Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach? There’s nothing better than sunning yourself on golden sands and then taking a dip in the ocean when the day gets too hot.
It’s very easy to pass a day doing nothing on the beach, or you might prefer to take part in a sandcastle competition and have a visit to the arcade.
The US is famous for its beautiful coastlines up and down the country.
With so much choice, it can be difficult to decide where you want to head next on your summer break.
Based on research carried out by flight comparison website Find A Cheap Flight, we have compiled a list of the most searched for beaches in the US according to monthly Google search volumes compiled from Ahrefs search analytics tool.
The top nine beaches are located all over the country and vary from family-friendly to ideal for those wanting an action-packed holiday.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes these beaches so special and the local features that have kept holiday-makers returning to them year after year.
What are the most searched for beaches in the US?
One of the most popular beaches in the US is Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. It features a large number of golf courses, as well as amusement parks.
Over on the southeast side of the country is Miami, which is famous all over the world for its beaches and party lifestyle.
It’s little wonder that Miami Beach is another popular destination for people craving a slice of life by the ocean.
New York may be famed for its picturesque snow-covered streets during winter, but there are also beaches to enjoy throughout the year and in warmer months.
Coney Island and Jones Beach are two of the most visited beaches in the state and attract visitors from all over the globe.
Continue reading to see which other locations feature on our list for the most searched for beaches in the US.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is 60 miles of glorious coast in South Carolina. A naming contest was held in 1900 and the local shrub ‘wax myrtle’ was chosen as the city’s namesake.
Currently home to around 30,000 residents and 14 communities, Myrtle Beach reached city status in 1957.
When staying at the beach, there are a wide range of oceanfront condos or luxury hotels to choose from.
Aside from enjoying the beach, you can play a round of golf at around 90 courses in the local area.
There are so many cool things to do in Myrtle Beach and so many tourist attractions to enjoy, such as the 187-feet tall Skywheel.
Children and parents alike will love the Family Kingdom amusement park, as well as the old-fashioned arcade games and souvenir stands.
Clearwater Beach
It’s no wonder that Clearwater Beach is one of the most searched in the US as it was voted Best Beach in the USA by Trip Advisor for two years, in 2018 and 2019.
It also managed to bag Trip Advisor’s number six spot on the list of the Best Beaches in the World in 2019.
You can get up close and personal to marine life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The site acts as a rehabilitation centre0 for ocean life and is home to Winter the bottlenose dolphin, who has a prosthetic tail and starred in the 2011 film Dolphin Tale.
The white sands on this Florida beach are an idyllic place to enjoy a family stroll or a bit of fishing on Pier 60. Leave your beer and dog at home though, as this beach is alcohol and pet free.
Coney Island
Home to the first roller coaster in America (circa 1884), Coney Island is a beach in Brooklyn, New York.
Luna Park has over 50 rides that are open between Easter and Halloween. The beach and boardwalk are open all year round so you can appreciate the area in the colder months too.
Coney Island hosts a fireworks display on the beach 9:30pm every Friday, from June through to Labor Day.
There’s also plenty of attractions to see, such as the Coney Island Museum, Sideshows by the Seashore and the Shooting Gallery & Arts Annex.
Every June, the Mermaid Parade is held on Coney Island. It is the largest art parade in the US and sees thousands of people dressing up like the mythical creatures.
The parade traditionally takes place in the summer solstice and takes place on the closest Saturday.
Miami Beach
Perhaps one of the most famous beach cities in the US, Miami Beach is located in South Florida.
Visitors can explore the Miami Beach Architectural District, which is home to the world’s highest concentration of Art Deco buildings.
Biscayne Bay separates Miami Beach and its 92,000 population from Miami’s mainland city.
The city has been home to many famous faces, such as Matt Damon and Cher. It’s common to see celebrities as you’re walking down Ocean Drive or lounging on South Beach.
If you fancy a more active trip to Miami, why not try some surfing at South Pointe Beach?
You can then relax at a hotel or restaurant in Nikki Beach Miami, the luxury oceanfront complex.
Cannon Beach
Named as one of The World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places in 2013 by National Geographic Magazine, Cannon Beach is well worth a visit.
The Oregon beach is just under four miles long and has a local population of around 1,600 people.
Cannon Beach is famous for its Haystack Rock, which is a 235 ft sea stack.
The nearby Ecola State Park is also good for hiking when you get bored of walking along the beach.
If you visit in June, be sure to have a look at the annual sandcastle competition, which has been going since the 1960s.
Located in Delaware, Bethany Beach is a quiet and relaxing beach that is perfect for a family trip.
Bethany Beach
You can walk along the Joseph Olson Boardwalk and enjoy the clean, tranquil atmosphere of this small beach town. Bethany Beach is close to lots of family-friendly restaurants that are sure to please the kids.
Delaware Seashore State Park is nearby, with over 20 miles of bay shoreline. There is plenty of local wildlife to spot as you hike through the park, such as terrapins and migratory hawks.
An annual arts festival takes place near the beach in September.
The event boasts stalls selling a wide variety of pieces such as oil paintings, jewellery and pottery. There are also live music performances and a silent auction for handmade art.
Jones Beach
Just off the southern coast of Long Island, New York, Jones Beach annually attracts over six million visitors. This makes it one of the most popular beaches on the East Coast.
The state park is 6.5 miles and is located less than 20 miles from New York City.
The beach was named after Mjor Thomas Jones, who built the island’s first brick house in the 17th century. Local attractions include the WildPlay Adventure Park, the Northwell Health Theatre, and various sporting areas such as tennis courts and golf courses.
Disabled visitors can enjoy the beach with the use of the provided beach wheelchairs, which allows easy access onto the sand and into the water.
Stinson Beach
Located in Marin County, California, Stinson Beach is only 20 miles away from San Francisco and a 35 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’re looking for a quieter way to spend the day, the nearby 11Muir Woods, full of coast redwoods, is a lovely place to go for a nature walk.
How about a surfing trip to Stinson Beach? The season is from winter through to spring, although there are ample opportunities to participate in other activities throughout the year.
Take a boat out to see the dolphins, seals and whales or visit Audubon Canyon Ranch, a not-for-profit environmental conservation.
The beach was named after the former landowner, Nathan H. Stinson, who owned the land during the 1860s.
In 1870, the first road to Stinson Beach was built, although at this time the area was known as Willow Camp.
Surfside Beach
Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It has many pristine, beautiful beaches including Surfside Beach on the south side of the island.
There are plenty of places to go surfing, including gentler surf on the North Shore beaches that are suitable for children.
The stronger surf is on the south side of the island and safer for stronger swimmers and surfers.
Make sure to visit the beach in the morning as this is the best time to pick up seashells. There’s also plenty of space to enjoy a picnic or a game of volleyball.
The beach is easily accessible via bike or you can take the shuttle bus during the season.
With so many wonderful locations to choose from, it’s time that you pack up your sunglasses and beach towel and start planning your next beach trip in the US.