Unearth The Voyage
America’s coastlines stretch for thousands of miles, offering everything from quiet coves to bustling resort towns. Some beaches, however, consistently earn top spots on national rankings year after year, drawing travelers from around the world. Whether you’re searching for soft sand, gentle waves, or dramatic scenery, these award-winning destinations deliver experiences that keep people coming back for more.
1. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
Grainy white quartz sand stretches as far as the eye can see at this Hamptons gem. Big, rolling dunes frame the shoreline, creating a classic East Coast scene that feels both elegant and natural.
Dr. Beach gave Coopers Beach the number one ranking in the entire United States for 2025. That’s a huge honor in the beach world. Families spread blankets here, couples stroll the waterline, and surfers catch waves when conditions are right.
The sand texture is unique, almost powdery underfoot. Parking can fill up fast on summer weekends, so plan to arrive early for the best spot.
2. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
A series of small, perfect pocket beaches strung together like pearls along Maui’s sunny southwest coast is what Wailea Beach delivers, with resort towers dotting the hillsides behind golden sand.
Dr. Beach ranked this tropical paradise as the second-best beach in America for 2025. The views here are legendary—clear water, neighboring islands on the horizon, and sunsets that paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Snorkeling is popular in calmer sections. The resorts nearby mean easy access to restaurants and shops, making it convenient for a full beach day.
3. Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
A natural sand spit splits Poipu into two distinct areas, earning it the nickname “two beaches in one.” One side tends to stay calmer, making it a favorite for families with younger kids who want to wade without worry.
Dr. Beach placed Poipu third on the 2025 national list. Lifeguards patrol regularly, and the facilities are well-maintained. You might even spot Hawaiian monk seals lounging on the sand—a magical moment for any beachgoer.
The protected cove offers great beginner snorkeling. Showers and picnic areas make it easy to spend the whole afternoon here without needing to leave.
4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
Barrier islands protect this stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline, creating water so clear you can watch small fish dart around your ankles. The state park setting means nature takes center stage—no high-rises blocking the view, just coastal plants and open sky.
Dr. Beach ranked it fourth nationally for 2025, and Florida State Parks highlights the excellent beach access and visitor amenities. Shelling is a popular pastime here. People walk the tide line hunting for colorful treasures washed ashore.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic pavilions, and a boat ramp for those who want to explore the pass by water.
5. Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
Village charm meets protected Atlantic shoreline at this Hamptons favorite. Main Beach sits right in the heart of East Hampton, making it easy to walk from shops and cafes straight to the sand.
Dr. Beach gave it the fifth spot on the 2025 national ranking. The beach has a classic feel—striped umbrellas, families building sandcastles, and teens playing volleyball. Lifeguards keep watch during peak season, and the water stays relatively calm compared to more exposed stretches of coast.
Parking requires permits in summer, so visitors often bike or walk. The village setting adds to the overall experience, blending beach time with small-town exploration.
6. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Birdwatchers bring binoculars to this nature-focused beach, where tidal areas attract all kinds of shorebirds. The pace here feels slower, more outdoorsy, less about crowds and more about connecting with the coastal environment.
Dr. Beach ranked Beachwalker sixth for 2025, and Charleston County Parks notes it’s the only public beach access on Kiawah Island. That makes it special—a slice of barrier island beauty available to everyone. The sand is soft and wide, perfect for long walks at low tide.
Facilities are simple but functional. Pack a cooler and enjoy a quiet day away from the usual tourist bustle.
7. St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Florida
Water surrounds you on both sides at this unique state park—Gulf waves on one shore, calm bay on the other. White sand gleams underfoot, and the swimming conditions stay excellent most of the year.
Dr. Beach placed it seventh nationally for 2025, while Florida State Parks highlights the dual-water setting and beach quality. Snorkeling draws underwater enthusiasts who explore the jetty area, spotting tropical fish and occasional rays. Families often choose the bay side for gentler conditions.
Camping is available if you want to wake up to sunrise over the water. The park offers a full beach experience without leaving protected natural surroundings.
8. Kaunaoa (Mauna Kea Beach) – Big Island, Hawaii
Tucked into a crescent bay, this pocket beach feels like a hidden treasure even though it’s well-known among beach lovers. Turquoise water laps against bright sand, and rocky points frame each end of the cove.
