50 States of Beaches

Not every state has a coastline, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your favorite beach activities in every state in the US.

By: Farima Alavi and Lynn Coulter

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Find a Beach Getaway In Every State

You don't have to live near an ocean to enjoy the beach. While not every state in the US has a coastline, every state does have a public lake or reservoir where you can swim, paddle a kayak, pitch a tent, play beach volleyball or just soak up some sun.

We've rounded up some of the best state beaches in the country. Some have sugary-white sand; others are rocky or pebbled. All of them are don't-miss destinations.

Shown here: Longboat Key, a 12-mile strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.

Alabama: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

A trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach feels like escaping to a barrier island, thanks to the soft, white sand, clear blue-green water and sunny weather. The area is known as a hub for watersports, so you can navigate the waves on a jet ski, scuba dive to look for colorful fish and shipwrecks, or let the kids (and adults) learn how to make sand sculptures and sand castles at Sand Castle University. The beach and water activities are almost endless.

Alaska: Eagle Beach

Located 27 miles north of Juneau, Eagle Beach State Recreation Area has 16 primitive camping sites in the forested part of the park, several walk-in campsites and a group camping area available for reservations. The beach combing and fishing are great from the beach and river bars. Visitors often see whales and sea lions, and the tidal flats are feeding grounds that attract shorebirds, gulls, bears and other wildlife.

Arizona: Lake Powell

Situated between southern Utah and northern Arizona, Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are popular places to boat, waterski, fish, hike and camp. The lake is a man-made reservoir formed when the Glen Canyon Dam flooded Glen Canyon. Rent a houseboat, reserve an upscale tent and go glamping or pull your RV to one of four RV campgrounds. You'll find over 2,000 miles of shoreline around the 186-mile-long lake.

Arkansas: Caddo Bend

Family-friendly DeGray Lake Resort State Park features a sandy beach in the Caddo Bend day-use area. There's a designated swim area for floating, swimming and splashing, although personal watercraft and boats are not allowed. Find a spot under one of the shade trees and spread out a picnic, sit and watch the kids scoop sand into their buckets or just take a break out of the sun.

California: Santa Monica

Santa Monica beach lies just west of downtown Los Angeles, and it's one of Southern California's most famous hangouts. The sandy shore is over 3 miles long, and you can walk to many hotels, restaurants and shops. You'll also find amusement park rides, bike trails, an aquarium and other nearby attractions. The Santa Monica pier is a beach landmark.

Colorado: Blue Mesa Reservoir

Colorado is landlocked, but you can find plenty of blue water and shorelines to enjoy in Rocky Mountain lakes and reservoirs. Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of three reservoirs in Curecanti National Recreation Area, and it's the largest body of water in the state. Bring your fishing pole; the reservoir is stocked with millions of fish each year. Visit to camp, windsurf, hike, waterski, horseback ride or boat.

Connecticut: Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Park in New Haven is home to a beach and the New Haven Lighthouse, once known as Five Mile Point Light. Open seasonally for swimming, boating and other recreational activities (see the website for dates), the park is near the harbor entrance to Long Island Sound. Take the kids to the carousel, let them romp through the park's splash pads (they're freshwater fountains) or rent a pavilion for the day. The lighthouse no longer lights up but it's a great spot for a selfie.

Delaware: Fenwick Island

Choose your adventure on Delaware's Fenwick Island: paddleboard, race go-karts, sunbathe on the sandy beach, kayak or play mini-golf. You can also float on the 400-foot-long lazy river or slide down the twisting waterslides at the island's waterpark. Tours of the Little Assawoman Bay and Canal Zone are available through Little Assawoman Bay and Canal Zone.

Panama City, Florida

Check out 27 miles of white sand at Panama City Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, boat, jet ski or parasail. Shell seekers, buy a shuttle ticket to nearby Shell Island, an undeveloped wildlife area and beach, to look for sand dollars, periwinkle and other shells; take only the empty ones. The city hosts an annual Summer Concert Series that runs from June to August, and local festivals celebrate everything from food and wine to car shows and pirates.

Georgia: St. Simons Island

An unspoiled beach and old-fashioned Southern charm make St. Simons island an ideal getaway for fun-loving families or couples looking for a little romance. Keep your eyes open for birds and shells, bring burgers and hot dogs to grill, ride a bike, swim or let your pup come along and dig in the golden sand.

