The 15 Best Beaches in the United States

A sojourn by the sea represents the zenith of tranquil retreats yet equally embodies an opportunity for exhilaration and exploration. Regardless of your vacation aspirations, our aim is to facilitate the realization of those ambitions.

The United States is home to numerous breathtaking shorelines; nonetheless, we have meticulously chosen a collection of the most remarkable ones to assist you in determining your forthcoming coastal getaway.

Maui, Hawaii

Kapalua

Kapalua is one of Maui’s premier resort areas. Its name means “arms embracing the sea.” Kapalua’s lovely shoreline is lined with five bays and three white sand beaches, one of which was named “The Best Beach in America” by the University of Maryland’s Laboratory of Coastal Research. This spectacular area is nestled among Cook pines and surrounded by acres of pineapple.

Wailea

Wailea is a luxurious resort community in South Maui spanning 1,500 acres of land with jaw-dropping ocean views. The area exudes a sense of privacy, serenity and freedom. The area’s signature beaches include Wailea Beach, Polo Beach, with excellent swimming and snorkeling, and Ulua Beach, where early morning and sunset walkers and joggers abound.

Kaanapali

This beach area was a former retreat area for the royalty of Maui. Now a popular getaway, Kaanapali Beach offers great swimming and cliff diving. In fact, there is a famous daily cliff diving ceremony off the beach’s northernmost cliffs, Puu Kekaa or Black Rock. Held every evening at sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, diving off Black Rock in a reenactment of a feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili. Also fronting Kaanapali is the open-air Whalers Village, a world-class shopping complex featuring a variety of exceptional shops and restaurants, a renowned whaling museum and Hawaiian entertainment.

Oahu, Hawaii

Kailua

On the eastern shore of Oahu, beneath the breathtaking Ko’olau mountain range, lies the quiet, relaxed beach community of Kailua, known for its beaches and outdoor lifestyle. Dog-friendly Kailua Beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, kayaking, bodyboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Lanikai Beach features a mile of pristine, white sand and clear turquoise water teeming with marine life and wonderful for snorkeling.

North Shore

If the perfect wave existed, it would be found on Oahu’s North Shore. This legendary surf mecca is known for its towering, glassy winter waves, which draw the best surfers in the world. Stretching for more than seven miles, North Shore beaches host the world’s premier surfing competitions during peak winter months, including the biggest of them all, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. From May to September, the waves subside, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfing and swimming.

Waikiki

Travelers who want to head to Oahu’s most iconic tourist destination make a beeline to Waikiki. The community has grown from a small community of surfers and artists in the 1960s to an urban neighborhood of high rises in the 1970s. In addition to gorgeous beaches such as Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach, Grays Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach and Kahanamoku Beach. Waikiki also includes local attractions Kapiolani Park, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Kuhio Beach Park, and Ala Wai Harbor.

Villa Leticia is one of the most elegant, palatial homes on Oahu. Marvel at some of the most ethereal sunsets in the world while sipping your favorite cocktail on your glorious waterfront terrace.  The beachfront villa has six superbly designed bedrooms comfortably accommodating up to twelve guests.  The multi-level common spaces, including an open-concept living room, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen, are sophistically decorated. The hidden terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying the captivating sunsets. This private haven of serenity is also brimming with the most modern amenities. These include an incredible pool and hot tub facing the Pacific, creating an unforgettable view. The private pathways lead through lush foliage to the private Maunalua Bay frontage. 

Malibu, California

La Costa

The first neighborhood to be developed in Malibu was La Costa Beach back in the 1920s. Today, La Costa is peaceful and secluded. All beaches in California are public access, however, the beach is difficult for non-residents to get to. So, the uncrowded shores and majestic ocean views make La Costa a great place for celebrities to call home, and many do.

Zuma

Zuma Beach is likely the most famous beach in Malibu. The two-mile stretch of shore, with its light brown sand, is a favorite for surfers. The huge beach has lifeguard stations spaced out along the shore. Zuma Beach is terrific for volleyball, walking in the surf, picnics, or just relaxing. The beach has a number of bathroom facilities and various food stands. It’s all sand, surf, and fun at Zuma.

