There’s nothing better than relaxing at a beach for hours on a cloudless summer day. But the locale in question can make or break that little slice of heaven. I can’t think of anything worse than a shoreline packed with thousands of sweaty, sunburned tourists, dodging dangerously close football passes and avoiding downwind barbecue smoke the entire time.
Thankfully, there are plenty of beaches around the coastal United States that pack plenty of character and remain well-kept secrets. Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot with rocky sea caves, an off-road adventure to crystal blue water, or a sunny stretch with family-friendly sand bars, here are the best secret beaches in America.
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Dry-Tortugas.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Singing-Beach.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Sunset-Beach.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Pata-Prieta.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Hearts-Desire.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Matador.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/North-and-Gunnison-Beaches.jpg.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Davenport.png.webp)
![](https://www.smartertravel.com/wp-content/webp-express/webp-images/doc-root/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Kikaua.jpg.webp)
More from SmarterTravel:
- 10 Beaches That Are Better in the Off-Season
- The Best Brazilian Beaches for Every Personality
- 11 Unexpected Beach Destinations
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