The Best Beaches in the United States
Forget the notion that you need a passport to access the best beaches in the world. Here are five spectacular shorelines that have been named the best in the country.
Over the past year, the United States has experienced some particularly unstable weather. From frigid temperatures that plagued the northeast well into April to tropical storms that battered the Gulf Coast, many Americans are looking forward to the warm temperatures and sunny skies associated with an afternoon at the beach.
And as it turns out, you won’t have to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to wade in crystal clear waters and experience breathtaking views.
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Money, a subsidiary of Time, Inc., recently released its list of the top beaches in the country along with how much it would cost to spend a week there. Some of the top contenders featured below may surprise you.
1. Pompano Beach, Florida
Cost of a week for two: $2,125
Set on the Atlantic Ocean and less than a 30-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale—Hollywood International Airport, Pompano Beach is considered the heart of the Florida Gold Coast. Its clear blue waters make this beach an ideal place for vacationers looking for relaxation or adventure without the hefty price tags associated with Miami or West Palm Beach.
2. Asbury Park, New Jersey
Cost of a week for two: $2,676
According to Money, and many who have visited the area, Asbury Park offers the classic combination of beach and boardwalk. In addition to the mile-long stretch of sand along the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park is home to a number of beach-front restaurants and entertainment spots, including the Stone Pony, a music venue widely associated with New Jersey-native Bruce Springsteen.
3. Sag Harbor, New York
Cost of a week for two: $3,651
Compared to other areas of the Hamptons, which encompasses part of the East End of Long Island, Sag Harbor has fewer celebrity sighting and more historical influence. These attributes are what makes the waterfront town so special, according to Money. Additionally, the bays that Sag Harbor are situated on — namely Noyack Bay and Sag Harbor Bay — are calmer and get warm faster than the ocean, which is still just a short drive away.
4. Long Beach, California
Cost of a week for two: $2,508
Long Beach is a coastal city and port in Southern California that is been promoted as “one giant playground.” The area boasts calmer waters than some of the surfing cities California is well-known for, which makes it an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. In addition to the ocean, Long Beach has a bustling downtown and provides easy access to several beachfront bike trails.
5. Glen Arbor, Michigan
Cost of a week for two: $2,689
Glen Arbor is perched on a small strip of land running between Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Bay, offering visitors the best of Northern Michigan, according to Money. Situated in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a federally protected park, Glen Arbor offers white sand shores, forested islands and several walking trails.
View the rest of the U.S. beaches that made the list as well as Money’s picks for the top international beach vacations on the Money website.
