The arrival of spring marks the unofficial start of beach season in the United States, a country blessed with more than 95,000 miles of sparkling coastline. From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean coast, the options are seemingly endless, but choosing the ideal spring beaches in the United States can be difficult for even the most seasoned sun-seeker.
Venice Beach, California, has been named the top U.S. beach to visit this spring, according to the latest rankings from travel guide and review site Dive In Travel. A hotspot for surfing, swimming and sunbathing. It’s not just the water that draws the crowds. Venice Beach’s Oceanfront Walk is Southern California’s second most-visited spot, popular for people-watching, colorful public murals, and waterfront restaurants like The Waterfront Venice.
Take a day trip from Los Angeles or stay at a boutique hotel like the Venice V Hotel, which features cozy suites and penthouse bungalows overlooking the beach. Take note of the legendary bodybuilders, skateboarders and street performers who make this beach truly unique.
Second on the list is Oregon’s Cannon Beach, which Dive In Travel says is a mystical landscape where “nature takes center stage.” Just 90 minutes from Portland, this beautiful 4-mile beach is graced by stone “needles,” tranquil tidal pools, and the iconic Haystack His Rock. Located just off the coast, this famous landmark is not only an impressive sight, but also the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which is transformed into a nesting site for Tufted squirrels during the spring and summer.
Rounding out the top five is North Carolina’s Wrightsville Beach, the stand-up paddleboarding capital of the United States. Driftwood Beach, Georgia. It is famous for its large, weathered trees that have washed ashore. And Miami’s South Beach epitomizes the charm of urban beaches. South Beach is home to nearly 300 hotels, the most on the list, including grand Art Deco hotels like The Setai, Thompson Miami Beach, and Nobu Hotel Miami Beach.
For this report, Dive In Travel analyzed the United States based on Google search volume, overall TripAdvisor review performance, hotel prices and availability, parking availability, and average cost of drinks and meals. We’ve compiled a list of the top 24 beach destinations. To learn more about our methodology and see the complete list of rankings, please visit divein.com.