Hawaii: Waikiki Beach

Hawaii's Waikiki Beach is one of the best-known beaches in the world. Once frequented by Hawaiian royalty, this beach on the south shore of Honolulu is an exciting place to surf and enjoy other water sports. Take a catamaran ride to watch the sunset or just float in the sparkling ocean under a brilliant blue sky. The Diamond Head Crater, shown here, is a one-of-a-kind backdrop.

Find The Best Hawaiian Beaches: Top 10 Hawaiian Beaches

Idaho: Lake Cascade State Park

Lake Cascade, a reservoir in Idaho's Lake Cascade State Park, has as many camping options as it does recreational opportunities. Its hundreds of campsites range from primitive to full-service hook-ups and group camping areas. The campsites are located along 86 miles of shoreline with beautiful views of Lake Cascade and the North Fork Mountain Range. Bring your fishing gear to catch rainbow trout, smallmouth bass or Coho salmon and bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

Illinois: Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park is a 4,160-acre park and the only beach ridge shoreline left in the state. (A beach ridge is created by wave deposits and runs parallel to the shoreline). Its dunes, marshes and oak forests stretch 6 -1/2 miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan in the northern part of the state. A wide variety of plant and animal life makes this a unique destination. Stay at the park lodge or a campsite; bathhouses with showers are available during the summer.

Indiana: Marquette Beach

Just a couple of hours southeast of Illinois Beach State Park, you'll find Marquette Beach, a 241-acre park in Gary, Indiana. This beach offers amazing views of Chicago's skyline, miles of sandy beaches and plenty of recreational opportunities. Its lagoons are the headwaters of the Grand Calumet River and great for fishing, kayaking or canoeing. Enjoy hiking in the oak woodlands and dry oak savanna or climb the dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan; some reach 75 feet high.

Iowa: Gray's Lake Park

Located just south of downtown Des Moines, Gray's Lake Park has a designated beach area where you can swim, canoe, fish and sail. This 166-acre park includes a playground for the kids, a loop trail to walk or bike, boat rentals and launch ramps. Look for the Kruidenier Trail Pedestrian Bridge, also called the Gray's Lake Bridge, that passes over the lake. Its multi-colored lights and glass panels make a spectacular display at night.

Kansas: Lake Scott State Park

Set against a canyon backdrop, visitors can enjoy canoeing and many other water activities at historic Lake Scott State Park in Kansas. Scott State Park, as the park is also known, has been listed by National Geographic as one of the 50 must-see state parks in the US. The spring-fed lake lies within the 1,020-acre park and draws visitors who come to swim, boat, fish, hunt, camp and look for wildlife.

Kentucky: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

You might not think of Kentucky as a beach destination, but several of its state parks have lakes and beaches. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs is home to one of the most appealing. The beach's sandy shoreline is a great place to enjoy views of beautiful Pennyrile Lake, and there's a playground, miniature golf course, horseshoe pit, regulation golf course, basketball/tennis court and more. Head to the dock adjacent to the beach to rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats.

Louisiana: Grand Isle State Park

Grand Isle State Park, on the Gulf of Mexico, is a great place for deep-sea fishing adventures or pitching a tent right on the sand. Swimmers enjoy the warm Gulf waters, and bird enthusiasts can list many species that frequent the lagoons and shore. If you're coming southbound, you'll need to pay a toll to cross the bridge; only cash or a GeauxPass is accepted. The park is temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Ida, so check the website before you make travel plans.

Maine: Ogunquit Beach

Ogunquit means "Beautiful Place by the Sea" in the language of the Algonquin Native People, and this beautiful beach in York County, Maine, deserves its name. Ogunquit Beach has 3 1/2 miles of white sand where you can watch for whales, swim, collect seashells and fly kites. Deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, golfing and sailing are popular here, too. Visit the section called Footbridge Beach for more water activities, and while you're there, check out the gift shops and restaurants.

