Where are the best beaches in the US? Check out these 28 shoreline destinations to explore and enjoy.

From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 28 best beaches in the US.

From Clearwater Beach in Florida to Venice Beach in California, the best beaches in the US can be found throughout the country. Whether you relish the calm waters of a small town’s public beach to vacation with the kids, or you imagine romantic evening strolls along endless stretches of white sand beach, Lonely Planet Editors aim to awaken your inner beachcomber with their top picks of the 28 best beaches in the US.

In our latest edition of Lonely Planet Best Beaches, you’ll find many more great beaches around the world. Caves and coves; driftwood-laden coastlines shrouded in mystical fog; offshore coral reefs and sprawling cliffside clear water pools — we cover 100 favorite shorelines across the globe 

We are delighted to present to you our 28 best beaches in the US to help you plan your own dreamy beach getaway.

Huge, eerie tree trunks dot Driftwood Beach © MargaretW / Getty Images / iStockphoto

1. Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island, Georgia

The spider-like branches of gnarled oaks draping the golden sands of Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia are eerily haunting. The trees pull you in for a closer look, whispering of mysteries from centuries past. You can maybe even envision tall tales of zombies here—The Walking Dead filmed scenes for its 10th season at this Georgia beach.

With that said, the scene is far from morbid. Kids can safely explore tide pools and climb onto sun-bleached tree trunks without fear of a zombie attack. Instead, you can expect a steady stream of brides and grooms smiling for wedding shots among the branches at sunset, making the most of the technicolor backdrop.

Once part of a maritime forest, the trees fell as the beach eroded and their roots were exposed to sun and salt. Some trees may be more than 500 years old while others have collapsed more recently due to storms and the relentless encroachment of the Atlantic.

Florida’s Grayton Beach features rare dune lakes © Rotorhead 30A Productions / Shutterstock

2. Grayton Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Florida 

The sugar-white sands of Grayton Beach billow like delicate frosting, their ephemeral beauty ever-shifting thanks to winds and waves along the Florida panhandle. They’re a striking contrast to the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping the shore.

But this one-mile (1.6km) strip of pristine sand, part of Grayton Beach State Park, is more than just a pretty Florida Beach. The beach’s dunes protect three coastal dune lakes, which are a rare natural phenomenon found in only four countries in the world. A 4.5-mile (7.2km) multiuse trail winds through the woods and along the 100-acre (40-hectare) Western Lake, the largest of the park’s coastal dune lakes. Its dazzling blue waters are open for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.

With its art deco architecture and lively party scene, South Beach is one of the most exciting in the US © Wojtek Zagorski / Getty Images

3. South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida

A sparkling confection of sunshine, style and beautiful people, South Beach embodies the good life. Just east of downtown Miami in South Florida, SoBe dazzles like a kaleidoscope paused.

Aquamarine waters lap luxurious white sands while the tidy greenery of Lummus Park and the Promenade unfurls just west. Candy-bright lifeguard towers bring whimsy to the beach, hinting at the vivid facades of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District. Built in the 1930s, art deco hotels along Ocean Drive are showpieces of geometry, color, and function. Caribbean flourishes and soaring palm trees add more aesthetic oomph while neon and nightclubs, in contrast to the more laid-back but still vibrant North Beach, bring late-night sizzle.

There’s always something cool to check out at Venice Beach © arkanto / Shutterstock

4. Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California 

Cheap sunglasses are for sale in every direction on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a 2-mile (3.2km) strip of creativity hugged by weed dispensaries, t-shirt shops and French-fry joints in southern Los Angeles – and that’s just the view on the inland side.

On the ocean side, palm trees frame the sandy beach and the Pacific, with views interrupted by bodybuilders pumping iron at Muscle Beach, basketball players shooting hoops on busy courts and skateboarders gliding skyward at the shiny skateboard park. Take a seat to watch the action. Jugglers, gymnasts and artists all vie for attention—and a few bucks—along the way.

The bluffs of El Matador Beach catch the setting sun’s rays in a dreamy way © Jiujiuer / Shutterstock

5. El Matador State Beach, Malibu, California

A “pocked beach” in western Malibu, El Matador may be tiny but it packs an oversized visual punch. One of three small beaches comprising Robert H Meyer Memorial State Beach – the other two are El Pescador and La Piedra – El Matador hugs the base of craggy bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean beside Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or California Highway 1).

