I have only been to Cape Hatteras among the beaches listed here, but I believe many of my siblings have been to an additional number of these coastal treasures over the years.1. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai, Hawaii: This spectacular white crescent-shaped sand beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach setting in Hawaii. The two-mile-long strand is lined by palm trees, with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high. One of the best views of the beach is from the Princeville Hotel, located on the high bluff to the east. The other end of this wide coral sand beach is anchored by a high lava point that extends into the ocean, a panorama that has been the inspiration for many paintings and photo shoots.
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.: With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over. Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters that provide ideal swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent, due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the north and a unique underwater formation of coral rock and caves.
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y: Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, shielded from the cold Labrador currents. As the first "Gold Coast" in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass, interspersed with large and extravagant mansions.
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego, Calif.: Coronado Beach measures hundreds of yards wide and features lush subtropical vegetation, a Mediterranean climate, fine sparkling sand and mild surf. The local landmark, Hotel del Coronado, was built more than 100 years ago, offering spectacular architecture and Old World elegance. Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed there, and the hotel is now a great location for celebrity-spotting.
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.: Providing a blend of nature and a built environment, the beaches here are protected by a conservation easement that dates back more than 300 years. Main Beach is a great place for star-spotting, since many actors and actresses frequently visit this beach for its idyllic setting in a small village. The wide sandy beach made of quartz has towering sand dunes and clean, clear blue water.
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.: Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. Cape Hatteras provides some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the U.S. It attracts beachgoers and nature lovers alike for its historic fishing villages, superb fishing and excellent beachcombing.
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.: Cape Florida State Park, located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, provides clear, emerald-colored waters and gentle surf. This fine, white-coral sand beach is great for swimming, as any waves are knocked down by a large sand shoal offshore. In addition, the Cape Florida Lighthouse gives access to a breathtaking view of the beach.
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.: Bulging far offshore of the mainland coast as a barrier island, Cape Hatteras was the first National Seashore. Cape Hatteras provides some of the best board surfing along the East Coast, as well as the most famous lighthouse in the U.S. It attracts beachgoers and nature lovers alike for its historic fishing villages, superb fishing and excellent beachcombing.
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.: Cape Florida State Park, located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, provides clear, emerald-colored waters and gentle surf. This fine, white-coral sand beach is great for swimming, as any waves are knocked down by a large sand shoal offshore. In addition, the Cape Florida Lighthouse gives access to a breathtaking view of the beach.
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.: Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle or via shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the eroding glacial cliffs. The sand is fairly coarse, so the beach slopes steeply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. During the summer, beachgoers tend to take quick dips in the ocean, as water temperatures only reach 60 to 70 degrees.
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.: South of Charleston, Beachwalker Park is the public beach located on the southern end of Kiawah Island. Tennis and golf are featured here, as well as interpretative tours of the island’s fauna and flora. Visitors can pack their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets, or walk down to St. Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds. The water is not clear here, but it is clean and provides for fantastic seafood for low-country cooking. Visitors can also pack their bicycles, since the sand is compact enough to ride along the 10-mile-long barrier island.
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