On a hot summer day, there is nothing more healing than basking in the sun on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves. As a country with diverse geography and rich climate, the United States has many charming seaside resorts.
But if time is limited, how should we choose? Don't worry, we have carefully selected the three most worth-visiting beaches in the United States: from the retro nostalgic Atlantic City, the lively and colorful Coney Island, to the magnificent Myrtle Beach, each place has its own unique charm and play.
Not only is the scenery beautiful, but there are also super practical travel guides to help you easily complete your itinerary!
1. Atlantic City, New Jersey — Retro charm on the boardwalk
Atlantic City is not only one of the most representative seaside cities in the eastern United States, but its boardwalk is also one of the earliest beach trails in the United States. It was built in 1870 and has now become an iconic attraction, connecting multiple beaches, shops and entertainment venues.
- Tickets: The beach itself is free.
- Opening hours: Open year-round, but the summer (June–August) is the peak tourist season, when facilities are usually open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
- Transportation: From New York City or Philadelphia, take NJ Transit or Greyhound to the Atlantic City bus station, which is a short walk to the beach; trains are also available.
- Best time to visit: June to September is the warmest season to experience the seaside atmosphere.
Useful tips:
- To avoid crowds, it is recommended to go early in the morning or in the evening;
- Free Wi-Fi and public restrooms are available on the boardwalk;
- There are beach shows and open-air concerts in the summer that are not to be missed;
- Book a coastal hotel in advance to see the sunrise directly over the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Coney Island, New York — The perfect combination of excitement and nostalgia
Located in Brooklyn, New York City, Coney Island is a great family destination that combines beaches, amusement parks and historical atmosphere. Luna Park and Deno Ferris Wheel Park are both located on one side of the trail and are very lively.
- Tickets: Beaches are free. Tickets to Luna Park are $40–$75 (depending on the package you choose).
- Opening hours: The beach is open year-round, and Luna Park is open from early April to late October, usually from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
- Transportation: Take the New York City subway D, F, N, or Q line to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave station, and walk 3 minutes to the beach.
- Best time to visit: July and August are the busiest months, when you can participate in fireworks and hot dog contests.
Useful tips:
- It is strongly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines;
- The beach provides lifeguard service, usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
- You can bring snacks and drinking water, but be aware of beach regulations;
- There is also the New York Aquarium nearby, which is also very suitable for the whole family to play together.
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Magnificent Ocean Views on the Ferris Wheel
Myrtle Beach is known for its more than 60 miles of golden sandy beaches and is one of the most popular family vacation destinations on the East Coast. The iconic SkyWheel Ferris Wheel is 200 feet high and offers panoramic views of the coastline and the city.
- Tickets: Beach is free, SkyWheel tickets are $17.99 for adults and $13.99 for children (3-11 years old).
- Opening hours: The beach is open 24 hours a day, and the SkyWheel is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (may be extended in the summer).
- Transportation: You can fly to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), which is only about a 10-minute drive from the beach. There are bus and rental car services in the city.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) has a pleasant climate and is suitable for avoiding the summer crowds; summer (June-August) has the most activities.
Practical tips:
- The SkyWheel light show at night is highly recommended, and reservations are recommended;
- There are multiple parking lots in the beach area, and some areas offer free parking;
- There are children's play areas and parent-child restaurants nearby, which are very convenient for family tourists;
- Remember to prepare sunscreen and parasols in summer.
The beach is not just a vacation, but also a lifestyle
Every beach we explored has its own charm. Some are full of energy with crowds and music, while others offer peace and a slower rhythm. You can walk along a century-old boardwalk, ride a giant Ferris wheel with ocean views, or simply lie back on soft golden sand and enjoy the breeze. These three beaches show us that summer fun doesn't have to come with a high price tag. So, which spot is calling your name? Drop us a comment and let’s start dreaming up our next beach adventure together!
