By Evelyn Kelly, PhD
Nothing lifts the spirit quite like loading the family into the car—cooler packed, towels in a heap, sunscreen already smeared into someone’s hair—and heading for the beach. For generations, shorelines have been where memories are made: first swims, “epic” sandcastles, sunburned noses, picnic mishaps, and long sunset walks that stay with you forever.
What many Americans don’t realize is just how incredible—and wildly different—our beaches truly are. Australia may have the Great Barrier Reef, and Greece may shimmer along the Mediterranean, but the USA? We have thousands of miles of coastline, each with its own personality and charm.
Unique Beach Experiences Across the Regions
Let’s take a quick tour of America’s coastline. This is not a comprehensive guide, but a glimpse at some of our favorite beaches and what makes each region special.
East Coast
Driving the length of U.S. Route 1 feels like flipping through America’s coastal scrapbook—each mile a new page, from the misty lighthouses of Maine all the way down to the pastel cottages at the road’s final stop in Key West, Florida.
Bar Harbor, Maine: A must-visit for photographers and nature lovers. Sand Beach is nestled between rugged granite cliffs and pine forests, offering striking scenery rather than warm swimming. Bar Harbor sits right on the edge of Acadia National Park, with miles of hiking and biking trails with breathtaking ocean views.
Gulf Coast
If you’re a shell collector, Florida’s Suncoast is paradise. You can find many beautiful shells while enjoying the beauty of a sunset or sunrise!
Sanibel Island, Florida: Sanibel Island curves into the Gulf like a scoop, catching shells brought north by Caribbean currents. Conchs, whelks, scallops, you name it. At the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, there is a 16-inch whelk and a 2-foot horse conch.
Tips for Finding Huge Shells:
- Go after storms or strong cold front
- Look at low tide, ideally at dawn
- Scan the high-tide wrack line
- Bring a shell bag and water shoes—they’re sharp!
A Detour to Pensacola Beach: Florida alone boasts 909 miles of public beachfront, from untouched state parks to lively boardwalks. Enjoy a morning walk on the powder-soft sand and in the turquoise water at Pensacola Beach.
West Coast
One of the most beautiful drives in the United States is the Pacific Coast Highway, a ribbon of cliffs and oceans of blue. From the shores of Big Sur down to the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego, it offers breathtaking views at every turn.
Coronado Beach: Evelyn and Natalie walked along the glimmering shoreline, each step feeling like they were walking on crushed gold. Coronado Beach is famous for the tiny reflective minerals in its sand. It’s pure magic under your feet and one of the best beaches in America for building sandcastles. Towering proudly above this shoreline is the legendary Hotel del Coronado, a grand Victorian mansion. With its iconic red-turreted roof and sweeping verandas, “The Del” has welcomed presidents, movie stars, and dreamers since 1888.
Related: Armchair Adventures: The Vote That Changed America
Intracoastal Waterway
Flowing quietly behind the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway is America’s secret liquid highway, calm water threading its way past marshes, islands, fishing towns, and hidden pockets of paradise. Engineered initially for shipping and military strategy, it has since softened into something far more exhilarating: a corridor for kayakers, sailors, bird-watchers, and boaters.
SMART TIP: To make the most of your beach adventure, plan around crowds, weather, and tides. Early mornings or weekdays often bring quieter beaches. And remember to check local rules: some beaches limit pets, fires, or certain water activities, so checking ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Evelyn Kelly is the author of “Have a Love Affair With Travel” and “Have a Love Affair With the USA.”