Dr. Beach called it a “hidden jewel” and ranked it eighth for 2025. The setting is postcard-perfect—calm enough for swimming, scenic enough for endless photos. Snorkeling along the rocks can reveal colorful reef fish.
Public access is limited to a small parking area, so arriving early is key. Once you’re settled on the sand, though, the beauty makes any effort worthwhile.
9. Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
Two small islands rise from the ocean just offshore, creating one of Hawaii’s most photographed beach scenes. The water at Lanikai stays remarkably calm and clear, almost like a giant swimming pool on most days.
Dr. Beach ranked it ninth for 2025, though parking can be a real challenge in the residential neighborhood. The beach itself is small but stunning. Kayakers paddle out to the islands, and early risers catch breathtaking sunrises over the water.
The sand is powdery soft. Shade is limited, so bring an umbrella if you plan to stay for hours soaking in the beauty.
10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts
High bluffs overlook this Cape Cod National Seashore stunner, offering sweeping views that stretch for miles. The beach below is wide and wild, with Atlantic waves rolling in and seabirds wheeling overhead.
Dr. Beach ranked Coast Guard Beach tenth for 2025. The National Park Service notes seasonal parking restrictions, with a shuttle system running during busy summer months. That keeps crowds manageable and preserves the natural feel.
Surfers enjoy the consistent waves. Beachcombers hunt for shells and sea glass. The setting feels remote and timeless, even when visitor numbers are high during peak season.
11. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Tripadvisor named Siesta Beach the number one beach in America for its 2025 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” awards. That’s high praise from actual travelers who voted with their reviews and ratings.
The sand here is legendary—99% pure quartz that stays cool even on the hottest days. It feels like walking on powdered sugar. Families love the gentle Gulf waves and the wide stretch of shoreline that never feels too crowded.
Volleyball courts, playgrounds, and plenty of parking make this an easy beach day. Sunsets over the Gulf paint the sky in brilliant colors almost every evening.
12. Clearwater Beach – Clearwater, Florida
Sugar-white sand and spectacular sunsets have made this Gulf Coast beach a classic destination for decades. The City of Clearwater highlights how easy it is to navigate, with multiple public access points and plenty of amenities.
Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and craft vendors. The beach itself is wide and well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. Families appreciate the calm water and gradual slope into the Gulf.
Nearby restaurants and shops line the beachfront, making it simple to grab lunch or rent water sports equipment. Everything you need is within walking distance.
13. Coronado Beach – Coronado, California
About 1.75 miles of wide, sandy shoreline stretch along this Southern California gem, according to the City of Coronado. The vibe here is classic SoCal—relaxed, sunny, and welcoming to everyone from surfers to families building sandcastles.
The iconic Hotel del Coronado sits nearby, adding historic charm to the beach experience. The sand has a slight sparkle thanks to mineral content, creating a unique shimmer in the sunlight.
Tide pools form at the northern end during low tide. Dog owners appreciate the designated pet-friendly section where four-legged friends can run off-leash during certain hours.
14. Ruby Beach – Olympic National Park, Washington
Sea stacks rise from the surf like ancient giants at this wild Pacific Northwest beach. The National Park Service highlights Ruby Beach as part of the Kalaloch area, where dramatic coastline meets temperate rainforest.
Driftwood logs pile high on the shore, bleached gray by salt and sun. The surf here is moody and powerful, crashing against rocks and sending spray into the air. This isn’t a swimming beach—it’s a place for exploration and wonder.
Tide pools teem with life at low tide. Photographers chase the perfect shot of sea stacks silhouetted against stormy skies or glowing in rare sunshine.
15. Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland & Virginia
A shifting barrier island landscape unfolds here, with beaches giving way to marshes and maritime forests. The National Park Service describes Assateague as a place where nature rules, constantly reshaping the land through wind and waves.
Wild horses roam the island, descendants of animals that have lived here for centuries. Spotting them grazing near the dunes or walking the beach is an unforgettable experience. The beach itself stretches for miles, often uncrowded even in summer.
Camping lets you fall asleep to the sound of surf. Mosquitoes can be fierce, so bring bug spray and enjoy this wild coastal treasure.
