report named it the 13th best beach in America. After lounging in the Florida sunshine and listening to the lapping waves, enjoy a supersized cocktail at an oceanside bar to get the night started.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "It’s so beautiful. You’d think with being just off Ocean Drive it might be littered — that’s not the case. The sand was gorgeous and the water also looked very clean. It’s very well-maintained and looked after." —hannahmA3375VJ
Georgia: Tybee Island
Why we love it: Less than a half-hour from Savannah, Tybee's beaches offer gentle waters, a happening nightlife scene and excellent wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins.
TripAdvisor rating: 85% good/excellent
Sample review: "Tybee Island is one of the best beaches I've been to. Clean, peaceful, and some of the nicest people around. If you get the opportunity to go.. do it. You wont regret it." — epellette
Hawaii: Makena Beach State Park
Why we love it: Maui's beaches were collectively named the best in the nation by US News & World Report, and we heartily agree. Best of all are the two locally beloved beaches — Big Beach and Little Beach — at this state park, featuring fine white sand and a cliffside setting.
TripAdvisor rating: 94% good/excellent
Sample review: "I'm sure the locals hate us talking about this because it's a hidden gem. This beach by far was the best beach we were on in Maui. Soft sand, gentle waves and beautiful view. Not too crowded." — JayLyonsSoCal
Idaho: Sandpoint Public Beach
Why we love it: Idaho's best-kept secret is its clear blue lakes and charming lakefront towns. Hike the mountains one day, then rest on a beach like this one next.
TripAdvisor rating: 93% good/excellent
Sample review: "Sandpoint has got a real jewel in this park. Clear waters, great picnic areas, tennis courts, boat launching; a GREAT PLACE for a FAMILY OUTING!" — ksrich
Illinois: Oak Street Beach
Why we love it: New York may have Central Park, but Chicago has 28 miles of lakefront with 24 beaches for the win. Oak Street Beach pairs its sandy shores with city skyline views, a unique and memorable combo.
TripAdvisor rating: 88% good/excellent
Sample review: "How wonderful that all of Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago is open to the public. Lots of beaches, walkways bike paths." — McWett
Indiana: Indiana Dunes
Why we love it: Indiana Dunes National Park got its name from its sand dunes, found along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. With an enticement like that, why wouldn't it be the best beach in the state?
TripAdvisor rating: 92% good/excellent
Sample review: "Wow isn't enough! We got to the dunes and walked down to the beach. It simply was a beautiful scene." — Deborah S
Iowa: Big Creek State Park
Why we love it: With its calm water, reputation for safety, expansive playground and long stretch of sandy shore perfect for building sandcastles, this beach is a hit with families.
TripAdvisor rating: 90% good/excellent
Sample review: "This place is awesome. Low-key and great place for families. Big sandy beaches for building sandcastles or walking in the sand. Huge playground for kids. It’s our go-to family picnic spot every Thursday night in the summer." — erinwV2440LH
Kansas: Wilson Reservoir, State Park and Wildlife Area
Why we love it: There is a bigger sandy beach at Wilson Lake, but visiting the sandstone rock formations is a must-do here. Nearby, scope out wildlife including deer, pheasants and songbirds.
TripAdvisor rating: 82% good/excellent
Sample review: "This place is absolutely gorgeous. We camped by the lake. It was the perfect spot. We kayaked the next morning. The lake is clean you can see to the bottom near the shore. Which is very rare for a lake. Great experience." — agoofygrle1
Kentucky: Barren River Lake Beach
Why we love it: This 10,100-acre reservoir was made when the Barren River was impounded. Today, it welcomes residents to enjoy its sandy beaches and first-rate boating.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "The Barren River Lake State Resort & Park is a great place for either a quick holiday or a week long vacation. There are a number of options for entertainment (swimming, boating, horseback riding, pool swimming, hiking and nature walking (other also)." — DrMarc9491
Louisiana: Holly Beach
Why we love it: Along the Gulf of Mexico, this quiet beach is a great place to go crabbing and swimming. Its nickname? The "Cajun Riviera."
TripAdvisor rating: 79% good/excellent
Sample review: "My family loves the ocean and we love to go shelling. This little piece of the Louisiana coast was a little slice of shelling heaven. We went down to Holly Beach pulled right down into the sand. Now keep in mind this is a hidden gem so there is little to no service. If you want to enjoy the sand, surf and of course shells this beach is it!" — willtravel8090
Maine: Old Orchard Beach
Why we love it: Seven miles of soft sand and old-fashioned family amusements — including a play area for the little ones and a pier lined with restaurants and shops — make Old Orchard Beach the perfect weekend getaway spot for all ages.
