Last Updated on January 14, 2024

Looking for the most beautiful white sandy beaches in USA? Every year Stephen Leatherman, also known “Dr. Beach“, professor and director of the Coastal Research Laboratory at Florida International University in Miami, ranks the best beaches of the year, all around the US from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.

If you are on a search for white sand, palm trees, and sunshine really do not have to leave the US to feel like you are on a tropical island. So, grab your best beach bag and get ready for some summertime fun.

Unsurprisingly, Hawaii is one of the best destinations where you can find pristine white sand beaches, but you will find excellent beach locations in other states as well.

And if you are looking for something even more exotic… did you know that there are pink sand beaches, and even locations where the sand is blue at times?

Best White Sand Beach in USA: Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, USA
Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii, USA. Photo courtesy of Ken Eckert.

Best White Sand Beaches in the US

1. Hapuna Beach State Park – Big Island, Hawaii

Hapuna Beach is one of the few white sand beaches on the west coast of Hawaii Island. This white coral beach is located in a landscape that is dominated by black lava flows.

During the summer months, Hapuna is perfect for swimming in its crystal clear waters, snorkeling and diving. In the winter, the current can be very strong, but luckily there are well-trained lifeguards.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Hapuna Beach

2. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

To the east of metropolitan New York lies the Hamptons. Southampton is a town frequented mainly by rich, famous and upper middle class people. Many people have their own cottage here. “In the background you can see high sand dunes and large buildings.

However, even ordinary people can find access points to the sea. A bar offers snacks and drinks. As the first “Gold Coast” in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand.”

Best US White Sand Beaches: Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

3. Ocracoke Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks is a thin strip of sand that stretches for nearly 100 miles drawing the North Carolina coastline. “Some of the wildest beaches in the country are found here.

You’ll find high waves, especially in late summer. Don’t expect a golf course or a five-star hotel! This is where you come to swim, go clamming or take long walks at night.”

Best US White Sand Beaches: Ocracoke Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina

4. Grayton Beach State Park, Florida Panhandle

Grayton Beach State Park features nearly 2 miles of beaches. All are stunning due to the high dunes and few buildings.

High dunes characterize the setting of this beach, which triumphs with white sand and emerald waters.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Grayton Beach State Park, Florida Panha

5. Old Lighthouse Beach – Buxton, Outer Banks del North Carolina

Another wonderful beach on the Outer Banks, Old Lighthouse Beach is the best place to surf on the Atlantic coast of the United States and is also loved by beachcombers.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Old Lighthouse Beach – Buxton, Outer Banks del North Carolina

6. Duke Kahanamoku Beach – Oahu, Hawaii

Located across from the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, it is part of the famous Waikiki Beach and is one of the best white sand beaches in the country.

Enjoy swimming and watching the sunset while experiencing the essence of Honolulu.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Duke Kahanamoku Beach. Oahu, Hawaii

7. Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin Clearwater, Florida

Crystal-clear quartz sand and clear water – this is one of Florida’s most beloved beaches. “A beautiful destination – accessible by ferry, boat or a long walk. The soft quartz sand invites you to swim in the clear waters.”

Best US White Sand Beaches: Caladesi Island State Park

8. Conorado Beach – San Diego, California

Conorado Beach is one of the favorite destinations of American VIPs. In addition to the beautiful beach, the island’s pride and joy is the Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888, which looks like a castle out of a storybook.

According to Dr Beach “this 2.4 kilometer strip of flat, sandy coastline is perfect for strolling. “Kings, sheiks and actors have stayed at the nearby Hotel del Coronado, one of the most distinctive spots on Coronado Beach” in San Diego.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Conorado Beach

9. Beachwalker Park – Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Beachwalker Park’s beach on Kiawah Island, a 10-mile-long barrier island, “is perfect for nature lovers. The water couldn’t be clearer.” This is a favorite spot for bird watchers and kayakers.

Best US White Sand Beaches: Beachwalker Park

10. Coast Guard Beach – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod is a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Boston. This beach is still home to a Coast Guard headquarters, now converted into an environmental education center.

“The sand is relatively coarse and the beach slopes steeply down to the sea. From the old lifeguard tower you have a great view of the bay.”

Best US White Sand Beaches: Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod

Best Black Sand Beaches in the US

Punalu’u Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

Punalu’u is one of the best black sandy beaches in USA, located on Big Island Hawaii. It’s easily accessible and filled by characteristics coconut palm trees.

Best US Black Sand Beaches: Punalu'u Beach

Kehena Beach – Big Island, Hawaii

Another black sand beach on Big Island, Kehena Beach was formed by lava flow from a nearby volcano in 1955.

Exposed to the open ocean, swimming is possible when the sea is calm, otherwise it’s better to stick to sunbathing. Kahena is an unofficial clothing optional beach.

Best US Black Sand Beaches: Kehena Beach

Black Sands Beach – Whitehorn, California

Wonderful large black sand beach north of Shelter Cove. Popular with shoreline hikers and backpackers.

Best US Black Sand Beaches: Black Sands Beach Whitehorn

Read also: Sand Dunes of the US

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