Top 10 US Beaches: From Haystack Rock to Hanalei Bay
The book "Best Beaches" by Lonely Planet showcases the ten finest beaches across the United States, from the tide pools of the Pacific Northwest to the surf breaks of Hawaii and the wild pony habitats of the mid-Atlantic. Featured are Oregon's Cannon Beach, renowned for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot basalt formation within the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which is perfect for tide pooling and whale watching. Florida's Grayton Beach boasts sugar-white sands and unique coastal dune lakes in Grayton Beach State Park. Miami's South Beach is famous for its Art Deco style, nightlife, and lifeguard towers. Los Angeles' Venice Beach offers a vibrant boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and a skatepark. Malibu's El Matador is a picturesque small beach with sea stacks and caves, ideal for photography. Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach is known for its Keyhole Arch and striking purple sand after rain. Georgia's Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island features twisted oak trees and was a filming site for 'The Walking Dead.' Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe presents clear waters and rocky shores. Assateague Island National Seashore, spanning Maryland and Virginia, is home to wild ponies and offers camping. Finally, Hanalei Bay in Kaua'i, Hawaii, features a two-mile stretch of golden sand, surfing opportunities, and cultural experiences. The selection highlights seasonal aspects, wildlife, and diverse amenities, from fully equipped facilities to secluded areas.
Key facts
- Lonely Planet's Best Beaches book features 100 of the world's most incredible shores.
- Cannon Beach's Haystack Rock is a volcanic remnant formed over 17 million years, rising 235 feet.
- Haystack Rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, home to tufted puffins, seals, and sea lions.
- Grayton Beach State Park contains three coastal dune lakes, a rare phenomenon found in only four countries.
- South Beach's Art Deco Historic District was preserved during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Venice Beach's Muscle Beach opened in the 1930s, helping establish Southern California's bodybuilding culture.
- El Matador Beach is part of Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, with sea stacks and arches.
- Pfeiffer Beach's Keyhole Arch aligns with the setting sun during the winter solstice, creating a luminous effect.
- Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island was a filming location for 'The Walking Dead' seasons 7 and 10.
- Sand Harbor on Lake Tahoe has water clarity allowing visibility up to 70 feet.
- Assateague Island's wild ponies are believed to descend from horses from a Spanish shipwreck or early colonial settlers.
- Hanalei Bay on Kaua'i is a two-mile crescent of golden sand with four named sections.
- The list includes beaches from Oregon, Florida, California, Georgia, Nevada, Maryland, Virginia, and Hawaii.
- Several beaches are within protected parks or wildlife refuges, with varying access rules and seasonal hours.
Entities
Institutions
- Lonely Planet
- Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Art Deco Historic District
- Muscle Beach
- Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach
- Assateague Island National Seashore
- Assateague State Park
- Wai'oli Beach Park
- Black Pot Beach Park
- Smith's Fern Grotto
Locations
- United States
- Cannon Beach
- Oregon
- Haystack Rock
- Grayton Beach
- Florida
- Miami
- South Beach
- Venice Beach
- Los Angeles
- California
- Malibu
- El Matador
- Big Sur
- Pfeiffer Beach
- Jekyll Island
- Georgia
- Lake Tahoe
- Sand Harbor
- Nevada
- Assateague Island
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Hanalei Bay
- Kaua'i
- Hawaii
- Pacific Northwest
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Astoria
- Destin
- Panama City
- Santa Monica
- Marina del Rey
- Reno
- Washington, D.C.
- Wailua River
Sources
- Quartz —