North America’s Top 50 Beaches
The melting pot of cultures in North America is just as dynamic and diverse as the beaches that surround its borders. To make sure all travelers find what they’re looking for as they beach hop through this continent, we’ve compiled the most extensive list of North American beaches ever made.
To create North America’s Top 50 Beaches©, we spoke with over 1200 journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies, who live and breath travel. The list we were able to craft from this sage advice provides travel-lovers with the guidance to put together an unforgettable tour of the coastlines from the southern tip of Mexico, to the northern shores of Canada.
Our list gives you a taste of mystical, tropical beaches in Hawaii, the haven for tufted puffins in Oregon, a heavenly desert beach in Baja California, and crisp and clear shores in Canada. If you fully utilize this resource, you’ll find yourself moving through the eclectic terrain of Canada and the United States, all the way down to the year-long warmth in Mexico.
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Tulum Beach Iconic Tulum Beach is a quintessential destination for travelers on the hunt for an idyllic, serene getaway. Stunning white sands and bright teal waters combine to create a beach that leaves an indelible imprint on travelers. The “beach strip,” which runs the length of the beach, offers a collection of bohemian-esque restaurants and … Continue reading Tulum Beach
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Playa Norte As the main beach on Isla Mujeres, you’re sure to find fun, friendly vibes on these coral sands as you settle into island life. Napping in a lounge chair, floating through clear waters, that are only about chest-deep, or wandering the beach with a cold drink in hand are favorite pastimes on this … Continue reading Playa Norte
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Balandra Beach Glassy water is easy to come by at Balandra Beach as it sits in a bay, protecting it from the open ocean. Located in the desert climate of Baja California, this beach offers a striking environment of clear hillsides speckled with bright green cacti silhouetted against clear, blue skies. This area has been … Continue reading Balandra Beach
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Honokalani Beach Honokalani Beach, deemed sacred by the Hawaiian people, is a small volcanic crescent-shaped beach tucked in the stunning Waianapanapa State Park in Hawaii. The jet black sand, bright turquoise water and lush green forest create a mystical, otherworldly effect on this sacred stretch of sand. While the surf is too powerful to swim … Continue reading Honokalani Beach
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Lanikai Beach Lanikai, which means “heavenly sea,” is aptly named as its crystal waters seem to sparkle with the luster of millions of diamonds. This mesmerizing shore offers calm waters, ideal for watersports like kayaking and paddle boarding, and more peaceful endeavours like a long nap on a floatie. The vibrant tapestry of colors surrounding … Continue reading Lanikai Beach
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Isla Holbox An island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox exudes so much serenity that even looking at a photo of it makes you relax. This remote, car-free island is surrounded by khaki-colored sands that disappear into baby blue waters, filled with its own wonders, such as active rainbow-hued marine life, sea turtles and … Continue reading Isla Holbox
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Long Beach Long Beach, the perfectly named, seemingly endless shore in British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park, is part of a 34,800-acre area covered in coastal temperate rainforest. This pristine expanse of nature is a core protected area of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Resting in the emerald forest bordering the beach is … Continue reading Long Beach
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Honopu Beach One of the most remote shores in the world, Honopu Beach, located on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, can only be accessed by swimming. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. If you’re an intrepid traveler, willing to swim the distance … Continue reading Honopu Beach
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Bowman’s Beach Located on picturesque Sanibel Island, Bowman’s Beach is a shell-seeker’s paradise, and has even won awards for being one of the best “shelling beaches” in the world. Fishing, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are other popular pastimes on this pristine beach, which is one of the only stretches of sand on the … Continue reading Bowman’s Beach
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Laguna Beach Laguna Beach, located in the chic, cultured town of the same name, is a stretch of the South California coastline famous for its thriving surf culture, and seemingly endless days of sun. This unique span of shore is anything but bland with romantic coves, soaring cliffs, and dazzling blue water, easily attracting those … Continue reading Laguna Beach
