Few things are better than skipping off to the beach on a hot summer day. And there’s no shortage of places in the U.S. to do just that, like the pristine stretches of sand dotted with palm trees along Florida’s Gulf Coast or the forest-lined shores and pebble beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
Ahead of the official start of summer, we’ve rounded up the best beaches in the country, no matter who you’re with or what you’re looking for — whether that’s swimming, sunbathing, adventuring or something else entirely.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Why we love it
Just 40 minutes from downtown Honolulu, Lanikai Beach is nestled on the east side of O’ahu next to the small town of Kailua. Its waters are vibrant aquamarine, and the sand slopes gently into the shallow waves. Lanikai tends to be less crowded than some of Hawaii's more centrally located beaches, making it a truly peaceful getaway. The waters are reliably calm, so it’s great for paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. You’ll also have a perfect view of Nā Mokulua, two iconic islets off the coast.
Who it’s best for
Lanikai Beach is great for couples, friend groups and adventurers. It may not be the best choice for families with kids, as there are no lifeguards or restrooms. Overall, though, Hawaii is a very kid- and baby-friendly vacation spot .
What to know
Average water temperatures in Hawaii range from about 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, so it’s plenty comfortable for swimming and snorkeling. One of the only drawbacks to Lanikai Beach is the lack of facilities — there’s no public restroom or designated parking lot.
La Jolla Shores, Calif.
Why we love it
California has tons of famously beautiful beaches: Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach — the list goes on. But La Jolla Shores stands out for its natural beauty, wide sandy beach (it’s about a mile long) and easy, gentle slope into the waves.
It’s prime real estate for catching a colorful sunset over the water, and the town of La Jolla has lots of beachfront accommodations, from brand-name hotels to boutique stays, spas and resorts. Despite the stiff competition, La Jolla Shores is a clear winner for swimmers and sunbathers, since it’s calm and accessible without being overly crowded. La Jolla Cove, a must-see spot along the shore, was recently named the No. 1 best beach in the U.S. (and the seventh best in the world) by TripAdvisor.
Who it’s best for
La Jolla Shores is an excellent pick for just about anyone, unless you’re looking for something truly tropical. It’s right on the edge of town, so you’ll have easy access to restaurants, hotels, bathrooms and anything else you might need. La Jolla is small and idyllic enough for a couple’s getaway, but can easily accommodate families and kids.
What to know
Average water temperatures in La Jolla hang out between 66 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit during summer. It’s definitely swimmable (and surfable), but a wetsuit will keep you comfortable if you plan to spend extended time in the water. La Jolla is just 30 minutes north of San Diego and less than an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Ruby Beach, Wash.
Why we love it
The beaches of the Pacific Northwest coast are some of the most unique in the world. And Ruby Beach, known for its staggering natural beauty, dramatic rock formations and poetic collision of forest and sea, is particularly stunning.
Visitors can explore coastal streams and tangles of driftwood along this moody shorefront, and the tide pools are teeming with starfish, anemones, crabs and other colorful aquatic creatures. If you go at the right time of year (typically late July into August), you can even watch the waves glow with bioluminescent plankton at night. Other popular spots, like Rialto Beach and Cape Flattery, are nearby too. One of the best parts of visiting Ruby Beach is exploring the Olympic Peninsula, which recently made our list of the best places in the U.S. to visit in June .
Who it’s best for
Ruby Beach is perfect for anyone looking for a nature-filled beach adventure, rather than a sun-drenched day sipping drinks by the surf. It’s popular for families with kids and pets (especially dogs) and arguably one of the best beaches in the U.S. for couples, thanks to its sweeping, colorful sunsets and endless opportunities for adventures.
What to know
Unless you’re a polar plunger, Pacific Northwest beaches aren’t great for bathing, with average Washington water temps hovering between the low 50s and low 60s Fahrenheit during the summer months. The Olympic Peninsula is fairly secluded, and you’ll be about three hours from any major city. Nearby Forks (of Twilight fame) is a good place to fill up on gas and food before heading to the beach.
Siesta Beach, Fla.
Why we love it
Siesta Beach is one of Florida’s best, thanks to its crystalline waters, quartz sand shores (about eight miles long in total) and easy accessibility for families, kids and people of all ages. As a Gulf Coast beach, the water tends to be a bit mellower and warmer than what you’ll find on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, making it friendly to swimmers. Siesta Key is also a popular spot for dining, shopping, resorts and nightlife, and there’s a bustling farmers market that runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who it’s best for
Of all the gorgeous Florida beaches, Siesta is our overall pick for its accessibility and broad appeal. Calm, shallow waters make it suitable for kids and families, but there’s enough space for couples and groups to spread out for privacy. Skip it, though, if you don’t enjoy the heat or would prefer a more remote getaway.
What to know
Siesta Key’s average water temperature reaches 86 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and stays around 80 degrees into the fall, making it the warmest swimming spot on our list. If you’re daydreaming about skipping off to a Caribbean island this summer, Siesta Beach is about as close as you can get without leaving the mainland. It’s also famous for its unique sand made from 99% quartz , which is comfortable to walk in, even in scorching temps.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Mich.
Why we love it
Lake Michigan is by far one of the most popular spots for lakefront beaches in the U.S., and it’s surrounded by plenty of places to enjoy the summer. Few are as beloved, though, as Sleeping Bear Dunes, especially for families and kids. The shores are surrounded by towering bluffs and dunes, hiking trails and overlooks that sit above the sandy beaches below. While there are plenty of beautiful freshwater beaches in the U.S., its competitive edge is its slightly warmer water, unique shoreline (some of the dunes tower at 450 feet) and extensive space to spread out and explore.
Who it’s best for
Sleeping Bear Dunes is great for just about anyone — families, kids, friend groups, couples and solo travelers. You’ll likely encounter some crowds, though, so if you’d prefer a more secluded spot, check out Schoolhouse Beach on nearby Washington Island, which offers a breathtaking pebble beach, pristine, clear waters and, typically, fewer visitors.
What to know
It’s a 30-minute drive west of Traverse City and just shy of three hours from St. Ignace, Michigan’s gateway to the Upper Peninsula. The dramatic sandy dunes are pretty steep in some areas, so bring your climbing legs. That said, nearby Empire Beach offers direct access to the water without the slog. North Lake Michigan’s average water temperatures range from about 48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.
Virginia Beach, Va.
Why we love it
Thirty-five miles of coastline make Virginia Beach “the world’s longest pleasure beach,” at least according to the local tourism board . It’s close to lots of waterfront hotels and restaurants, so you can stay within sight of the waves at all times. There’s also a ton to do besides hanging out on the sand, like hiking through First Landing State Park, checking out the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center or catching a free outdoor concert. Virginia Beach also made our list of the best budget-friendly beach vacation spots in the U.S.
Who it’s best for
Virginia Beach is an excellent fit for families, large groups and anyone looking for a straightforward beach vacation with easy access to amenities. It’s also a good choice for budget travelers, as cost-of-living expenses like food and transportation are lower than the national average .
What to know
Average water temperatures at Virginia Beach range from 73 degrees Fahrenheit in early summer to 80 degrees in August, making it one of the warmest swimming spots on our list, trailing close behind Florida and Hawaii.
