Published 4th Aug. 2025
Written by Amy Larsen
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When it comes to postcard-perfect beaches, the USA has them in bucket-(and spade)-load. From California’s colourful coast and Florida’s buzzing beaches to Oregon’s rugged shores and Georgia’s photogenic stretches, there’s no shortage of sandy escapes on a USA holiday. Spot puffins on Cannon Beach and nesting turtles on Perdido Key, or stroll past Art Deco architecture on South Beach and charming hotels overlooking Coronado Beach. Ready to pick your coastal getaway? Read on for our roundup of the seven best beaches in the USA...
1
Best for: purple-hued sand
Keen to see a purple sand beach? Ask, and you shall receive. Pfeiffer Beach, perched on California’s iconic Big Sur coast, is kicking off our list of the best beaches in America. Hidden in a tucked-away bay, the beach’s bold violet streaks are caused by manganese garnet washing down from the surrounding hills and mixing with quartz sand.
More than just a vibrant coastline, Pfeiffer Beach is also home to Keyhole Arch, a large rock formation near the shoreline, aptly named after its narrow opening. Visit during the winter, and you might catch the sunset as it shines directly through the arch – a photographer’s dream.
Image by Tom Grubbe / Getty Images
2
Best for: swimming and surfing
Calling all water babies, Coronado Beach in Southern California is the place for you. Tucked away in San Diego, this sparkling strip of sand attracts swimmers and surfers to its pristine waters year after year. Ride the rolling waves and plunge into the waters for an active afternoon, or slow down with a scenic stroll along the shoreline, admiring views of picturesque mansions and inviting hotels. Had your beach fix? Downtown San Diego awaits, less than just ten miles away. Hop on the ferry and spend the evening relaxing in bustling bars and waterfront restaurants.
Image by Claire Guarry
3
Best for: puffin sightings
Oregon’s Cannon Beach is next up on our list of the best beaches in the USA. Perched on the West Coast, this windswept stretch of sand is dotted with large boulders. Visit at sunrise for crowd-free views of the largest of them all – the iconic Haystack Rock (at a lofty 235ft, it’s hard to miss). Formed over 17 million years ago through volcanic activity and gradual erosion, this basalt outcrop is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is a protected marine environment.
Wade through the water at low tide to see starfish and crabs gather around your feet and catch a closer glimpse of Haystack Rock’s playful puffin population. Home to one of Oregon’s largest tufted puffin colonies, these black-and-white birds take centre stage between early spring and mid-summer.
Image by Mitch Diamond / Getty Images
4
Best for: family fun
Kapalua Beach in Maui, Hawaii, is a haven for sun-seekers. Think powder-soft sands, pristine water and myriad marine life. For families craving adventure, grab a snorkel and plunge beneath the calm waters to spot shimmering schools of fish and serene sea turtles, or take a breather and test your balance on a paddleboard. Dry off on the Kapalua Coastal trail as you walk past lava rocks and lush greenery to one side and sweeping views of the ocean to the other. Ready to unwind? Nab a sunbathing spot on the crescent-shaped beach and relax as the youngsters build sandcastles by the shoreline.
Image by Jessica Sample / Gallery Stock
5
Best for: photo opportunities
The clue's in the name with Driftwood Beach. Sitting pretty on Jekyll Island in Georgia, this deserted stretch of sand is known for its driftwood trees and weathered branches. Once a lush coastal forest, years of erosion transformed the beach into an apocalyptic-like landscape. Dodge the crowds and visit during the winter months, when you can wander past the fossilised oak and pine trees in peace – just make sure to wrap up warm. Take an icy dip in the calm, shallow waters or sit back and relax on the silky sands. And, of course, no visit is complete without capturing a few shots of the surreal scenery.
Daniela Duncan / Getty Images
6
Best for: windswept dunes
Sitting pretty on Florida’s far northwestern edge, Perdido Key is next on our list of the best beaches in the USA. This 16-mile-long barrier island features rolling dunes, windswept grass and glistening turquoise waters. But the beach’s real highlight is its coconut-white sands. Time your visit with the turtle nesting season (between May and September) for the chance to spot sea turtle hatchlings beginning their journey to the ocean (just be sure to observe from a distance).
Speaking of wildlife, Perdido is also a birdwatching haven, with hundreds of migrating birds and monarch butterflies making their journey north in the spring. Keep an eye out for blue herons, ospreys and black skimmers. For a change of scenery, wander past the marshes and coastal forests surrounding the island, where even more wonderful wildlife awaits.
Margaret - stock.adobe.com
7
Best for: Art Deco
Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Florida, South Beach more than deserves a place in our roundup. Our favourite way to experience it? Set your alarms early, head to this Miami hotspot for sunrise, wake up with a dip and soak up the beachside buzz as lively volleyball games unfold beneath pastel-coloured lifeguard towers.
For a quieter experience, do as the locals do and stick to the southernmost end of the beach for an evening stroll along the high-rise-lined coastline. Watch the heart of Ocean Drive – stretching from Fifth to 15th Street – come alive with Art Deco architecture and a blur of neon lights, creating a bright backdrop to the two-mile strip of sand.
Image by Marcus Lenk - unsplash
Written by Amy Larsen | Header Image by Steve Giralt/Gallery Stock
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