With two long coastlines on either side of the country, the United States has more than its fair share of beaches. And there’s a whole host of properties offering not only the opportunity to wake up to the sound of lapping waves, but also activities and amenities that make for memorable vacations.
Read on to discover America’s best and most beautiful beach hotels and resorts...
As the only waterfront hotel on Kennebunkport’s Goose Rocks Beach, the quaint Tides Beach Club is the perfect setting for a quintessential Maine shoreside vacation. Intimate and friendly, the hotel features 21 rooms with light and breezy decor and access to the white sand beach. Guests at The Tides can also take in the spa, pool and other amenities at Hidden Pond, another resort located just down the road.
One of America’s most iconic beach resorts, The Breakers has been a Palm Beach institution since 1896. The hotel still holds that sense of old-school Palm Beach luxury, but is, of course, fully modernised and has even implemented several eco-friendly initiatives throughout the expansive property. Resort activities (beyond the close proximity to one of America’s best beaches) include multiple pools, a golf course and tennis courts, as well as 10 bars and restaurants.
When this San Diego-area hotel opened in 1888, it was heralded for its head-turning Victorian architecture and stunning spot on the Pacific coast. The hotel has since expanded to include cabanas and villas to stay in, as well as the brand-new The Views property. But all of the accommodation options at 'The Del', as it's affectionately known, include the opportunity to relax on the pristine beach, engage in watersports and dine at the resort’s various restaurants.
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Texas isn’t exactly known for its beach resorts, but the island city of Galveston in the Gulf of Mexico is a top destination for sunseekers. Grand Galvez (formerly Hotel Galvez) has been one of Galveston’s most sought-after resorts for over 110 years and the grand old building is a sight to behold both inside and out. In addition to taking in the beach, spa and on-site restaurants, guests can explore the city of Galveston which is home to a historic pleasure pier and other attractions.
The charm and beauty of Nantucket Island is best experienced at a classic New England waterfront hotel like The Wauwinet. The spacious rooms in calming shades of white and pale blue get guests in the mood for a serene getaway. There are plenty of ways to while away the day here – a walk on the private beaches, a cycle using complimentary bikes or watersports in summer. For a true treat, visitors can rent out Anchorage House, a quaint Nantucket guesthouse managed by The Wauwinet.
With 187 guest rooms and 13 suites, The Westin sits on a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Channelling both beach vibes and Southern charm, the hotel looks directly onto a white sand beach, with glorious waterfront views. The hotel’s Reserve Steak House serves up local seafood as well as premium beef. Guests can also enjoy food and drink by the picturesque pool, which offers stunning ocean views.
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Part golf resort, part spa and part oceanside respite, this super sanctuary on Kiawah Island exudes Southern hospitality and style in a grand mansion-like setting. The gorgeous outdoor pool, which overlooks the beach, is a resort highlight, plus there's an indoor pool for guests who need a dip away from the sun. The island property also features a world-class spa for next-level relaxation.
The Wailea neighbourhood in Maui is one of the most coveted vacation spots in all of Hawaii and its Four Seasons resort is one of the most luxurious of the area’s high-end hotels. Although Wailea Beach and the resort-provided beach cabanas, loungers and umbrellas are the stars here, the hotel also offers a spectacular serenity pool area, a spa, water activities, a games room, nightly hula performances and an outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago restaurant.
Mandarin Oriental is known for its top-quality hotels and the chain’s Miami property is particularly impressive. Located on the man-made island of Brickell Key, the hotel is almost completely surrounded by water, offering unbelievable views from almost every angle. The hotel experience is enhanced with stylish rooms and suites, a day spa, an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, fantastic restaurants and easy access to the city.
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Having first opened in 1868, Ocean House is old, but it was completely rebuilt and refurbished in 2004 to create a resort that combines historic East Coast charm with modern convenience and amenities. The accommodation choices range from tastefully decorated standard rooms to unique, luxury suites and homey beach cottages. Outside of their rooms, visitors can lounge in a beach cabana, take a spin in a yacht, indulge in a spa treatment or just enjoy the crisp Rhode Island sea air.
