1. Sombrero Beach is the rare exception. Among the Keys, it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a traditional Caribbean beach — soft white sand, mangroves and swaying palm trees, and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a true, rarely crowded locals beach where it’s not uncommon, particularly in low season, to have most of the sand to yourself.
2.They don’t call Rhode Island “The Ocean State” for nothing. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you. It boasts a staggering amount of coastline. But some of the best beaches are actually offshore. Head to Block Island (Little Rhody’s answer to Martha’s Vineyard), where much of the island is officially preserved, guaranteeing a pristine feeling to it all. Take the steep 141 wooden steps down to Mohegan Bluffs — arguably the most beautiful beach in New England and one of the most beautiful in the country. It’s raw, rugged, and rarely too crowded. It’s ideal for everything from sunbathing to hiking to surfing.
3.They don’t call Rhode Island “The Ocean State” for nothing. Don’t let its diminutive size fool you. It boasts a staggering amount of coastline. But some of the best beaches are actually offshore. Head to Block Island (Little Rhody’s answer to Martha’s Vineyard), where much of the island is officially preserved, guaranteeing a pristine feeling to it all. Take the steep 141 wooden steps down to Mohegan Bluffs — arguably the most beautiful beach in New England and one of the most beautiful in the country. It’s raw, rugged, and rarely too crowded. It’s ideal for everything from sunbathing to hiking to surfing.
4.Puerto Rico boasts no shortage of stunning beaches, but Bahia Sucia tops them all. The inaccurately named “Dirty Bay” (so named for the mountains of seaweed that occasionally wash ashore during severe storms) is anything but. In just about any season and any weather, you’ll find locals here enjoying the picturesque horseshoe bay. Situated at the end of coastal Highway 301, the landscape quickly opens up to reveal soft, beige sands and clear blue water. It’s among the most perfect postcard-worthy beaches you’ll find in the Caribbean without traveling internationally.
5.There’s hardly a “bad” stretch of coastline in California, and that’s even truer in San Diego. Among the city’s 70 miles of beaches, La Jolla’s Windansea Beach is the most underrated. It’s not that it’s the most picturesque, although it does have its charms. No, the big win here is the location. It’s far enough from the Mission Bay tourist hustle to feel plenty secluded, but close enough to town for a quick day trip. The underwater reefs here are also well-known for creating consistently excellent surf breaks.
6. For New England beach lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Cape Cod National Seashore. The miles upon miles of dunes, soft, billowing scrub grass, and panoramic Atlantic Ocean views look much as they have for thousands of years. Most visitors head to Provincetown, Massachusetts’ “end of the line” destination that’s overrun with tourists for at least three months out of every year. The beaches here are beautiful but can be crowded. Sidestep all that noise at Bound Brook Island. About a mile past the iconic Atwood-Higgins House is a small parking lot — blink and you’ll miss it. Park here and walk a ways to the shoreline. Time your visit right and you’re likely to be the only one there.
7.When it comes to coastal attractions, South Carolina has long sat in the shadow of North Carolina’s iconic Outer Banks. However, the former boasts plenty of beautiful and underrated beaches. Just 10 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beachmight feel a bit too touristy for some travelers, but it’s not without its charms. It’s a fantastic spot for all manner of watersports. Thanks to Hurricane Hugo, the area known simply as The Washout is ground zero for surfers and foolhardy swimmers. Visitors in search of more relaxed pursuits can people- and wildlife-watch from the beach’s pier, while the town of Folly Beach is home to a string of excellent restaurants with ocean views and plenty of Lowcountry-inspired seafood fare.
8.Among beach aficionados, South Florida’s beaches get all the love. However, the state’s panhandle offers beautiful and — most importantly — secluded beaches that rival any of its southern siblings. To dodge the booze-fueled, hard-partying atmosphere of nearby Destin and Panama City, head to lesser-known Port St. Joe situated on the Gulf of Mexico. An hour southeast of Panama City, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park boasts soft, sugar white dunes that feel a thousand miles from anywhere. By day, there are plenty of hiking trails and the wildlife watching is spectacular. After dark, bed down in one of the rental cabins and listen to the waves lapping the shoreline just feet from your door.
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