It’s no secret, the United States has no shortage of crystal blue waters and sugar-sandy beaches that offer a plethora of opportunities for having fun. With so many options right at your fingertips, how to choose the perfect place for your next cliff jumping adventure or relaxing family holiday?

There is no accounting for taste and different people have different ideas of the ideal beach, which are mainly based on their personal preferences and beloved activities. To help you figure out your perfect match, we have compiled this list of 6 wonderful destinations across the USA for true beach lovers – follow your heart and you just can’t go wrong!

Maui, Hawaii

Second-largest Hawaii’s island, Maui amazes with gorgeous beaches that can literally please all tastes and preferences. It doesn’t matter whether you want to snorkel, kayaking, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun, this glorious place delivers. You can also play golf, enjoy fascinating wildlife, and with a little help of lady luck, even swim alongside five different types of sea turtles.

It’s safe to say that Maui offers everything the Aloha State takes pride in, from rich history to incendiary hula dancers, so no doubt, it’s a great spot to pay a visit. By the way, turquoise waters and miles of white sand earn the island’s most popular beach Kaanapali a title of America’s best beach.

Destin, Florida

Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”, Destin is home to stunning white sandy beaches, emerald green water, and a terrific, friendly atmosphere. Founded in the 1850s and located in the Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, it used to be a small and sleepy fishing town – all until the tiny peninsula was connected with Florida’s mainland by the bridge.

Iconic for its plentiful fishing, challenging golf courses, and mouth-watering seafood restaurants, Destin also boasts some of the best Gulf views and sunsets, as well as sparkling shores made of Appalachian quartz. Given the unique characteristics of this bright white sand that stays cool in the heat and gives the waters a majestic emerald sheen, no wonder that when in Florida, visitors and tourists flock to Destin’s beaches. Add plenty of opportunities to play golf, snorkel, scuba dive, enjoy exciting banana boat rides, dolphin tours, and sunset cruises and you’ll get the perfect destination for your next holiday.

 Outer Banks, North Carolina

If you are looking for relief from the crowded city, consider visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina, which is everything but not an overrun vacation spot. Charming villages scattered along the endless shoreline, old lighthouses, and plenty of historic places – here you have all the time in this world to explore untouched beaches and fascinating wildlife.

This is not to say, Outer Banks is not for adventurous types. Quite on the contrary, there is a myriad of engaging activities to tap into including fishing, windsurfing, and (that’s not for the fainthearted!)  scuba diving to discover untold treasures hidden inside nearly 3,000 shipwrecks. Those of you who prefer less extreme hobbies can try their hand at mini-golf or an array of water sports.

Laguna Beach, California

Squeezed between San Diego and Los Angeles, Laguna Beach takes you on a thrilling journey full of cascading hillsides, awe-inspiring coastal parks, and, of course, magnificent nature. Indeed, this small town in Orange County is a perfect spot for true animal lovers who have plenty of options to get familiar with amazing marine life, from visiting The Pacific Marine Mammal Center to getting an up-close look at a host of sea creatures at one of Tide Pools.

It is also a good idea to take a self-guided art tour and visit the Laguna Art Museum and more than 70 (!) independent galleries – Laguna Beach is home to a renowned artist’s colony. Back to the beach, do not forget to bring tons of sunscreen as you will likely play volleyball at the Main Beach. And, of course, your diving equipment is a must (haven’t brought one? No worries, just rent at the spot!) – to snorkel at famous Diver’s Cove.

Cape May, New Jersey

Widely known as America’s Original Beach Town, Cape May can brag not only of some of the most stunning beaches in the country but also almost 600 unique Victorian buildings, which are really in great condition. The miles of shoreline replenished with wide, fine, powdery sand has been a super-powerful magnet for over 200 years, in fact, since the very foundation of this town initially called the Cape Island.

The place offers a myriad of exciting activities for true beach lovers, from swimming, skimboarding, and surfing to fishing and kayaking. Volleyball nets are also at the full disposal of those visitors who like team sports. In addition to that, everyone can enjoy whale and dolphin watching, sightseeing cruises, and even beach yoga classes. It is surely a great destination to travel with your dog in the off-season and a perfect beach for birders. And one more thing. Despite what many people think, Higbee is not and never has been a nude beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

If you are plotting a great family vacation, do not look any further as Ocean City has everything to offer you a lot of fun: a 3-mile boardwalk packed with entertainment, delicious flavors, rich nightlife, and sports activities. Water activities range from surfing and paddleboarding to kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing while a broad variety of water tours does add to the overall impressive offering. Movies on the Beach, OC Beach Dance Parties, Thursday’s Downtown Beach Fireworks, and Family Beach Olympics are also part of the thrilling story, so as the fact that the beach is free – no tags required!

Can you think of something better than basking in the sun being surrounded by crystal blue waters and velvety sand? Fortunately, if you live in the United States, you do not have to travel too far to grab your share of a perfect beach, no matter your preferences. As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, dive, fish, and do whatever you want – just pick your dream destination and have fun!

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