In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 states with the most beautiful beaches in the US. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global tourism industry, the importance of cruise tourism, and the need for sustainable tourism, head to 15 States With the Most Beautiful Beaches in the US.
5. North Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 12
North Carolina’s 322 miles of shoreline consist of more than 25 distinct beaches, each offering its own unique experiences. Stretching along this coast is a string of beach communities and untouched natural landscapes known as the Outer Banks. From the starkly beautiful ocean sunrises to the serene sound sunsets, the scenery in the Outer Banks is truly a photographer’s paradise.
North Carolina is home to some of the Prettiest Ocean Waters in the U.S.
4. South Carolina
Insider Monkey Score: 13
South Carolina beaches are known for their natural beauty and tranquility, and are the best beaches for families on the East Coast. Destinations such as Myrtle Beach, the white-sand shores of Hunting Island, or the Lowcountry’s Kiawah Island Resort offer landscapes of unmatched beauty.
More than 17 million people visited the famous Myrtle Beach in SC in 2022, spending over $12 billion.
3. Hawaii
Insider Monkey Score: 21
Hawaii is world-renowned for its breathtaking beaches, some are popular for their pristine and untouched white shores, while others are covered with green, red, pink, and even black sand. The uniqueness of each and every beach is what makes the Aloha State so desirable to tourists. What’s more is that all of these incredible beaches in Hawaii are open to the public, with the exception of certain Federal Government areas. The tropical island of Maui is home to some of the Best Clear Water Beaches in U.S.A.
The tourism industry is the largest single source of private capital for Hawaii, comprising roughly a quarter of the state’s economy.
2. California
Insider Monkey Score: 26
From the world-famous classics to the lesser-known gems, there are few things that exemplify the spirit of California as precisely as its beaches. From Malibu to Carmel-by-the-Sea, these sun-drenched strips of sand stretching along the Pacific Coast are what put the gold in the Golden State. Coronado Beach is consistently voted one of America’s finest beaches by The Travel Channel, Dr. Beach, and many others
Since 2001, California has invested $100 million in Clean Beaches Initiative grants to fund local projects that reduce bacterial contamination along the coast.
1. Florida
Insider Monkey Score: 29
Thanks to its hundreds of miles of coastline, beaches with soft sand, and crystal clear water, Florida is the No. 1 State with the Best Beaches in USA. Some of the state’s most stunning shores – with emerald-green waters and sand that looks like pure sugar – can be found in Panama City Beach.
The Sunshine State’s beaches and near shore coastal waters draw more than 33 million tourists to Florida every year, contributing over $56 billion to the economy.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 20 States with the Cheapest Weed in America and Alcohol Consumption by Country: 25 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption per Capita.
