9 Stunning US Beaches That Aren't Crowded... Yet
America’s Best Kept Secrets
With over 95,000 miles of coastline, America has no shortage of stunning beaches. Yet, some beaches like Hawaii's Waikiki and Florida's South Beach are so crowded it makes you wonder if there are any beaches where you don't have to share your beach towel with thousands of beachgoers. After all, going to the beach should not make you feel claustrophobic.
Luckily, for those looking for a secluded, peaceful beach experience, the U.S. offers many paradises still undiscovered by the masses. Here are nine stunning beaches that are not crowded yet.
1. Caladesi Island State Park
While Clearwater Beach, located about 30 miles from Tampa, is a favorite among spring breakers and tourists for its crystal-clear water and soft, white sand, just three miles north, Caladesi Island State Park offers similar stunning beaches — minus the crowds. Clearwater Beach attracts approximately 14.9 million visitors per year, while Caladesi Island State Park sees about 200,000 visitors, making it a much more peaceful beach experience.
Accessible by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island is perfect for sunbathing, but it also offers plenty of activities for the more adventurous. Try saltwater fishing, canoeing on the east side of the island, where you might spot stingrays and sharks — for those super lucky dolphins as well — or kayaking through serene mangroves.
2. Wildcat Beach, California
Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, about 30 miles northwest of San Francisco, this hidden gem makes for a peaceful retreat with its white sands and dramatic coastal vistas.
The safest way to access Wildcat Beach is by hiking the 5.5 miles along the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead near Bolinas to Wildcat Campground. The shortest route is the 6.3-mile hike from the Bear Valley Trailhead. Another option is the 6.7-mile hike or bike ride from Five Brooks along the Stewart Trail.
For the more adventurous, the hike itself offers stunning views of the coastal landscape. At low tide, you can walk to the breathtaking Alamere Falls, where the waterfall cascades directly onto the beach.
3. Dry Tortugas, Florida
While Dry Tortugas National Park isn't exactly a secret — being a national park and all — it’s definitely off the beaten path.
As one of the least visited national parks in the country, its remote location helps it remain unspoiled by over-tourism. To reach this remote paradise, beachgoers must take a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Key West or charter a seaplane. Once there, you'll find a secluded Shangri-la comprising 99% crystal-clear water, the Florida Reef system, pristine white sand, and the historic Fort Jefferson.
Bring snorkeling gear and dive in to discover shipwrecks, reef squid, and nurse sharks. For an extra thrill, snorkel at night to see octopuses and other nocturnal creatures.
4. Carova Beach, North Carolina
The Outer Banks' last frontier, Carova Beach, offers miles of privacy and pristine white sands, wild horses, and a bit of an adrenaline rush. This secluded paradise is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, but it's not for the faint of heart. With no paved roads, you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the sandy dunes and reach the beach. The beach is also home to wild horses that roam freely, believed to be descendants of Spanish Mustangs.
Pack plenty of food, water, and other essentials, as there are no stores or restaurants in Carova. The off-road journey can be bumpy and challenging, so be ready for an adventurous ride.
5. Pa'ako Cove, Hawaii
Behind a rock wall in the town of Makena in Maui, a small pathway leads to a hidden entrance to your own private Eden. Pa'ako Cove, also known as Secret Cove, features golden sand, turquoise waters, and striking lava rock formations.
This small, picturesque cove is ideal for anyone seeking peace and quiet. The clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, allowing you to see the marine life just offshore. It’s also a favorite for intimate beach weddings and romantic getaways.
Pro Tip: Pack your snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as there are no facilities.
6. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
Located just 15 miles south of the packed Virginia Beach, Sandbridge offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere with pristine sands and beautiful ocean views.
The five-mile coastline is all about sand and sea—with no resort ruckus to disturb the tranquility. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing on the wide, clean beaches, or try kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing in the calm waters of Back Bay.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love exploring the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to various bird species and other wildlife.
7. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Stretching over 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore is the world's longest undeveloped barrier island, offering unspoiled natural beauty and a peaceful retreat.
The seashore is a wildlife haven, home to a variety of bird species and the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. You might even witness a turtle hatchling release during nesting season.
8. Cumberland Island, Georgia
If 17 miles of isolated bliss surrounded by clear water, sand dunes, and wild horses is your idea of a vacation, then grab a ferry, and off you go to Cumberland Island in Georgia. As Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, Cumberland Island offers a perfect blend of unspoiled beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history.
Walk along the untouched shores, enjoy wild horses grazing nearby, explore over 50 miles of trails that take you through maritime forests and marshlands, or visit the intriguing ruins of the Dungeness Mansion. This island is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
9. Enderts Beach, California
If your idea of a perfect getaway includes dramatic coastal scenery, tide pools, and uncrowded shores, then Enderts Beach in California is the spot for you.
Located near Crescent City in the heart of the Redwoods National and State Parks, this peaceful, less-traveled beach is ideal for a quiet retreat into nature. Rugged cliffs, tide pools overflowing with starfish, anemones, and other marine life, and the expansive Pacific Ocean make it a perfect escape.
Pro Tip: Access Enderts Beach by parking at the Crescent Beach Overlook and taking the Enderts Beach Trail, a scenic one-mile hike that leads to the shore.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
