5 Best US Beaches

The U.S. has over 95,000 miles of shoreline. Though not all are suitable for beachgoers, we do have ample beaches to enjoy the sand, sun and water. A beach can be a perfect getaway for most families because there is an array of exciting, fun and free activities for the whole family.

A beach vacation requires a lot of driving from place to place looking for a parking space or a place to eat. Most U.S. beaches have vacation packages for the whole family that include meal options and facilities for preparing meals.

Here are 5 best US beaches we have chosen:

Kapalua Beach Maui
Hawaii is in most vacationers’ travel bucket list. The word Hawaii is synonymous to beaches, sun, sand and hula dance. There is no better place to enjoy all these and more than the island of Maui.

Maui has world-class eateries, beach resorts and activities. We have chosen Kapalua Beach as one of the best. Kapalua Beach is great for families traveling with children, couples, and singles or for a multi-generational group traveling together. This beach is protected from strong currents and winds. So it gives beachgoers a chance to enjoy calmer waters that are great for swimming, snorkeling and other beach activities.

The Kapalua Beach Ritz Carlton combines world-class luxury with outdoor cabanas and private garden showers in a lush Hawaiian lush greeneries setting. Guests have 36 holes championship golf courses to practice their game or enjoy the white sandy beach just steps away from their room.

Immerse yourself in a true Hawaiian experience when you stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii. Both cultural and environmental appreciations, combined with world-class, exclusive facilities, deliver a true escape. The Maui beach hotel features the special touches that allow you to take relaxation to the next level.

The hotel includes many activities for guests like snorkeling in the coral reefs, Hawaiian cultural dance and meals and more. Each guest is greeted with a traditional Kukui Nut Lei when they arrive at the hotel.
If you are traveling from Los Angeles to Honolulu, your flight time is five hours 38 minutes and from Honolulu to Maui would be about 43 minutes.

Clearwater Beach, Florida
If you like a small town and kid friendly atmosphere, Clearwater Beach Florida is just the right place for your beach vacation. You can easily rent a fishing boat or take a dolphin watching cruise or try out water sports like parasailing or ski jet rides.

Clearwater is less than 23 miles from Tampa International Airport and renting a car is easy when you arrive in Tampa. For families who like to combine arts, culture and history, Clearwater is close to Ybor City in downtown Tampa and the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.

The city’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium mission is to preserve marine life and environment, rescue, rehabilitate and release the marine animals back to the habitats. Find out more about the film by Warner Bros. Pictures’ Dolphin Tale, a true story of a brave dolphin without a tail.

Kiawah Beach, South Carolina
10 miles of beach and dunes, a variety of plant and animal species and a nesting habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds are what you will find at Kiawah Beach and Island. Kiawah Island is an 8,000 acre residential-resort community located 20 miles from Charleston South Carolina.

This quiet island has 1,500 residents and is a great summer getaway spot for those who like to combine the great outdoors with sun-bathing. It is best to combine your vacation of Kiawah Beach with a visit to the historical city of Charleston. Charleston Airport has six direct flights from major American airlines.

A variety of accommodation is available for you at Kiawah Beach including condos, oceanfront hotel or villa complexes. The area has award winning golf courses, two large undeveloped areas called Cougar Island and Little Bear Island and recreational facilities. Check out their website here.

Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz’s Main Beach and Cowell Beach have lifeguard service throughout spring break, summer months and fall weekends. If you want to try out surfing, these two beaches have a number of surf schools.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has a variety of attractions for the whole family including laser tag, arcade, mini golf, bowling, shopping and dining. And beach adventures include sailing, swimming, fishing and surfing.

You can fly into Santa Cruz Airport, San Francisco or Monterrey Airport to get to Santa Cruz beaches. San Francisco International Airport has more flight option and is only 61 miles away from Santa Cruz.

Key West, Florida
You may need a license for fishing. Fishing, swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing are some of the fun things to do in Key West. Key West has its own unique beach culture and there is no surfing in Key West because there are no big waves.

Most vacationers go for the beach, history, food and island culture of Key West which is also known as Conch Republic by the locals. Key West is a three hour 21 minute drive from Miami.

Do you have a favorite beach? Please let us know. For help with planning your next road trip, please use Travelmath’s calculators.