A dirt path drops down the rugged cliffside to a set of stairs that descend to the soft sands of the beach, where the real visual feast begins. A cluster of rocks and sea stacks extends from the cliffs edging the cove into the sea. The largest formations hide arches and caves, which are prime candidates for exploring and photography—as are the tide pools filled with sea life. The setting sun illuminates the rocks with a golden glow, casting shadows and revealing new treasures. On a quiet afternoon the effect borders on the sublime.

You won’t want to miss sunset from Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur © Christer Dabu / Shutterstock

6. Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California

For several weeks in late December, coinciding with the winter solstice, the setting sun pierces Keyhole Arch with a luminous golden light. Staged at a sliver of coastline along the rugged Big Sur coast in California, it’s a spectacular ode to nature’s other-worldly gifts. And the spectacle becomes sublime when a wave crashes within the arch, its spray aglow with the ethereal light.

After rainstorms, the crescent-shaped beach may turn purple in spots due to the manganese garnet washed down from the coastline’s crumbly bluffs. Due to dangerous surf, Pfeiffer Beach isn’t recommended for swimming, and it can get windy – but walking, beachcombing and sunsets are superb.

Local tip: The Ambrosia burgers are great and so is the view at Nepenthe, a oceanfront restaurant perched high on a cliff between Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Castro Canyon on Highway 1.

However you take in misty Cannon Beach, you’ll remember it © Adam Hester / Getty Images

7. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Haystack Rock is a mood. A volcanic remnant formed by 17 million years of uplift and erosion, it rises 235ft (72m) above Cannon Beach. A basalt monolith, it was likely familiar to the Clatsop and Chinook tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which wintered near here in 1805 and 1806. Today Haystack Rock and the beach are popular destinations for beachgoers seeking wildlife and amazing sunset views.

Within the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge on the Northern Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock is a haven for tufted puffins, seals and sea lions. At low tide, beachcombers can walk to its base and explore its tide pools, home to sea stars and anemones. Gray whales and humpback whales migrate along the coast in winter and again in spring. Held in June, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is truly ephemeral—all the entries are washed away by high tide after existing for a mere five hours.

Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters tempt at Sand Harbor © Getty Images

8. Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

On a spring day, when the crowds are light and the snow still tops the Sierra Nevada mountains. Sand Harbor and its lakefront boulders evoke a land that time forgot. Crystal blue waters. Ancient white sand beaches. Jefferson pines that soar overhead. There’s an ageless and transportive tranquility here—at least until summer, when beach umbrellas and stand-up paddleboards disrupt the spell as the crowds roll in.

Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California–Nevada state line, is the largest alpine lake in the country and the second-deepest. The water is so clear that sometimes you can see objects as far as 70ft (21m) below the surface. You can appreciate that clarity at Sand Harbor, especially if you rent a kayak and paddle its small bay.

The wild horses of Assateague Island are enchanting. Just keep your distance © Vicky Faye Aquino / Shutterstock

9. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia 

With wild horses galloping across its windswept beaches, Assateague Island National Seashore exudes a surprisingly feral vibe, a rarity along the highly developed shores of the Mid-Atlantic. Thick maritime forests and rugged dunes round out the dramatic scene. A barrier island, Assateague hugs the coast of Maryland and Virginia on the Eastern Shore, a three-hour drive from Washington, DC. Beach camping is permitted, so city dwellers can easily dig into its untamed splendor—and wake up to gorgeous sunrises.

The park’s 37-mile (59km) beachfront is divided by the Maryland–Virginia state line. Low-key adventuring is a hallmark of the Maryland side, with hiking on nature trails, kayaking in bayside marshes and 4 miles (6.4km) of road cycling on Bayberry Dr. At Maryland’s Assateague State Park, which is tucked inside the national seashore, there is a bathhouse and, in summer, lifeguards. Stay at least 40ft (12m) away from the horses – they’re more bad-tempered than polite.

Local tip: More than 300 wild ponies roam the beaches and salt marshes. They’re beauties but stay at least 40ft (12m) away from the horses—they’re more bad-tempered than polite.

