Revealed: The 10 Best Beaches in the United States for a Luxury Break in 2025

Photo of Lanikai Beach, Kailua, by Genevieve Perron-Migneron 

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With an impressive 88,633 miles of tidal shoreline, it should come as no great surprise to hear that the United States offers an extraordinary number of beach experiences. Form rugged Pacific coastlines to the soft sands of the Gulf, coastal scientist Dr Stephen Leatherman (aka, “Dr Beach”) has probably visited more of them than anyone on the planet.

America’s foremost authority on beach quality for nigh on 30 years, this amiable professor from Florida International University earned his nickname while teaching a course on waves and beaches at the University of Maryland. And since 1991, Dr Beach has been evaluating beaches across the nation using 50 different criteria, including water temperatures, sand softness, safety, environmental management, and the availability of amenities. His passion for smoke-free beaches even leads him to award bonus points to those maintaining cigarette-free policies.

Dr Beach’s selections this year certainly demonstrate the incredible diversity of American coastlines, from the ritzy shores of the Hamptons to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Rest assured, each beach earned its place through exceptional scores across the scientists comprehensive evaluation system, demonstrating that there’s so much more to the best beaches in the United States than just sand and surf.

 

The Best Beaches in the United States

 

1. Coopers Beach: Southampton, New York

Claiming the top spot, Coopers Beach represents the pinnacle of East Coast elegance. This Southampton treasure stretches hundreds of yards wide, its grainy white quartz sand backed by impressive dunes covered in American beach grass. These spectacular dunes create a natural barrier between the beach and the palatial real estate that has made the Hamptons synonymous with American luxury.

This superb New York beach also benefits from its strategic location on Long Island‘s south shore, where it remains protected from the cold Labrador current. This geographic advantage means water temperatures reach comfortable swimming levels by July, unlike many northeastern beaches. The combination of clean air, pristine water, and impeccable safety standards creates what Leatherman describes as a “dreamy place” that transports visitors to another world.

Access to this exclusive stretch of sand doesn’t come cheap as parking fees can be substantial. However, you can take advantage of the Hamptons Free Ride service or explore the area by bicycle, making the most of the scenic routes that wind through this historic seaside community.

For those seeking luxury accommodations, the Southampton Inn provides an elegant base just minutes from the beach. The property features a 50-foot heated pool, complimentary beach shuttle service, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, and bikes. The Bentley Hotel Southampton is another upscale option with a seasonal outdoor pool and refined amenities.

 

2. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Wailea Beach actually encompasses five distinct pocket beaches, each framed by dramatic lava rock formations and lush tropical vegetation. This collection of beaches on Maui‘s sunny southwest coast has a well-deserved reputation as one of America’s best luxury travel destinations and enjoys some of Hawaii‘s most consistent weather, with minimal rainfall and abundant sunshine throughout the year.

The beaches’ calm, clear waters are protected by offshore reefs, creating ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and activities like stand-up paddleboarding or sea kayaking. You’ll see colorful tropical fish darting around dense coral formations, while sea turtles occasionally grace snorkelers with their presence.

Luxury beach experiences can be enjoyed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Located on Maui’s sunniest coast, the property has three saltwater swimming pools, one of them an adult infinity pool with underwater music and a swim-up bar. Guest rooms start at an impressive 640 sq ft and feature private lanais with ocean views. The resort’s restaurant collection includes Spago Maui by Wolfgang Puck and the oceanfront Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar.

The 40-acre Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is popular not just for its proximity to the beach, but for housing Hawaii’s largest private art collection. The resort’s Wailea Canyon Activity Pool complex spans 25,700 square feet across nine pools on six levels, complete with waterslides, caves, and a rope swing. Spacious guest rooms and suites start at 640 sq ft, the best of them featuring ocean views, marble soaker tubs, and good-sized balconies.

Seeking a more intimate experience? Hotel Wailea provides Maui’s only Relais & Châteaux property and is a 15-acre hillside retreat with just 72 suites, each with ocean views and access to exceptional dining at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea and The Birdcage Japanese Grill.

 

3. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Located on Kauai‘s sunny south shore, Poipu Beach boasts a unique geographic feature that makes it exceptional for families. The beach forms a tombolo, a sand bar connecting the mainland to a small offshore area, creating naturally protected swimming areas with varying wave conditions. This geological quirk means you can choose between calm, shallow waters perfect for youngsters, or areas with moderate waves suitable for boogie boarding and surfing.

The protected lagoon area also provides safe snorkeling opportunities with an abundance of tropical fish. More adventurous visitors can explore the outer reef areas where larger marine life, including Hawaiian green sea turtles and monk seals, make regular appearances. During winter months, humpback whales pass close to shore, offering spectacular viewing opportunities.

