If you don't get to hit up at least one beach, did summer really happen? For us, the answer is no. Some of the best memories of the season usually take place by the water, whether you prefer extreme water sports or sipping daiquiris under a hula umbrella.
While we wouldn't mind soaking up some sun on an exotic faraway island, our wallets (and vacation days) aren't as flexible as our bikini straps. Luckily, you don't need to rush a renewal on your passport or suffer a five-hour layover just to have a tropical escape. Beaches right here in the U.S. have plenty to offer, from exotic sands (think olive-colored) to clear waters to towering cliffs. We've put together 17 of the best domestic locales to hit up this summer. Basic beaches, these are not.
Unlike the many beaches on this list, Homer Spit isn't for lounging in your bikini. Extending 4.5 miles into Kachemak Bay, it's a beach surrounded by gorgeous glaciers. The chillier climate makes it an ideal place to build a beach bonfire while you soak up the view. Here, you're more likely to see eagles than seagulls, and you can even try your hand at fishing, since Homer is the Halibut capital of the world.
Photo: Getty Images.
Chimney Beach gets its name from a free-standing chimney left behind from a long-since-gone cottage. Getting here can be a little tricky, because the lake is a short hike away from the road, and it gets just steep enough to keep away the crowds. But when the downhill trail to the water opens up to reveal stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, you'll see why it's worth the trip. Despite the surrounding pine trees, the mix of rocks and incredibly light, clear water gives the area an almost Caribbean vibe. Plus, the beach faces west, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset.
Photo: Ken Brown/Getty Images.
It's easy to mistake this island in the Florida Keys for a tropical paradise in the Maldives. The pristine white sand, which forms an arresting gradient with the cerulean water, looks almost too ethereal to exist in the U.S. Teeming with marine life, this beach is made for underwater adventures: The kaleidoscopic coral reefs and fleets of sea turtles will capture the heart of any snorkeler.
Photo: Marco Simoni/REX Shutterstock.
Kiawah Island Beachwalker Park, South Carolina
Most people default to Myrtle Beach when they look for a seaside escape in the Palmetto State, but this little-known public beach on Kiawah Island offers an equally gorgeous vista without all the crowds. Just 25 minutes outside of Charleston, it's a hidden gem with an array of activities, from golfing to tennis to cycling.
Photo: AshLindsey/Stockimo/Alamy.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, Michigan
Dubbed "the Hidden Riviera of America," the cluster of beaches along Lake Michigan's shoreline offer golden sands and sapphire waters, minus the costly international airfare. Stunning panoramas make climbing the sky-high dunes — shaped like a sleeping bear — totally worthwhile. The varying water temperatures of the beaches cater to every type of visitor, from laid-back soakers to hardcore swimmers.
Photo: Dennis MacDonald/Alamy.
Papakolea Beach, South Kau Big Island, Hawaii
There's no shortage of picturesque beaches on the islands of Aloha, but Papakolea stands out among the crystalline waters and coconut tree-lined locales. The olive-hued sand got its pigment from millions of semiprecious lava stones, and stands in breathtaking contrast to the deep blue waves. The strong winds along the coast are ideal for surfers.
Photo: Niels van Kampenhout/Alamy.
Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California
With postcard-perfect landscapes, this Central California beach is a little piece of heaven on Earth. The sands are mainly composed of garnet rocks that shimmer in a violet hue under sunlight — just imagine, purple sand castles! The unique rock arch allows light beams to shine through the middle opening, creating spectacular sunrises and sunsets that are the stuff of Instagram dreams.
Photo: RelaxImages/REX Shutterstock.
Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk, New York
The easternmost point on Long Island has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past couple of years, and though Ditch Plains can be crowded on weekends, you can always find a spot if you walk away from the main entrance in either direction. Parking permits are required for non-residents, but the accessibility, surfer-friendly tides, and gorgeous cliffs make it worth a visit. And with establishments like Duryea's Lobster Deck, the Red Hook Lobster Pound, and Clam Bar just a few minutes away, there's simply no excuse to not eat seafood at every meal.