This resort just north of San Diego is all about living that classic southern California beach lifestyle. The hotel overlooks South Ponto State Beach, which is a public beach, but Alila Marea’s 'beach ambassadors' will get guests set up with lounge chairs, umbrellas and everything else they need. Surf lessons are also available, or just enjoy the modern pool area.
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Located on the Florida panhandle between a coastal dune lake and the Gulf of Mexico, this pretty family-friendly hotel feels tucked away from the rest of the world. With only 60 guest rooms, it’s a rather intimate property, offering a quiet retreat. The long stretches of white sand are what make the resort magical, but guests can also mix things up with a trip to the spa or a paddle in a canoe or kayak.
Pacific City is located on a stretch of the Oregon coast known for its unadulterated sea views and phenomenal sand dunes. Like Oregon itself, Headlands is built for guests who appreciate the finer things, but with a laid-back, rustic vibe. The lodge serves as an excellent base for hiking, paddling and beach walking, with great food options, spa services and comfy rooms awaiting weary adventurers at the end of a busy day.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks area isn’t about glossy luxury or beachside glamour – this part of the East Coast is renowned for its natural beauty and relaxed coastal feel. Sanderling offers an idyllic Outer Banks experience, with three pools (including one specifically for toddlers) and a spa for those who want pampering, plus wild horse tours, dune hang-gliding, biplane tours, wakeboarding and other outdoor adventures for guests who want to make the most of North Carolina.
One of Newport’s most elegant properties, The Chanler is a stately New England mansion that promises superior hospitality and comfort. It sits on the city’s famed Cliff Walk, a National Recreational Trail which offers dramatic ocean views. The grandeur of the building itself is The Chanler’s top selling point and guests would be excused if they wanted nothing more than to lounge in their rooms while taking in the view.
A cool and modern oasis on the Jersey Shore, Asbury Ocean Club is just a little over an hour away from New York City, but it feels like it could be worlds away. The resort has chic rooms, gorgeous pools and beach proximity that one would expect from this kind of resort. But there are also homespun touches like The Drawing Room, a common space where guests can kick back and listen to music or wind down with a drink.
The beaches in Alaska don’t promise the same golden sand as one would find in the southern part of the US, but this luxury fishing lodge offers a level of escape that visitors to Florida or California would be hard-pressed to find. Located on an island in the Gulf of Alaska, the lodge gives a taste of the wild Alaskan coast, but guests don’t exactly rough it thanks to cosy guest rooms and great service.
While Hawaii has its share of ultra-modern resorts, there’s something magical about the nostalgic charm of this Waikiki resort. Known as the Pink Palace, The Royal Hawaiian has been a top vacation destination for almost 100 years for good reason. The lavishly decorated rooms, postcard-worthy pools and weekly luau dinners make it a jewel of Hawaii’s most legendary beach.
The sugar-sand beaches on Hilton Head Island are some of the best in the country and this expansive family-friendly resort provides a great base from which to enjoy them. The resort and surrounding area are jam-packed with things to do, with a golf course, spa, nearby museums, bike rentals and plenty of kayaking, paddle boarding and other sports activities available.
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Montecito is a resort-laden community in Santa Barbara County, just up the coast from Los Angeles. This elegant resort offers personalised service that aims to give guests everything they need for an effortless stay, without coming off as stuffy or pretentious. The spa, pools, excellent dining and fitness centre are certainly perks, but the beach beats them all, with year-round activities available and a butler service for those who want to lounge in front of the waves.
The Florida Keys are as tropical as it gets on the continental US and this gorgeous private island spa and resort feels like it could be in the Caribbean. The resort is accessible by sea plane or boat and guests are welcomed with a shoreside reception. Once on the island, visitors can spend their days lounging on white sand beaches under the palms, relaxing in bungalow suites, unwinding in the spa and just drinking in the surroundings.