Most Scenic Beaches in the United States
The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world —
from dramatic Pacific cliffs and volcanic Hawaiian shores to crystal-clear Gulf waters and postcard-perfect
Caribbean-style beaches.
This guide features the most scenic beaches in the U.S., chosen for their natural beauty,
unique landscapes, stunning sunsets, and unforgettable views.
What Makes a Beach “Scenic”?
- Dramatic cliffs, mountains, or rock formations
- Clear water & pristine shorelines
- Unspoiled natural surroundings
- Unique features like sea stacks, dunes, or volcanic sand
- Wildlife, sunsets & photographic beauty
Top 12 Scenic Beaches in the United States
Cannon Beach – Oregon
Home to iconic Haystack Rock, misty mornings & dramatic sea stacks.
Waipio Valley Black Sand Beach – Hawaii
Towering cliffs, waterfalls & volcanic black sand create a surreal landscape.
Big Sur – California
Rugged cliffs meet turquoise water — one of America’s most stunning coastlines.
Ruby Beach – Washington
Driftwood, sea stacks & moody Pacific beauty make this beach unforgettable.
Whitehaven Beach – Florida Keys Style (Bahia Honda)
Turquoise water & soft sand that feels like the Caribbean.
Makena (Big Beach) – Maui, Hawaii
Golden sand, blue water & volcanic backdrops = pure postcard perfection.
Cape Cod National Seashore – Massachusetts
Dunes, wildlife & endless Atlantic horizons.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida
An island fortress surrounded by crystal-clear blue water — breathtaking.
La Jolla Cove – California
Dramatic cliffs, sea lions & crystal-clear water.
Assateague Island – Maryland/Virginia
Miles of wild beach with free-roaming horses — a one-of-a-kind sight.
Gulf Islands National Seashore – FL/MS
Powder-soft white sand & emerald water perfect for scenic photography.
Hanauma Bay – Oahu, Hawaii
A volcanic crater transformed into a turquoise dream lagoon.
Scenic Things to Do at These Beaches
- Photography during sunrise or sunset
- Explore coastal trails & cliffs
- Kayak or paddleboard in clear water
- Visit state or national parks with dramatic landscapes
- Snorkel in vibrant underwater environments
- Picnic in front of iconic views
- Watch wildlife like sea lions, birds & wild horses
Best Places to Stay Near Scenic Beaches
These destinations offer the best scenic coastlines paired with great accommodations:
- Oregon Coast – oceanfront inns with dramatic Pacific views
- Maui & Kauai – luxury resorts surrounded by volcanic cliffs & lush mountains
- Florida Keys – turquoise oceans & tropical island stays
- Big Sur – cliffside lodges with unreal scenery
- San Diego – clear water, sea cliffs & elegant coastal towns
- Cape Cod – charming villages with endless scenic ocean views
Best Time to Visit Scenic Beaches
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring | Clear skies, mild temperatures & perfect lighting |
| Summer | Best water clarity & vibrant beach scenes |
| Fall | Golden light — ideal for scenic photography |
| Winter (Hawaii & Florida) | Warm, crystal-clear water — perfect for scenic snorkeling |
What to Pack for Scenic Beach Adventures
- Camera or smartphone with extra batteries
- Polarized sunglasses to enhance ocean color
- Hiking sandals for cliff or dune areas
- Light jacket (for coastal winds)
- Reusable water bottle
- Snorkel gear for clear-water beaches
- Portable tripod (great for photos!)
Most Scenic Beaches by Category
Best for Photography
- Cannon Beach (Oregon)
- Ruby Beach (Washington)
- Big Sur (California)
Best for Tropical Scenery
- Makena Beach (Maui)
- Hanauma Bay (Oahu)
- Bahia Honda (Florida Keys)
Best for Wild & Untouched Landscapes
- Assateague Island (MD/VA)
- Dry Tortugas National Park (FL)
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL/MS)
Scenic Beach FAQs
What is the most scenic beach in the U.S.?
Cannon Beach (OR), Hanalei Bay (HI), and Big Sur (CA) are top contenders.
Which scenic beach has the clearest water?
Hawaii beaches and the Florida Keys offer the clearest, bluest water.
Where can I find dramatic cliffs?
Big Sur, La Jolla, and Oregon’s coast feature stunning cliffside scenery.
Which beaches are best for nature lovers?
Assateague Island, Gulf Islands, and Ruby Beach offer wild, untouched beauty.
Discover More Scenic Beaches in the United States Below
Rock Harbor Beach
- Eastham, MA 02642
Pico Beach
- Mattapoisett, MA 02739
Pavilion Beach – Ipswich, Massachusetts
- Ipswich, MA 01938
Lucy Vincent Beach
- Chilmark, MA 02535
Greenfield Beach
- Greenfield, MA 01301
Gay Head Town Beach
- Aquinnah, MA 02535
Fort Beach
- Marblehead, MA 01945
Plum Cove Beach
- Gloucester, MA 01930
- 1000 Washington St, Gloucester, MA 01930
- https://gloucester-ma.gov/299/Beach-Information
Forest Beach
- South Chatham, MA 02659
- Forest Beach Rd, South Chatham, MA 02659
- https://www.chathaminfo.com/beaches
Green Harbor Beach
- #11A
- MARS-M05-07, #11A, Marshfield, MA 02050
Graves Beach
- Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
South Cape Beach
- Mashpee, MA 02649
Black Rock Beach
- Nahant, MA 01908
Bathing Beach
- Hingham, MA 02043
- 95 Otis St, Hingham, MA 02043
Winthrop Beach – Massachusetts
- Winthrop, MA 02152
Newbury Beach — Massachusetts
- Newbury, MA 01951
Point of Rocks Landing Beach
- Brewster, MA 02631
Shell Point Beach
- Onset, MA 02558
- South Blvd, Onset, MA 02558
- https://buzzardsbay.org/phbeachinfo.htm
Old Garden Beach
- Rockport, MA 01966