The United States is full of beautiful beaches that will delight anyone who enjoys idleness, water sports or spectacular scenery. Imagine driving under blue skies to the sandy expanses of the Gulf Coast and those warm waters, like Clearwater Beach, Florida, or Gulf Shores, Alabama. At your destination, you can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear waters of these beaches, as well as the coastal culture of the region.
Whether you’re drawn to the softness of Florida, the wild charm of the West Coast, or the energy of the East Coast, our selection of the 12 most beautiful beaches will help you find your next dream destination. Most are well-equipped, with sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, and sometimes even public showers and toilets. Each one is well worth a visit!
To make your trip even easier, we also offer credit cards specially designed to earn rewards points and reduce your transportation and accommodation costs.
Travelling to the U.S. to explore these iconic beaches may be more affordable than you think, thanks to rewards programs offered by some credit cards. Here’s how.
With programs like Aeroplan or Avios, earn points to book flights to your favourite destinations. For more details, see our article Maximize your flight options with points Aeroplan for a trip to the U.S.
Tip: some co-branded credit cards Aeroplan offer high welcome bonuses and double points on travel spending.
Cards like the National Bank World Elite Mastercard include comprehensive travel insurance and annual credits to cover your baggage or airfare costs.
Tip: use these credits to reduce your costs when booking your flights.
Members at Aeroplan earn points for every car rental booking made on aeroplan.cxloyalty.com and can redeem points for free rental days, making it easier for you to get around once you’re there.
Tip: book in advance to maximize your savings.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be ready to explore the most beautiful beaches in the United States!
Nearby airports: Provincetown (PVC) or Boston (BOS)
Cape Cod National Seashore is a picturesque beach on the east coast of the United States, in Massachusetts near Boston. It’s known for its enormous sand dunes, clear waters and magnificent natural scenery. Stretching for about 40 kilometers along the coast, it has several access points.
It’s an unspoilt, protected beach with abundant flora and fauna, making it ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. Numerous hiking trails have been set up nearby to explore the area.
Nearby airport : Nantucket (ACK)
The nearest beach to Montreal is Nantucket Island in Massachusetts. It’s a fine golden sand beach stretching several kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is bordered by sand dunes and high rocky cliffs, creating a magnificent coastal landscape. Its waters are clear and cold. Swimming is refreshing, and water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and deep-sea fishing are also available.
Nantucket Island beach is also known for its diverse wildlife, including seals that often come to rest on the rocks or swim in the water. You may even spot whales and dolphins in the surrounding waters. Grab your camera and set off on a private boat to see them!
Nearby airport : Norfolk (ORF)
Particularly famous since the release of the popular Netflix series that shares its namesake, North Carolina’s Outer Banks Beach stretches for over 200 miles along the Atlantic coast. It is bordered by high, steep sand dunes, offering breathtaking ocean views. The waters are warm and shallow, making them ideal for swimming, surfing, kayaking and other water sports.
Outer Banks beach is also known for its wildlife, including wild horses roaming freely in the sand dunes, which can be seen by booking a small group excursion. Birds, sea turtles and other marine life can also be seen.
Nearby airport : Myrtle Beach (MYR)
With 100 miles of white sandy beaches and gentle waves, Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the United States. It stretches for over 60 kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by a lively promenade with tourist attractions, restaurants and stores.
The waters are warm and shallow, perfect for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. Jet skis, boats and paddle boards are available for hire to explore the surrounding waters.
Nearby airport: Pensacola (PNS)
The fine white sand of Gulf Shores Beach stretches for miles along the Gulf Coast. Its clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming, surfing, kayaking and other water sports.
The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and marshes that are home to a wide variety of local flora and fauna, including birds, crabs and sea turtles. Gulf Shores is also known for its spectacular sunsets, which light up the sky with hues of red, orange and pink.
Dolphins are not uncommon! Try a kayak excursion.
Nearby airport : Tampa (TPA)
Florida’s bustling Clearwater Beach stretches for nearly two miles along the Gulf Coast. It’s a beautiful white sand beach. The water is crystal clear and often calm, making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
Enjoy the wide variety of restaurants, bars and stores nearby, as well as a number of tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy street performances at the famous Pier 60 and admire the magnificent sunsets.
Activities to book include a bay cruise with an all-you-can-eat buffet and stargazing. If you’re heading to Tampa, drop in at the zoo and aquarium.
Nearby airports: Tampa (TPA) or Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ)
The powder-white sand of Siesta Key Beach in Florida is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It contains a large amount of quartz, which gives it a sparkling appearance under the sun. What’s more, the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Siesta Key Beach are warm, inviting and shallow. A guided ecological tour is a must!