El Matador

Although all Malibu beaches are spectacular, El Matador is just plain and simple, ridiculously beautiful. What makes it stand out? It’s at the bottom of high bluffs with a breathtaking view looking down not only at the beach but up and down the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. You will quickly notice the striking and unusual rock formations along the beach. You will want to explore every nook and cranny this unique beach spot has to offer!

Breathtaking is also a word to describe Villa Yetta sitting on the shores of Malibu. When you make this outstanding villa your home-away-from-home while vacationing or on business in Malibu, you will have a wonderful beach to play on as well as a heated outdoor pool, indoor hot tub and an incredible terrace and patio on which to dine and star gaze well into the night.

Miami, Florida

Lummus Park

Lummus Park Beach is a picturesque spot surrounded by historic Art Deco buildings, high-end hotels, a winding beachfront walkway, and bronze athletes playing volleyball games on the sandy courts. This beach is full of action and is a favorite among those looking for the full Miami experience (Muscle Beach and frozen margaritas included). At the heart of Lummus Park, find Miami Beach's LGBTQ+ beach at the intersection of 12th street, a hotspot during Miami Beach Pride and identifiable year-round by rainbow flags at each lifeguard station.

Surfside

Dubbed the “uptown beach town,” Surfside is a decidedly quaint beach with a '50s-era beachside feel. Head here for its mellow vibes, pristine sand and waters, and afternoon bites at Josh's Deli, a beloved artisanal Jewish delicatessen, or cool off with some frozen yogurt from Serendipity. If you like to fish, Surfside is also known for its excellent bay and offshore fishing. If you are doing Florida's best beaches circuit, you might want to see what Fort Lauderdale has to offer as well.

Crandon Park

Crandon Park Beach has some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks partly to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar – an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry, though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. 

Villa Alianna is an impressive example of contemporary minimalist glamor. Situated in the Ojus neighborhood, the luxurious villa is a private and secluded residence. It is located near Miami and Fort Lauderdale's world-renowned shores. The beautifully decorated nine bedrooms can accommodate up to twenty guests. The interior is superbly designed with a sense of haute couture and minimalistic sophistication. The amenities include a lavish Italian kitchen equipped with top-notch appliances and a charming wine cellar. The outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and all the essentials for serene, sun-drenched, and shaded open-air areas come together to create an idyllic setting. Villa Alianna stands as an exquisite private luxury residence for your Miami stay, offering unparalleled tranquility and comfort.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kalihiwai

Kalihiwai Beach is at the head of Kalihiwai Bay, about 1.5 miles from the town of Kilauea on Kauai's north shore. Surfers love this area. The bay has a shallow, underwater rock shelf extending from the cliffs providing one of the north shore's most popular surf breaks. The waves in the winter months are very steep and break quickly and are only for expert surfers. During the calmer summer months, the beach is a great spot for bodyboarding, beginner surfing and shoreline fishing.

Ke’e

Part of Ha’ena State Park at the end of Highway 560 (the end of the road on the North Shore), Ke’e Beach is one of the most beautiful Kauai beaches for swimming. That’s partly because Ke’e Beach is so close to the spectacular Na Pali Coast. The lagoon-like sandy beach is also very beautiful with its crystal clear waters. As an added bonus, a small coral reef offshore offers some great snorkeling. Swim out to the left side of the beach. It’s the ideal spot to see green sea turtles!

Hanalei Bay

On Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Bay is a beach like no other. With more than two miles of soft white sand set among a backdrop of majestic mountains, Hanalei offers a little bit of paradise for everyone. Experienced surfers have the luxury of large waves, while beginners are treated to smaller waves lapping closer to the reef. The bay is calm during the summer, turning into a virtual wonderland for swimmers and stand-up paddlers. The beach itself is never crowded, offering plenty of room for children and families to relax and play.

At LVH, we specialize in transforming every holiday into an enchanting journey, irrespective of your destination. Should a seaside escape feature prominently on your vacation wishlist, entrust us with the design of your beach-themed retreat. Rest assured, it will be extraordinary. With LVH, not only will you be staying in a phenomenal home with full services and 24/7 support, but we will also plan a wonderful customized itinerary for you reflecting only things you would love to do. We understand your time is a cherished commodity and you won’t be wasting a single moment doing anything you wouldn’t enjoy. We invite you to reach out to one of our client relations professionals so we can get your beach vacation plans started.