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Cannon Beach Cannon Beach, Oregon, one of the most majestic stretches of shore in the Pacific Northwest, is famous for Haystack Rock, a massive rock formation jutting out of the sea. While the water is too crisp to enjoy without a wetsuit, the silky smooth shore is ideal for meandering walks, sand castle construction, and … Continue reading Cannon Beach
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Green Sand (Papakolea) Beach One of the only green sand beaches in the world, Papakolea Beach is adjacent to Puʻu Mahana, a dramatic cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. The green sand beach was crafted by nature when the volcano blew out olivine-rich lava. Because the olivine crystals are fairly heavy, they stay … Continue reading Green Sand Beach
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Islas Marietas Easily one of the most magical, fascinating beaches in the world, Islas Marietas rests under a yawning stone skylight that was created during military target practice in the early 1900’s. It can only be accessed by swimming through a 200 metre tunnel. As the clear water on this eccentric beach is protected from … Continue reading Islas Marietas
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Meat Cove A beach that exudes rustic charm, Meat Cove is located in a rural fishing village that is the most northerly settlement in Nova Scotia. Camping is a popular way to enjoy this beach as there is a grassy camping area looking over the beach and popular trails that lead to stunning overlooks. Another … Continue reading Meat Cove
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Lion’s Head Beach A quaint, family-friendly beach, Lion’s Head causes time to slow in all the right ways. Located in a protected bay in Ontario’s Lake Huron, the water is mellow and safe for swimmers. For those who don’t want to camp, a beach motel and cottages are available. Adding to the family fun is … Continue reading Lion’s Head Beach
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Crystal Crescent Beach Crystal Crescent Beach is actually a trilogy of beaches in Nova Scotia that are often compared to tropical beaches because of their soft, white sands, and clear blue water – although the water here is a bit chillier than in the tropics. Access to the shore is fairly easy, as two of … Continue reading Crystal Crescent Beach
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Queens Bath A tide pool the size of a large swimming pool, Queens Bath is a majestic natural phenomenon on the shores of Kauai. The pool is composed of lava rock and fills with the aquamarine surf of the Pacific Ocean. Enhancing the experience are colorful fish and an abundance of sea turtles in the … Continue reading Queens Bath
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Xpu-Há The contrast of the pure white beach and bright turquoise water on the Xpu-Há (pronounced “shpu-ha”) beach create an astounding effect for those lucky enough to stumble across this well-kept-secret shore. Situated between popular beach hubs, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xpu-Há is often overlooked, providing a prime opportunity for those who enjoy a … Continue reading Xpu-Há
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Santa Maria Beach A dreamy desert oasis, Santa Maria Beach offers a sprawling stretch of golden sand that spills into the azure waters of a protected cove. As Bahía Santa María is a protected marine sanctuary, the sea life here is thriving and endlessly entertaining. Be sure to bring your mask and snorkel and prepare … Continue reading Santa Maria Beach
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Sunset Beach Sunset Beach Oahu is an iconic expanse of sand and sea. With massive surf in the winter, and glassy waters in the summer, this versatile beach offers something for everyone, from intrepid thrill-seekers, to laid-back sunbathers. If you head to Sunset Beach in the summer, don’t miss out on the world-class snorkeling and … Continue reading Sunset Beach
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Mazunte Beach This bohemian beach exudes Oaxacan authenticity and offers a gorgeous coastal landscape replete with watercolor-like hues that swirl across the sky at dawn and dusk. Behind the silky sand, which slopes into the powerful baby-blue waves of the Pacific, is the charming community of Mazunte where an engaging collection of musicians, writers, and … Continue reading Mazunte Beach
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Rodondo Beach A popular Los Angeles hang out, Redondo Beach is an ideal place to soak in the vibes of California surf culture, and dip into the refreshing waters of the Pacific. A primary draw of this beach is the iconic horseshoe-shaped pier where you can dine on fresh seafood or keep an eye out … Continue reading Rodondo Beach
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Kaanapali Beach Powder-soft sand and a dazzling, turquoise sea converge at Kaanapali Beach, creating an environment that’s so stunning it was the former retreat of Maui royalty. This three-mile beach is lined with restaurants and hotels, creating a vibrant bustle of activity and entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, a visit to this beach should require attendance … Continue reading Kaanapali Beach
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Calusa Beach An interior beach in Bahia Honda Park, Calusa has placid waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Beyond the white sand bars snaking out into the blue waters, an impressive visual at this beach is the historic Bahia Honda Bridge that seems to pop out of a collection of palm trees and stretch … Continue reading Calusa Beach
