U.S. Beach Travel
When it comes to vacations, beaches are timeless. But with all of the beach choices in the United States, planning the perfect beach getaway can be overwhelming. The Web resources in this guide break down U.S. beaches by region, presenting the best dunes and boardwalks from South Carolina to San Diego. You’ll learn where to find beaches on the East Coast, the Southeast, the West Coast and of course Hawaii, and get the best online tools for finding beach hotels and cheap flights to the beach.
Expand All Guide SectionsBest of the Beach
This section spotlights some of the best beaches in the U.S. with top 10 lists compiled by prolific online travel channels and magazines. You’ll also get innovative beach search engines to help you find the best beach vacation packages specifically suited to your interests.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Many beach vacationers book their trips far in advance, so if you can’t get a booking this summer at any trendy spots, consider booking now for next summer.
- If you’re concerned about harmful UV rays, you don’t necessarily have to rule out a beach vacation, according to the Los Angeles Times. Just take extra precautions with umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats made of special fabric.
Dulcinea's Picks
For best-beach lists …
Dr. Beach
is a scientist and beach travel expert who publishes a list of America’s Best Beaches (with photos) each year. Discover this year’s favorites, and scan his previous years’ picks.
TripAdvisor
released a list of its top 10 U.S. beaches in February 2008, featuring a range of states, including South Carolina, Hawaii and Georgia. Read brief descriptions of the beaches, many of which are off the beaten path and still under the radar, according to TripAdvisor. Beaches were chosen for their sand and water quality, and for having relaxing environments.
ShermansTravel.com
presents a list of the “Top 10 American Boardwalks” from coast to coast, including a pick or two that may surprise you. Each wooden wonderland is briefly described and backed up by Sherman’s experienced staff of travel experts.
Sandkidz
outlines the top 10 beaches for sandcastle contests, from Imperial Beach, California to South Padre Island, Texas. Most contests are open to both professionals and amateurs, so everyone is welcome to dig in, and live entertainment keeps non-carvers busy all day.
To search for beaches …
Travel Channel
provides an overview of U.S. beaches organized by region, a great starting point for beach trip inspiration if you’re flexible regarding where to go. Beaches are rated for child-friendliness, swimming, sand and other factors, and dining and accommodation options are listed for each beach.
My Ideal Beach
is a new interactive site created by Orbitz that finds beaches and beach resorts that meet your criteria. Identify who (if anyone) you’ll be traveling with (friends, family or spouse), select activities you’d like to have available at your beach destination (dining, golf or shopping), and hotel amenities (private beach, spa or all-inclusive). You can limit your choices to U.S. beaches, and sort results by location, price and star rating.
For beaches to avoid …
The Dangerous Beaches Mapping Project
of the Geography Department at the University of California, Berkeley is a shockingly uncensored look at the reality of beach landscapes around the world. Get maps of unsafe coastal beaches, based on a variety of factors including cliffs, sharks, dangerous currents and pollution.
Regional Beach Travel
From coast to coast, the United States is practically a beach wonderland. This section helps you ... read more »
Getting to the Beach
Before you can dip your toes in the sea and settle into your beach holiday, you’ll need to ... read more »
Hotels at the Beach
After a long day of salt water, sand and sun, a comfortable place to rest can make all the ... read more »
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