But not all stretches of drift hunters sand are the same. There are many things that make a beach great, like the sand, the waves (or lack of waves), a certain level of privacy, public transportation and easy parking, a pier, activities, and even how much shade there is. Some beaches are next to clear lakes, and others are at the base of beautiful mountain ranges. Some have great waves for surfing, while others have powder-soft sand, calm water, and a busy boardwalk with places to eat, shop, and play sports.

The United States is lucky because it has some of the best beaches in the world. From the East Coast to the West Coast, grassy beaches in the United States have natural beauty, fun in the sun, and easy access that bring people from all over the world all year long. 

These are the 25 best beaches in the U.S., from New York to California. They stand out because of their activities, sites, or unique features.  When I think of beaches, I think of the islands of Hawaii, where there are so many sandy spots that they sometimes come in pairs. Poipu Beach is made up of two small coves that share the same name. It is on the sunny southern coast of Kauai and is a famous place for surfing, swimming, sailing, and boogie boarding. The beautiful beaches are divided by a thin strip of sand called a tombolo. Both sides of the tombolo offer amazing views, and if you're lucky, you might even see a rare Hawaiian monk seal sunbathing.

The classic Americana of this boardwalk spot is made better by a well-kept beach. Ocean City Beach is a popular place to visit because it has 10 miles of white sand beach and a 3-mile pier with amusement park rides, bike rentals, shops, and tasty treats. On the beach, you can find hotels, restaurants, and even a brewery after a day of jet skiing, fishing, or boating.

You should go to San Diego just for the warm, sunny weather. Coronado Beach, a mile and a half of golden sand with sparkling bits of mica, is just the icing on the cake for families. People come here to swim, surf, and lay out in the sun during the day, and they stay until late afternoon to watch the beautiful sunsets. Stop by the historic Hotel del Coronado for a bite to eat and a drink outside. People also like North Beach because it is dog-friendly.