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
- Western LakeSightlargest of the park's coastal dune lakes
- 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
- 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
- Muscle BeachSightVenice Beach, United Statesbodybuilders pump iron
- 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