Welcome to the best white sand beaches in the USA!
Everybody loves a beach getaway.
Well, the USA has hundreds of great beaches to visit.
But a white sand beach is just next-level beautiful, am I right?
Plus, you don’t even have to leave the country to experience one!
So, if you want your next vacation to be somewhere truly unforgettable, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola Beach is a gorgeous beach with snow-white sand, and crystal-clear waves.
Every year, this beach attracts hundreds of visitors.
They come not only to enjoy the sand and sun, but also the tons of activities Pensacola Beach offers.
Here, you can take dolphin tours, try paddleboarding, go surfing, parasailing, snorkeling, and more.
It’s the perfect family destination, because there’s something for everyone here.
2. Rosemary Beach, Florida
For a quieter getaway, try heading a little further east on the Panhandle.
Dubbed the “Hamptons of the South,” Rosemary Beach is a charming community in the exclusive 30A area.
On top of enjoying the beach, I highly recommend renting bikes and exploring the town.
Here, you’ll find cute shops and restaurants, and architecture reminiscent of a classic European village.
Also, you won’t find big hotel chains or high rises here.
The sugar-sand beach is lined with beautiful homes that look straight out of Architectural Digest.
*Swoon*
To plan the perfect trip to Rosemary Beach, head over to my Rosemary Beach travel guide.
Read more: The Ultimate Rosemary Beach Travel Guide
3. Coronado Beach, California
The adorable city of Coronado, and Coronado Beach are just a quick drive outside of San Diego.
The white sand here is unique in its ability to (literally!) sparkle, because of the mineral mica mixed in.
Also, Coronado is home to lots of trendy restaurants, boutiques, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
This makes it the perfect backdrop to the already dreamy beach.
I swear, the sunsets here are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
Plus, Coronado Beach is dog-friendly!
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego
4. Orange Beach, Alabama
If beautiful beaches and Alabama aren’t two things you’d typically associate, do I have news for you!
Alabama is actually home to some of the best white sand beaches in the USA.
Orange Beach, along with neighboring Gulf Shores, make for a great family vacation spot.
There’s a ton of activities to do here, like dolphin-watching, fishing, boating, and simply relaxing.
5. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Another beautiful Florida beach, Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular white sand beaches in the USA.
It’s actually been named “Number One Beach In America” by Trip Advisor, and is also listed in USA Today and Forbes.
Located just outside of Tampa, some of the most popular activities here are boating, parasailing, and jet-skiing.
After sunset, the nearby Pier 60 hosts nightly a festival with local vendors and street performers.
6. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Next, we’re leaving the lower 48, and heading to Hawaii! Our first stop is the island of Oahu.
One of the best white sand beaches in Oahu is Lanikai Beach.
Not only is it one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu, Lanikai ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Did you know the name Lanikai literally means “Heavenly Ocean?” This earthly heaven is in Kaʻōhao, Kailua, just a 30-minute drive from Honolulu.
Here, you can swim, snorkel, kayak, and even bring your dog!
Also, this beach is only a few minutes away from the popular Lanikai Pillbox hike.
Related: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit? (How To Choose The Right One)
7. Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Further up the North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay is a hot spot for surfers, tourists, and locals alike.
The beach offers an array of thrilling activities and experiences.
There are a ton of things to do here like sightseeing, golfing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba, and parasailing.
You can also try whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and other eco-tourism activities.
One of the most iconic things to do here is cliff-jump off of “The Rock.”
Also, in the winter you can watch big-wave surfers catch incredible 30-foot waves!
8. Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii
On to the next island in Hawaii, Maui is home to the stunning Kaanapali Beach.
Also once named “America’s Best Beach,” it was a former retreat for the royalty of Maui.
Today, it’s a popular destination for people from all over the world.
This beautiful beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and the famous Whalers Village.
Here, you can learn to surf, parasail, and snorkel.
I recently spent the afternoon here, relaxing and snorkeling. We even spotted some sea turtles!
The turtles like to hang out at the nearby lava formation Black Rock, so this is the perfect place to see them.
Read more: 20 Best Things To Do In Maui, Hawaii
9. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
Want to feel like you’re taking a Caribbean vacation, all without leaving the States?
Then Puerto Rico will be your jam!
Located on the island of Culebra, this beach takes a bit of planning to visit. But it’s totally worth it!
If you’re staying in San Juan, you’ll need to take a taxi to Ceiba, which is 1 hour away. From there, you’ll catch a 45-minute ferry ride to the island.
Flamenco Beach’s turquoise water is so tranquil, there are practically no waves.
That makes it the perfect place to swim, snorkel, and grab some insta-worthy pictures.
It’s easily one of the best white sand beaches in the USA!
10. Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico
Known as la Capital del Sol, or “the Sun’s Capital,” Luquillo boasts some of the most enticing beaches Puerto Rico’s mainland.
And, the area is only about an hour drive from San Juan.
Here, you’ll find Luquillo Beach, which is a long crescent of fine sand, framed by shady palm trees.
It’s also protected by a reef, which means there are basically no waves. This makes it a wonderful place for small children to swim.
Nearby, you’ll find some food kiosks and facilities.
11. Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida
For more of that Caribbean vibe, but even closer to home, put Key West at the top of your bucket list!
Smathers Beach is one often ranked the best beach in Key West, and the water is clear and calm.
On your trip, make sure to check out the famous Duval Street, and visit the southernmost point of the contiguous United States.