Maryland: Ocean City

Whether you're planning a family vacation or a couple's getaway, Ocean City, Maryland, has something you'll enjoy. Ride the Tilt-a-Whirl and old-school carousel on the boardwalk, and feast on fresh crabs at one of the local restaurants. Bask in the sun and swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or visit in the summer for free activities like fireworks, movies and concerts. In 2022, TripAdvisor ranked Ocean City as No. 13 on a list of the top 25 US beaches.

Massachusetts: Menemsha Beach

Menemsha Beach is a wonderful place to watch the sun set across the Vineyard Sound. Located next to Menemsha Harbor in Martha's Vineyard, the beach is rocky, but the surf is usually calm and gentle. Visit to fish, swim or walk along the rocks at the mouth of the harbor and look for crabs and other sea creatures. This public beach is typically quiet and low-key.

Michigan: Cheboygan

The Cheboygan Point Light, shown here, is located in Michigan's Cheboygan State Park. The park is also home to well-marked trails that lead to the shores of Lake Huron, where visitors can launch boats or fish. Kids can splash and wade in the shallow, clear water at the beach. The park has a modern campground and lodge as well as rustic cabins, but the modern campground is being upgraded, so it's temporarily closed. Check the state park website for updates.

Minnesota: Lake Carlos State Park

Carved out by ancient glaciers, Lake Carlos State Park is home to a lake, bog, woodland ponds and marshes. Lake Carlos is clear and deep, a beautiful place to swim, boat or fish, and visitors often spot beavers, loons, deer, ducks, herons and grebes around the shoreline. Pack a picnic lunch, build a campfire in a designated area, play volleyball or explore the trails and spend a whole day here.

Mississippi: Gulfport

Coastal Mississippi is sometimes called The Secret Coast, but its 26 miles of sandy shores draw thousands of visitors each year. Gulfport Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico and close to several other Mississippi beaches. When you're ready to switch things up, hop a ferry from Gulfport to beautiful Ship Island, about 10 miles offshore from Gulfport/Biloxi and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore; watch for dolphins along the way. Be sure to try your luck in the many local casinos.

Find More Gulf Coast Beaches: 21 Best Gulf Coast Beaches

Missouri: Creve Coeur Lake Park

Creve Coeur Lake formed several thousand years ago from a meandering loop of the Missouri River. It's now a popular attraction in Creve Coeur Lake Park, the largest park in the St. Louis County parks systems. Rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard in the summer months, or bike, rollerblade, jog or walk on the 3.8-mile surrounding trail. The beach is ideal for playing volleyball or relaxing in the sun, and there are designated areas for fishing.

Montana: Black Sandy State Park

Black Sandy State Park is on the shores of picturesque Houser Lake, northeast of Helena, Montana. The park offers a variety of campsites you can reserve in advance and a reservoir where you can swim or fish for trout and wall-eyes. Visitors come to water ski, picnic, look for wildlife and hike. In the wintertime, you can ice fish or ice skate.

Nebraska: Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area

Lake McConaughy, also called Big Mac, boasts clear water and more than 100 miles of white sandy shoreline. It's Nebraska's biggest reservoir, at 30,000 surface acres, and it's said that its fish grow to trophy sizes. Located in the Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, it's about 8 miles northeast of Ogallala. Check the website to make campground reservations or beach camping reservations in advance during peak season, which runs from May to September.

Nevada: Sand Harbor

You have your choice of beaches at Sand Harbor, located in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. Swimmers and sunbathers usually head for the 2500-foot-long Main Beach with its turquoise waters; visitors with non-motorized watercraft can launch from a small corridor at its south end. A small, protected area known as Divers Cove attracts scuba divers and other beach users. The Boat Beach is a stretch of sand that lies on each side of the Sand Harbor Boat Launch Facility. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available.

New Hampshire: Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach has been rated consistently as one of the cleanest beaches in the US, and the resort town of Hampton, New Hampshire, is a great family destination. The soft, white sand is perfect for sandcastle building, and kids can play in the tide pools or look for sea urchins on the rocks. Visit in June to check out the amazing creations during the annual Sand Sculpture Competition. Other beaches include Hampton State Beach, North Beach and other places to enjoy the sun and sand.

