What makes a great beach? It’s not necessarily the quality of the sand and the water. Sometimes it’s a nearby boardwalk, or the chance to explore a secluded cove. Sometimes it’s the boat ride that carries you there.
Whether you’re in search of a relaxing day by the water, a sandy walking trail or a dockside snack, here are seven U.S. beaches to consider for July 4 — and for future summer travel.
A boardwalk with plenty more in Delaware
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, a mile-long stretch of sand in a Delaware town of the same name, is popularly known as a vacation spot for the Bidens. But its boardwalk, lined with shops, restaurants and family-friendly attractions, steals the show. The town, a popular destination for L.G.B.T.Q. travelers, draws a lively crowd during the summer, when visitors can catch a free concert, browse an outdoor market (on Tuesdays) or savor an ice cream scoop.
Solitude on a Southern island in Georgia
Back River Beach
Tybee Island, in Georgia, is a small sliver of land about 30 minutes east of Savannah by car. Beachgoers who venture out toward the end of Highway 80, one of the main routes from the city, will find a sense of solitude on the usually uncrowded Back River Beach. Visitors can choose from a variety of nearby adventurous activities, the waters being ideal for paddle-boarding, bird-watching and dolphin-sighting tours. As a big finale, consider sticking around for sunset or grabbing a bite at one of the local seafood restaurants.
Neighboring stretches of white sand in Alabama
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Gulf Shores and Ocean Beach, each within a short drive of the other, offer the allure of white sand along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. While the warmer months can bring more visitors, Gulf Shores might be the ideal choice for visitors interested in the walking trails and pier at Gulf State Park. If you’re in search of excitement and festivities, choose Orange Beach for more aquatic activities and the area’s annual fireworks shows.
An underwater park in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Buck Island is a small federally protected island off the northeast coast of St. Croix, the largest of the United States Virgin Islands. Turtle Beach, known to locals as Buck Island Beach, is about an hour’s boat ride from the St. Croix town of Christiansted and is part of the Buck Island Reef National Monument. Entrance to the park is restricted — overnight camping on the island is not allowed, and the park is closed at night to protect sea turtles — but travelers can visit via private vessel or book tours and transportation through approved boat charters. Activities include snorkeling along the underwater trail, which leads you past shallow coral heads, and exploring the beach’s crystalline waters and stunning sands.
A haven for marine-life lovers in San Diego
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove, a tiny beach nestled among scenic sandstone cliffs, is one of nine beaches in San Diego with a permanent lifeguard station. The area is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers, though visitors might also enjoy a casual stroll through the cove close to sunset. The small stretch of sand lies within the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, where spotting sunbathing sea lions isn’t uncommon. (Minutes away is another popular family beach, the Children’s Pool, for more marine-life sightings.) Brace yourself for some wildlife odors, knowing that the coastal California views will more than make up for it.
A showcase for art Fans in Oregon
Nye Beach
Along the rugged cliffs of Oregon’s coast, among a smattering of beach options and outdoor attractions like the Yaquina lighthouses, the city of Newport brings local art to the beach. Nye Beach, a stretch of sandy shoreline between Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head, offers beachgoers of all ages the chance to enjoy the shore and browse the local gift shops and restaurants. On your day trip, duck into the Visual Arts Center, a public exhibition space with children’s programming, exhibits and art classes (subjects range from textile origami to nighttime photography).
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Nia Decaille, an editor on The Times’s Audience team, is currently reporting for the Travel section.
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