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Hapuna Beach The water at Hapuna Beach is so clear you can barely tell where the beach ends and the sea begins. A half-mile long, this award-winning shore is fun for families as it has plenty of room to roam, a lifeguard on duty year-round, and picnic tables shaded by trees that line the beach. … Continue reading Hapuna Beach
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Isla Espiritu Santo A bird’s eye view of this beach provides a mystical image, as the water fades from an almost translucent blue, to deep aquamarine, to an inky blue as it dissolves into the open ocean. Resting in the middle of the biodiverse Sea of Cortez, Isla Espiritu Santo is a place where all … Continue reading Isla Espiritu Santo
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Hopewell Rocks Nature’s sculpture garden, Hopewell Rocks features confounding, massive rock structures that have been sculpted by the world’s highest tides. At low tide, most of the rock formations are on dry land and can be explored on foot. As high tide rolls in, the rocks are surrounded by water and a kayak must be … Continue reading Hopewell Rocks
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Fort Lauderdale Beach A signature white-wave wall and brick-paved path border the clean, expansive Fort Lauderdale city beach. It is dotted with palm trees and offers generally mellow surf to play in. If you are wanting to be in the thick of the action, the Las Olas portion of the beach is where you’ll find … Continue reading Fort Lauderdale Beach
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Dune-du-Sud This 22km beach is ideal for meandering strolls and red-cliff cave exploration at low tide. With an abundance of picnic tables, gentle water, and washrooms, this is a great place for families to post-up for a day of swimming and beach hiking. There are few areas with shade so it’s best to bring an … Continue reading Dune-du-Sud
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Poipu Beach Located on the south shore of Kauai, Poipu Beach is an award-winning natural playground of golden sand, tranquil surf, and mellow vibes. While there are accommodations nearby, this beach is not surrounded by buildings, helping it maintain a rural tropical ambiance. Amenities include a lifeguard, bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Snorkeling is a … Continue reading Poipu Beach
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Punalu’u Beach Forget sparkling white sand – Punalu’u Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is the most famous black sand beach in all of Hawaii. The strikingly dark beach contrasts beautifully with the sparkling blue water and lush greenery of the Hawaiian coconut palms. Talk about providing the perfect backdrop for lounging in the … Continue reading Punalu’u Beach
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Chesterman Beach The famous Chesterman Beach in British Columbia is a well-loved local spot, and for good reason! Known for its surfing, Chesterman Beach is good for beginners or longtime enthusiasts. This stunning beach features wides stretches of smooth sand and big driftwood logs – perfect for perching on as you enjoy the beautiful views … Continue reading Chesterman Beach
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Cavendish Beach With beautiful white sand and striking views of sandy red cliffs, you’ll understand immediately why Cavendish Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A part of Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish Beach is the perfect place to soak up some sun or go for a long walk … Continue reading Cavendish Beach
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Ke’e Beach Hit Ke’e Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) at sunset for one of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. The stunning beach is located at the literal end of the road – the farthest you can drive on the north shore of Kauai. Located in the Ha’ena State Park, it is also the gateway to … Continue reading Ke’e Beach
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Ingonish Beach This beautiful sand and cobblestone beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches in Nova Scotia. Ingonish Beach has everything you need for a day relaxing on the soft, white sands including a change house, washrooms, and a hiking trail on site. During the summer months, the water is clear and blue, … Continue reading Ingonish Beach
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La Bufadora You’ll be able to hear La Bufadora beach before you see it. This beautiful beach in Baja California is home to the largest sea geyser in North America. Air gets trapped in a sea cave and causes water to explode upward, often shooting more than 31 meters above sea level, and creating a … Continue reading La Bufadora
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Maili Beach Maili Beach in Oahu is potentially one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. White sand, turquoise water, and gorgeous mountain views create a pristine oasis that stands apart from some of the other beaches in the area. This sprawling beach park is a true gem on Oahu’s western coast, away from … Continue reading Maili Beach