Dreamy forests and mountains rise from the shore of Kaua‘i’s Hanalei Bay © Sam Strickler / Shutterstock

10. Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i, Hawaii

A doorstep to the heavens? At Kauaʻi’s Hanalei Bay, a 2-mile (3.2km) crescent of golden sand carved into the northernmost island of the Hawaiian archipelago, you’ll find one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Just west of Black Pot Beach Park, the photogenic Hanalei Pier juts into the soft blue waters of the bay. Framed by rumpled green mountains and blue skies brushed with clouds, the 300ft-long (91m) pier is the only thing keeping this North Shore masterpiece tethered to reality.

The beach is divided into four named sections. Kayakers and novice surfers flock to the area around the pier, where the surf typically features calm waters. Surf lessons are offered just west. Big swells draw experienced surfers to Waiʻoli (Pine Trees) Beach Park near the middle of the beach in winter. Swimming conditions vary by location and season but are typically best in summer. Sunbathing and snorkeling are also popular.

Local tip: It’s a short drive from Hanalei Bay to Smith’s Fern Garden. Board the boat for the 2-mile ride upriver on the Wailua River through the lush tropical landscape. Besides the view, on the boat performers in island garb share stories and sing traditional Hawaiian songs.  Disembark for some serious photo taking and follow the short path to the grotto.

Popular Oneloa Beach in Maui still retains a wild quality © Tim Roberts Photography / Shutterstock

11. Oneloa Beach/Big Beach, Maui, Hawaii

There’s something pleasingly untamed about Oneloa Beach, a broad strip of golden sand in the far southern reaches of Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii. This beach is part of Makena State Park, where lifeguards scan the Pacific, but the setting remains wild. A tangle of tropical greenery presses in on the sandy path that leads to the near mile-long (1.6km) beach—oneloa means “long sand” in Hawaiian—and the Pacific pounds the shore with waves that are an otherworldly shade of blue.

Beachgoers should be aware that shore breaks (steep waves that break near the shore) can be too brutal for swimming. But from atop the lava-rock promontory at Oneloa’s south end, views of the beach—which is flanked by the lush slopes of Haleakalā—are magnificent.

Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park offers staggering natural beauty © Jason Kolenda / Shutterstock

12. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

It looks like a giant emptied his pockets on the shores of Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park. Tree trunks are strewn like matchsticks. Sea stacks cluster like crumbled chocolates. And a colorful assortment of agates, garnets and sea glass add a touch of glitter to the captivating mess.

The sea stacks, reachable at low tide, are the public face of coastal erosion here. Once part of the mainland, they formed after a centuries-long onslaught by ocean waves, which also carved out their caves and arches. Flanked by forested sandstone cliffs, Ruby Beach is a wonderland for children, with tide pools hiding anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish and skittering crabs. The shore and its polished rocks – the agates give the beach its ruby coloring – also hold treasures for sharp-eyed rockhounds and seashell hunters.

13. Playa Tortuga, Isla Culabrita, Puerto Rico

As the name suggests, Playa Tortuga (or Turtle Beach) is a prime spot to view the local population of turtles who use this beach as their breeding ground every year. You can find this beach on Isla Culabrita, a tiny island off the shore of Isla de Culebra that’s part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. And since you can only reach this beach by boat, that makes it feel much more secluded and tranquil. 

Beyond the turtles, Playa Tortuga is great for snorkeling and swimming with the colorful tropical fish. If you prefer staying closer to shore, you can explore the tide pools, which locals refer to as “The Jacuzzi” due to the churn of warm water you’ll encounter here. Even if you just want to stroll along the powdery white sand and enjoy the views of the crystal clear water, you will surely love your time at Playa Tortuga.

14. Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

You might hear folks call this beach one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Once you make your way to Trunk Bay, which is part of Virgin Islands National Park, you will quickly understand why so many visitors are awestruck and mesmerized by this beach’s remarkable beauty. 

If there’s any downside to visiting Trunk Bay, it’s that this beach can get quite crowded—especially when cruise ships head this way. As long as you can handle the crowds, you will be rewarded with an incredible underwater snorkeling trail, crystal clear turquoise water at the surface, pristine white sand on land, plenty of nearby amenities (including lifeguards and accessible restrooms), and some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean. 

