While travelers rave about the Amalfi Coast and islands of French Polynesia, we tend to forget that some of the best beaches are right here in the United States! From romantic east coast sunsets to rocky west coast cliffs, there are beautiful sandy stretches all over this country. Check out our list of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, then start daydreaming about which trip we can help you book.

North Carolina’s Outer Banks have been the backdrop of many beachside movies and T.V. shows. There’s no bridge to Ocracoke Island, so you’ll have to load your car onto the ferry and prepare to enjoy a secluded paradise. Ocracoke prides itself on laid back culture, untouched beaches (really—there are no oceanfront properties!), and quaint village feel.

This barrier island in Florida’s panhandle offers 22 miles of natural beauty and quiet island living. Watch wildlife from untouched marshes, visit the island lighthouse, and spend your days shelling and sunbathing. You won’t find any highrises here, but we recommend a pleasant beach cottage or room at one of the island’s two inns.

Coronado Island is a true west coast fairytale. The legendary Hotel del Coronado stretches along the beach, offering prime lodgings for luxury beachgoers. Choose your own stretch of white sand to watch surfers and enjoy the sun and San Diego skyline views. There’s also the Coronado Dog Beach nearby!

Go whale watching and seal spotting in Cape Cod. You could spend weeks soaking up Cape Cod’s east coast charm, and there are tons of beaches to choose from. Our favorites are Nauset Beach, Marconi Beach, and Herring Cove.

Named America’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel, Poipu Beach on Kauai is a hotspot for snorkeling, surfing, and floating on blue water. There are technically two beaches on Poipu, and one has lots of wading pools that families will enjoy.

Only accessible by ferry, this barrier island is a hotspot for hunting shark teeth and beautiful shells. There are no human residents on Cumberland Island, but visitors are invited to admire wild horses from afar and explore remnants of the old Carnegie mansion. Camping is the only overnight accommodation, but we recommend daytripping from nearby (and also beautiful!) Fernandina Beach. 

Nantucket sets the scene of all of your beach romance novel dreams. Stroll around the picturesque village, stay at a historic B&B, and pack a picnic to watch the sunset on one of Nantucket’s fantastic beaches. We love Madaket for soft sand and a chance at seeing seals.

Just 90 minutes from bustling Portland, Cannon Beach boasts mossy rocks, picturesque cliffs, and lots of wildlife—like tufted puffins who hang out on Haystack Rock! The town nearby is known for a great art scene, wonderful cocktails, and luxury lodgings. 

Beach towns don’t get much more quaint than Kennebunkport. Visit Goose Rocks Beach to soak up the sun or take a kayak tour around Porpoise Cove. We also recommend a whale watching tour before retiring to your oceanside resort or charming bed and breakfast. 

They say it’s one of the best beaches in the Hamptons, and we have to agree. Cooper’s Beach is a city dweller’s dream escape, and a quintessential spot to visit if it’s your first time in the area. You’ll share the beach with other sunbathers, but it’s not a rowdy spot. Take a stroll in the sand and relax in the water before heading into town for fresh seafood.