Located in the heart of Big Sur, is famous for its dramatic offshore rock formations and its rare, purple-tinted sand, which comes from manganese garnet washing down from the hills above.
: The iconic, vibrant heart of Honolulu’s tourism.
at Wequassett offers a "hidden gem" view of Pleasant Bay on Cape Cod for those who want a more upscale coastal dining experience. Natadola Beach - Tripadvisor
Nestled in the heart of Big Sur, this beach is globally recognized for its unique purple-tinted sand (derived from manganese garnet rocks) and Keyhole Arch, through which the setting sun glows spectacularly. 13. Baker Beach , California
Located deep in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda offers a rare taste of true Caribbean-style waters within the continental United States. Tranquil, tropical, and intimate. Uncle Chester Us Beaches 20
Take the shuttle from the Little Creek parking area to avoid the summer crowds and catch an uninterrupted sunrise. 2. Ogunquit Beach, Maine
features an uncle (played by Casey Affleck) taking care of his nephew in a coastal town.
A historic district featuring dozens of preserved 1930s coastal cottages.
, he learned how to properly cut a mango from a street performer. Outer Banks Located in the heart of Big Sur, is
Dominating the shoreline is Haystack Rock , a towering marine monolith home to tufted puffins. The misty, atmospheric climate makes it a favorite destination for beachcombing and dramatic photography. 15. Ruby Beach , Washington
: A protected marine life conservation area and one of the world's best snorkeling spots.
Uncle Chester wasn't your average relative. He was a retired high school geography teacher who wore a zinc-oxide stripe on his nose like war paint and kept a "sand library" of tiny glass vials in his garage. To him, a beach wasn't just a place to tan; it was a story written in quartz and tide pools. The Journey Begins: The Atlantic Run
, Puerto Rico: A magical destination where the water glows at night due to microorganisms. Natadola Beach - Tripadvisor Nestled in the heart
Are you planning a classic American coastal getaway but feel overwhelmed by the endless options? Look no further than this definitive guide to , a handpicked selection of the absolute best sun, sand, and surf destinations across the United States. Whether you crave the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Coast, the warm, emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or the historic boardwalks of the Atlantic, this curated list guarantees an unforgettable beach vacation for families, solo travelers, and adventure seekers alike. The East Coast Treasures 1. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts Located on Cape Cod. Features dramatic sand dunes. Offers excellent boogie boarding. Historic coast guard station. 2. Main Beach, New York Situated in East Hampton. Highly exclusive celebrity hotspot. Pristine, wide quartz sands. Excellent pavilion amenities available. 3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina Famous Outer Banks location. Iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse. World-class wild Atlantic surfing. Vehicle access allowed on sand. 4. Coligny Beach Park, South Carolina Located on Hilton Head. Highly family-friendly beach park. Free outdoor luxury showers. Seamless access to shopping. 5. Driftwood Beach, Georgia Situated on Jekyll Island. Famous weathered tree graveyards. Hauntingly beautiful photography spot. Extremely popular wedding destination. The Sunshine State Gems (Florida) 6. Siesta Key Beach, Florida Located near Sarasota, Florida. 99% pure quartz sand. Sand stays cool always. Calm, shallow turquoise waters. 7. Grayton Beach State Park, Florida Florida Panhandle hidden gem. Rare coastal dune lakes. Magnificently untouched wild nature. Excellent paved biking trails. 8. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Located in Florida Keys. Incredible coral reef snorkeling. Panoramic historic bridge views. Very clear tropical waters. The Gulf Coast Wonders 9. Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama Vibrant Alabama Gulf coast. Lively beachfront bar scene. Super fine sugary sand. Annual major music festivals. 10. Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana Louisiana's premier barrier island. Deep-sea fishing paradise. Exceptional migratory bird watching. Unique breakwater crabbing opportunities. 11. South Padre Island, Texas Deep South Texas coast. Consistently warm gulf waters. Thrilling sandcastle building lessons. Massive sea turtle rescue. The Dramatic West Coast 12. Coronado Beach, California Located in San Diego. Shimmering mineral mica sand. Iconic Hotel del Coronado backdrop. Perfect gentle beginner surf. 13. Pfeiffer Beach, California Big Sur coastline treasure. Rare purple garnet sand. Famous Keyhole Arch rock. Breathtaking golden hour sunsets. 14. Cannon Beach, Oregon Iconic Pacific Northwest shore. Towering Haystack Rock monolith. Fascinating marine tide pools. Moody, misty coastal hikes. 15. Ruby Beach, Washington Olympic National Park wilderness. Massive scattered sea stacks. Abundant weathered coastal driftwood. Dramatic foggy morning views. The Island Paradises (Hawaii & US Territories) 16. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Located on Kauai island. Emerald green mountain backdrops. Perfect crescent-shaped sandy beach. World-class winter big-wave surfing. 17. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii Situated on Oahu shore. Calm, glowing turquoise waters. Famous twin Mokulua islands. Excellent windsurfing conditions. 18. Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii Kauai's sunny south shore. Endangered monk seal sightings. Natural protective wading pool. Incredible colorful snorkeling reefs. 19. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico Located on Culebra island. Postcard-perfect white sand beach. Discarded painted military tanks. Virtually no wave undertow. 20. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands Situated on St. John. Underwater snorkeling trail markers. Lush National Park surroundings. Crystal clear visibility always. Essential Beach Comparison Standout Feature Water Temperature East Coast History & Dunes Historic Lighthouses Cool to Moderate Florida Softest Sand 99% Quartz Sand Warm & Tropical Gulf Coast Fishing & Festivals Sugary Sand & Seafood West Coast Scenery & Hiking Sea Stacks & Rocks Cold & Refreshing Islands Snorkeling & Views Volcanic Backdrops Warm & Clear If you need help planning your next vacation, tell me: Which region from Uncle Chester's list appeals to you most?
He didn't just write down the names; he wrote down how they felt. Uncle Chester's Top 20 US Beaches
Explore the extensive tide pools at low tide to spot anemones, hermit crabs, and sea urchins. The Pacific Northwest 17. Cannon Beach, Oregon