Venice Beach — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026

22 best beaches in the US

From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 22 best beaches in the US.

23 things in this story

Muscle BeachSightbodybuilders pump iron
Elsewhere
NepentheRestaurantBig Sur, United Statesoceanfront restaurant with great views
South BeachNeighborhoodMiami, United Statesdazzles with Art Deco flair
Pfeiffer BeachSightBig Sur, United StatesKeyhole Arch offers golden light at sunset
Haystack RockNature reserveCannon Beach, United Statesvolcanic remnant, sanctuary for tufted puffins, seals
Venice BeachNeighborhoodLos Angeles, United Statespeople-watchers should head here
Venice Beach BoardwalkParkLos Angeles, United States2-mile strip of creativity
Grayton BeachParkSanta Rosa Beach, United Stateskayak its rare dune lakes
Hanalei BaySightHanalei, United Statessurf here on Kauaʻi
Driftwood BeachSightJekyll Island, United Stateseerie beauty
Kaimana BeachSightHonolulu, United StatesHonolulu, Oʻahu
Oregon Islands National Wildlife RefugeSightCannon Beach, United StatesHaystack Rock is within this refuge
Cannon Beach Sandcastle ContestFestivalCannon Beach, United Statestemporary delight washed away by high tide
Grayton Beach State ParkParkSanta Rosa Beach, United Statesprotects three coastal dune lakes
Western LakeSightGrayton Beach State Park, United Stateslargest of the park's coastal dune lakes
Dog WallSightGrayton Beach, United Statesmural featuring portraits of local dogs
Lummus ParkParkMiami Beach, United Statestidy greenery west of South Beach
Art Deco Historic DistrictNeighborhoodMiami Beach, United Statesvivid facades east of downtown Miami
El MatadorSightMalibu, United Statestiny beach packs an oversized visual punch
Robert H Meyer Memorial State BeachSightMalibu, United StatesEl Matador is one of three small beaches here
Sand HarborArts centreLake Tahoe, United Statescrystal blue waters, ancient white sand beaches
El PescadorSightMalibu, United States
La PiedraSightMalibu, United States

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Condé Nast TravelerJan 27

41 Best Airbnbs in California, Whether You're Headed to Yosemite or LA

Top spots to stay for seaside getaways, wine country weekends, and national park trips.

24 hotels in this story

Airy, light-filled bungalowHotelNear Venice Beach shops and eateries, expansive front patio
Elsewhere
Four-bedroom home near DisneylandHotelAnaheim, United StatesFamily-friendly with saltwater pool and game room
Modern outpost amidst ancient rock spiresHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesDog-friendly stay with desert views
Catalina Island villa with Santorini vibesHotelAvalon, United StatesOcean views from cliffside condo
Hidden gem in Sonoma for 10HotelSonoma, United StatesPrivate pool and hot tub
Loft in Little ItalyHotelSan Diego, United StatesIndustrial decor, 20-foot ceilings, private patio
Refurbished 1920s beach cottageHotelOceanside, United StatesModern finishes with retro touches, front porch
High-design desert dwellingHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesSleek, state-of-the-art, hot tub with stargazing
Three-bedroom home near Joshua TreeHotelJoshua Tree, United StatesHot tub, outdoor shower, walking distance to downtown
Pool with all the bells and whistlesHotelPalm Springs, United StatesResort-style lounge chairs, outdoor daybed, covered patio
Family-friendly four-bedroom homeHotelOrange County, United StatesStylish solution for theme park trifecta
Downtown LA AirbnbHotelLos Angeles, United StatesWalking distance to The Broad, Grand Central Market
Restored vintage lodgeHotelTopanga, United StatesStudio space near Topanga State Park
Stylized A-frameHotelLake Arrowhead, United StatesMidcentury-modern trappings, adults-only spot
Snug, smartly designed cottageHotelSan Luis Obispo, United StatesCreekside hideaway near downtown San Luis Obispo
Whitewashed cliffside condoHotelAvalon, United StatesGlorious vistas overlooking Catalina's azure coastline
Restored 1974 AirstreamHotelCarpinteria, United StatesGlamping done right with full amenities
Reimagined 1948 cabinHotelSequoia National Park, United StatesMeditative retreat near Sequoia National Park
Chalet near YosemiteHotelGroveland, United StatesSoothing space with fireplaces, hot tub, stargazing
Ranch-style prefab homeHotelLone Pine, United StatesModern settlement near Mount Whitney and Alabama Hills
Vibrant coastal cottageHotelCayucos, United StatesAlluring indoor/outdoor living spaces, two-minute stroll to beach
Breezy cottage in Santa CruzHotelSanta Cruz, United StatesCoastal chic interiors, sunny garden courtyard
One-bedroom bungalow in SeasideHotelSeaside, United StatesBright, stylish base for exploring Monterey and Carmel
Modern white-and-wood homeHotelBonita, United States

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →