Popular US Cities With Beautiful Beaches

San Francisco is frequently an anomaly when it comes to weather. It seems like any time the rest of the nation is locked in a heatwave, the Bay Area is chilling, literally, in the 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range. That's because of the unique climate created by its location on the Pacific Ocean. When the cold ocean water meets the warmer air and low pressure of the east, a vacuum pulls in the marine layer. This phenomenon then coats the city and creates those iconic foggy mornings.

You might be unable to plan for days full of sunbathing or swimming, although the cloud cover usually burns off by the afternoon. Your best bet for beaches in the city limits that aren't too difficult to reach are Baker Beach and Ocean Beach. Baker Beach is a stunning part of the Presidio area, with golden sand set against some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. You can take a lovely, long walk from Fisherman's Terminal through the Marina District to reach the beach. 

Alternatively, Ocean Beach sits at the westernmost end of the city with a rugged and faraway-from-the-city feel that will instantly relax you. Between the two is Land's End, arguably the best hiking and nature access within the city limits. Some more secluded beaches are here if you're willing to walk.

Rhode Island is known as "the Ocean State" for a reason. There aren't many places to enjoy the luxurious beach clubs up against Gilded Age Mansions followed by a more lowkey stroll along the coast. Remember, though, this is New England, so don't plan to swim outside the summer months — even then, you may still find it a bit too chilly to brave the Atlantic. And note that while the town's beach clubs are the stuff of dreams, they're only open to members. So you'll need to know someone to visit Bailey's, Hazard Beach, or Castle Hill.

For those without fancy club memberships, try King Park Beach, an idyllic stretch of grass that gives way to sandy beaches that are rare in New England. It also has a sweeping view of the harbor. Additionally, with its bright blue water and white sand, Gooseberry Beach could be on a colder Caribbean island. Its location in a quiet cove also provides tranquility for those looking for a calmer beach day. Easton's or First Beach is also lovely and where the beautiful Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile walk along the sea, begins. 

A historic mansion you might want to check out is The Breakers, the imposing summer home of the Vanderbilts, right on the water. Other "cottages" of the rich and famous you might want to tour include Rough Point, Marble House, and The Elms.

Seattle is known for its proximity to the water and the mountains, but people often forget the city is also full of beaches. The best ones in the city can primarily be found in two neighborhoods: Ballard and West Seattle. Ballard (the historically Scandinavian suburb) is home to Golden Gardens, which is arguably the city's top beach. And it lives up to its name! While most Washington (and Pacific Northwest) beaches are rocky, full of driftwood, or a mix of both, Golden Gardens is nothing but golden sand. Okay, and a few rocks and logs, this is still the northwest! There's also an off-leash dog park up from the beach; you just need to climb a few flights of stairs.

Carkeek Beach is also located in Ballard and is a particularly good option for families as there's a large playfield (complete with a salmon slide for the kids), many shaded picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails for four-legged and two-legged friends. Across the sound is Alki Beach in West Seattle, just a short 10 to 15 minute water taxi away from the city, but it feels like a different world. You'll need to walk about a mile or take a shuttle to the beach from the ferry drop-off location. Finally, if fresh water is more your style, head to idyllic Greenlake or Madrona Park, Denny Blaine Park, or the Arboretum along the shores of Lake Washington.

Cannon Beach is the most popular destination on the Oregon Coast and possibly the most frequented beach in the Pacific Northwest by those outside the region. The adorable art and beach town welcomes visitors throughout the year. The main center is full of cafes serving top-notch PNW coffee, craft brewpubs, retro candy shops, and many great art galleries. So whether you're looking for a fantastic spring break destination, a not-too-chilly winter vacation, or a summer getaway, Cannon Beach won't disappoint.

The sandy stretch and rolling waves of the Pacific make a great scene for long, relaxing walks on the beach. And its popularity doesn't make it any less peaceful as even on a busy summer, there's still plenty of room to enjoy views of Haystack Rock. You'll see various birds, such as black scoters, ducks, and more, breeding on the rock at different times of the year. This also means that most days, the ambiance is quite busy with all the air traffic, making it fun for kids.

Cannon Beach is especially great if you're a dog parent. It's one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the country, and you'll be hard-pressed to find accommodation or eateries that don't allow four-legged friends. And if your dog is social, it'll be their best vacation yet with all the potential friends running around on the beach.

Tybee Island is a popular day trip from Savannah for those looking to escape the city's humidity and hustle. In just about half an hour, you'll be amongst some of Georgia's most tranquil areas and stunning beaches. There are five main beaches on the island. The closest to town and the visitor's center is Mid Beach, located just at the end of Highway 80 before you turn left to head further down the island. It's a quieter area with some seaside accommodation and dining options, without the crowds elsewhere on Tybee. Next door, North Beach has an even more chilled-out feel and is the place to go if you want to unplug.

Alternatively, if you take a left on the freeway at Mid Beach, you'll eventually reach South Beach, where the pier and pavilion are located. This part of the island is considered the heart of downtown, and the main street, Tybrisa, is full of bars, eateries, and shops. You'll still enjoy a day at the beach but with a lot more life and people around! 

Back River Beach is sometimes called the "secret beach" due to its more out-of-the-way location. Tucked into a corner of the Tybee River, this is where locals and those in the know come to relax. And finally, right across the water from Back River is the nature preserve called Little Tybee Island, accessible only by boat.

You might not think of the second city as a beach destination, but its location on the shores of Lake Michigan means there are numerous beaches. Better yet, many that dot the lake throughout the city, from the suburb of Evanston to the South Shore, are free to visit. 

Rainbow Beach is the perfect option on the south side as it sits next to giant dunes and the Rainbow Beach Public Gardens, one of Chicago's oldest. Thus, the area feels more like a large waterside park than any old city beach. North Avenue Beach is known to have some of the best white sand right along the downtown skyscrapers, making it feel like a less tropical version of Miami. It has many amenities, including a beach house, concession stand, water sports rentals, and volleyball courts.

Another South Shore favorite is Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, formerly known as 31st Street Beach, which boasts one of the best views of the Chicago skyline. There is also a small boat harbor and public fishing dock. Montrose Beach in Uptown is great if you have a dog, as there's a fenced-off area. Just note swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are present, from Memorial to Labor Day weekends.

A little-known secret about Delaware is that it is home to some of the best beaches in New England. One of which is Rehoboth Beach, an adorable little town right on the Atlantic full of pastel-colored cottages and cute cafes to pass your time. The long stretch of soft sand set against the crashing waves of the dark blue Atlantic is straight out of a postcard. Additionally, the mile-long boardwalk is full of old-school beach town charm with rides, amusement park games, and plenty of sweet treats to keep you full until dinner.

Down on the beach, you can rent paddle boards or kayaks at the pier to beat the heat. Additionally, whale and dolphin watching tours and fishing tours depart multiple times a day from Fisherman's Wharf if you desire some time at sea. Just note that Rehoboth is very popular with Delaware residents and those coming from further afield, so it can and will get crowded in the summer. If you're looking for a bit more quiet, try the much less crowded Dewey Beach just down the shore.