While Poipu lacks the mega-resorts found in Wailea, luxury accommodations are available. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa sprawls across 50 oceanfront acres complete with elaborate pool complexes with waterfalls, slides, and even a lazy river. The resort’s Anara Spa ranks among Hawaii’s finest, offering traditional healing treatments alongside modern wellness therapies.

The Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort provides a more intimate luxury experience with just 121 rooms and suites. The emphasis here is very much on personalized service and sophisticated design, with its pool bar serving craft cocktails as guests watch spectacular sunsets over the Pacific.

 

4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida

This pristine stretch of Florida‘s Gulf Coast is famous for its that impossibly white crystal quartz sands. Unlike many developed beaches in the Sunshine State, Delnor-Wiggins Pass maintains a natural ambiance that promises a truly memorable and authentic coastal experience. The park’s unique ecological conditions support diverse wildlife including loggerhead sea turtles which nest along the beaches during the summer, while dolphins frequently patrol the pass in search of fish.

Its calm, warm waters make this awesome beach exceptional for swimming. That said, Dr Beach does advise visitors to shuffle their feet when wading to alert stingrays to their presence. He also says the beach’s orientation and offshore conditions have created one of Florida’s best shelling destinations, with collectors finding everything from fighting conchs to delicate angel wings.

While the state park itself offers only basic amenities, nearby Naples provides world-class luxury accommodations. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is one of the “ritziest” (pardon the pun) and sits directly on the beach just south of the park, featuring elegant rooms, multiple restaurants, and a massive 51,000-sq ft spa. The resort’s beach club provides full service on the sand, complete with luxury cabanas and beachside dining. The nearby 4-star Naples Grande Beach Resort features a more modest contemporary approach to luxury, with distinct pool experiences and direct beach access.

 

5. Main Beach, East Hampton, New York

While Coopers Beach claims the crown, Main Beach in East Hampton holds its own as one of America’s finest coastal destinations. The beach features slightly coarser sand than its Southampton neighbor but compensates with a wonderful combination of wild, natural beauty and convenient amenities. Unlike some Hamptons beaches, Main Beach welcomes all visitors with facilities that include food concessions, restrooms, and ample parking.

It also serves as an excellent location for star-spotting, with Hollywood’s elite often to seen frequenting this excellent stretch of sand. The social scene here tends toward the creative and artistic, reflecting East Hampton’s long history as an artists’ colony.

Want to make a weekend of it? The Baker House 1650 offers an intimate luxury experience with just five rooms in a fully restored 17th-century home. One of the best places to stay in the area, this exclusive property provides personalized service and historic charm and is a great base from which to explore the Hamptons.

 

6. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Situated on the southern tip of Kiawah Island before the exclusive resort community’s gates, Beachwalker Parkprovides public access to one of South Carolina‘s most spectacular beaches, rivalling even my personal faves on Hilton Head Island.

Here, the wide, firm sand beach stretches for 10 miles and is ideal for cyclists. Several rental spots provide bikes with the special fat tires needed to accomplish this must-try activity. The park’s location at the confluence of the Kiawah Riverand Atlantic Ocean creates varied habitats that are perfect for birdwatching, attracting everything from brown pelicans and great blue herons to rare painted buntings.

While the public park area offers a more rustic experience, Kiawah Island’s resort area provides exceptional luxury accommodations. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, site of multiple major championships, offers oceanfront villas and resort amenities that cater to discerning travelers. Also, make sure you try a little pampering at the resort’s spa, with some of the best treatments incorporating indigenous techniques and ingredients.

 

7. St Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida

Encompassing around 1,200 acres, St Andrews State Park is as authentic a Florida beach experience as any you’ll find in the South. The star of the show here is Shell Island. Accessible only by boat, the Shell Island Shuttle is the original water transportation provider and is the safest, easiest, and quickest way out to get there. It’s a great spot to get in some wildlife spotting with dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous bird species living on or around the island.

With the Gulf on one side and St Andrews Bay on the other, the park’s dual coastline provides plenty of unique recreational opportunities. While the calmer bay side is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, the Gulf side delivers beautiful beaches and occasional surf.

For those seeking upscale accommodations near this natural paradise, options have improved significantly in recent years. The Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort provides full-service luxury with multiple pools, a spa, and golf course access. While not directly adjacent to the state park, it’s a comfortable base for exploring the area’s natural attractions.

The park itself offers unique “glamping” opportunities with eco-tents that combine outdoor adventure with modern comforts. Also known as Eco Tents, they feature water views and come with electricity, a queen bed, a twin sized cot, and many other amenities.

 

8. Kauna’oa Beach, Big Island, Hawaii

Also known as Mauna Kea Beach, Kauna’oa represents Hawaii at its most refined. A deserved member of the “best beaches in the United States” club, this crescent-shaped pocket beach on the Big Island‘s Kohala Coast spans approximately 1,000 ft and is framed by lava rock points and backed by lush tropical vegetation. Unlike the Big Island’s famous black sand beaches formed from volcanic activity, Kauna’oa features classic white sand that creates a stunning contrast with the deep blue Pacific.

The beach’s relatively small size contributes to its exclusive atmosphere. Access requires passing through either the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel or Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel properties, though public parking is available if you’re not staying at the resorts. This controlled access helps maintain the beach’s pristine condition while preventing overcrowding.

Swimming conditions at Kauna’oa rank among Hawaii’s best, with typically calm waters protected by the curved shoreline. The beach’s gentle slope makes it ideal for families, while snorkelers appreciate the clear waters and abundant marine life found along the rocky points at either end.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, one of Hawaii’s most storied resorts, provides direct beach access and maintains the elegance established when Laurance S Rockefeller opened the property in 1965. Its recent renovation preserved its mid-century modern aesthetic while updating amenities to contemporary luxury standards. The property’s golf course, another Robert Trent Jones Sr design, consistently ranks among Hawaii’s best.

The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel is another safe bet. In addition to its quality accommodations and ocean views, it’s home to an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and several dining options.

 

9. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Hidden away in a residential neighborhood on Oahu‘s windward coast, Lanikai Beach requires effort to find but rewards visitors with one of Hawaii’s most photographically stunning beaches. The beach lacks any commercial development, public facilities, or even clear signage, characteristics that have helped maintain its unspoiled beauty.

The beach’s half mile stretch of powdery white sand slopes gently into impossibly clear turquoise water. Offshore, the twin Mokulua Islands create a postcard-perfect backdrop while providing a destination for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. On calm days, the paddle to the islands takes less than an hour, rewarding adventurers with seabird colonies and untouched pocket beaches.

The shallow, reef-protected waters make Lanikai ideal for swimming and floating, though the lack of lifeguards means you’ll need to exercise appropriate caution. Morning visits prove particularly magical, as the sun rises directly over the Mokulua Islands, creating spectacular lighting conditions for a photograph or two.

Without hotels or resorts in Lanikai proper, private home rentals through services specializing in high-end vacation properties are your best bet. Options include beach-facing villas or secluded hillside homes.

 

10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Rounding out Dr Beach’s list of the best beaches in the United States is Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The quintessential New England beach experience, it’s named for the historic Coast Guard station that still stands on the bluff above the beach.

The beach’s location within the Cape Cod National Seashore ensures protection from development while maintaining the wild, natural character that defines the best of New England’s coastline. Rolling dunes covered in beach grass give way to a wide expanse of sand that stretches for miles in either direction.

During summer months, the beach can become crowded, but a free shuttle system from the Salt Pond Visitor Centerhelps manage traffic while making access hassle-free. The beach’s eastern exposure makes it an excellent location for sunrise viewing, while seal sightings are common.

Cape Cod’s luxury accommodations tend toward the boutique and intimate rather than grand resorts. The Chatham Bars Inn, though not directly on Coast Guard Beach, provides classic Cape Cod elegance with its shingled buildings, private beach, and exceptional service. The property’s multiple restaurants and spa create a self-contained luxury experience that’s well-worth experiencing.

For those preferring to stay closer to Coast Guard Beach, vacation rental homes in the nearby towns of Eastham and Wellfleet offer privacy and space. Many of these feature classic Cape Cod architecture updated with modern luxury amenities, providing an authentic yet comfortable base for beach exploration.

 

The Best Beaches in the United States for 2025

 

For those seeking a luxury getaway, there’s no-end of opportunity on Dr Beach’s list of the best beaches in the United States.

For a handy recap, bookmark this page and refer to it often:

The Top 10 Best Beaches in the United States according to Dr Beach

1. Coopers Beach – Southampton, New York
2. Wailea Beach – Maui, Hawaii
3. Poipu Beach – Kauai, Hawaii
4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – Naples, Florida
5. Main Beach – East Hampton, New York
6. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
7. St. Andrews State Park – Panama City, Florida
8. Kauna’oa Beach – Big Island, Hawaii
9. Lanikai Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you’re seeking family-friendly beaches, secluded romantic hideaways, or adventure-filled coastlines, the best beaches in the United States for 2025 are guaranteed to provide unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

 

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