50 States of Beaches

Not every state has a vast coastline, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite beach activities in any state. Browse through our list of our favorite beach in every state.

By: Farima Alavi
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Alabama: Orange Beach

A vacation in Orange Beach resembles a barrier island getaway. The white sand, clear blue water and great climate make this destination great for family vacations. Relax on the beach, or enjoy one of the many water sport activities available.

Alaska: Eagle Beach

Located just 27 miles north of Juneau, Eagle Beach has a lot to offer, from camping opportunities to mountain views. Visitors often see whales and sea lions while fishing on the beach.

Arizona: Lake Powell

Part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is the second largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Visitors can take their RVs to camp or their houseboats to enjoy the water. Aside from taking in the sights, visitors can rent a variety of water sport equipment.

Arkansas: Caddo Bend

This family-friendly beach is a favorite spot at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Forget about uncomfortable rocks, the beach at the Caddo Bend day use area is covered with inviting sand. The designated swimming area is perfect for floating and splashing. Caddo Bend is also home to plenty of shady areas that are perfect for picnicking or lounging the day away.

California: Santa Monica

Santa Monica has plenty of activities for everyone in the family. Eat at one of the several restaurants, enjoy the amusement park, Pacific Park, or ride your bike along the paved pathway. Visit the south side of the pier, Muscle Beach, to watch acrobatic feats on retro equipment like rings and bars.

 

Colorado: Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa is Colorado's largest reservoir with 96 miles of shoreline. This must-see destination is popular with fisherman, water recreation lovers and campers. 

Connecticut: File Mile Point Lighthouse

If you're visiting New Haven, take the family to see the Five Mile Point Lighthouse. The carousel, just 200 feet away from the lighthouse, is also a popular attraction at the beach.

Delaware: Fenwick Island

Whatever beach activity you enjoy, Fenwick Island has it. Go out on the water to wind surf, surf fish or visit the many putt-putt and water parks nearby.

Florida: Fort Myers

You won't see a sunset like this anywhere else on the East coast of the U.S., known as southwest Florida's unspoiled island sanctuary, the Fort Myers and Sanibel area is a great place for shelling, with more than 400 varieties that wash up on its shores. 

Georgia: St. Simons Island

The location of HGTV's Dream Home 2017, St. Simons Island boasts Southern Oaks that provide a romantic backdrop. The island's unspoiled beach and Southern charm make it a perfect getaway to go on with your loved one.

Hawaii: Waikiki

Waikiki Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the world. You can do many activities on this two-mile beach, from sand combing to surfing. The Diamond Head Crater provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop. Check out our other favorite Hawaiian beaches>>

Idaho: Lake Cascade

Lake Cascade has as many camping options as it does recreational opportunities with hundreds of campsites ranging from primitive to fully-serviced hook-ups. The camp sites are located along 86 miles of shoreline with beautiful views of Lake Cascade and the North Fork Mountain Range.

Illinois: Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park is the only beach ridge shoreline in the state. It stretches 6.5 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in northern Illinois. The variety of vegetation and animal life makes this a truely unique destination.

Indiana: Miller Beach

Just a couple hours southeast of Illinois Beach State Park is Marquette Beach, located in the Miller Beach neighborhood. This beach offers amazing views of Chicago's skyline, miles of sandy beaches and plenty of recreational opportunities. The Lagoon is the perfect place for kayaking. Enjoy hiking in the Oak Savanna, or climb the dunes that can reach up to 75 feet high - all located off the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Iowa: Gray's Lake

Located in the heart of Des Moines, Gray's Lake Park has a designated beach area where you can swim, canoe, fish and sail. 

Kansas: Lake Scott

Set against a canyon backdrop, visitors can enjoy many water activities at the beach at Lake Scott State Park.

Kentucky: Pennyrile Forest State Resort

While Kentucky might not be thought of as a beach destination, several Kentucky State Parks have beaches set in lake locations. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs is one of the most appealing. The beach's inviting sand is a great place to enjoy the views of beautiful Pennyrile Lake. The park staff hosts parties a few times a year that include food, music, beach volleyball and kids' games. You can also rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats at the dock adjacent to the beach.

Louisiana: Grand Isle

Grand Isle is located in the Gulf of Mexico, a great place for deep-sea fishing adventures or setting up a tent right on the sand. Swimmers enjoy the warm Gulf waters, and bird enthusiasts revel in the many species present in the lagoons and shore. You definitely want your camera and binoculars when visiting this unspoiled destination. 

