U.S. Beach Directory by State and Coastal Activity

Welcome to The Beach Directory, a U.S. coastal and freshwater beach planning guide covering more than 730 public beaches across 21 states. Browse beaches by state or coastal activity below, or explore our regional planning guides to compare lifeguard coverage, state park and municipal parking fees, dog rules, tide pool access, and NOAA water conditions before you head out.

Atlantic & New England Coasts

Explore rocky headlands, barrier islands, National Seashores, and sheltered bay beaches from Maine to Florida:

Maine | New Hampshire | Vermont | Massachusetts | Rhode Island | Connecticut | New York | New Jersey | Delaware | Maryland | Virginia | North Carolina | South Carolina | Georgia | Florida

Gulf Coast & Pacific Coast

Compare warm Gulf of Mexico barrier islands, Texas drive-on beaches, California surf breaks, and Pacific Northwest tide pools:

Alabama | Louisiana | Texas | California | Oregon | Washington

Popular Coastal Activities & Guides

Filter beaches by activity or read our latest coastal planning and gear guides on the Beach Bum Blog:

Swimming | Surfing | Fishing | Kayaking | Camping | Tide Pools | 4×4 Beach Driving | Bird Watching

Find Your Perfect Beach

Explore Beaches by State

California

95 beaches

Florida

68 beaches

Texas

54 beaches

Oregon

32 beaches

Massachusetts

31 beaches

Maryland

31 beaches

View All Beaches

Recently Added Beaches

Ona Beach State Park

Oregon

A unique beach where Beaver Creek meets the Pacific Ocean, creating diverse recreational opportunities. The park is especially popular for kayaking in the creek’s calm waters, with rental services available in summer. The beach features picnic facilities nestled among shore pines, a bridge crossing the creek, and easy beach access. Its location between Newport and […]

Bird Watching Fishing Kayaking

Roads End State Recreation Site

Oregon

Located at the northern end of Lincoln City, this beach lives up to its name as the point where the road ends and nature takes over. The headland creates a dramatic backdrop and sheltered area for beach exploration. At low tide, visitors can walk around the headland to a secluded cove with excellent tidepools. The […]

Beachcombing Photography Tide Pools

Crissey Field State Recreation Site

Oregon

Oregon’s southernmost state park, located at the California border. The site features a beautiful beach where the Winchuck River meets the Pacific, creating a diverse ecosystem of estuary, dunes, and shoreline. The LEED-certified welcome center provides information about the region’s natural and cultural history. Due to its southern location, it often enjoys milder weather than […]

Beach Walking Bird Watching Estuary

Bastendorff Beach

Oregon

A crescent-shaped beach near Coos Bay that’s popular with surfers for its consistent waves. The mile-long beach offers beautiful views of Cape Arago and is less developed than many coastal destinations. The county park provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and fire pits for beach bonfires. Its location near the Charleston Marina makes it convenient for […]

Beach Fires Camping Clamming

South Beach State Park

Oregon

Located just south of Newport’s Yaquina Bay Bridge, this state park offers a long, sandy beach with excellent facilities. The park features year-round camping, yurts, extensive hiking and biking trails, and an interpretive center with educational programs. Its proximity to Newport’s attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center makes it an […]

Biking Bird Watching Camping

Browse by Activity

Swimming (526) Fishing (369) Picnicking (168) Bird Watching (166) Surfing (165) Photography (149) Hiking (127) Camping (119) Kayaking (118) Dining (77)