The beach is popular for many activities including swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, kayaking, and fishing. You’ll enjoy strolling along the beach-front promenade, which offers great views and artistic activities.
Nearby airport : Portland (PDX)
This beach is famous for its tower-shaped rocks and the spectacular view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. This magnificent stretch of fine sand stretches for 6.4 kilometers along Oregon’s northwest coast.
One of the most iconic features of Cannon Beach is the rock formation called “Haystack Rock”. This massive rock rises to a height of over 72 metres and is visible from a large part of the beach. Other rock formations worth exploring include “Needle Rock” and “The Goonies Rock.”
Activities include a visit to the beaches of northern Oregon.
Nearby airport : San Diego (SAN)
Coronado Beach is a beach located on Coronado Island, California. It’s renowned for its fine golden sand, but also for being home to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, which has played host to famous personalities for over a century.
The gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing onto Coronado beach are ideal for water sports like surfing and windsurfing. This sandy expanse is lined with palm trees and dense coastal vegetation. Here, you can observe a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and seals.
Located in the charming coastal town of La Jolla in the San Diego region, this Californian beach boasts crystal-clear waters and spectacular cliffs.
However, it is rather small and can be very crowded in the summer, so it is best to arrive early to find a parking space and enjoy the beach.
It’s a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, as the water is clear and home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, crabs and starfish. Enjoy a kayak tour of La Jolla’s sea caves.
Nearby airport: Kahului (OGG)
With its crystal-clear waters and seaside palm trees, this pristine white-sand beach is one of the most beautiful in Hawaii. Kaanapali Beach stretches for several kilometres along the island’s west coast. The water is often very calm, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling.
It’s a popular beach with tourists, but it’s big enough to offer plenty of space and privacy for those looking to get away from the crowds. The views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains are spectacular. What’s more, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, bars and stores nearby.
Nearby airport: Lihue (LIH)
Hanalei Bay is a sandy beach on the north coast of the island of Kauai in the Hawaiian archipelago. Hanalei Bay’s calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The bay is protected by a coral reef, which reduces the force of the waves and creates a peaceful atmosphere.
The green mountains surrounding Hanalei Bay beach provide a spectacular backdrop. The beach is located at the base of the majestic Bali Hai Mountains, which were made famous in the movie “South Pacific”.
This half-day tour, including a kayak excursion, snorkeling, and beach lunch, is sure to delight!
Travelling can be expensive, but there are simple ways to reduce your expenses, including using points from loyalty programs such as Marriott Bonvoy or NBC Plan Rewards à la carte.
Several strategies for earning Marriott Bonvoy points without staying at the hotel include obtaining a co-branded American Express credit card.
You’ll earn between 2X and 5X Marriott Bonvoy points on purchases made with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Corporate Card.
These cards offer an attractive welcome bonus, numerous insurance benefits and an annual one-night free certificate-worth 35,000 points. These Marriott Bonvoy points can then be exchanged for free nights.
If you’ve found a hotel where you’d like to stay that isn’t in the Marriott group, you can still save thanks to other loyalty program points.
For example, NBC Plan Récompenses à la carte de la Banque Nationale allows you to book an independent hotel on any platform. Simply apply your NBC rewards points as a statement credit.
To earn points, you must hold a credit card that is part of the program, such as the National Bank World Elite Mastercard®. The latter offers an annual credit of up to $150.
With 12 of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., there’s something for everyone: wilderness, white sand, water sports or total idleness. Start planning your next trip and enjoy all that these unique destinations have to offer.
For a quick getaway from Montreal, head to Maine beaches such as Old Orchard Beach or Wells Beach. Located 5 to 6 hours away, they offer refreshing waters and a family atmosphere. Another option is Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, known for its lively boardwalk and seafood restaurants.
Clearwater Beach in Florida and Gulf Shores in Alabama are both very pleasant.
Outer Banks Beach in North Carolina has been particularly famous since the airing of the popular Netflix series that shares its name.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts, offers a picturesque beach. As for Nantucket Island, you’ll be seduced by its fine golden sands.
Florida beaches such as Clearwater Beach or Miami’s South Beach are perfect if you prefer warm waters.
Beaches like Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and Clearwater Beach in Florida are perfect for families. They offer adapted facilities, shallow waters and activities for all ages.
Surf enthusiasts will appreciate Santa Monica Beach in California and Outer Banks in North Carolina for their ideal waves. For a unique experience, try Waikīkī Beach in Hawaii.
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