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Carters Beach Carters Beach is simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Nova Scotia. It is essentially three beaches in one, with three crescent areas one right after another. Carter’s Beach is unique for its stunning white sands and bright Caribbean turquoise waters that are completely unlike any other waters in the area, inviting … Continue reading Carters Beach
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Crystal Beach Crystal Beach on Lake Erie is your Caribbean escape in the north! This stunning beach features flawless white sands and crystal-blue waters that will whisk you away to a Caribbean mindset, all the while staying in Canada. In addition to the acres of flawless white sand, Crystal Beach also features all kinds of … Continue reading Crystal Beach
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Pfeiffer Beach Pfeiffer Beach is a gorgeous and unspoiled beach located in the stunning Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park on the coast of California. When you think of magnificent beaches you likely think of flawless white sands – but you won’t find any here. Pfeiffer Beach is known for its unique and striking purple sands, … Continue reading Pfeiffer Beach
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San Josef Bay San Josef Bay Beach is not your regular beach. Located on the northern tip of Vancouver Island, this gorgeous beach offers a truly rugged and beautiful getaway for those that are up for the adventure. The flawless white sands contrast beautifully against the rocky boulders and sky-scraping pine trees of the Canadian … Continue reading San Josef Bay
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Hulopo’e Beach Hulopo’e Beach is a stunning beach on the Island of Lanai. The beautiful crescent-shaped beach is bordered on both ends by boulders. The crystal clear waters invite swimmers and snorkelers to observe the brilliant marine life below, a testament to the success of the marine life conservation district here. Hulopo’e Bay’s beauty is … Continue reading Hulopo’e Beach
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McClures Beach McClures Beach is a beautiful, fine-grained stretch of sand that is backed by colorful sandstone bluffs on all sides. You’ll immediately understand why this remote beach is so well loved as you hike down a short trail along a coastal scrub-lined canyon to the untouched beach cove. The sand is exposed to the … Continue reading McClures Beach
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Zipolite beach The gorgeous body of water is not the only body you’ll be seeing at Zipolote Beach (or Playa Zipolote, as the locals would say). Playa Zipolite is a long stretch of uncrowded beach where clothing is optional and the surfing is phenomenal. The sapphire waves and soft yellow sands provide the perfect place … Continue reading Zipolite beach
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Ocracoke Beach When it comes to gorgeous beaches and laid-back charm, Ocracoke Island is often considered the Pearl of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Accessible only by boat, this small island has been separated from the rest of the world for centuries, and as a result, has a certain untouched beauty that is rare … Continue reading Ocracoke Beach
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Wailea Beach Wailea Beach is a shining example of beach perfection with wide, sandy beaches and blue waves that invite beachgoers to frolic in the warm waters. This stunning locale has been consistently rated one of the world’s best beaches, and for good reason! The breathtaking beach is dramatically framed on both ends by rocky … Continue reading Wailea Beach
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El Tecolote Beach El Tecolote Beach is not Cabo San Lucas. Instead of a beach crowded with tourists and overpriced drinks, El Tecolote offers an authentic and beautiful Mexican beach experience. The water is warm, the food is good, the staff only speaks Spanish and everything is sold in Pesos – you’re a long way … Continue reading El Tecolote beach
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Makua On the west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. The breathtaking and secluded beach features crystal clear waters that wash up onto long stretches of soft, warm sands. The beach is set against the stunning backdrop of Makua Valley with cliffs surrounding … Continue reading Makua
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Bowling Ball Beach Bowling Ball Beach in Northern California gets its name from the unique rock formations that dot this stunning beach during low tide. It’s no wonder this beach is known as one of the most striking and beautiful beaches in the world as it is truly unique! The hundreds of 1-1.5 meter diameter, … Continue reading Bowling Ball Beach
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Grayton Beach Grayton Beach is a piece of paradise on Florida’s northwest coast. Grayton Beach is both a funky and free-spirited beach town and a 400-acre state park featuring pristine sugar-sand beaches, a rare coastal dune lake and a wealth of nature. Its nature trail winds through a salt marsh, steep dunes and a coastal … Continue reading Grayton Beach