Photo: Len Holsborg/Alamy.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
This windy, secluded seashore is not for the faint of heart: Its wild, tumbling waves have earned this beach a top spot on the list of many an East Coast surfer. (The riptides can be wildly unpredictable, so don't risk swimming at dusk and sunset.) Not a fan of paddling out? Cozy up to mother nature at the nearby Camp Hatteras, or admire the views from the candy-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, one of the tallest brick lighthouses in the world.
Photo: JAMES FRANK/REX Shutterstock.
Moshup Beach, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
The waves at Moshup are lovely on their own, but it's the colored earth that makes this beach worth seeing. The vibrant green, red, and yellow tints are a result of the sedimentary clay in the cliffs. But you can only feast your eyes on this gorgeous mosaic of colors: It's illegal to climb the cliffs or remove the clay.
Photo: Mira/Alamy.
Coronado Central Beach, Coronado, California
If you enjoy long walks on the beach, skip San Diego's busy Mission Beach and head to Coronado Island, the "Crown City" tucked in the Bay. The main beach boasts 1.5 miles of flat, glittery sand, and owes it metallic sheen to the presence of mica, a silvery mineral. There's plenty of architectural wonder to take in on your stroll: Dozens of Victorian mansions line the coast, and the crimson-roofed Hotel del Coronado is a notable highlight.
Photo: Connection/REX Shutterstock.
Gulf State Park, Orange Beach, Alabama
Seafood lovers: This is your jam. The sun-kissed shores of Alabama have some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing in the country. The extensive pier offers a whopping 2,448 feet of surface area for fishing, with catches ranging from king mackerel to white trout. Quaint neary cabins and cottages are also available for rent, if you're craving the authentic fisherman's experience.
Photo: Dennis Cox/Alamy.
Rockport Beach, Rockport, Texas
The affordable parking and proximity to hotels make this sandy escape the ultimate chill-out spot. Get your feet wet in the calm, shallow waters or kick back with a book under the cute tiki umbrellas. What you won't find is any trash: Rockport is the only beach in the state of Texas that's certified by the Clean Beaches Coalition.
Photo: Paul Nichol/Alamy.
Meyers Beach, Bayfield, Wisconsin
The hike to Meyers Beach can be quite exhausting, but the beautiful sunsets and frisky waves are worth breaking a sweat. There's so much more nature to explore here than at your average beach: Kayaking through the dozens of dark, spacious caves along Lake Superior and touching the moss with your bare hands are experiences you'll never forget.
Photo: John Barger/Alamy.
Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida
The beaches of Sanibel are a beachcomber's dream come true: The east-west layout of the island allows for an abundance of seashells from the Caribbean Sea to wash ashore. Live shelling is prohibited, but you'll be busy enough trying to collect all the goodies accumulated on the sand. DIY shell necklaces, anyone?
Photo: Ian Dagnall/Alamy.
Scorpion Bay, Santa Cruz Island, California
The remote Santa Cruz Island is known for its campsites and native wildlife (the first successful bald eagle hatching in 50 years happened here). The beaches are quiet and unpolluted, since the isle is only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private planes. Outdoorsy types can busy themselves with the kayaking and snorkeling tours on-site. If you don't feel like getting active, you'll be equally content with tossing multi-colored pebbles into the water while contemplating life's meaning. Maybe you'll even spot our national bird in the process. What could be more patriotic than that?
Photo: Russ Bishop/Alamy.
Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, New Jersey
This clean, tranquil beach is the antithesis of what you might expect in a Jersey Shore beach. Just two hours outside of NYC, this shoreline offers convenient access to unspoiled natural beauty, which may include dolphin sightings and encounters with red foxes, if you're lucky. The popular walkway was recently reopened after years of repair after Hurricane Sandy.
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