Best for: Families, snorkeling, and calm swimming.
Nicknamed "The End," Montauk is just two hours from New York City and serves as the perfect break from the busy city dweller's workweek. The hamlet's 1796 lighthouse is perched on the easternmost tip of Long Island, overlooking pleasant public beaches.
A haven for beachcombers and those looking for massive, untamed dunes. Santa Monica State Beach California, USA
Best for: Surfing, fishing, and dramatic coastal landscapes. uncle chester us beaches 20 top
Rent a paddleboard and cruise up the Hanalei River, which feeds directly into the right side of the bay. 1. Coast Guard Beach — Eastham, Massachusetts The Vibe: The quintessential Cape Cod masterpiece.
These beaches are just as stunning and offer a diverse range of experiences for every type of beachgoer. (Known for 99% quartz sand) Hanauma Bay, HI (Snorkeling in a volcanic cone) Clearwater Beach, FL (Lively, soft white sand) Coopers Beach, NY (Upscale Atlantic escape) Coronado Beach, CA (Historic, wide California beach) Kaanapali Beach, HI (Golden sand with cliff-diving) Grayton Beach State Park, FL (Pristine coastal dune lake) Cannon Beach, OR (Dramatic, mist-covered coastline) Ocracoke Island, NC (Secluded, wild barrier island) Kapalua Bay, HI (Sheltered, calm snorkeling spot) Why These Beaches?
: A wide, flat beach in San Diego that features the famous Hotel del Coronado and sand that glitters like gold due to mica minerals. Cannon Beach, Oregon Best for: Families, snorkeling, and calm swimming
Uncle Chester says: “Haystack Rock makes you feel like you’re in a movie. Because you are.”
Two lava points flank this beautiful, sheltered bay, protecting it from strong currents. The calm, crystal-clear water forms a vibrant coral reef habitat perfect for spotting sea turtles and tropical fish. 9. Bowman’s Beach (Sanibel Island, Florida) The Vibe: Unspoiled shelling paradise.
Most people overlook Alabama’s coastline, but Gulf Shores offers soft sand, gentle waves, and the legendary Hangout Fest music event. The public beach is well-maintained with a fishing pier and a pavilion. Uncle Chester’s insider tip: drive 10 minutes west to Fort Morgan for a quieter, more historic beach experience with fewer umbrellas. A haven for beachcombers and those looking for
Known locally as "The Edge of America," Folly Beach delivers an eclectic charm alongside excellent East Coast surfing waves. The fishing pier stretches over 1,000 feet into the Atlantic ocean. 16. Sand Harbor State Park (Nevada)
The quintessential Southern California beach, complete with the famous Santa Monica Pier and Ferris wheel. Fort De Soto Park, Florida
Uncle Chester says: “Yes, New Jersey. But the historic, classy part.”
Located on the pristine west end of Kiawah Island, this park offers the perfect blend of maritime forest and wide Atlantic oceanfront. It is highly regarded for its quiet, untouched natural environment. 7. Coronado Beach (San Diego, California)