The most beautiful beaches in the USA 2022

Summer is here! Therefore, on vacation in the USA, it's time for a relaxing day at the beach. But which beaches in the United States have the best summer vibes? Forbes has published its ranking of the best beaches in America in 2022.

Hawaii, California, or North Carolina? Where do you have peace and quiet while sunbathing on American beaches? Where are the waves gentle and nature most beautiful?

"Dr. Beach," a.k.a. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, professor, and director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, compiles an annual ranking of the best beaches in the USA, which is published in Forbes Magazine.

Based on 50 criteria, the top beaches in the United States are ranked not by fame but by things like wave characteristics, water color, temperature, noise, safety, and density of use.

The careful selection of the 50 feel-good criteria means that some world-famous beaches, such as Malibu Beach, South Beach in Miami, Venice Beach, the legendary Jersey Shore, and Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, did not make it into the top 10.

However, the Forbes selection gives you top-class beach recommendations with a relaxation guarantee and without hordes of tourists, noise, and dirt. Here are the 10 best beaches in the USA in 2022:

#1. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

Ocracoke is an idyllic island off the mainland of North Carolina. Here, in a safe and clean environment, you will find over 25 km of fantastic beaches with fine sand, huge dunes, and breathtaking views in all directions.

Also, in the surroundings of the Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, the air is clean. There are hardly any buildings, only small inns instead of large hotels, and an iconic lighthouse from 1823 that watches over everything.

#2. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island Beach welcomes you with white sand of crystalline quartz, a quiet bay, and a lot of relaxation. Around the beautiful island, you can see dolphins, pelicans, and manatees. On some days, you won't meet a soul while walking along the water.

#3. Coopers Beach

Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island in New York State. Shielded from the cold currents in the surrounding area, it has some of the best stretches of beach in the Hamptons.

Coopers Beach sand is clean and white, with no rocks and not too much seaweed. Plus, everything is well-maintained, and on weekdays, you can sometimes relax here all by yourself.

#4. St. George Island State Park

Although St. George Island was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in 2018, the island's legendary shoreline made it into the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the US.

The area in the Florida Panhandle has recovered well, and the sugar-fine white sand beach is once again inviting you to swim in pristine natural surroundings. St. George Island is a wonderfully secluded place to relax by the sea.

#5. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Beautiful Kahanamoku Beach is located at the western end of the world-famous Waikiki Beach and is thus far away from the large crowds that haunt Hawaii's most famous beach day after day.

Furthermore, Kahanamoku is protected by an offshore coral reef, so you can let children into the water without worrying. A special highlight of this enchanted little corner of the world is the sunsets.

#6. Old Lighthouse Beach

Old Lighthouse Beach is the second North Carolina beach to make the top 10. At this idyllic spot in Buxton on Hatteras Island, lifeguards watch over you while you enjoy swimming, surfing, or paddling.

The beach owes its name, "Old Lighthouse Beach," to the legendary Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - a unique diagonally striped lighthouse that had to be moved offshore to a safer location due to erosion in the 1990s.

If you spend a day on this gorgeous beach, you'll always have something to look at. There are anglers, boats, kayaks, surfers, stand-up paddlers, and bodyboarders, and every now and then, even a horse comes by.

#7. Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach in San Diego is a true oasis by the sea and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the US West Coast. With glistening golden sand, absolute cleanliness, and the culinary and sanitary facilities in the area, your beach day here will be the perfect vacation experience!

Tip: There are fixed fireplaces for romantic evenings on the beach.

#8. Wailea Beach

The white coral sand beach of Wailea Beach is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, provided the sea is calm. When there is a swell, this expansive beach in the southwest of Maui is simply a feast for the eyes in a great setting.

Here, you can swim in pleasant temperatures, meet sea turtles, witness beach weddings, enjoy an all-evening fireworks display, and then crash at a stylish beach hotel. So romantic!

#9. Beachwalker Park

Beachwalker Park in South Carolina is located at the southern end of Kiawah Island. Although the water at this lovely beach is not crystal clear, it is considered pretty clean. Beachwalker Park is a standout for dog lovers because, in addition to the pet-friendly community, there are even tiny dog showers!

Here, you can relax in peace with only a few other people and even a little comfort: there are hot dogs and fries, toilets, and changing rooms.

#10. Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a perfect place to walk and daydream. Always in view: the picturesque old coast guard station that towers over the wide bay.

On some days, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool surf together with the seals that have moved from the Monomoy Island Wildlife Refuge to Coast Guard Beach. But beware: there have been shark sightings here, too!

The most famous beaches in the USA

Missing your all-time favorite US beach in the Forbes list? That could be because your darling beach was already a favorite last year and has been put on the back burner for 2022.

Also, beaches that are crowded with tourists, littered with trash, or full of smokers rarely make it to the top of the list. To make sure you don't miss anything, The American Dream editorial team presents their personal favorite places by the water:

1. Cannon Beach, Oregon
2. Grayton Beach, Florida
3. East Hampton Main Beach, New York
4. South Beach in Miami, Florida
5. Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California
6. Coligny Beach, South Carolina
7. Mustang Island State Park, Texas
8. Singing Beach, Massachusetts
9. Waikiki Beach auf Oahu, Hawaii
10. Driftwood Beach auf Jekyll Island, Georgia

Have you packed your bathing suit yet? Then let's go on your beach vacation in the United States! We are happy to help you with your travel arrangements and ESTA approval.

Image sources

Peetlesnumber1, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons