There’s nothing more wonderful than settling in to unwind along the waterfront. A particularly peaceful beach can truly rejuvenate the spirit and refresh the mind, and the United States is home to its fair share of stunning shorelines. When you’re searching for a few hidden gems to explore, delightful beaches throughout America make great options. Here are six of the best hidden gem beaches in the USA!

1. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA
Flickr/Mary Fairchild
If you’re seeking a quiet, relaxing beachfront getaway with plenty of charm, Cumberland Island might be the perfect spot for you. The island itself can only be accessed by ferry, so you’ll find it easy to avoid massive crowds during your visit. In addition to fascinating history and opportunities for camping, Cumberland Island offers some of the prettiest shorelines in the country. Some folks even call it one of the weirdest places to visit in Georgia.
2. Roque Bluffs State Park, Maine
145 Schoppee Point Rd, Roque Bluffs, ME 04654, USA
Flickr/criana
Make your way to Maine for a ruggedly beautiful experience at Roque Bluffs, which features delightful dunes, a laid-back atmosphere, and an uncrowded shoreline that’s perfect for a bit of outdoor exploration. Whether you’re using the beach as a starting point for a day of kayaking or simply lounging along the water, you’ll quickly fall in love with this under-the-radar locale.
3. Enderts Beach, California
Enderts Beach Road, Enderts Beach Rd, Crescent City, CA, USA
Flickr/Ken Lund
California is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches, but Enderts Beach has managed to remain relatively unknown among tourists. When you visit this breathtaking spot within Redwoods National Park, you’ll find everything from enchanting tide pools to driftwood and rocky patches. There’s a sense of otherworldly beauty here that will immediately steal your heart. You'll have to visit in order to really understand why this hidden beach in Northern California is such a wonderful gem.

Related Stories

13 One-Of-A-Kind Destinations Where Sand Is The Star Of The Show

13 One-Of-A-Kind Destinations Where Sand Is The Star Of The Show

 Here Are 5 Of The Most Spectacular Mountain Lakes In The U.S.

Here Are 5 Of The Most Spectacular Mountain Lakes In The U.S.

 America's Oldest National Park Has A Truly Fascinating History

America's Oldest National Park Has A Truly Fascinating History
4. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, USA
Steve Robinson/Flickr
In the mood for a Florida getaway but not thrilled about the idea of sharing your space with hundreds of other beachgoers? We’ve got just the solution: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Stroll along soft white sands, observe sea turtles and other wildlife, or take a walk through beautiful dune lands. Whether you spend the day along the water or simply catch a sunset, you’ll be amazed. The nearby town of Port St. Joe also makes for a wonderful small town in Florida to explore.
5. Olive Shores, Michigan
Olive Shores, 8555 Olive Shore Ave, West Olive, MI 49460, USA
Flickr/Josh May
Despite its proximity to the breathtaking Great Lakes, Michigan is frequently underrated as a beach vacation destination. While some of its more famous shoreline spots attract attention, including Sleeping Bear Dunes and Holland State Park, many of its beaches retain an untouched charm that sets them apart. One such spot is Olive Shores, which features forested splendor, freshwater beauty, and so much more. Visit this beautiful beach in Michigan for the ultimate adventure!
6. Sandbridge Beach, Virginia
Sandbridge Beach, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
Flickr/lina smith
Situated just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge Beach is the perfect place to unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life. Snap some photos along the shoreline, curl up on the sand with a good book, or enjoy a dip in the cool waves. Whether you rent a condo on the beach or simply stop by for a day trip, you’ll never forget this lovely spot. See why this secret beach in Virginia is easily one of the best ever.

We’ve listed just six of America’s most delightful hidden beaches, but we want to hear from you! Have you ever been to any of these exciting locales? Are there any other underrated spots throughout the United States that we should know about? Which beaches do you think are among the best hidden beaches in the United States? Be sure to drop us a line and share your best suggestions in the comment section below!

If you’d like to explore hikes around any of these hidden beaches, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more U.S.A. adventures, take a look at this video about our National Parks:

Curious about more dreamy beaches in the US? Be sure to sign up for our Bucket List newsletter for a weekly dose of inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

More to love about the U.S.A.

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 23, 2023

Where can we find other beaches in the United States?

  • The Bandon State Natural Area in Oregon features a spectacular beach with interesting sea stacks and excellent beach-combing opportunities.
  • Kauapea Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, is a very under-the-radar beach, so much so that it’s often called “Secret Beach.”
  • Kiawah Island in South Carolina features 10 miles of pristine coastline for swimming, sunbathing, and more.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful beaches in the United States.

Where can we find the best hotels and resorts in the United States?

  • The Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, features a full-service spa, an upscale restaurant, and a private beach with complimentary butler service.
  • The Acqualina Resort & Spa in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is set on a pristine stretch of Miami Beach and features beachfront pools, cabanas, dining, and more.
  • The Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, features classic Mediterranean architecture, luxurious suites, bungalows, casitas, and villas.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many excellent hotels and resorts in the United States.

Where can we find some of the best scenic drives in the United States?

  • Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road,” is truly scenic along its 2,400 miles crossing eight states.
  • The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
  • The Park Loop Road is a 27-mile scenic drive around the east side of Mount Desert Island in Maine's Acadia National Park.

 

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful scenic drives in the United States.

Related Articles