Local detour: Visit the ruins of the  Catherineberg Sugar Mill, a former 18th-century sugar and rum factory with a large windmill tower, located in the Virgin Islands National Park. The  ruins, from the Danish Colonial period of the island’s history, are among the largest and best preserved on the island.

15. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California

Is this St. Tropez? Might this be Bali? Could this be Punta Mita? Nope, this is actually one of Southern California’s best beaches. If you time it right, Treasure Island can feel pretty secluded, despite this public beach’s location near this perennially busy stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. But even if crowds descend onto the shore from the highway and the nearby Montage Resort, you can still enjoy the perfect beach day here.

If you fancy a dip in the (admittedly cool) Pacific Ocean water, head to Goff Island Cove at the north end of Treasure Island Beach for calmer water that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. For longer walks on the sand, take the wheelchair-accessible ramp down to the main beach area and explore the shore all the way down to the busier Aliso Beach. And for a leisurely walk with great views, you can take the bluff-top trails by the resort—You might even find artists finding inspiration as they paint their newest masterpieces!

16. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Nestled along the southernmost stretch of Georgia’s coast, Cumberland Island (which is a National Seashore) looks and feels picture-perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want an idyllic beach day with minimal outside disruptions. 

For 17 miles (or about 27.4km), Cumberland Island stretches out and reveals one of the Northern Hemisphere’s most unique natural wildlife habitats. Here, you can find some rare (and endangered) loggerhead sea turtles, where they come to nest May through September. Cumberland Island is also great for spotting wild horses, armadillos, and an incredible variety of birds who call this island home. Even if you’re not in the mood to spot wildlife, you can simply walk to the beach and stroll along the island’s wide open spaces full of dazzling white sand. 

Local tip: The best time for sea shell hunting is during low tide. The most common shells are knobbed whelks, lettered olives, moon snails, pen shells and heart cockles. Less common but still a possibility are sand dollars, sea beans and sea urchins. Keep in mind, only unoccupied shells and fossilized shark’s teeth can be taken home.

17. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park not only offers an escape from the ordinary, but it’s also the perfect spot to experience a different side of the Florida Keys removed from the hustle and bustle of the touristy hotels and resorts. 

So, what makes Dry Tortugas one of the best beaches in the US? Simply put, this is the closest beach to the US mainland that offers a Caribbean-like remote tropical beach experience. While you will notice Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th-century military forts and the largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere, it’s otherwise easy to find a welcoming stretch of white sand to stretch out and relax. And since Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat, that simply adds to the charm and the allure of this uniquely coastal national park. 

18. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine

Not to be confused with Sand Harbor Beach at Lake Tahoe (see above), Sand Beach may be the best spot to dip your toes in the sand at Maine’s famed Acadia National Park. If you plan to visit during the popular summer season, expect some big crowds here. But even if you come during the colder months, you will still be rewarded with gorgeous coastal views at one of New England’s most beloved national parks. 

While it is generally safe to swim at Sand Beach, take note that the water tends to stay chilly year-round—yes, even during summer. For those who prefer getting their steps in on dry land, Sand Beach also offers easy access to great hike and bike trails. Pro tip: Like the rest of Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is a wonderful area to marvel at the fall colors during autumn leaf peeping season. 

Detour: It’s only five miles to historic Bar Harbor, the largest town on Frenchman’s Bay on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It’s a wonderful destination for trendy shops and restaurants as well as green spaces and pretty parks.  While there, be sure to indulge in that Northeast speciality and consume a lobster roll or two.

19. Gray Whale Cove State Beach, California

Though it’s sometimes called “Devil’s Slide,” the views at Gray Whale Cove State Beach can be outright heavenly. Located about 20 miles (or 32km) south of San Francisco and 8 miles (or 13km) north of Half Moon Bay, Gray Whale Cove feels far removed from the massive sprawl of the Bay Area, even though it’s actually this close to the city. 

With its perennially icy water and frequent rip currents, Gray Whale Cove isn’t really the ideal beach for swimming. But if you simply need a beach where you can leave all your troubles behind, the picturesque beauty of this beach is hard to beat. And yes, as the name suggests, this beach is a superb spot to find gray whales migrating northward during the spring season. 

