12 Secret Beaches in the US You've Probably Never Heard Of

With so much coastline to the east and west, as well as the Hawaiian islands, the US has so many beaches to choose from. It can still be difficult to find a secret spot when you want to escape the crowds. From the only black sand beach on the US mainland to lake, city, island, and national park beaches, here are some of the best secret beaches in the US.

Table of Contents

Black Sands Beach, California

California might not be where you’d come to when seeking hidden beaches, but Black Sands Beach is an unexpected beauty. It’s the only black sand beach on the US mainland and the color results from coastal erosion and the black shale cliffs backing the beach. This natural, rugged, unspoiled beach is found in Shelter Cove, on the Lost Coast of California.

Boneyard Beach, Florida

Head to Big Talbot Island State Park to find one of Florida’s few secret beaches. Boneyard Beach is named for the sun-bleached, skeletal remains of trees scattered across the shore. The unique landscape makes this one ideal for photographers.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, Michigan

The Midwest isn’t perhaps the most obvious choice for anyone seeking a beach destination, but this one has it all, including sand dunes, a forested backdrop, and clear water. The dunes are about 450 feet high, and roll down toward the lake’s edge. Every dune is different, and the unique landscape provides a habitat for all sorts of flora and fauna.

Cumberland Island, St. Mary’s, Georgia

St Mary’s Beach on Cumberland Island is known for the wild horses frequenting the clean sweep of sand. But there’s more at Cumberland Island National Seashore, which can be reached by ferry. Past visitors have been known to stumble upon shark teeth. You may also see storks and sea turtles.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Though the Florida Keys are hardly undiscovered, Dry Tortugas is far more peaceful than other places in the area. Plan ahead and stay overnight for the best experience. The beaches of this national park provide the perfect playground for snorkelers, kayakers, and sun worshipers.

Hole in the Wall Beach, Washington

This serene, cliff-backed beach within Olympic National Park is among the best on the Pacific Northwest coastline. A little arch-shaped rock formation gives the beach its name. Boulders and heaps of driftwood hide the beach, giving it a rugged feel. A rocky hike of around three-and-a-half miles from the Rialto Beach parking lot is required to reach it.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options

West Beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Only a few miles from Gulf Shores is one of the best beaches in the US, let alone Alabama. The shoreline hugs the Gulf of Mexico, so you can expect a tropical vibe, with sand like powdered sugar and warm, turquoise water. In a state not famed for its coastline, this is an undiscovered gem.

Corolla, North Carolina

The sprawling sand dunes of Corolla make this North Carolina coastal stretch stand out. Though Outer Banks is popular in summer, the fact that it takes some effort to get there means fewer crowds. And Corolla is quieter again than busier Outer Banks spots like Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk.

Fort Tilden, New York City

It’s much easier to reach this unknown beach with your own wheels. With views over New York Harbor, this beach within Gateway National Recreation Area was once a military site. Now, it offers freshwater ponds, sand dunes, and coastal forests, as well as some historic remains.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

You might not expect to find a hidden beach on Oahu but head to the windward side to discover Lanikai Beach. It’s got everything you’d expect and more, including a crescent of white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, and views toward the Mokulua Islands. You can swim, kayak, or paddleboard here, or take the Lanikai Pillboxes trail nearby.

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

Give busy Virginia Beach a big swerve by beelining it to Sandbridge Beach instead. It lies just 15 miles south and boasts a five-mile-long stretch of sand. This isn’t the area’s sole attraction, though. While you’re here, you can also explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park.

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Do not get Padre Island confused with South Padre Island, a favorite haunt of college students on spring break. Padre Island National Seashore is home to 70 miles of white sand, and the planet’s longest section of undeveloped barrier island. Even when the road runs out, carry on driving to find a secluded spot.

12 Secret Beaches in the US You’ve Probably Never Heard Of