The combination of endless, wide beaches stretching to the horizon in either direction, the iconic magnificence of the Santa Monica Pier, the sheer number of restaurants within a three-block radius, what's not to worship about Santa Monica, California? Not only is the sand soft, but the views are amazing, especially as the sun sets to the west, directly over the Pacific Ocean. In fact, on a good day—which is actually almost every day in Santa Monica—the yellows, reds, pinks and blues of every sunset are the stuff of dreams. It's time to stop kidding yourself, this is the best beach in the US.
With spring now well and truly in the air, we owe it to ourselves to get (safely) outside and once again feel the sun on our skin, the sand between our toes and the refreshing splash of cool ocean water on our feet. If the thought of some serious snorkeling, surfing, swimming or even just some much-needed take-it-easy time spent listening to the ASMR-like sound of waves crashing on the sandy shore appeals, then you're definitely going to need our guide to the very best beaches in the U.S.
We like to keep our lists current and, as such, this crucial countdown might not contain some of the beaches you're expecting to find. So, what's the nicest beach in the USA right now? Well, this essential index spans the country, from East Coast gems and West Coast favorites to beautiful Hawaii coasts and even an essential respite in Chicago.
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