Composed of 50 states, the United States starts from North America, reaching northwest to Alaska, and extending up to the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii. Given the many states, the US boasts lots of tourist destinations, with each state offering different attractions. A few of its major cities include New York, the city that never sleeps, Chicago with its prominent architecture, and Hollywood in Los Angeles, where you’ll likely come across plenty of celebrities. But in case you’re after resort towns and summer locations, this country also has plenty of beaches for you to explore. Check out our list of the best beach holidays in the United States.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Maui (from USD 779)
A part of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui, is a summer paradise waiting for you to visit. It has 30 mi (48.28 km) of sandy beaches that include Kapalua, a golden-crescent resort town in West Maui that features subdued elegance, without buildings and shopping malls, which will help you relax and reflect. The beaches in Kapalua are also perfect for the whole family since it is sheltered from powerful currents by the lava- rock formations. Other interesting places here include Haleakala National Park, Ohe’o Gulch Waterfalls, Maluaka Beach, the Seven Sacred Pools, and many more. Additionally, if you need a place to stay on the island, you should check out Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. It is luxurious, with a full-service spa, and offers rooms with balconies, giving you an amazing view of the sea or the garden.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
Address: 200 Nohea Kai Drive
7006.64 km (4353.8 mi) from HarborWalk Village
2. Destin (from USD 225)
Pricing is a bit steep, but the resort offers a variety of amenities and activities.
Access to 4 pools, free bikes, and a resort shuttle for convenient transportation.
Located in the heart of the Emerald Coast with easy access to the beach and Baytowne Wharf.
The Sunset Bay Cafe offers excellent food with a perfect view, while the resort provides various restaurant choices.
Located northwest of Florida, Destin is another excellent choice for your beach holiday. It is known for its many beautiful beaches in the Gulf of Mexico and the many golf courses available. It is a well-rounded summer destination. Aside from tree-dotted beaches, it also has waterparks, like Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, which contains numerous outdoor pools and tall slides, among others. Another attraction not to be missed is Destin Harbor Boardwalk, a bustling spot filled with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. As for accommodation, you’ll won’t regret staying at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which has a private beach, a full-service spa, and comfortable rooms with balconies.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy
17.48 km (10.9 mi) from HarborWalk Village
3. Cape May (from USD 179)
A year-round tourist destination, Cape May is not just gorgeous in summer with its sweeping beaches, but also very alive come other seasons. This is a place rich in history, with beautiful architecture that you can see in the 600 stunning Victorian structures. There are also wildlife attractions here, including whales on the coast from May to December and the migratory birds at Cape May Bird Observatory. Nothing is better than starting your day waiting for a majestic sunrise and ending it by watching the sunset over the water, both of which you can enjoy thanks to its location at New Jersey’s southern tip. And for accommodation, you can book a stay at La Mer Beachfront Resort. A few of its good features include rooms with balconies, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor heated pool.
La Mer Beachfront Resort
Address: 1317 Beach Avenue
1422.28 km (883.8 mi) from HarborWalk Village
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Ocean City (from USD 84)
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Isle of Wight Bay, Ocean City is a charming resort town in Maryland. The town features a mile-long beach that offers numerous activities like swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and boat tours that will bring you to the nearby island of Assateague. The island is not inhabited by humans but by many wild ponies. Another attraction by the beach is the boardwalk lined with restaurants, locals stores, and souvenir shops. On its tip is a theme park, which has been here for decades. With direct access to the beach, Holiday Inn Ocean City is a great choice for accommodation. It features a room with private balconies, two swimming pools, and indoor hot tubs.
Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel
Address: 6600 Coastal Highway - Oceanfront
1374.01 km (853.8 mi) from HarborWalk Village
5. Outer Banks (from USD 220)
Reasonable pricing for beachfront location, but additional fees for pets and amenities
Beach access, fishing pier, heated indoor pool, on-site restaurant, pet-friendly
Ideal beachfront location with easy access to shops and restaurants
Varied dining options with good breakfast, but some inconsistencies in service and quality
Outer Banks is a barrier island located in North Carolina. It separates the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean, and it is known for its open-sea beaches and shipwreck diving sites, making it a great beach holiday destination. You’ll also find Roanoke Island here, which was the first settlement in England’s New World, an attempt that was sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh. Situated by the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk is an excellent accommodation for people who want to stay by the beach. It features a wide selection of rooms and facilities worthy of your time.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk
Address: 5353 North Virginia DareTrail
1186.7 km (737.4 mi) from HarborWalk Village
6. Jekyll Island (from USD 179)
Located at Glenn County and owned by the state of Georgia, Jekyll Island is a self-sustaining place with its own government. You’ll find here the state’s only rehabilitation facility for sea turtles. One of the most famous beaches - and the most romantic of them all - is Driftwood Beach. It is like a forest of downed trees just waiting for you to explore. It also makes a desirable backdrop for your photos, especially during sunset. Another well-known beach here is Great Dunes Beach Park, which is ideal for families as the beach is long and wide and has waves ideal for surfing, but not too strong to frighten little children. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is a great accommodation for lots of reasons, which include rooms with a sea view, a swimming pool with a sun terrace, a children’s playground, and a fitness center, among others.
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, an IHG Hotel
Address: 701 North Beachview Drive
493.71 km (306.8 mi) from HarborWalk Village
7. Honolulu (from USD 700)
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and it is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches. This place is dotted with palm trees, with towering buildings as its backdrop, and it overlooks the Diamond Head’s crater. Apart from swimming and surfing at the beaches and diving from its many cliffs, you can also visit the Waikiki neighborhood, which boasts many restaurants, shopping options, and a vibrant nightlife. Halekulani is a resort located in Waikiki beach and features rooms with lanai, spa, jazz lounge, and three restaurants, including the award-winning La Mer restaurant.
Halekulani
Address: 2199 Kalia Road
7097.58 km (4410.3 mi) from HarborWalk Village
8. Santa Barbara (from USD 909)
With the Santa Inez Mountains as its backdrop and the Pacific Ocean at its coast, Santa Barbara will surely bring you nothing but good times and a beach holiday you will never forget. The city features a Mediterranean-style downtown filled with white stucco buildings that have red-tile roofs, showcasing its Spanish colonial heritage. And when you pass by State Street, you’ll find an amazing array of boutiques and restaurants. Of course, your trip to Santa Barbara wouldn’t be complete without visiting its many beaches, like Arroyo Burro Beach County Park. It has a beautiful stretch of sand and features multiple activities like surfing, swimming, sunbathing, whale watching, and more. Also, it is an excellent place for picnics as it has on-site grills. In case you still can’t decide where to stay in Santa Barbara, Hotel Californian might be the ideal accommodation for you - this property is just a few minutes’ walk to the beach and has outdoor pools, a spa, and two restaurants.
Hotel Californian
Address: 36 State Street
3132.66 km (1946.6 mi) from HarborWalk Village
9. Sanibel Island (from USD 409)
Connected to the mainland through a causeway, Sanibel Island is a great destination if you want to escape the winter season in your country. It is a flat island that features plenty of Florida’s best shelling beaches. You and you’re family will surely have fun shelling here and swimming in the clear waters. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities, and J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a great attraction to visit. As for accommodation, you will love Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. It has amazing amenities and facilities, such as five outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa, four restaurants, and many activities, like kayaking, paddleboarding, and playing pickleball.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Address: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL, USA, 33957
619.79 km (385.2 mi) from HarborWalk Village
Hello United States
The United States has a lot to offer, and with 50 states, you’ll surely find a lot to do here. The destinations are so diverse that you’ll have a hard time choosing where to go. But if it is a summer destination you’re after, refer to our list of the best beach holiday in the United States, and have a memorable vacation ahead.
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