New Jersey: Stone Harbor

Families flock to Stone Harbor in the summer. This quaint retreat in Cape May County, New Jersey, sits about halfway along the Jersey Cape 's 30 miles of beachfront. Its relaxed vibe invites sunbathing, swimming, fishing, sailing and surfing, and when you're ready to get out of the sun, you'll find amusement piers, a boardwalk, historical and cultural sites, a county park and a zoo just a short distance away.

New Mexico: Elephant Butte Lake

New Mexico's largest lake is the reservoir in Elephant Butte Lake State Park. The 40,000-acre park is open year-round for camping, swimming and boating, and the lake can accommodate almost any kind of watercraft, from personal watercraft to houseboats to ski boats and cruisers. It's known for great fishing, too, and visitors have landed record-breaking striped, white and black bass, crappie and bluegill. There are miles of sandy beaches and trails to explore. It's a good idea to visit the website before you go, since the water level can drop significantly at times.

New York: Jones Beach State Park

With more than 6 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, Jones Beach State Park is a popular family destination. Playing off the theme of an ocean liner, the beach includes 2,400 acres of maritime habitat on Long Island's south shore. Take a dip in the ocean, stroll along the boardwalk, surf, fish or let the littles play on the splash pads and in the pool. Take a break from the beach to play mini golf or learn about marine life at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center.

North Carolina: Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is one of the most charming beaches around with its vintage boardwalk and small-town feel. At Carolina Beach State Park, hike a scenic white-sand trail leading to an overlook with gorgeous views of the Cape Fear River. Grab a cold drink from a colorful tiki bar on the pier, sunbathe on the sand or book an offshore fishing charter. The beach is about 15 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina.

North Dakota: Lake Metigoshe State Park

The forests surrounding the lake at Lake Metigoshe State Park make a beautiful setting for water activities like canoeing, kayaking and ice fishing in the winter. This popular vacation spot lies in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the border between the US and Canada. Ask for a plant or bird checklist at the park office so you can note the wide variety of species you might spot.

Ohio: East Harbor State Park

Boating, hiking and fishing opportunities attract visitors to East Harbor State Park, but it's the variety of wildlife that sets it apart from other destinations. Waterfowl and shorebirds are in abundance in the park's scenic wetlands. East Harbor lies on a peninsula that stretches out over Lake Erie; look for a swimming beach and picnic areas near the lake. The park also boasts a big campground.

Oklahoma: Lake Texoma

Situated near the Texas and Oklahoma state line, 89,000-acre Lake Texoma, in Lake Texoma State Park, is among the biggest reservoirs in the nation. The shoreline feels like an ocean shore, thanks to a sandy white beach and a string of islands in the middle of the lake. This is a great place to fish for striped bass; check with the privately owned marina in the park for striper guide fishing services. You can also swim and enjoy other watersports here.

Oregon: Cannon Beach

Scenic Cannon Beach is famous for its 235-foot Haystack Rock, and the shoreline looks stunningly dramatic when coastal storms hit during the winter. In 2013, National Geographic named this beach, which lies about 90 minutes west of Portland, one of the 100 most beautiful spots in the world. You'll find lots of surfers here and a 4-mile stretch of beach that's great for building sand castles. Visit during low tide to look for marine life.

Michigan: Presque Isle State Park

Set on a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park is popular with adventurers who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming and hiking. Although this is a day-use park, visitors can find overnight accommodations nearby. Take a scenic boat tour of the lake or surf, fish and scuba dive in designated areas. The park is about 4 miles west of Erie, Michigan.

Rhode Island: South Shore Beach

Little Compton is a town on the coast in Newport County, Rhode Island. Bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Sakonnet River, its South Shore Beach is open seasonally to the public; see the website for dates. Good waves lure surfers, and an onsite boat launch is perfect for small vessels. Overnight or day camping is available. The 75-acre Goosewing Beach Preserve, home to a pristine coastal pond, dune system and beach, is also in Little Compton.

South Carolina: Kiawah Island

A 10,000-acre barrier island located about 21 miles south of Charleston, Kiawah Island is known for its natural beauty: tidal marshes, sandy beaches, maritime forests and freshwater ponds. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, from majestic great blue herons to rare sea turtles. Surf, kayak or paddleboard, play golf, go horseback riding or just relax and watch the glorious sunsets.

