The Most Underrated Beaches You Have To Visit!
There’s no better way to spend a sunny day than at a beach with your toes in the sand and sea breezes washing over you. Even better if you have the sun, sea, and sand all to yourself. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, there are plenty of secret beaches in the United States that are secluded, serene, and spectacularly scenic. These are some of the most underrated beaches in the US that you absolutely must put on your travel bucket list.
Assateague Island, Maryland & Virginia
Assateague Island is just a three-hour drive from major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., but it seems like a whole other world. This rugged, windswept island sits off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia and is fringed by golden sand beaches and dunes. Wild ponies run free along the sand and birds flit among the marshes and rivers. You can spend the day swimming, suntanning, kayaking, or searching for crabs and clams.
Sombrero Beach, Florida
It’s no secret that the Florida Keys have amazing beaches that attract people from all over the world, but only locals and a few well-informed tourists know about laid-back and lovely Sombrero Beach. Located on Marathon Key, between Key Largo and Key West, Sombrero Beach features soft white sand and dazzling aquamarine water. If you’re lucky, you may catch glimpses of turtles swimming in the sea.
Indian Beach, Oregon
Oregonians in the know skip the crowds at Cannon Beach and head to Indian Beach where there are always open spots on the sand and the waves are perfect for surfing. The beach is part of Ecola State Park, which is just one hour west of Portland. It costs $5 for a day pass, but it’s well worth the money for the sheer beauty of the area. If you’re not here to surf, you can chill out on the beach, explore the tide pools, or hike the Clatsop Loop for amazing vistas over the ocean.
Cowell Ranch Beach, California
While the famous Half Moon Bay Beach in California gets packed on weekends and during the summer months, Cowell Ranch Beach is just down the road and blissfully free of the masses. On any given day it could be just you and a few harbour seals on the sand. To get here, head south on Highway 1 and keep your eye out for the small sign and parking lot. A trail will lead you to a wooden staircase that descends to a golden crescent of sand backed by bluffs. This west-facing beach is a gorgeous sunset spot.
Boneyard Beach, South Carolina
The name may sound like something out of a horror story, but Boneyard Beach is actually incredibly beautiful. Located on Bull Island, the beach can only be reached by ferry or a boat, which means there are rarely hordes of tourists there. This seven-mile stretch of sand gets its name from the sun-bleached driftwood and seashells scattered across the shore. After you do some beachcombing, there are 16 miles of trails to explore. Keep an eye out for gators on the Alligator Alley trail.
Bound Brook Island Beach, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is renowned for its beaches, but thankfully there are still a few that are off the tourist radar. If secluded sand is more your style, make your way to Bound Brook Island Beach in Wellfleet. Follow a pleasant path for about a mile and you’ll reach the beach with its rolling sand dunes covered in beach grass and shimmering sea as far as you can see. Along the coast you’ll have views all the way down to Provincetown.
Makalawena Beach, Hawaii
Hawaii is the stuff that beach dreams are made of, especially if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path. If you happen to be on the Big Island, Makalawena Beach on the North Kona coast is worth a visit. You’ll have to trek about 20 minutes over volcanic stones to get there, but the reward at the end of the trail is the absolutely stunning, nearly deserted beach. Think sugary white sand and turquoise waters that are often teeming with green sea turtles.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is the biggest barrier island in Georgia and a haven for beach lovers. There are over 17 miles of pristine white sand beaches to explore, as well as maritime forests and marshes that are home to fascinating wildlife like wild horses, armadillos, and alligators. The island can only be accessed by a ferry that leaves from St. Mary’s and visitors are limited, so you can be sure the beaches will be free of crowds.
Here’s A Bonus!
If you’re planning on taking a road trip to one or more of these secret beaches, the National Motor Club of America can help. Membership benefits include 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, plus travel bonuses like great deals on car rentals, hotels, and more. NMC will give you peace of mind for a safe journey and the opportunity to see hidden coastlines of America like you’ve never seen them before.
“I love the service I receive from NMC. All of the reps seem as though they care and they treat you like family. I don’t plan to change to another company. Thank you for caring!!!” -Alice J.