20. Seacliff State Beach, California

Why go to a beach that’s best known for its huge concrete freighter? In short, Seacliff State Beach seamlessly blends fascinating history with timeless natural beauty. Yes, it’s pretty easy to spot the SS Palo Alto from the beach. Yet considering this ship’s backstory as a “Cement Ship” meant to serve during World War I, and as a go-to venue for lively beach parties during the 1920s, the Palo Alto somehow feels right at home at this beach. 

Beyond the SS Palo Alto, Seacliff is also a rare Bay Area beach that’s safe for swimming, and it’s a perfect place for family picnics and fun beach days with the kids. Due to recent winter storm damage, it’s always a good idea to check in advance to ensure that everything you want to do will be available. Still, this is one Northern California beach that’s always worth stopping for.

 21. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Yes, you really can find beaches in Texas. After all, the Lone Star State sits right by the Gulf of Mexico! And in the case of Padre Island National Seashore, you will discover 66 miles (or about 106km) of blissfully beautiful Gulf Coast shoreline nestled between Corpus Christi and the US-Mexico border.

Who knew that South Texas has its own 130,000+ acre expanse of white sand beaches, one of the last natural coastal prairies in the United States, a cherished sea turtle nesting ground, and prime opportunities to spot other animals like coyotes, deer, and ghost crabs? Well, now you do. No matter what you’re hoping to do at the beach, this beach is one that basically lets you see and do it all with classic Texas flair. 

22. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida

Florida has an abundance of scenic beaches, and this one Florida beach really delivers in unique, breathtaking scenery. Located in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park doesn’t just have white sand beaches—It also has 30-foot (or 9-meter) high white sand dunes that must be seen (and felt) to be believed. 

Not only can you marvel at the majestic dunes, but you can also hit the state park’s pet-friendly trail, throw a feast at the beach’s designated picnic and barbeque facilities, spot all kinds of wildlife (including dolphins, sea turtles, butterflies, and rabbits), and swim in the warm Gulf Coast water. And whenever you’re ready for more, you’re a short walk, bike ride, or drive away from all the rest that Destin has to offer. 

23. Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina

There may be plenty to cherish, and perhaps even worship, in the “Holy City” of Charleston. But when you want to go to the beach, you will need to drive out of town to reach one. So, where can you go for a proper Carolina-style beach day? Fortunately, one of South Carolina’s best beaches is a short drive away at Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island. 

Edisto Island may only be about 45 miles (or 72km) southwest of Charleston, yet it feels a world away from the city. After all, Edisto has 4 miles (or about 6.5km) of wheelchair-accessible trails, magnificent live oak forests, a laid-back fishing pier and boat docks by Big Bay Creek, and 1.5 miles (or about 2.5km) of beautiful palmetto-lined beach that offers some of the most stunning sunrises on the Eastern Seaboard.  

24. Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Atlantic Beach may only be about 150 miles (or 241km) from North Carolina’s state capital of Raleigh, yet the vibes here let you feel like you’re very far removed from the hassles and hubbub of the Research Triangle metro region. Located on the barrier island of Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach is a wonderful spot to head to the beach and enjoy as active (or chill) a beach getaway as you want.

For those who want to get or stay active, Atlantic Beach is great for parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, and even surfing. (Yes, Atlantic Beach offers gnarly swells for surfing at Fort Macon State Park!) For those who want to stay chill, Atlantic Beach has plenty of wide, sandy beaches that are perfect for casual strolls and scenic sunbathing.

25. Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida

With a name like Siesta Key, it’s easy to assume that this Florida beach can be a pretty sleepy one. Indeed, this can be a very relaxing place, if that’s what you’re here for. But if you prefer a more active kind of beach vacation, Siesta Key has you covered, too.

Siesta Key has 99% pure quartz sand that manages to stay cool to the touch year-round, so you might find it quite easy to play all day at the beach. Even better, Siesta Key’s recent amenities to its public beach—including a new pedestrian esplanade, raised concessions, and more parking—means you can spend less time worrying about what you need, and more time enjoying the beach. And whenever you want to see and do more, you’re minutes away from all the world-class museums, art galleries, shopping districts, and restaurants that Sarasota has to offer.  