Maine: Ogunquit Beach

The name Ogunquit means "Beautiful Place by the Sea", in the language of the Algonquin Native Americans. The 3.5-mile white sandy beach is a great place to build sandcastles, swim, collect seashells and fly a kite. Visit the section of the beach called Footbridge Beach to check out the gift shops, a snack bar and restaurants, or go to the southern end to relax in the calm waters on an inner tube or raft.

Maryland: Ocean City

Whether you're planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Ocean City has something for everyone. Ride the Tilt-a-Whirl and old-school carousel on the boardwalk, and feast on fresh crabs at one of the local restaurants. You won't run out of things to do at this popular beach.

Massachusetts: Menemsha Beach

Menemsha Beach is one of the best spots to watch a sunset on Martha's Vineyard. The rocky beach has a pleasant, gentle surf as it faces north on the Vineyard Sound, rather than the Atlantic Ocean.

Michigan: Cheboygan

Situated on the shores of Lake Huron and the banks of the Cheboygan River, Cheboygan is a great place to go boating. For lighthouse enthusiasts, Cheboygan has two of its own. Aside from water activities, visitors can hike and hunt in the area.

Minnesota: Lake Carlos

The beach at Lake Carlos State Park provides great views of Lake Carlos, the park's shoreline. The beach has easy access from the campground or parking lot via the paved trail. Spend a whole day by packing a picnic lunch, enjoying a campfire, playing volleyball or exploring more of what the park has to offer.

Mississippi: Gulfport

When visitors are done relaxing on Gulfport's beautiful sandy shore, they can hop on a ship excursion to visit West Ship Island just 12 miles offshore. The most popular attractions near the beach are the casinos and the variety of shops.

Missouri: Creve Coeur Lake

Creve Coeur Lake formed several thousand years ago when a meander loop of the Missouri River was cut off. It's a now a popular resort and vacation area and home to several hotels and boathouses on the Lake. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shoreline along Marine Avenue.

Montana: Black Sandy State Park

Black Sandy State Park is on the shores of picturesque Houser Lake, northeast of Helena, Mont. The park offers 24 campsites that can be reserved nine months in advance and is an ideal place for a family getaway.

Nebraska: Lake McConaughy

Lake McConaughy, or Lake Mac, boasts more than 100 miles of white sandy shoreline. Enjoy a variety of water acitivies, and anglers and campers can visit Lake Ogallala nearby to get away from the crowds.

Nevada: Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is located in Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. The rich blue lake sits atop the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and the sloping beaches and unique rock formations provide a great place for swimming, kayaking and scuba diving. After you enjoy water activities, set up a picnic at the barbecue area right underneath picturesque cedar trees. 

New Hampshire: Hampton Beach

Known as one of the cleanest beaches in America, Hampton Beach is a great family desitination.The soft, white sand is perfect for sandcastle building, and kids can play in the tide pools or look for sea urchins on the rocks. Visit in June to check out the amazing creations during the annual Sand Sculpture Competition.

New Jersey: Stone Harbor

Stone Harbor is a quaint summer retreat the whole family will love. Enjoy numerous water activities from fishing to jet skiing, or rent an excursion boat.

New Mexico: Elephant Butte Lake

You can visit Elephant Butte any time of year because of its mild climate. New Mexico's largest lake, it can accommodate practically any water vessel from jet skis to houseboats.

New York: Jones Beach

The 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean and 2,400-acres of maritime environment on the south shore of Long Island make Jones Beach a popular destination for families. Designed on the theme of an ocean liner, Jones Beach offers many activities including swimming in the ocean, a stroll on the boardwalk, fishing and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many concession stands. If you want to take a break from the beach, play a game of putt-putt, or learn about the marine life at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center. 

North Carolina: Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is one of the most charming beaches around with its vintage boardwalk and small-town feel. Hike a scenic white-sand trail leading to an overlook with gorgeous views of the Cape Fear River, and grab a drink at one of the nearby micro breweries.

North Dakota: Lake Metigoshe

Forests surround Lake Metigoshe, which make a beautiful scenic background for water activities like canoeing.

