Hidden Beach Destinations in the United States
If you’re looking for a serene and secluded getaway, these hidden beach destinations in the United States might be the perfect option for you. These lesser-known beaches offer an escape from the crowds and provide the opportunity to relax and unwind in a peaceful and natural environment. Here are some of the best hidden beaches in the United States that you might want to visit on your next vacation.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation full of adventure, you will find something for everyone at these lesser-known spots.
Galveston Island, TX
Texas is known for many things, but beaches aren’t one of them. Galveston Island offers some 32 miles of beaches, so you’ll find a good spot for your beach relaxation. Galveston also offers some of the most beautiful hotel accommodations that you’ll find. What draws me to Galveston Island is the fact that they have something for every budget.
Related: Discover the Lone Star State: 11 of the Best Places to Live in Texas
Charlotte Harbor, FL
Everyone knows about Miami, Key West, and Tampa, but you may have missed Charlotte Harbor, FL. Unlike its in-state neighbor beaches, Charlotte Harbor doesn’t have the packed crowds that you’re sure to get at those other spots. Charlotte Harbor still plays to the family and romantics by offering a nice cool getaway spot that keeps you on the beach but doesn’t jam you up full of tourists.
Cumberland Island, GA
You must visit this Georgia national park if you want the ultimate in seclusion. Cumberland Island offers my favorite attribute in a vacation spot…privacy. You must catch a ferry from St. Simons to get to Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. Remember that it is a wildlife refuge and preserve, so don’t mess with any of the wildlife there, or you’ll be in for a serious shock, as the rangers here take their jobs very seriously. We also love to visit Savannah, GA.
San Mateo County, CA
Well, if you’re on the west coast of the US, none of these places are particularly easy for you to get to, but San Mateo County may be. Everyone who comes to California hits the bay area beaches, and some cruise right on by this beautiful and rarely touched hidden California gem. San Mateo County offers the serenity and calm that the big city beaches don’t, and it’s convenient to all of them in case you do want to see a few of the crowds.
Wilmington, NC
Consider the idyllic nature of Wilmington, North Carolina. Located only 30 minutes from Pleasure Island and other beaches, the town has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere and a small-town feels. Many television shows and movies have been shot in the town, but it hasn’t changed much. It is a town where you can still find small bed and breakfasts and owner-run restaurants instead of mass-market companies.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL
Indian Rocks Beach in Florida is another option for couples seeking a tranquil retreat. With rental homes available right on the beach, you can open your front door and walk right onto a pristine beach where no one is around for miles. Once you do want to escape the peace, there are restaurants, stores, museums, and many outdoor activities located in town.
Avila Beach, CA
Avila Beach, California, is the perfect destination for couples. The area is close to Orange County but far enough away to feel like another world. Visitors can choose to stay directly on the beach or pick a hotel in town.
Also, consider staying on a lakefront property. The options are limitless across the country and include a beach but without the dangers of the ocean. For instance, Michigan has over 1,000 lakes, offering hundreds of vacation opportunities. You can avoid family-friendly tourist traps and find a hidden gem by picking a smaller lake or town.
Traverse City, MI
Traverse City, Michigan, is one of these towns. The city prides itself on being one of the more unique places in the state, with a quaint downtown full of art galleries and small stores. Or consider visiting the Dunes State Park in either Michigan or Indiana, especially as it begins to cool outside. Towards the end of summer and the beginning of fall, these beaches are nearly deserted.
Grand Rapids, MN
Another great option is Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The town has a spring-fed lake, with gorgeous beaches and many restaurants. Located 3 hours from St. Paul, the town is removed enough that many people never even realize it is there.
Lake Beach, IL
Or try Lake Beach, Illinois. This Chicago area beach recently devoted 25% of its beach to a child-free zone, meaning that you’ll never again have to worry about kids or families while enjoying the beach life. The beach limits visitors to those 21 and older and even checks identification. Kona Village, located in Hawaii, is another option that prohibits parents from bringing children. If in doubt, check around for the place you want to stay, and see if any place in the area prohibits children.
Don Pedro Island, FL
Don Pedro Island stretches about three and a half miles along the Mexican Gulf near Englewood. It is only accessible by small boats as the shallow waters, and narrow lagoons in the area prevent anything larger than private vessels from entering. There is no road to the mainland, so this small idyll remains unspoiled. Even if your time is short, visiting this small piece of paradise is well worth visiting.
The opportunity to experience this bounty of the ocean should be relished. Watch as rays swim past your feet in the crystal channel that stands between the main beach and a nearby sandbank.† The water is no more than knee high and appears shallower due to the deflection of light off the gleaming sand underneath.
When it comes to planning a beach vacation or even picking the right place to go, many people are put off by visions of children with dirty fingers and screaming babies. How could we not? It seems as though the beaches have been overrun with families, making it harder for couples to find the perfect place to get away from it all. That’s not necessarily true as there are quiet beaches to be found if you know where to go.
