Best White Sand Beaches in the United States

The USA is one of the top 10 countries in terms of total coastline area, so rest assured that there are many pristine beaches to discover here. Are you considering visiting white sandy beaches with soft sands and clear waters? We’ve put together this list of some of the most beautiful white sand beaches to see in the US. 

Keep in mind that depending on what time of day it was or how the weather was the sand in my pictures doesn’t look white. I can assure it is!

Coronado Beach, San Diego

Coronado beach hosts opportunities for fun activities, including sunbathing, surfing, and boogie boarding. You can also play beach volleyball, build sandcastles with kids and enjoy beachcombing. 

Some things that draw swimmers, surfers, and beach lovers to this San Diego beach include the warm weather and family-friendly opportunities. This beach also has a Surfing Academy that offers lessons for beginners who want to learn how to surf on the gentle waves of the beach. 

In addition, Coronado beach is famous for its gorgeous sunsets, so don’t be surprised when you find a crowd waiting to catch a glimpse of the colorful skyline. This beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in San Diego; there are many spots designated for kids, and you can also bring your four-legged friends. 

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Beach lovers will enjoy Pensacola beach for its pristine sandy shoreline, gentle waves, and shallow waters. This beach is an ideal spot to swim, catch the beautiful sunset and snorkel in the underwater world. Some of the best things people do at this gorgeous beach include parasailing, surfing, snorkeling, deep fishing, and golfing. You can also take a fun dolphin cruise, enjoy meals at one of the seafront view restaurants and attend one of the many events held at the beach throughout the year. 

Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida

Here is another one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida! Siesta beach has calm blue waters, incredibly soft sand, and shallow waves, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing. It’s also a great place to watch dolphins and enjoy family fun on the beachside amenities. The sand here is formed by finely crushed quartz, which is why Siesta beach is considered the most beautiful sandy beach in Florida. (How cute was my little niece when she was little!)

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

One of the most stunning beaches you will find in Puerto Rico is Flamenco Beach, with its soft white sands, turquoise water, and opportunities for fun activities like swimming and snorkeling You can enjoy other activities like diving, turtle watching, and sunbathing. Flamenco beach also features an iconic landmark: an old navy tank that the US navy once used on the island. Finally, we recommend you try out one of the many food stands by the beach serving the best Puerto Rican street food. 

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

You will find one of the best white sand beaches on the island of Maui, with sugary white sands, azure waters, and scenic beauty. Kaanapali Beach is also an ideal spot for outdoor activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, and cliff jumping. A major attraction in Kaanapali Beach is the cliff diving ceremony that holds every evening at the beach’s northernmost cliff: Pu’u Keka’a or Black Rock. 

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Florida is a popular destination for beachgoers, and Clearwater beach is a popular spot in this state to enjoy a great beach day. Clearwater Beach has beautiful blue waters, pristine white sands, and opportunities for outdoor adventure like swimming, boat tours, parasailing, and surfing. Visitors will find a playground perfect for kids, picnic tables, umbrella chairs, and rentals for fishing equipment. There are also many restaurants and bars you can stop by after a day at the shores. 

One of the best parts about this gulf coast beach is the Sunset at Pier 60 Daily Festival, which holds two hours before sunset and ends two hours after sunset. This daily party features artists, street performers, and crafters; it’s not a festival you want to miss while on the beach. 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach

This gorgeous beach in northeastern South Carolina offers something for everyone. There are opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, and fishing. You can also ride wild horses on the soft white sand or head to the forest trail with views of birds and palm trees. Myrtle beach is quite family-friendly, and kids will enjoy the galleries, museums, aquariums, and pirate-themed adventures the beach offers. There are also great restaurants, resorts, beachfront bars, and beach clubs around the area in case you want to unwind, 

Huntington Beach, California

One of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California is Huntington Beach. It has miles of soft white sand, calm waters, and excellent waves. There are many things to enjoy here: you can engage in beach sports like surfing and rollerskating, stroll the Huntington Beach Pier, watch the sunset, and head to the on-site restaurant for a delicious meal. Huntington Beach also has a large fishing pier to enjoy deep-sea fishing and plenty of space to hang out while enjoying the sea views. 

Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Lanikai Beach is the perfect place in Oahu to enjoy the spectacular views of the Mokulua islands while taking in the calm waters and powdery white sands. The sands here are so white you’d think you are walking on sugar. 

This beach is also popular for its shallow waters, turquoise water, and impressive facilities like clean bathrooms, restrooms, and picnic areas. Lanikai beach is protected by an offshore reef making it an ideal place to safely enjoy activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and sunbathing. There is no parking area on this beach, and you can only access it through the walking paths around the houses close to the beach. 

Carmel Beach, Camel-By-The-Sea, California

Carmel Beach is famous for many things, including scenic golf courses, the presence of dolphins and sea otters, gorgeous sunsets, and crystal-clear waters. You can spend your day watching the shorebirds at the waterline, strolling the expanse of the beach, and engaging in sports like surfing and volleyball. Carmel Beach has plenty of space to enjoy a picnic while savoring the stunning seaside with your friends or family. If you prefer to eat out, you will find a handful of options with delicious food in Carmel Village. 

This beach also holds many annual events and festivals like the Great Sandcastle Contest and the Artichoke festival.

Shell Island, Florida

Shell Island

Shell Island in Florida is an absolute paradise! Featuring some of the best white sand beaches in the United States, Shell Island provides an escape from reality. This small island off the coast of northwest Florida provides a beautiful blend of lush, vibrant foliage with serene, white-sand beaches. A visit to Shell Island allows visitors to have a truly unique and unforgettable nature experience. The warm climate here means visitors can enjoy Shell Island all year round. Cozy up in a hammock or walk along the expansive shoreline— however you choose to spend your time here, you’re sure to leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and content with this picturesque scenery.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a 200-mile-long stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. The beaches here are known for their soft, white sand and crystal-clear water.