{"id":1076,"date":"2017-06-18T13:26:51","date_gmt":"2017-06-18T13:26:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smilebox.com\/articles\/?p=1076"},"modified":"2021-03-07T11:25:40","modified_gmt":"2021-03-07T11:25:40","slug":"beautiful-beaches-visit-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/blog\/beautiful-beaches-visit-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit in the USA"},"content":{"rendered":"

As temperatures climb in New York City, I\u2019ve been dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation. Gazing into the limitless blue ocean while feeling the breeze on my face sounds like a particularly tantalizing escape from the sweltering heat of the city. The beach makes me feel like I\u2019m in paradise\u2014even if only for a little while. Luckily, the US has countless options to choose from. I\u2019ve whittled down my list to the most beautiful beaches, any of which could be perfect for my summer getaway:<\/p>\n

Black Sand Beach, Waianapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Maryland-Virginia\"<\/p>\n

While a pebble beach might not make for the most comfortable lounging, Hawaii\u2019s thrilling Black Sand Beach calls to the adventurous (and those looking to beautify their Instagrams). The black sand comes from lava fragments, created when lava collides with water and crumbles into black sand. But as visually stunning as the black sand is, it\u2019s not the only thing that fascinates me about this beach. Waianapanapa also boasts freshwater caves, sea stacks, ancient templates and lava formations. It may be only June, but Waianapanapa sounds like the perfect place to take that family Christmas card photo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Assateague \/ Chincoteague Island National Seashore, Maryland \/ Virginia <\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Maryland-Virginia\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part of the American National Park System, Assateague Island is a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay. This 37-mile long island off the coast of Virginia and Maryland is known for its wild ponies and natural beauty. Ponies are thought to have swum ashore after a shipwreck more than 400 years ago. Assateague offers a variety of activities like walking the Wildlife Loop, cycling, photographing the lighthouse, walking on the beach and having your kids participate in National Park Service\u2019s ranger program \u2014 which I\u2019ll definitely encourage my son to do once he\u2019s a little older.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cannon Beach, Oregon<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Cannon-Beach\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Oregon Coast\u2019s moody beaches are perfect for quiet walks, and Cannon Beach is one of my favorites. No sunshine is required for this sort of beach holiday. For days when I just want to walk, explore, and admire Haystack Rock and the Needles, atmospheric Cannon Beach is a dream. It makes a nice day trip from Portland and is also accessible from Seattle. I love this beach for any type of outing, whether it\u2019s solo, with friends, or with family and kids.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shi Shi Beach, Washington<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Shi<\/p>\n

Speaking of the Pacific Northwest, Washington must be included when describing beautiful beaches. The Travel Channel named Shi Shi Beach the \u201cbest nature beach\u201d for its unspoiled scenery. Part of Olympic National Park, the Shi Shi Beach Trail features arches, sea stacks tide pools, and caves. I\u2019m looking forward to seeing the Point of Arches someday. With an eight-mile round trip hike, maybe I\u2019ll purchase a new hiking carrier so that my son will be comfortable, while enjoying the stunning sights, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pensacola Beach, Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Pensacola<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Florida panhandle is a stretch of dazzling white beaches that are less crowded and developed than their competition further south. Not every beach is ideal when traveling with a toddler, but the popular Pensacola Beach is great for a lazy vacation. It\u2019s less touristy than Destin and Panama City and features lovely blue-green waters. Pensacola is an ideal backdrop whether you\u2019re sunbathing and reading a book, or playing with your kids.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Popham Beach, Maine<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Popham<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Located on the Kennebec River, Popham Beach State Park is a rare geological formation of 500 acres. Its long stretch of sandy beach attracts numerous surfers and swimmers. But if those activities aren\u2019t your cup of tea, you can birdwatch, kayak, fish, and even walk to Fox Island at low tide. From the coast, Pond Island and Seguin Island lighthouses make beautiful photo opportunities. I can\u2019t wait to make a scrapbook<\/a> with all of my beach vacation photos so that we can treasure the memories as a family of three.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod<\/strong>, Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Coast<\/p>\n

I wish we lived closer to Cape Cod, one of the prettiest beaches on the East Coast. If only every summer weekend could be spent beach-hopping in New England. Coast Guard Beach has incredibly soft sand, and I love how clean and accessible it is. In the summer, the water temperature tops out at around 70 degrees. Even though parking is a bit of a pain, this beach is worth the trip for the bike rides along the glacial cliffs and long beach strolls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Siesta Beach, Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Florida is known for its beaches, so I can\u2019t just include one on this list. A barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Roberts Bay, the Siesta Keys are powdery white beaches with fresh cool breezes. I love taking sunset walks with my family \u2014 it feels like you can go on and on and on. You can even ride a bike on this beach. Once I lost my glasses here in the waves, so I’ll try my best not to repeat that!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pfeiffer Beach, California<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Pfeiffer<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hidden gems are my favorite\u2014who doesn\u2019t like to get off the beaten path? Big Sur has been on my travel wish-list for ages, and I\u2019m intrigued by Pfeiffer beach and its purple sand. I\u2019ve heard this beach isn\u2019t very easy to find but it certainly looks worth the effort. Located on the rugged coastline is a secluded beach with purple sand and a keyhole rock that makes an amazing background for sunsets. I\u2019ll have to keep in mind that this may not be the best beach for sunbathing and probably requires packing a jacket or two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coopers Beach, New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Coopers<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Located in east Long Island, Coopers Beach is one of the most popular beaches in New York. The sand is so soft and my husband and I enjoy going on long walks here. Large sand dunes sit on this white sand beach, and it\u2019s not particularly crowded. It\u2019s nice to have a beach option nearby with little pollution.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are your favorite beaches that you\u2019ve visited? I\u2019m always looking for new places to add to my travel bucket list.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As temperatures climb in New York City, I\u2019ve been dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation. Gazing into the limitless blue ocean while feeling the breeze on my face sounds like a particularly tantalizing escape from the sweltering heat of the city. The beach makes me feel like I\u2019m in paradise\u2014even if only for a little […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4,9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n