South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

Of Custer State Park’s five lakes, Sylvan Lake is probably the most recognizable for its role in the 2008 film, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, starring Nicolas Cage. In the film, the lake appears to be directly behind Mount Rushmore, but in reality, it’s several miles away. Take a stroll along the picturesque waters, rent a canoe or go for a swim.

Tennessee: Percy Priest Lake

You might not think you could find a beach in north-central Tennessee, but Percy Priest Lake more than delivers. The sandy shoreline and warm climate make this reservoir a great swimming beach, especially when boats pass by and create waves. Formed by J. Percy Priest Dam, the lake is about 42 miles long and lies east of downtown Nashville. Several marinas, parks and campgrounds serve the lake.

Texas: Port Aransas

With 18 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches in Port Aransas, Texas, belong on your bucket list. This city on Mustang Island has a beach at Mustang Island State Park and others at Port Aransas Beach, IB Magee Beach Park and San Jose Island (a privately owned island accessible by ferryboat). Known as the "fishing capital of Texas," Port Aransas hosts a variety of fishing tournaments during the summer. Not into fish? Try surfing, boogie boarding, parasailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and other water sports.

Utah: Quail Creek State Park

With some of the warmest waters in Utah and a pleasant winter climate, Quail Creek Reservoir in Quail Creek State Park attracts boaters year-round. It's also an angler's paradise, thanks to a maximum depth of 120 feet, where the water is cold enough to support the stocked crappie, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Bring your own gear or rent water sports equipment such as kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or inflatable or foam water carpets. This 600-acre reservoir is in the city of Hurricane.

Vermont: Sand Bar State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Sand Bar State Park has sweeping views of the Green and Adirondack mountains. This park in Milton, Vermont, is famous for its long, sandy beach and expansive grassy lawns shaded by mature trees. The sandy beach bottom remains shallow for a long way offshore, so this is an ideal wading or swimming spot for children. The 1,000-acre Sandbar Wildlife Management Area near the park is a wonderful place for birding and wildlife watching.

Virginia: First Landing State Park

A weekend may not be long enough to explore Virginia's First Landing State Park. Along with 1-1/2 miles of sandy shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, this oasis in the city of Virginia Beach offers boating, swimming, nature and history programs, hiking, biking and picnicking. Book your stay in a cabin or yurt or choose a tent campsite or a campsite with water and electric hookups. Fishing, crabbing, boating and swimming are popular here.

Washington: Alki Beach

Summertime brings sun lovers to Seattle's Alki Beach, a long strip of sand that attracts joggers, volleyball enthusiasts, bicyclists, rollerbladers and parents pushing strollers. Depending on the time of year, the water temperature varies from 46 to 56 degrees F, so you'll need a good wet suit if you plan to get in. The beach offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and visitors see ferries, sailboats, steamships and other watercraft passing by on a regular basis. Beach fires are allowed, but only in fire pits.

West Virginia: Summersville Lake

With 60 miles of shoreline, 2,800-acre Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia. This reservoir lake is ideal for boating, kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing and swimming. Bring your fishing gear to land large- and smallmouth bass, panfish, catfish or walleyes; trout are stocked below the dam in spring and fall. When you get waterlogged, bike or hunt. Some visitors go rock-climbing; climbing the sheer sandstone cliffs is illegal, however. Whitewater releases below the dam are scheduled on the Gauley River in September and October, and whitewater rafting is available year-round.

Wisconsin: Meyers Beach

Meyers Beach is a stretch of sand on the south shore of beautiful Lake Superior, and it's a good place for swimming, beach combing or picnicking. Located about 5 miles east of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, it provides access to the famous mainland sea caves. Visitors can take a boat or hike a rugged trail from the beach to reach the caves, which are part of The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. In the winter, the caves are transformed into potentially dangerous ice caves, and the National Park Service may declare them closed.

Wyoming: Buffalo Bill Lake

The Absaroka Mountains provide a majestic backdrop for camping, fishing and swimming at Buffalo Bill Lake. Go boating, fishing or waterskiing on this reservoir lake, which is near Cody, Wyoming, in Buffalo Bill State Park. Visit the Buffalo Bill Dam, the structure that created the lake, and walk all the way across the top for stunning views of the Shoshone River and the lake. Save some time for a trip to Yellowstone National Park, which is about 40 miles away.