12 US Beaches With the Whitest Sand You'll Love

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Imagine that feeling when your toes sink into soft white sand as the sound of crashing waves drowns out everything else. There’s nothing quite like strolling down a pristine white beach with the sun on your back.

Forget crowded boardwalks and tourist traps—this is about finding hidden gems along the coast, where you can bask in the beauty of nature. You can only enjoy these scenes and experiences on white sand beaches.

Luckily, or unluckily, the United States has just a handful of white sand beaches, meaning you have to know where to go. If you are looking for the best white sand beaches in the US to visit, read on, as we have covered you below.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

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Clearwater Beach is blessed with sugar-white sand and clear, turquoise waters, making it among America’s most sought-after beaches. This family-friendly shore on Florida’s Gulf Coast has a fun, laid-back vibe and offers plenty to do. In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, you can try watersports like jet skiing or parasailing on the coast.

Clearwater Beach also has lifeguards that patrol the beachfront daily to ensure safe swimming.

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The place comes alive at night with music and dance along the boardwalk and Pier 60. This is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Florida’s vibrant nightlife.

Hanauma Bay Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

This natural bay on the southeast coast of Oahu offers some of the best swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities in Hawaii. Once a volcanic crater, the bay’s coral reef is home to hundreds of tropical fish species and sea turtles you can spot while snorkeling or diving. The beach also has facilities for renting snorkel gear if you don’t bring your own.

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The only downside is that Hanauma Bay Beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. But the natural beauty of Hanauma Bay makes it worth navigating the crowds. Once you dip your toes in the soft white sand and see schools of fish swimming, you’ll understand why this beach paradise is a must-see on any Hawaiian vacation.

Naples Beach, Florida

Naples Beach is a slice of white sand heaven tucked southwest of Florida. Its bright white sands and gentle turquoise waters attract beachgoers from all over. This shore stretches over seven miles, so you’ll have no trouble finding your patch of paradise. Moreover, it is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, or sunset strolls. You may also spot dolphins playing in the surf or pelicans diving for fish.

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The sunsets here are legendary, with fiery oranges and pinks painting the sky. After dark, grab a flashlight, and you might see some sea turtles coming ashore to nest or hatchlings making their way to the sea.

Opal Beach, Pensacola Beach, Florida

Opal Beach is among the famous shores in Pensacola Beach, a resort community in Florida. Its powdery white sand is made of finely ground quartz crystals, giving it a pristine and inviting appearance. Opal is quiet and uncrowded, unlike some shores in Florida, and it is perfect for travelers looking for tranquility by the sea.

The Gulf of Mexico waters off Opal Beach are known for their clarity and stunning blue-green hues. Tourists can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities in the crystal-clear waters.

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In addition, Opal has a family-friendly atmosphere. The calm waters and gentle surf make it a safe and enjoyable destination for families with children.

Carmel Beach, California

Carmel Beach is a stunning white sand beachfront along the coast of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The shore’s crescent shape creates a sheltered cove, allowing calmer waters perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, or surfing to flow by the shore. You may also like that the coast is lined with cypress trees, adding to this beach’s photogenic appeal. Whether lounging on the white sands as you enjoy the picture-perfect scenery or getting active in the water, the beauty of this shore has a way of making your holiday better.

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While on the coast, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, as sea otters, seals, and many seabirds call this coastline home. Whale watching is also popular, with gray whales migrating past in the winter and spring.

That aside, this beachfront’s undeveloped and unspoiled nature provides a peaceful solitude that seems a world away from busy towns.

Coopers Beach, New York

Nestled along the southern shore of Long Island, Coopers Beach is a picturesque white sand beachfront with azure waters that seem endless. As one of the most popular public shores in New York, you’ll often find beachgoers sunbathing, swimming, and playing beach volleyball along its shores. In the summer, Coopers Beach attracts sun seekers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City.

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There are also beachside concessions where you can grab snacks, drinks, or ice cream. Casual beachside eateries here are known for fresh seafood and stunning views of the Atlantic. With its picturesque setting and laid-back vibe, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated by the sea and on the white sand.

Coronado Beach, California

Coronado Beach has something for everyone to enjoy a fun-filled day under the sun. With its soft white sand and gentle surf, it’s easy to see why this beachfront is considered one of the best in the US. The shore spans nearly two miles along the Pacific coast on Coronado Island, just across the bay from San Diego. It has a relaxed, laid-back vibe and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, or building sandcastles. You may even spot a dolphin or whale offshore during the winter months.

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The temperate Mediterranean climate means Coronado experiences beach weather most of the year. To beat the crowds, go early in the morning or late afternoon.

Siesta Beach, Florida

Whether you want an active beach getaway or just simple relaxation, Siesta Beach has something for you. It’s a paradise with stunning white sand and turquoise waters. The sand here is almost pure quartz, giving it a soft, powdery feel and bright white color.

Sunset is a spectacular time to be on the shore. Find a spot, sit back, and watch the sky erupt in orange and red as the sun sinks below the horizon. After sunset, check out the food, drinks, and live music at the beach concession stands.

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With its stunning beauty and laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder Siesta Beach remains a favorite destination for Florida residents and visitors.

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Kaanapali Beach should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an idyllic Hawaiian getaway with soft white sand and swaying palm trees. A trip to this beach paradise will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and wanting to return again and again.

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This shore’s white coral sand and turquoise water make it a perfect tropical paradise. Here, you can go snorkeling to see tropical fish and sea turtles at Black Rock, try stand-up paddle boarding, or just relax in the sun. Watch the sunset from the coast with a mai tai in hand as the day winds down. Additionally, the coast has calm waters most of the year, making it great for families with kids.

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach lives up to the hype. Its scenic natural beauty will make you feel like you’ve escaped to your private island paradise. This shore is on the small island of Culebra, off the east coast of Puerto Rico. With soft white sands and turquoise blue waters, it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

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The best way to get to this shore is by ferry. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a horseshoe-shaped bay. The seaside is approximately 1.5 miles long, with shallow, calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Further, beach facilities on-site include bathrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, and food stands.

Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida

Pass-a-Grille Beach is a pristine stretch of sugary white sand and azure waters on a barrier island off St. Pete Beach. This Gulf Coast getaway feels like old Florida with its retro beach motels, beach bars, and laid-back vibe. There’s more to do here than just lounging on the sands.

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With its location on the Gulf of Mexico, Pass-a-Grille offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis, explore the coastline, or charter a boat for deep-sea fishing. Some popular catches are grouper, snapper, mackerel, and flounder.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s eastern shore is a slice of paradise. With soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why this small shore regularly tops lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This half-mile strip of sand is bordered by swaying palm trees and the Mokulua Islands off the coast. The seclusion and natural beauty attract beachgoers looking to relax and unwind peacefully.

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Moreover, the reef-protected waters at Lanikai are perfect for swimming and other beach activities. You can rent kayaks to paddle out to the Mokulua Islands, home to seabirds and Hawaiian monk seals.