Scenic Beaches in the United States

With so many miles of shoreline in the United States, how can you decide where your next beach vacation should land you? Everyone has differing ideas of what a perfect beach vacation should be like. Some people want to drink all their work stress away, while others want to do yoga and watch the sunrise. Whether your goal is to sleep away your hangover while getting a tan, or sip green tea and bask in natural beauty, here are three of the best scenic beaches the U.S. has to offer that are sure to please partiers or peace-seekers.

Kailua Beach (Oahu, HI)

Kailua is often cited as Hawaii’s best beach for its three-mile stretch of soft, light-colored sand and plethora of activities. If you’re looking to be physically active on vacation this is the spot for you. With swimming, windsurfing, kite-boarding, kayaking, boogie boarding and (on occasion) surfing, you can have a different activity for every day of the week. Even if you just plan on spending your vacation beachside soaking up some rays, this beach offers the beautiful Kooloau mountain range as a picturesque backdrop. Be forewarned: this beach is located a bit far from hotel chains and condos so you may have to hold if you need restroom facilities!

Siesta Key (Sarasota, FL)

Don’t let the name fool you—this small-town beach is known for more than just afternoon snoozes in the sun. Although not the main destination for 20-somethings on Spring Break, this beach boasts some of the most beautiful white sand you’re ever likely to come across. Uniquely formed from quartz crystals, the sand can feel as soft as feathers underfoot. Miles of stunning beach are framed by the Gulf of Mexico with its warm and calm waters to greet boaters and swimmers alike. Though it isn’t the wild party scene of Daytona or South Beach, Siesta Key boasts plenty of bars that will let you blow off some steam.

Mission Beach (San Diego, CA)

This beach spans nearly two miles of ocean front and boasts a boardwalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean and a path along the bay. The boardwalk is paved and is a great place to go running, rollerblading, skateboarding, biking or simply take a stroll as you sightsee and people-watch. Although the beach along the ocean is the main attraction, the bay has its own charms to offer and is often just as packed with tourists and locals alike. Mission Bay Aquatic center offers kayaking, sailing, surfing, rowing lessons and more! Since California has plenty of tourism near the coast, there is no shortage of vacation rentals available. During the summer, however, you’ll want to make sure you book your rental property well in advance to ensure a good deal at a quality place.

Erick D. Smith lives in San Diego and writes about travel and California vacation rentals__. When you make your next trip to “America’s finest city” you’ll find San Diego has a lot more to offer than its beaches. A Mission Beach vacation rental will put you near the ocean but it’s close to down town’s Gas Lamp Quarter