To spend a day at the beach is to relish simple pleasures. The fragrance of salty air, symphony of thundering waves, sensation of heels sinking into the sand—it’s the ultimate balm for the soul. And while any opportunity to visit the sea is worth savoring, there are certain destinations where it feels like mother nature cooked with only the finest ingredients. The best beaches in the US offer a medley of these sorts of good traits, from pristine sand and azure waters to staggering rock formations and biodiverse tide pools.
Of course, practical considerations also come into play when planning a beach day. If you have little ones in tow, a location with parking, public restrooms, and a lifeguard will be appreciated. If you’re setting out into the sun with a group of friends, a beach with food trucks or grills could also tip the scales. Or perhaps you’re in search of somewhere isolated and arresting—that’s always a recipe for a memorable experience.
From a black sand shoreline in Hawaii to a coastal enclave in Maryland that’s populated by wild horses, the best beaches in the US deliver on all of the above and then some. Ahead, 13 stretches of sand to add to your bucket list.
Honokalani Beach, Maui
Photo: Getty Images
