As someone from California, the beach has never been too far out of reach, even when I was going to school in the Inland Empire. When I was traveling the United States this past summer, I found myself bearing long stretches of time in between oceans, and I realized that there’s no way I could ever live landlocked. I never even particularly loved the beach as a kid. I actually hated the beach up until around high school when I started tolerating it for an ex boyfriend. It wasn’t until university that I truly found my love for the ocean through feeling a strange sense of duty to protect planet earth. Through sustainability, I finally found every California girl’s love for the sun, salt, and sand, and now that I’ve been to (almost) every corner of the county, I’ve come up with a list of my five favorite beaches I’ve ever visited. While there are plenty in between, and ones maybe even more worth visiting that I haven’t been to yet, these are five that should be on your to-visit list, no matter what corner of the country you’re from.
West Coast:
El Matador State Beach, CA
California’s not only home to me, but if anyone else was writing this article, it would probably top this list anyway. California’s known for its beaches, from Big Sur to Santa Monica. While I could’ve picked any of those, I felt like the one beach that had to rep the Golden State is El Matador. Now, it’s not your classic swim beach. There are no lifeguards (unless it’s a particularly stormy day), no volleyball nets, and oftentimes, there’s no sun either. But, it’s one of the most secluded beaches in the Los Angeles area. You have to park in a lot off of PCH ($6) and then hike down a small bluff to access the beach. Once you’re down there, you’ll be greeted by Northwest-esque rock formations, a small cove, and the occasional wedding photoshoot.
It is getting more popular by the minute, though, so consider yourself lucky that I shared it with you at all. As it gets to be more well known, it’s more important than ever to keep this place wild, packing out all garbage, using only the toilets located in the parking lot, and leaving pets at home.
El Matador State Beach, CA
Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, WA
With its rocky shore, grey waves, and foggy surrounding pine tree forest, there’s no doubt that Rialto Beach is incredibly different from any beach further south along the coast. Located just a few miles west of the 101, Rialto is one of the Northernmost beaches along the West Coast. With it’s fallen driftwood trees and choppy waves, this is one of the most unique landscapes you can find at a beach (at least that I’ve seen). Rialto offers everything between a few miles of walking along the shore to famous rock formations such as Split Rock and Hole in the Wall to extended wilderness coast backpacking trips, which you must register at the Mora Ranger Station to participate in. Rialto Beach is a beach of tide pools, starfish, sea anemones, pine trees, and surrounding Olympic mountains. Some people are lucky enough to see whales here, but I didn’t during my day I spent on the shore. It can get super cold, so bring a blanket and a jacket, and see where the shoreline takes you. You won’t be disappointed.
Although this beach is on National Park land, you don’t need to pay admission or parking to get in (yay!), just make sure you follow leave no trace principles, backpacking ordinances, and other regulations. Dogs are also allowed on Rialto Beach, which makes it an awesome destination for overlanders heading up the coast!
Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park Shore Section, WA
East Coast:
Flagler Beach, FL
This was kind of an unexpected one. I came here by fate of a cousin of my mom’s setting me up with a free apartment here during my road trip around the country. I thought, “Why not? Free shower, WiFi, and bed? Plus it’s by the beach…” And that beach was amazing. It was almost completely secluded, really only a few locals, and some regular out of town visitors. Plus, it’s dog friendly, and is one of the only dog friendly beaches in the area. The water was super warm and the waves were perfect for a day-long swim in the middle of July. I also felt 100% okay with leaving my stuff on the sand to go in the ocean. As I was staying across the street, I’m not completely sure what the rules are about parking, but there appeared to be some street parking when there’s no construction happening (as there was when I was there).
Flagler Beach, FL
Acadia National Park, ME
I’m not really sure if this counts as a beach itself, but it is home to many beautiful beaches, and places where the land meets the sea. Acadia National Park is actually on an island off the East Coast of Maine, and it’s one of the few places I’ve been where pine trees meets the ocean (Rialto being the only other one). The Park’s loop road offers access to many little beach points, Sand Beach being the most famous (so famous, in fact, that I couldn’t get a parking space both days I tried to go). There are also some beautiful empty areas, like the rock cliff pictured below (located just past the Gorham Mountain Trailhead parking), and Otter Point, located further up the road. Really, the whole park offers views of the ocean, even when you climb to higher elevation, and there’s a little something for everyone here, whether you’re a hiker or rock climber, or just want to relax by the waves.
As this is a National Park, please follow Leave No Trace principles. Dog are allowed in some areas of the park, but not others.
Acadia National Park, ME
Hawaii
Kaanapali Beach, Maui, HI
I couldn’t write an article about beaches without mentioning the spot that got me in the ocean in the first place. Not only is Hawaii one of the surf capitals of the world, Maui itself is known for its clear water and amazing snorkeling. Kaanapali Beach is one of the more famous beaches out here, known for its famous cliff jumping at Black Rock—a giant cliff made of once-molten lava rock that overlooks the reef. While the cliff jumping is amazing (jumping about 30 feet into the ocean is no joke, though), the snorkeling can’t be beat. With its crystal blue waters and in-tact reef below, you can guarantee that you’ll see tons of fish here, and maybe even the occasional turtle. The beach itself is white sand beaches, behind the Kaanapali Hotel (there is a paid parking lot if you’re not a guest, however, its been so long, I can’t remember how much it costs). This is mostly a swim and family beach, but I don’t think anyone would have a problem if you brought your surfboard along (as long as you avoid the Black Rock area).
It’s important to note, though, that due to coral bleaching, this natural reef isn’t doing its best. Please use reef safe sunscreen if you plan on going in the ocean here, or at any Hawaiian beach.
I unfortunately am not sure if dogs are allowed on Kaanapali Beach, but I think it’s safe to assume that it might be better to leave Fido in the van or hotel room unless you confirm otherwise first.
Kaanapali Beach, Maui, HI, “vintage” circa 2012
While there are more than enough beautiful beaches around the country, if I had to choose five to visit again and again, this would be my list. From the beautiful Pacific Northwest to the crystal clear blue waters of Hawaii, there’s a beach for everyone hiding somewhere in this country, even the mountain lover or self-proclaimed beach-hater. And hey, if you’re out driving coast to coast, you might just discover another seaside hidden gem yourself.