The Best Secret Beaches in America

If you’re going to head to Florida for its beaches, do it right in the Keys. Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote coral reef island 70 miles west of Key West—about half way between the Everglades and Havana, Cuba.

An old 19^th-century fort gives this small piece of land an air of mystery, and visitors in boats and biplanes can be seen landing on the remote shore to explore its lighthouses and pristine white sand beaches on a day trip. Don’t have a yacht? Hop the local ferry, and don’t forget your snorkeling gear. This might be the dreamiest tropical National Park you’ll ever see.

New England has plenty of popular beaches lining the coast from Rhode Island through Cape Cod and into Maine, but one small town beach just north of Boston that’s accessible by public transit is a favorite of locals and out-of-towners alike.

Named for its yellow sand that squeaks beneath beachgoers’ feet, Singing Beach boasts warm, shallow waters that make this spot perfect for families looking to explore tide pools and safely wade past the breakers. Parking is scarce in the summer months, but visitors are far more likely to claim comfortable sandcastle space here than any of the bustling Cape Cod beaches that attract hordes every summer. Crystal-clear water and kayaking make this pristine beach a must-see if you’re looking for some waterfront fun in the Boston area this summer.

For those in search of a waterfront sunset on the east coast, a town called Sunset Beach on North Carolina’s Bird Island is home to a network of wide salt water rivers where you can face west for a sunset over the scenic waterways.

Facing east, the town’s nearby namesake beach is a true gem undiscovered by the hordes of tourists that pack nearby Myrtle Beach, which is just south of the state border about two miles from here. Sunset Beach is complete with a fishing pier, wading pools at low tide, beginner level surfing conditions at high tide, and protected nesting sea turtles that hatch in early fall. The entire town around this spot is called Sunset Beach, which can make it tricky to find via GPS—set out with a map and head east of the Intracoastal Waterway to West Main Street.

Nicknamed Secret Beach by locals, Pata Prieta Beach inside Vieques National Wildlife Refuge isn’t reachable by paved roads, which means a four-wheel-drive vehicle is your best bet for accessing this snorkeling haven. Vieques, a small island off of Puerto Rico’s mainland, is already a less-trafficked beach getaway than anything near San Juan—but Pata Prieta on the isolated south side is worth escaping the tourists that frequent this island, which is home to calm wild horses and covered in lush wildlife, including the world's brightest bioluminescent bay.

Pata Prieta is sure to make you lose touch with reality. Calm waves and colorful sea life make it perfect for body surfing and snorkeling to get a good look at manta rays and tropical fish. Ask your hotel if they have snorkeling gear available for rent or even for free use—the W on Vieques includes the equipment in the cost of a stay.

If locally-loved spots on the west coast are more your style, Point Reyes National Seashore has warm waves, boating, and picnic areas that keep visitors coming to the small beachfront. Heart’s Desire Beach at Tomales Bay State Park isn’t expansive by any means, but the sheltered cove is largely out of the reach of San Francisco tourists, and its location on an inner bay makes for warm, calm waters. Rent kayaks, explore the national park trails leading up to the sandy stretch, and take advantage of the outdoor grilling area for a beach lunch that’s more than just cooler sandwiches.

Past Santa Barbara and 30 miles from the hustle of LA, Malibu is a popular escape for locals and tourists alike. But Malibu’s best-kept secret beach is El Matador, with spectacular rock formations and sparkling sunsets that won’t disappoint.

Pristine blue water and the uninterrupted sprawling view of the Pacific are just the beginning of the beauty here. For those who are up to wander within the beach’s immense boulders, head under the ledges carved out by the sea to explore expansive open-air caves for some stunning photo ops—just make sure you’re out by the time the tide comes up.

Just outside of New York are some of Jersey’s best beaches and, surprisingly, a nude beach. Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area includes sprawling stretches of soft sand and seagulls that have areas marked as “clothing optional” like Gunnison Beach, and scenic North Beach at the northern tip of Sandy Hook if you’d rather keep your suit on. The picturesque 18^th-century lighthouse, nature areas, and historic war forts here are fit for exploring.

The rocky shoreline and cavernous sea caves at Davenport Landing Beach outside busy Santa Cruz make it an insanely Instagramable spot even without considering the dazzling sunsets you can watch here. Explore the upper cliffs to find the swing-set hidden among wildflowers—it will afford you a glimpse of the water from high above. Families can let little ones explore shallow tidal pools when the water is at its lowest, and all ages can enjoy the sunset. This beach is equal parts romance and family fun, in case you can’t decide between a romantic stroll and getting your exercise in by flying a kite atop Davenport Landing.

It’s nearly impossible to find a Big Island beach that isn’t teeming with tourists, but one private beach in a gated community at Kikaua Point is gracious enough to give out spare beach passes to the public when they’re available, allowing early birds and those in town during the low season to catch some calm waves and go snorkeling with the area basically to themselves.

The early start is worth the view from this paradise: Maui and Mauna Kea volcano can be seen in the distance, but be advised that there are never any lifeguards on duty. The truly breathtaking scenery and white sand make this beach very popular for weddings.