TripAdvisor rating: 84% good/excellent
Sample review: "The whole ocean area is beautiful. The sand stretched for miles and we saw people of all ages sitting on beach chairs or blankets on shore listening to the surf. Some had ventured out and were wading in the dark blue water. It was a very relaxing place to visit." — R8506AOlindam
Maryland: Ocean City
Why we love it: Since 1875, Ocean City has been attracting and satisfying beachgoers. The resort town is so beloved, it was even ranked the No. 14 best beach destination by US News & World Report. In addition to clean and welcoming shores, Ocean City features an amusement-filled boardwalk that really seals the deal.
TripAdvisor rating: 92% good/excellent
Sample review: "The beaches in Ocean City are kept beautifully clean with white soft sand, mild surf and miles of sun fun." — paul3776
Massachusetts: Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
Why we love it: Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this beach started as a Coast Guard training beach (thus the name) and is not only on the US News list, but on Dr. Beach's list of the best beaches as well. Wildlife enthusiasts love greeting its shorebirds and harbor seals.
TripAdvisor rating: 95% good/excellent
Sample review: "This is rated as one the best beaches in the country. The water is clean and cold, with consistent waves." — Paul A
Michigan: Holland State Park Beach
Why we love it: Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline — second only to Alaska! — but Ottawa County's state park beach wins out. It's easy to get to and showcases a wide expanse of golden sand. Don't let this photo fool you, it's packed with people during the height of summer.
TripAdvisor rating: 84% good/excellent
Sample review: "Holland State Park has a nice, wide, sandy beach — plenty of room to spread out a blanket and some beach chairs and enjoy a summer afternoon. Play in the water, watch the boats in the channel or get a tan — it's about soaking up the sun here in Holland." — Jessi W
Minnesota: Park Point, Duluth
Why we love it: In the warm summer months, locals and tourists beat the heat at this fun-filled beach with sand volleyball, a boat launch and — most importantly — refreshing waters to swim in.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "A very fun place to spend a sunny day! Miles of sandy beach, not all is public, but there is a large portion that can be enjoyed by families, couples." — didntwnt-forcd
Mississippi: West Ship Island
Why we love it: Many think of Gulfport Beach as the highlight of Mississippi, but this barrier island provides a more natural setting and is less crowded, as it is accessible only by boat.
TripAdvisor rating: 88% good/excellent
Sample review: "Pristine island...The sand on the beach was clean and white and there are no crowds, which makes for a great setting to spend a few hours on the island." — Barry L
Missouri: Fugitive Beach, Rolla
Why we love it: A former quarry that is up to 15 feet deep, this swimming hole offers a shallow end and is open to the public, unlike many quarries.
TripAdvisor rating: 79% good/excellent
Sample review: "Fugitive Beach is great. They have three different cliff levels to jump from, as well as two slides and an inflatable slide/rock wall." — Jessica H
Montana: Brush Lake State Park, Dagmar
Why we love it: Big Sky Country is also home to some pretty big lakes, and Brush Lake's calm waters are extra fun to slip through on a hot day. Pitch a tent at the park and stay a couple days to really enjoy the area's natural charms.
TripAdvisor rating: 100% excellent (!)
Sample review: "Best place to bring your friends and family for a weekend full of great boating, games and casual drinking!" — Kaya D
Nebraska: Lake McConaughy
Why we love it: Nebraska's largest lake features 100 miles of sandy beaches offering plenty of privacy and true R&R.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "Never would have imagined such a gorgeous lake hidden out there. Drove out around sunset – amazing!" — Kaya D
Nevada: Sand Harbor Beach, Lake Tahoe
Why we love it: Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning settings in Nevada (and California; it straddles both states), but it doesn't offer many beaches. This stretch of sand, then, is both rare and appealing, offering alpine views that can't be beat.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "It is my new favorite place in the world. So lovely and the water so clean and beautifully refreshing. My children loved it here." — 515LaurieC
New Hampshire: Hampton Beach
Why we love it: In addition to its beautiful shoreline, revelers love this beach's Ocean Avenue, filled with arcades, sweets vendors, souvenir shops and plenty of old-fashioned charm.
