The battle between coasts is inevitable and will always be the talk between lands. From sports teams, to fashion and even down to food; ‘who has the best’ is always one opinion or one record away. Now that we are in August, it’s prime time for you to shape up that summer bod or pack those beach bags and head to those sandy shores! Either you’re from the East Coast or West Coast, we’re excited to bring you this list of top 10 beaches from each coast according to Yelp data. If you weren’t thinking about the beach this summer, we hope that these beautiful serene photos will convince you to add at least one to your list this season!
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best beaches on the East and West Coasts of the U.S. according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the Beaches category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. For geographic diversity, we only included two to three beaches per region.
1. West Coast: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Let’s start off with the highest rated beach in the West Coast, nestled in a town called Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Monterey Peninsula. Point Lobos has no shortage of hiking trails, beaches and Instagram worthy landscape. Let’s not forget the amazing views of China Cove! Famous for its “Caribbean blue waters, seals, sea lions, otters, grey-whales, every type of seabird, headlands, coves and rolling meadows.” says Yelper Bill H..
1. East Coast: Eastern Promenade: Portland, ME
Topping the East Coast list is Portland, Maine’s Eastern Promenade beach. Known for the “beautiful views of the Casco Bay Islands, the harbor traffic and in the late afternoon, the sunset over Portland.” says Yelper Lindsey J..
2. West Coast: Crissy Field: San Francisco, CA
With to-die-for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, you can’t miss this gem when you’re in the city. Not to mention exquisite views of the Bay Area including the historic Alcatraz prison. “While Disneyland might be the happiest place on Earth, Crissy Field must be the most picturesque.” – Yelper Jennifer O..
2. East Coast: Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, GA
If the name doesn’t explain it enough, this beach is a plethora of driftwood. Some consider it a photographer’s paradise, especially during the golden hour, as the photo below was taken. Arrive during sunrise and “you’ll feel like you’re in another world!” – Yelper Julie H.
3. West Coast: La Jolla Cove: La Jolla, CA
Either you’re coming for the seals, cliffs, or the crashing waves, this beach will not disappoint. “La Jolla Cove is definitely a don’t-miss attraction if in the area. Beautiful views and plenty of the star attraction: sea lions and seals.” – Yelper Geoffrey G.
3. East Coast: South Pointe Park: Miami Beach, FL
In the words of Yelper Vanessa V: “A good place to watch the sunset, even though we’re on the East Coast, you still get a pretty sky view.”
4. West Coast: Ruby Beach: Forks, WA
If you happen to be driving through the Washington state, Ruby Beach is a must visit. As Yelper Alden C. notes, “One of my favorite beaches in Washington! The view here is fantastic and the nearby haystack rocks are a sheer delight to take in.”
4. East Coast: Sandbridge Beach: Virginia Beach, VA
Visit Sandbridge to escape the city noise and simply lose yourself in this hidden gem. As Yelper Kathryn M. says, “I found this beach to be a quiet getaway from the traffic and people of Virginia Beach…tucked away so the tourists can’t find it and only locals come to. The water is clean, kelp-free and surprisingly warm.”
5. West Coast: Mori Point: Pacifica, CA
How about a hike with incredible oceanic views? “Mori Point is one of the best coastal hikes I have experienced so far in the Bay Area. There are some great ocean views to experience. You are even able to see all the Pacifica Pier in the distance.” – Yelper Sara G.
5. East Coast: Juno Beach Park: North Palm Beach, FL
Do you love bringing your four legged friend everywhere? Don’t have one? Well, you’re sure to see many happy pups on Juno Beach. As Yelper K P. expresses, “Love love love this dog beach. I couldn’t keep a smile off my face as I watched pure joy in dogs and dog owners’ faces alike.”
6. West Coast: Double Bluff Beach: Freeland, WA
“This is my favorite beach outside of Hawaii. I am not kidding. Get this beach on a warm Spring day with a low tide, and it is so special you will think about it years later.” – Yelper Kris I.
6. East Coast: Sunset Beach: Sunset Beach, NC
“To say this is the best kept secret on the East Coast is an understatement. ” – Yelper Sahar R.
7. West Coast: Moonlight State Beach: Encinitas, CA
“Moonlight Beach. It’s beautiful. Nestled between cliffs and rolling sand dunes. I’m pretty sure it’s close to what heaven looks like.” – Yelper Tom H.
7: East Coast: Gulfstream Park: Boynton Beach, FL
“It’s a great park and beach for families and get-togethers. Plus there is one lifeguard on duty. And you can drink your beer!” – Yelper Cindy P.
8. West Coast: Cannon Beach: Cannon Beach, OR
“My favorite beach town on the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach has it all! Long stretches of clean beaches to walk and explore.”- Yelper Kim G.
8. East Coast: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park: Fort Lauderdale, FL
“LOVED this beach! Very clean, white sand and less people… As you walk along the strip there are great restaurants and places for drinks. ” – Yelper Diana G.
9. West Coast: Zuma Beach: Malibu, CA
“…man oh man, there is nothing like a clean beach in Southern California on a hot day. The water temperature in August is 72 degrees according to a surf report, there are no major rocks in the water and you can see the ground when the water is up to 5 feet deep..which is a great sign!” – Yelper Joseph Y.
9. East Coast: Good Harbor Beach: Gloucester, MA
“Consistently voted one of the best beaches in New England. Truly the softest sand of any beach I’ve been to, very popular and extremely busy.” – Yelper Squidy D.
10. West Coast: Lincoln Park: Seattle, WA
“Lincoln Park is a great reason to live or visit West Seattle. It is a large park that encompasses both grassy tree areas and a stunning beach road walk. The beach has views of the Ferrys’, the Islands near by, a very cool salt water pool complex, picnic areas.” – Yelper David G.
10: East Coast: Second Beach / Sachuest Beach: Middletown, RI
“Hands down one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhode Island! … This is no ordinary beach, on one side of you is a nature preserve and on the other is the cliff walk. For some reason the water seems so clear here!” – Yelper Michael P.
