Being hugged by the ocean on three sides, it’s natural that America would have some of the most breathtaking seaside destinations on Earth. National Geographic has just published a round-up of the best beaches in the world, and six of those coastal gems are right here in the U.S.

These beaches offer everything from pearly sands and tropical flora to dramatic cliffs and jade-green waves. Check out the most spectacular beaches in the country, and start planning your next seaside escape.

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Learn more about these iconic beaches when you watch the video below:

Planning an international beach day? Here are the other 15 beaches that National Geographic calls the best of the best. They probably don’t work if you’re looking for the “closest beach near me,” but they do deserve a spot on your travel bucket list nonetheless!

  • Playa del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
  • Cathedrals Beach, Ribadeo, Spain
  • Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
  • One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
  • Lazy Beach, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia
  • Shell Beach, Shark Bay, Western Australia
  • Lyme Regis, England
  • Noordwijk Beach, The Netherlands
  • Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
  • Pink Beach, Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga, The Philippines
  • Pelican Beach, South Water Caye, Belize
  • Blue Bay, Mauritius
  • Cas Abao Beach, Curaçao
  • Piscinas Beach, Arbus, Sardinia
  • Corniche Beach, La Teste-De-Buch, France

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best beaches in the world

What are the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast?

The East Coast of the U.S. is home to some truly staggering beaches. The following is a list of the most beautiful beaches in the Eastern U.S.:

  • Bethany Beach, Delaware
  • Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
  • Cape Cod National Seashore
  • Cape May, New Jersey
  • Delray Beach, Florida
  • Folly Beach, South Carolina
  • Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
  • Madison, Connecticut
  • Block Island, Rhode Island
  • Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • Narragansett, Rhode Island
  • Ocean City, Maryland

 

How many of the best beaches on the East Coast have you visited?

What are the best West Coast beaches?

The best beaches you can find on the West Coast include:

  • Cannon Beach, Oregon
  • Laguna Beach, California
  • Long Beach, Washington
  • Pfeiffer Beach, California
  • Newport, Oregon
  • Olympic National Park, Washington
  • La Jolla Beach, California

 

What other U.S. beaches belong on my bucket list?

Some of the best beaches in the U.S. include:

  • Montauk Point State Park
  • Hilton Head Island
  • Ocracoke Island
  • Virginia Beach
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Caladesi Island State Park
  • Cape May
  • Ocean City Beach