TripAdvisor rating: 91% good/excellent
Sample review: "Love walking this beach off season! Definitely could walk for hours and check out the waves and seals...Sunset was beautiful too." — paintedpoet
New Jersey: Cape May
Why we love it: The bottom tip of the Jersey Shore is nothing like what you may think of after watching MTV's infamous reality show. This is a town that keeps its Victorian heritage in check, and its quaint boutiques and wide Atlantic beaches are not to be missed.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "Beautiful beaches and water, a relaxing place to visit/ There are always sites and events going on, on the promenade looking over the beach/water." — rosehant
New Mexico: Elephant Butte
Why we love it: Even the desert of New Mexico offers reprieve in the form of Elephant Butte Lake. The state park's lake is 40 miles long and is a popular spot for water sports and boating.
TripAdvisor rating: 80% good/excellent
Sample review: "This place is huge and has several beaches around to go to. You can park your car right up to the water and enjoy the beach. We loved being able to drive on the sand and explore the park." — ryszkybusiness09
New York: Jones Beach
Why we love it it: Seven miles of pristine beach on the Long Island Sound, just an hour-and-a-half drive from Manhattan? Sold!
TripAdvisor rating: 91% good/excellent
Sample review: "There is nothing bad I can say about Jones Beach - I did hear a negative comment the other day 'too bad there aren’t a few hotels near the beach'. Well, that’s the point - there are not any hotels, very few (and contained) restaurants on purpose - this is supposed to be a relaxed environment, not a resort town." — msuzdak
North Carolina: Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Why we love it: Dune-covered beaches welcome not only human visitors, but wildlife including sea turtles and seals. The seashore is part of the Outer Banks, listed by US News and World Report as among the five best beach destinations in the country.
TripAdvisor rating: 95% good/excellent
What you love: "Miles and miles of sandy beach- it doesn’t get much better than this!" — NJW646
North Dakota: Lake Sakakawea
Why we love it: This North Dakota lake has more miles of coastline than California: 180, to be exact. Here, Swimming Beach is a local favorite, thanks to its clean shores and peaceful nature.
TripAdvisor rating: 100% good/excellent (!)
Sample review: "This was our first stop in our North Dakota journey. We were more than impressed. The beach area was very well maintained and the mowed hike made for magnificent views as well as lots to see (flowers, birds, butterflies). We will definitely return!" — JiggyBobb
Ohio: Headlands Beach
Why we love it: Lake Erie's 71 miles of shoreline provide for sensational summers. And the best lakeside destination of all is this mile-long stretch of beach featuring the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Lighthouse standing sentinel in the background.
TripAdvisor rating: 82% good/excellent
What you love: "This beach is amazing huge you can walk miles upon miles on this lovely beach and You will not be disappointed whatsoever! Go visit and have fun." — Mike W
Oklahoma: Lake Eufaula
Why we love it: Oklahoma isn't home to tons of beaches, but you'll find shoreline along the largest lake fully within its own borders, Lake Eufaula. Rent a pontoon boat, ski boat or paddle boat, and set off from one of several marinas.
TripAdvisor rating: 67% good/excellent
Sample review: "I absolutely love this extremely large lake area. There are lots of activities you can participate in. We were out on the jet skis, the pontoon boat and floated all alone most of our week." — pjsmithMemphis
Oregon: Cannon Beach
Why we love it: With its stunning Haystack Rock rising from the sea, you may recognize this beach from photos. The untamed Oregon beach is located near a lovely village known for its arts scene, and lands at No. 7 on US News & World Report's annual list of superb beaches.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "A simply wonderful place to beach walk and lose yourself in the sound of the sea and the breeze. A bit sort of wild and rugged but lovely." — TonyD33
Pennsylvania: Presque Isle State Park
Why we love it: Presque Isle State Park, known as Pennsylvania's only "seashore," is home to an excellent environmental center where you can learn more about the local ecosystems.
TripAdvisor rating: 96% good/excellent
Sample review: "In the summer you have the beach to enjoy the sun and the lake. All year round you can walk the nature trails and ride the bike path." — X9637QUchrise
Rhode Island: Watch Hill Beach
Why we love it: It's not the Ocean State for nothing: More than 400 miles of coastline and 100 public beaches can be found here, and everyone has a favorite. Ours is Watch Hill, for its mix of historic architecture, charming inns and excellent dining fronting the ocean.
TripAdvisor rating: 82% good/excellent
Sample review: "The entire Watch Hill area is exactly what you think of when you think New England coastline." — AshleeProc
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach
Why we love it: On-the-beach amusement parks, a boardwalk and soft white sand have made Myrtle Beach popular for generations — and it just keeps getting better, with new restaurants, attractions and hotels opening regularly.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "There is so much to do and see that you can keep going back and not see all in years. The beach in North MB was well-kept, maintained and patrolled. We enjoyed it and would certainly return." — Shelly L
South Dakota: Angostura Recreation Area
Why we love it: Enjoy 37 miles of shoreline along the Angostura Reservoir, which includes beaches along the water flowing in from the Cheyenne River. The destination is close to Badlands and Black Hills national parks, providing a place to chill after braving hikes in the summer heat.
TripAdvisor rating: 97% good/excellent
Sample review: "Not far from Hot Springs the Angostura Rec. Area is a great place for camping or just for an afternoon in the sun." — BUGI_70
Tennessee: Rock Island State Park
Why we love it: This state park's sandy beach along the Center Hill Lake Reservoir is only outdone by its abundant waterfalls.
TripAdvisor rating: 95% good/excellent
Sample review: "I had no idea that there were so many options to see multiple beautiful water falls, hike different trails, enter a fairytale forest (castle), get a history lesson and swim! ... There is a sandy beach area on Center Hill Lake and there is another swim area surrounded by rocks and is a larger lagoon type area." — lasagil5
Texas: South Padre Island
Why we love it: Calm Gulf Coast waters, sea turtles nesting and dolphins playing off the coast? No wonder this beach comes out on top among many great options in Texas.
TripAdvisor rating: 93% good/excellent
Sample review: "We have visited Galveston Beach, Port Aransas Beach and now South Padre Island Beach. SPI beach is without question the best for what we enjoy." — kabuki1warrior
Utah: Lake Powell
Why we love it: After driving through the deserts of Arizona and Utah, this manmade lake on the border looks like a mirage. Happily, it's entirely real. Book a sunset dinner cruise to take in the area's natural beauty with a drink in hand.
TripAdvisor Rating: 90% good/excellent
What you love: "The beach on Lake Powell close to Page is lovely and easy for swimming – though there are no facilities whatsoever there so take whatever you need. Great for unwinding after a heavy period of park and natural world visits." — Steven H
Vermont: North Beach Park, Burlington
Why we love it: Lake Champlain is so superb, it was briefly designated as the sixth Great Lake. Along its shores, you'll find this beach where sandy shores meet wooded groves.
TripAdvisor rating: 92% good/excellent
What you love: "Wide sand beaches, beautiful Lake Champlain shoreline, with al fresco dining restaurant for refreshment make North Beach park a great option for Burlington leisure time." — Mark H
Virginia: Virginia Beach
Why we love it: Virginia Beach is a true vacation spot, giving visitors so much more than just a beach, from a military aviation museum to a first-rate center for the performing arts. But with nearly 5 miles of sand, the beach itself is definitely the star attraction.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "My happy place. Love the beaches, so open and always clean. So much to do in the surrounding area from biking and beach walking, brewery tours, Naval base and food tours. People are friendly and love their city." — L9334TRteresam
Washington: Damon Point, Ocean Shores
What we say: With a long beach along the Pacific, Ocean Shores is made up of Damon Point, Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Center and the North Jetty. All provide fantastic views and salty ocean air. From Damon point, you can see the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
TripAdvisor rating: 89% good/excellent
Sample review: "We came here near low tide for a good walk - nice flat beach walk. Found some shells, got some exercise, and (according to the map) walked on water. We just did an out-and-back walk at about 4 miles. So many shells and unlucky crab tops. Good for finding rocks, stacking driftwood, and enjoying the outdoors!" — gobidos
West Virginia: Battle Run Beach, Summersville Lake
Why we love it: Landlocked West Virginians can enjoy a sandy shore along Summersville Lake, a reservoir spanning 2,700 acres that's memorably flanked by sandstone cliffs.
TripAdvisor rating: 92% good/excellent
Sample review: "After hiking all morning in 88 humid degrees, we were looking for a place to take a swim and cool off. It was a great spot for that... The water was refreshing. This is as close to an actual beach that you'll find in Summerville." — 231cindim
Wisconsin: North Beach, Racine
Why we love it: There are 2,500 acres of shoreline found along this Lake Michigan beach, with 50 acres of smooth sand in which to curl your toes.
TripAdvisor rating: 95% good/excellent
Sample review: "Huge sandy beach and very clean. It feels like you are at a beach on the Atlantic Ocean." — TravelerM20
Wyoming: Colter Bay
Why we love it: With the Grand Teton mountains providing the rugged backdrop, Colter Bay allows travelers to swim in the cold runoff from winter snow in a crystal-clear lake.
TripAdvisor rating: 86% good/excellent
Sample review: "Awesome place to swim and enjoy the day! The water was perfect, day was clear, and the best part was the beach is on pebbles/rocks so there's no sand to clean up like the beach! LOTS OF FUN!" — His_N_Hers_USA