12. Carmel Beach, California
Carmel Beach is one of the most iconic spots on California’s Central Coast.
It’s located in the backyard of the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, which is rated “One of America’s Top Beach Towns.”
This dog-friendly beach is covered in white sand, dotted with cypresses, and known for breathtaking sunsets.
13. Siesta Beach, Florida
Siesta Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota.
The island is home to the beautiful Siesta Beach. Here, you’ll find brilliant quartz sand, turquoise water, and the nearby the shops and cafes of Siesta Key Village.
A nearby limestone outcropping called Point of Rocks, offers really cool tidal pools and coral reefs to explore.
14. Assateague Island, Maryland
Already considered one of the best beaches on the East Coast, Assateague Island features something a little extra special.
The island is home to famous wild ponies, which roam freely and are a major attraction.
15. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
Florida has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but oftentimes that beauty can come hand-in-hand with the dreaded crowds.
For something a little more off the beaten path, try visiting Caladesi Island State Park.
It’s relatively easy to get to, but still a little more trouble than most will go through. This is what thins out the crowds.
To visit the island, you must catch the ferry from Honeymoon Island, which is just a 20 minute drive north of Clearwater.
From there, it’s only a 20 minute ferry ride across St. Joseph Sound, and you find yourself on Caladesi Island.
Here, you can explore mangrove forests, enjoy the pristine beach, and look for wildlife.
16. Folly Beach, South Carolina
I personally prefer to skip the better-known Myrtle Beach, and head straight to the lesser known Folly Beach.
Quiet, clean, and all-around charming, Folly Beach is only a half-hour drive from Charleston.
It’s home to Folly Beach Pier, which is over 1,000 feet long, as well as a nearby historic lighthouse.
In town, Center Street is lined with shops and cafes.
17. South Beach, Florida
I’d be remiss to not mention this world-famous beach!
For those looking for a lively destination full of nightlife and glitz, look no further.
South Beach is known for its glamorous shopping, dining, bars, and its vibrant Art-Deco architecture.
Although it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, South Beach remains one of the best white sand beaches in the USA.
18. Sand Harbor Beach, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If seeing the words “lake” and “Nevada” on a list of beaches has you doing a double-take, you’re not alone.
Lake Tahoe in Nevada surprises most when they see how crystal clear the water is, and how pretty the beaches are!
Sand Harbor Beach is one of the most beautiful of said beaches, framed by shady forest and panoramic lake views.
While you’re here, kayaking in a glass-bottom kayak is definitely something to check off your bucket list!
19. Oval Beach, Lake Michigan, Michigan
Another surprising addition to the best white sand beaches in the USA:
Michigan??
Got you again!
Beloved for its beautiful sweep of shoreline and backdrop of rolling dunes, Oval Beach has collected an impressive pedigree of awards.
These include Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World, National Geographic Traveler’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA, and MTV’s Top 5 Beaches in the USA.
Never thought I’d be so interested in booking a flight to Michigan…
20. Magen’s Bay, St. Thomas, USVI
Now we make our way over to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which I feel are often forgotten when people plan vacations in the US.
(This is just a reminder that you don’t even need a passport to visit these stunning islands!)
We’ll start with St. Thomas, which is the largest and most populous island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Due to its busy cruise port and international airport, St. Thomas is the most easily accessible for tourists.
Magen’s Bay is the most popular beach on the island.
Here, a sugary mile of white sand frames the heart shaped bay, coupled with fantastic blue water.
21. Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas, USVI
Sapphire Beach is another lively beach on St. Thomas.
It’s known for its beautiful setting, watersport activities, and its beachside bistro.
The bistro is complete with a fun bar that often features live music.
St. Thomas is definitely glitzier and more developed than its sister islands, which is a draw for some visitors.
The island also offers plenty of shopping, upscale dining, and nightlife options.
22. Turtle Beach, St. Croix, USVI
Next, we head over to St. Croix, which is the most remote U.S. Virgin Island.
We’ll find the pristine Turtle Beach on Buck Island, an uninhabited island off St. Croix’s coast.
Buck Island is only accessible by boat, but the view of St. Croix from Turtle Beach is incredible, and its water absolutely stunning.
Turtle Beach was actually voted one the “world’s most beautiful beaches” by National Geographic.
23. Cane Bay Beach, St. Croix, USVI
Cane Bay Beach on St. Croix is more easily accessible, and popular with visitors and locals alike.
The beach is lined with a few nice restaurants, bars, and a dive shop.
Snorkeling and diving is popular here, as it’s home to the famous dive site, the Cane Bay Wall.
24. Maho Bay Beach, St. John, USVI
Now, we move to St. John, which is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands.
The island has a laid-back yet exclusive vibe to it, and has been called the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean.”
Maho Bay Beach is a must-see on St. John. This beach is wonderful for families with kids that can enjoy the shallow water.
Sightings of the local turtle population are common, and there is plenty of shade, as well as food trucks and facilities.
Maho Bay Beach received a “Best of the Best” 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor.
25. Trunk Bay Beach, St. John, USVI
Also awarded with a “Best of the Best” 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor, Trunk Bay Beach is the most photographed and most visited beach on St. John.
On top of its spectacular white sand and crystal clear water, Trunk Bay Beach features something even more unique.
The beach is home to a marked underwater snorkeling trail, which is the first of its kind worldwide.
Like an on-land trail, this underwater trail offers visitors informational signs on the various sea life you’ll encounter while snorkeling here.
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