What are the best beaches in America? Destinations for any type of beach vacation.

Jacob Livesay, USA TODAY
·3 min read

The quintessential American summer is not complete without a trip to the beach. In 2019, the U.S. Lifesaving Association recorded over 400 million visits to American beaches.

There is no shortage of beach in the United States. The nation has 95,471 miles of shoreline, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — but not every mile is created equal.

Whether you’re looking for a wild beach, a party beach, a beach with a developed boardwalk or an underwater paradise to explore with a snorkel or scuba gear, we’ve got lots of recommendations for you.

A family looks at the kelp forest exhibit inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif., on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
A family looks at the kelp forest exhibit inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Calif., on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

What are the best beaches in America?

To answer this question, we’ve broken down U.S. beaches into a few categories — boardwalk beaches, undeveloped beaches, family beaches, party beaches and beaches for snorkeling. Here are the highlights of each category.

Best Beaches with a Boardwalk

If you’re looking for a beach with more than just a nice view, a beach with a boardwalk might be the best choice for your trip. With food options, souvenir shops and even built-in amusement parks, boardwalks can add great variety to your experience.

Some of the best boardwalks in the United States, according to Attractions of America:

  • Atlantic City Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey

  • Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California

  • Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • Ocean City Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland

  • Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia

  • Kemah Boardwalk in Kemah, Texas

  • Mission Beach Boardwalk in San Diego, California

Two boats sail next to the Pebble Beach Golf Links that is homes to some of the most expensive homes in Monterey County in Pebble Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.
Two boats sail next to the Pebble Beach Golf Links that is homes to some of the most expensive homes in Monterey County in Pebble Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.

Best Uncrowded Beaches

If you’re looking for a more tranquil trip, it might be best to find a less-developed beach area to get rest and relaxation while avoiding crowds. According to The Culture Trip, here are some of the best uncrowded beaches in the U.S.:

  • Sandbridge Beach in Virginia

  • Cumberland Island in Georgia

  • Carova Beach in North Carolina

  • Enderts Beach in California

  • Montaña de Oro State Park in California

  • Wildcat Beach in California

  • Dry Tortugas in Florida

  • St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida

  • Awahua Beach in Hawaii

  • Kauapea Beach in Hawaii

Fall foliage family fun: Skip the highway and jump on any of these 10 best fall train rides

Family flying: How to sit together on the plane (and get the best seats)

Best Family Beaches

According to U.S. News & World Report, some factors to consider when planning a family trip are “kid-friendly attractions, dining options, spacious accommodations and multigenerational appeal.” According to these criteria, they ranked these destinations as the best in the nation for families:

  • Outer Banks, North Carolina

  • Destin, Florida

  • Sanibel Island, Florida

  • Maui, Hawaii

  • Amelia Island, Florida

  • Hilton Head, South Carolina

  • Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Cape May, New Jersey

  • Kennebunkport, Maine

  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

  • St. Augustine, Florida

  • Laguna Beach, California

  • Bald Head Island, North Carolina

  • Monterey, California

  • Nantucket, Massachusetts

Best Party Beaches

If you are of drinking age and looking for a good time, here are some beaches for those looking to party, according to Complex:

  • Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California

  • Santa Catalina Island, California

  • South Beach in Miami, Florida

  • South Padre Island in Cameron County, Texas

  • Virginia Beach, Virginia

  • Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York

  • Seaside Heights in Ocean County, New Jersey

  • Panama City Beach in Bay County, Florida

  • Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida

  • Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica, California

Just curious?: We're here to answer your everyday questions.

Comparable: Where'd you spend your summer vacation? How does it measure to presidents' favorite spots?

Best Beaches for Snorkeling

If you’re looking to see beautiful sights and diverse wildlife underwater, here are the beaches Tripadvisor recommends for snorkeling:

  • Key West, Florida

  • Crystal River, Florida

  • Lahaina, Hawaii

  • St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

  • Honolulu, Hawaii

  • Big Pine Key, Florida

  • Catalina Island, California

  • Poipu, Hawaii

  • Key Largo, Florida

  • Kapolei, Hawaii

  • Hatteras Island, North Carolina

  • Captain Cook, Hawaii

  • La Jolla, California

  • Panama City Beach, Florida

  • South Padre Island, Texas

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best beaches in America for families, relaxing, snorkeling and more.