With beautiful beaches across the country, it doesn’t matter if you hit the east, west, or the islands off the United States. You’re guaranteed a great beach either way! Whether you want to soak up the sun, catch some waves on your surfboard or SUP, or if you want to get some stunning shots for your Insta, there’s a beach for you in the United States.
In this post, we’ll take a look at ten of the most iconic beaches in the US. Most of these beaches, you’ll probably have heard of. Some of these beaches allow dogs, so bring a beach towel and your SUP, and your dog will love you for it! If not, you’ll certainly have seen them in the movies! Let’s check them out.
Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Lanikai translates to Heavenly Ocean, which isn’t a bad description of how this beach looks! It’s super-romantic and unsurprisingly is a popular destination for honeymooners. Not only is it one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu, but in the entire world. You’d think for such a famous beach that it would be easy to find. However, that’s not the case. You’ll need to head to Kailua, and the pedestrian access is hidden well away in a residential area. It’s worth seeking it out though!
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Another beach that’s much easier to find in Oahu is Waikiki Beach. This neighbourhood of the Hawaiian capital Honolulu is one of the hottest spots in town. The white sands and blue waters are backed by skyscrapers, and its location in the centre of town means that it’s not hard to find great places to eat and drink nearby. Just outside of Waikiki, you could also head to Ala Moana. This is a great spot for stand up paddle boarders, as the flat waters lend themselves brilliantly to paddling.
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
It’s not so much the beach itself that’s iconic, but the building behind it. The Hotel del Coronado is the setting for the Marilyn Monroe comedy Some Like it Hot, and this incredible structure is the 2nd largest wooden building in the whole of the United States. It’s a classy backdrop to a great beach, which is popular with families who swim and paddle in the warm waters here.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
This unique beach is one of the best spots for partying in the entire world. It’s mighty busy, especially on the part that runs parallel to Ocean Drive. Stay south of Fifth Avenue, and you might actually get a bit of peace and quiet here. As well as the buzzing nightlife, there are numerous boutique shops, top restaurants, and attractions to keep you entertained nearby too.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California
The setting of Baz Luhrmann’s remake of Romeo and Juliet, Venice Beach Boardwalk has been the star of several films and TV shows. It’s not just the stretch of sand and waters that make Venice Beach so iconic – it’s the street performers which could be anything from muscle men lifting weights to unicyclists juggling chainsaws. It’s probably best not to get too close to them! There’s nowhere better for people-watching than Venice Beach!
Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles doesn’t just have one of the most iconic beaches in the United States. Santa Monica is another – and even if the name isn’t familiar, you’re sure to recognise the pier with its amusement park. If you’re not a fan of roller coasters or fairground rides, there’s plenty more to keep you happy at SM Beach. Volleyball, swimming, and surfing are some of the top activities you can do here. With a great neighborhood in Santa Monica like any other place in the city, surely many are enticed to move to Los Angeles as there’s truly something for everyone.
Harris Beach, Oregon
Not all beaches are iconic because they are relaxing, tranquil or there are lots of attractions there. The windswept beauty is what takes your breath away when you see Oregon’s Harris Beach. With rock formations and tide pools along the shoreline, it really is a natural wonder. Hiking and bird-watching are both popular activities here, and wildlife lovers can look out for sea lions, harbour seals, and migrating whales.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
If you’re living in a state without a coastline on the ocean, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the beach. Chicago residents have long been making their way to Oak Street Beach, which has the city skyline as a backdrop. On the shores of Lake Michigan, there are lots of sun loungers and cabanas to rent on the sand, while a paved path nearby is perfect for jogging and biking.
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
While the Outer Banks is one of the most famous areas in North Carolina, its most iconic beach is further south.Wrightsville Beach is a quiet and tranquil town facing out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a water sports lover’s paradise – with stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and surfing all on offer here.
Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn, New York
Much like Santa Monica Beach, Coney Island is iconic not just for the beach, but the theme park that sits just behind it. There are nearly three miles of sandy beaches at Coney Island, so even at the busiest times you can get away from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Take a walk along the famous boardwalk in the sun, but it’s even a winner in bad weather. You’ll be able to duck into the New York Aquarium or the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink. No matter when you visit Coney Island, there’s always something going on.
Exploring iconic beaches in the US is a fantastic way to create memorable experiences, but it’s also essential to consider comfortable accommodations for your trips. If you’re planning a vacation in Orlando, home to several world-famous attractions, look no further than the Westgate Palace Hotel. This luxurious property offers exceptional services and amenities to cater to various preferences. Learn more about this amazing resort and other lodging options. With the right accommodation, you can ensure an unforgettable stay while enjoying all the exciting adventures Orlando has to offer.
