The best beaches in all 50 states

High tides and good vibes.

A beach vacation is the perfect way to end a summer of fun. If you want to relax on a sunny shore or take a dip in cool waters, find the time to visit one of your state’s beaches.

Before the discussion starts, let’s define what a beach is. Some people think that oceanic, coastal beaches are the only real beaches. But, lucky for landlocked states, lake beaches also qualify as beaches. In fact, according to Merriam-Webster, a beach is any “shore of a body of water covered by sand, gravel, or larger rock fragments.”

With that explained, here are the best beaches in all 50 states. Pack your bag, it’s time for a summery adventure!

Beach gear to make your seaside escape as comfy as possible

Have it made in the shade.

Planning a beach trip can be a logistical nightmare. Where should you go? When should you go? And, perhaps most importantly for people seeking a relaxing seaside experience, what should you bring? Take some of the stress out of the planning process with Outdoors Wire’s list of beach gear essentials.

Everyone knows to bring items like sunscreen with them to the beach, but other helpful resources can easily be forgotten while packing. While extras like sand toys and beach balls can make an excursion more fun, this list of beach gear focuses on products that address more basic needs. Below, find everything from sunglasses that will protect your eyes to coolers that can help keep you hydrated.

See what adventures await you at California’s stunning Pismo Beach

It’s unbelievably beautiful.

In the words of Nicki Minaj, let’s go to the beach. Specifically, Pismo Beach. Located in sunny Southern California, Pismo Beach offers some of the most gorgeous coastal views you’ll ever see. Here’s a sneak peek of the incredible sights that make Pismo Beach deserving of all this praise.

Outdoors Wire has covered several lovely beach destinations, but Pismo Beach stands out for its uniquely entrancing scenery. Dramatic cliffs frame the sandy shores and heighten the coast’s natural beauty. The cool blue of the ocean bounces off the stark gray rocks and mixes with the bright sand and surrounding greenery to create views you’ll never want to look away from. Find out where to catch the best of these charming vistas with this list of exciting things to do in Pismo Beach.

Watch: Chargers’ Derwin James shares workout on beach ahead of training camp

Derwin James utilized some sensational scenery for resistance training as he ramps up for Chargers training camp.

With training camp just around the corner, Chargers safety Derwin James took to the sea to practice his explosiveness in coverage, using water and sand on a beach for resistance training.

James, who recently took the top spot for overall rating at the safety position in the upcoming release of the “Madden” franchise, can be expected to show the fruits of this scenically-set labor when the regular season starts in September.

As part of Los Angeles’ burgeoning secondary, the sixth-year safety seems primed for a sensational 2023 campaign after seeing playoff success slip through the Chargers’ fingers back in January. Clearly, the elimination loss has motivated James to continue working toward perfection, even during the last days he will have away from the team ahead of training camp.

With the offseason set to end in late July, James is sure to have his eyes set toward more sustained success for Los Angeles’ defensive unit, especially in big games where the lights will shine the brightest on the Bolts’ up-and-coming stars.

8 weird and wonderful beaches to explore this summer

Shake up your summer vacation.

Put on some sunscreen and pack your cooler, it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you like to swim, hike, or build sandcastles, seaside vacations are a summer staple. Elevate your next beach trip by exploring destinations with more to offer than typical sandy shores.

This summer, expand your understanding of what a beach can be. Discover glittering wonders at California’s Glass Beach, and check out Alaska’s mysterious Black Sand Beach. If you’re a curious traveler seeking new beach experiences, these incredible spots need to be on your bucket list. Start planning your next journey with this list of the eight most unique beaches in the United States.

10 beach hikes to explore across the US this summer

Let’s go to the beach.

Summer means sun, beaches, and hours of outdoor fun. For sun-loving hikers, there’s no better season to get out and explore the wilderness. This year, discover some of the best summer trails in the United States by tackling these dazzling beach hikes.

If you live in a coastal state, stunning beachy walking paths are probably easy to find. However, even hikers in landlocked states can find gorgeous beach hikes to visit this summer.

Ready to plan your next summer hike? Then slather on the sunscreen and check out this list of the country’s 10 best beach hikes. Peruse even more hiking adventures with this guide to the best trail in every state.

Unbelievably gorgeous places to go beach camping in the US

Settle by the shore.

Next time you plan a camping trip, venture outside the forest for a unique experience. There are many interesting campsites to explore, from treehouse adventures to dispersed camping spots. However, few options offer all the fun available at beachside campgrounds.

Beach camping combines all the best parts of camping and beach vacations. If the views alone don’t draw you in, think about how nice it would be to surf all day and make s’mores by the fire at night. Even if you don’t live in a particularly beachy state, there are tons of stunning shores to visit throughout the United States. Plan your next trip to one of these six incredible beach camping spots.

Visit these 8 stunning beaches in Greece for the perfect summer trip

Soak up the sun at these beaches in Greece.

Blue waters and sandy shores greet visitors to the Greek coast. If you’ve scrolled through Instagram before, you’re probably familiar with the stunning photos of picturesque beach towns in Greece. From the historic shipwreck at Navagio Beach to the crimson sands at the Red Beach of Santorini, beaches in Greece offer guests an unmatched summer experience.

In 2021, the Foundation for Environmental Education ranked Greece as one of the top three countries in the world with the most Blue Flag awarded beaches. The Blue Flag certification is awarded to beaches that meet high environmental, sustainability, and quality standards. With over 540 Blue Flag beaches, Greece is a paradise for visitors seeking a relaxing seaside vacation. These eight gorgeous beaches in Greece will have you itching to book a trip.

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