Ohio: East Harbor

Boating, fishing and camping opportunities attract visitors to East Harbor, but the wildlife is what sets it apart from other destinations. Waterfowl and shorebirds are in abundance in the park's scenic wetlands.

Oklahoma: Lake Texoma

Sitting on the Texas and Oklahoma state line, 89,000-acre Lake Texoma is among the biggest reservoirs in the nation. The shoreline will make you feel you're at the ocean because of the white sandy beach and the string of islands in the middle of the lake.

Oregon: Cannon Beach

Scenic Cannon Beach is famous for its 235-foot Haystock rock, and you're most likely to encounter marine life during low tide. Aside from the beach, you can enjoy the city's many art galleries, restaurants and specialty shops.

Pennsylvania: Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a major recreational landmark for about four million visitors each year. As Pennsylvania’s only "seashore", Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating.

 

Rhode Island: Little Compton

Little Compton sits on a picturesque, pastoral and peaceful peninsula in coastal Rhode Island. People flock here to celebrate the simpler things in life: quiet living, bucolic stretches of farmland and unspoiled, gentle beaches. Bordered by the Westport River, the Sakonnet River and due south, the Atlantic Ocean, Little Compton contributes handily to Rhode Island’s coveted 400 miles of coastline. South Shore Beach is open to the public and its long, crescent-shaped swath of beach welcomes a swell of visitors during the summer season. Good waves lure area surfers, and an onsite boat launch is perfect for small vessels. On a clear day, bathers can even see Cuttyhunk Island and the Elizabeth Islands in the distance.

The 75-acre Goosewing Beach Preserve encompasses the barrier beach plus a pristine coastal pond and serene dune environments. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this historic landmark is home to The Benjamin Family Environmental Center which offers environmental programs, walks and educational exhibits where visitors learn about important natural features and local flora and fauna.

South Carolina: Kiawah Island

Close to Charleston, this quiet, Southern beach has plenty to do. Go horseback riding right on the beach, or play a round of golf at one of the many courses. Read our guide to Kiawah Island>>

South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is a local favorite because of its great beach and cliffs for jumping. 

Tennessee: Percy Priest

You wouldn't think you can find a beach in the middle of Tennessee, but Percy Priest more than delivers. The sandy shoreline and warm climate make it a great swimming beach, especially when nearby boats speed by creating waves.

Texas: Port Aransas

The 6.3 miles of beach shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico make Port Aransas beaches a must-visit. A popular attraction is the boardwalk, and the Parks and Recreation department sponsors an event on the fourth Friday of each month to explore the many shells and sea critters.

Utah: Quail Creek State Park

Boasting some of the warmest waters in the state and a mild winter climate, Quail Creek Reservoir lures boaters and anglers year-round. Spend a day on the water, or visit a nearby state or national park. Then, retire to a campsite in a spectacular red rock desert setting.

Vermont: Sand Bar State Park

Sand Bar State Park is located on the shores of Lake Champlain with sweeping views of the Green and Adirondack mountains. The park is famous for its long, sandy beach and expansive grassy lawns shaded by mature trees. The sandy beach bottom remains shallow well out from shore, making this an ideal swimming spot for children. To the south and east of the park is the 1,000-acre Sand Bar wildlife refuge, which provides excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching. The park also has a brand new playground and has canoe, kayak and standup paddle board rentals.

Virginia: First Landing State Park

A weekend may not be enough at First Landing State Park. Along with the 1.5 miles of sandy shoreline at Chesapeake Bay, the park offers an abundance of activities including boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking, picnicking and cabin rentals.

Washington: Point Roberts

Point Roberts may be known for its cheap gas, but you'll find there is so much more to it. The ramp at the marina is free for casual boating and kayaking, or enjoy a more laidback day with bird watching, picnicking or bike riding.

West Virginia: Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake, 2,800 acres of water with 60 miles of shoreline, is the largest lake in West Virginia. Its size makes it the perfect spot for boating, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, tubing, snorkeling, scuba diving and even rock climbing.

Wisconsin: Meyers Beach

Beautiful Lake Superior offers a cozy beach area for swimming, picnicking or beach combing. Meyers Beach is only two miles from Bayfield Peninsula, where kayakers and hikers can explore the infamous sea caves.

Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Lake

The Absaroka Mountains provide a majestic backdrop for camping, fishing and swimming in the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Once you're done swimming at the beach, travel only 40 miiles to visit Yellowstone National Park.

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