With 30 states and four different coastlines (the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes), the United States of America boasts a vast array of beach destinations just waiting to be discovered. Booking.com compiled a list of nine of North America’s most stunning beaches here.
Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Driftwood Beach, on Georgia’s Jekyll Island northern tip, is a hauntingly gorgeous location. A panorama of twisted dead pine and water oak trees, bleached by the sun and strewn across the smooth sand, has been formed by continuous erosion. It should come as no surprise that sunsets are a major attraction here, especially with the backdrop of twisted natural sculptures. As you walk all the way to the end of the beach, you’ll notice that it becomes more desolate and surreal. At low tide, it’s also worthwhile to explore the small tidal pools that form around the remnants of each old oak tree. Several species of fish, crab, and other marine life can be found in these clear waters. Just ten minutes drive from the shore is the 19th-century Jekyll Island Club Resort, where you can stay.
Pfeiffer Beach, California
Although Pfeiffer Beach appears nearly alien at first, it’s perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Here at Pfeiffer, the erosion of neighboring hillsides resulted in manganese mineral deposits on the beach, which gave the sand its metallic, purple luster. And a breathtaking view. At Ventana Inn & Spa, you may stay hidden among the trees on a remote hillside with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Miami’s South Beach, Florida
Miami‘s South Beach, sometimes known as “SoBe,” is one of the most well-known beaches in the United States for good reason. The sand is as white, the sea is as blue, and the atmosphere is as glitzy as you might imagine. SoBe is located at the southern tip of Florida. While bronzed sunbathers lounge on the sand next to lifeguard towers painted lavender, yellow, or red with white stripes, rollerbladers speed through beachfront parks surrounded by neon signage and art deco buildings. The Hispanic background of SoBe means that visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to Cuban food and beverages. You may surf and parasail here, sunbathe, and enjoy some of the Latin cocktails. Try ropa vieja, which is tortillas served with shredded beef in a hot tomato sauce and restaurants like Havana 1957 won’t let you down, especially when it comes to yuca (a garlicky vegetable dish marinated in lime and olive oil). Visit 1 Hotel South Beach to take in the sunset from the modern pool area on the beach.
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach, with its wooden pier reaching 1000 feet into the Atlantic and ending in a large pavilion shaped like a diamond, perfectly captures the traditional charm of South Carolina. It’s on an island south of Charleston, and when the weather heats up in April, it gets packed with surfers and sun worshippers fleeing the city. Take a boat excursion around the island to see the Morris Island Lighthouse standing in shallow seas (the structure is gradually giving itself up to the sea due to erosion) or watch purple sunsets over the golden sand. A bit further back from the shore, heading toward Charleston, is Bowens Island Restaurant, where you can have dinner. It was established in the middle of the 1940s and offers some of the best fresh oysters and shrimp nearby. Reserve a suite at Tides Folly Beach with a view of the pier.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
The community of Kill Devil Hills is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and it is surrounded by many stunning beaches. With a range of wave heights and intensities, it’s also a surfer’s paradise, offering strong swells for surfers of all abilities. In addition to attracting windsurfers today, the Atlantic winds brought the Wright Brothers to perform the first powered, controlled airplane flight in 1903 more than a century ago. The Colonial Inn features a cozy balcony with private beach access where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.
Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Located near the city of Sarasota on a small barrier island off the west coast of the Sunshine State, Siesta Key is often referred to as the nicest beach in Florida. The powder-fine, 99% quartz sand here is a brilliant white color that contrasts well with the mint-green sea and doesn’t get very hot to the touch in the sun. There will be plenty of room to stretch out because the beach is sufficiently long and wide. Jump through the waves and play volleyball on the sand all day. Drive to downtown Sarasota in the evening to sample its dining options, which include Southern cuisine at Owen’s Fish Camp (pecan-crusted trout with crawfish butter and shrimp jambalaya), The Capri at Siesta get to enjoy the outdoor pool on the property, which is conveniently close to the beach.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
One of Alabama’s most well-known coastal beauty destinations is Gulf Shores, which boasts 32 miles of white sand beaches with turquoise waters lapping against them. Spend your days swimming in the warm waves or lounging in the sun. Or take a dolphin-spotting boat excursion or go fishing at Gulf State Park. When the fisherman return with their haul, the public pier is crowded with pelicans; oysters are the local specialty and the seafood is particularly delicious. With programs and campaigns to maintain the beach’s cleanliness, Gulf Shores also takes pride in its accessibility and environmentally friendly practices. The Beach Club Resort and Spa II is located directly on the beach.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
One of Hawaii largest and most stunning beaches is Waikiki. Surfing lessons on the beach, surfing lessons in world-class waves, and dreamlike moonlit meals at one of the many coastal restaurants and bars are some of the activities available here. Founded in 1927, the opulent and well-known The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, offers beachfront accommodations.
Oxnard Beach Park, California
Oxnard Beach Park, which is only an hour’s drive up the coast from Los Angeles, is frequently used as a starting point for visits to the Channel Islands, a National Park archipelago that is abundant in species and scenic splendor. Take a boat ride to these islands to see dolphins, but don’t forget to see Oxnard’s downtown, which features churches, heritage homes, and streets from the turn of the century. The Homewood Suites is the best place to stay in Oxnard.