Local tip: Beachcombers can hope to easily find such shells as Augers and Lightning Whelks. Sand dollars and horseshoe conchs are less common but get up early and beat the other shell seekers.

26. Melbourne Beach, Florida

Central Florida is chock full of incredible sights and sounds, from otherworldly fantasy lands at Orlando’s famed theme parks to a real-life space center at Cape Canaveral. When you simply need a good beach to take the family (or just yourself), where should you go? Luckily, Melbourne Beach offers an abundance of open sand to stretch out, along with cool, laid-back beach vibes to help you chill after a busy day at Disney World or Universal Orlando.

This might sound awfully cliche, but the best part about Melbourne Beach is how calm and relaxing it can be down here. Sure, you can keep yourself booked and busy at the area’s golf courses, parks, and nature preserves. But when you really need an easy day at the beach, it’s hard to envision a better place than Melbourne Beach to let it all go.

27. Hana Beaches, Hana, Maui

If remote beauty far off the beaten path is your thing, then follow the Hana Highway from Kahului to Hana. The 60 mile trip on a narrow two-lane road is known for stunning views of the lush tropical forests on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. If you’re so inclined to count, the two-to-four hour journey (and that’s just one way) has 620  sharp curves, 59 bridges traversing canyons far below, and more than 18 waterfalls.

It’s not for the faint of heart but that doesn’t stop a caravan of cars traveling on what is considered one of the most beautiful highways in the U.S. Because not only is the journey worth it, but Hana, a charming but very small village, has some of the most unique beaches including the Black Sand Beach at Wai’ānapanapa State Park, the crescent-shaped Hamoa Beach and the Red Sand Beach at Kaihalulu Beach. Hana Bay Beach Park  is a community gathering place with black sand beaches, a dog park (if you brought Fido along), picnic tables, and grills.

Detour: In  Keanae stop at the brightly painted Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread with its outdoor eating area for, obviously fresh from the oven, banana bread made with local fruit as well as Kalua pork sandwiches, coconut candy, and jars of Lilikoʻi Butter made with passion fruit. But one caveat, they often sell out shortly after noon.

Planning Tip:  Plan on plenty of stops along the way.  Several of the waterfalls such as Ching’s Pond and Falls, Upper Puohokamoa Falls  and  Haipuaʻena Falls have natural ponds for swimming. And, of course, you’ll want to take plenty of photos.

Local Tip: Mark your calendars for such special events in Hana as the Taro Festival in March, in celebration of Maui’s Taro Farmers and the Canoe Regatta in April, marking the official opening of the island’s Canoe Season, which marks the official opening of the local canoe season in April. 

28. Opal Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan

Nestled on a curve of the Kalamazoo River as it flows into Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a sizzling destination with streets filled with waterfront restaurants, marinas, boardwalk, shops, and art galleries. Known as the Best Place for  LGBTQI+ travelers, the historic village is also famed for Oval Beach, one of the best beaches in the state.

A short distance from downtown, it’s accessible by car (though the parking lot fills up fast) but if you’d rather travel by foot, take the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. Dating back to1838 and operated by a hand crank, it is the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the U.S. It’s less than five-minute ride across the Kalamazoo River and then the real work begins. It’s a 250ft walk up the 303 wooden steps leading to the observation deck on Mount Baldy. Take  a breather and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Michigan and then run down to the beach.

With its sugar sand shoreline, crystal clear waters and a backdrop of soaring dunes and whispering dune grass, it’s the prime place to lay down a blanket and soak up some rays. Lake Michigan can be nippy early in the season but usually by late June the water is warm enough even for less hearty types.

There are concession stands, bathrooms and a strict no dogs and no alcohol policy. Easily accessible from the parking lot, water wheelchairs are allowed.

Planning tip: Remember the cars your parents or maybe even your grandparents drove–the ones with lots of chrome and shark-like fins. Well, back in the 1940s to the 1960s, there were plenty of boats designed like that as well. Known as atomic boats, they were painted in Easter egg shades of lavender, pink, and blue. The boats went out of style and ended up abandoned in barns and old garages. But now refurbished you can rent one at Retroi Boats and take a spin along the river and towards the lake.

Planning tip: Saugatuck is no hidden gem but instead is a mega tourist destination.  Don’t plan on just showing up. Make reservations.