100 Best Secret Beaches in the USA (Revealed in Poll of Families)

We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023.

Here are the best secret beaches in the USA according to the families we surveyed.

1.​ ​​Awahua Beach, Hawaii

Awahua​ ​Beach is a picturesque and secluded beach located on the island of Molokai in Hawaii.

The beach is known for its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft, white sand that stretches for over a mile.

The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery,​ ​providing a stunning backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach, taking in the serene atmosphere and the natural beauty of this hidden gem.

With its secluded location and pristine surroundings​.​ Awahua Beach offers a peaceful and rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Related: Family Beach Vacations in Florida

2. Shell Key Preserve, Florida

The beach at Shell Key Preserve in Florida is a beautiful and secluded stretch of pristine white sand, bordered by clear turquoise waters and lush vegetation.

The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply strolling along the shore, taking in the breathtaking scenery and listening to the sound of the waves.

The beach is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, making it an important conservation area.

Related: Clear Water Beaches in Florida

Related: Florida Beach Resorts for Families

3. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

Lanikai Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located on the east coast of Oahu, Hawaii.

The beach is known for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and two picturesque islands called Na Mokulua or “Mokes,” visible from the shore.

The beach is popular for its calm and tranquil waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

The surrounding neighborhood of Lanikai is one of the most exclusive residential areas in Hawaii, with many luxurious beachfront homes.

With its breathtaking scenery and serene atmosphere, Lanikai Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the island.

Related: Family Beach Resorts in California

4. Kauapea Beach, Hawaii

Kauapea Beach, also known as Secret Beach, is a stunningly beautiful and secluded beach located on the north shore of Kauai, Hawaii.

The beach is known for its long stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and towering cliffs that provide a breathtaking backdrop.

The beach is relatively hidden and can only be accessed by a steep hike down a dirt trail, adding to its secluded and private atmosphere.

Kauapea Beach is also known for its strong currents and rough waves, making it popular with experienced surfers and bodyboarders.

Visitors to the beach can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the nearby tide pools and sea caves.

With its pristine natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Kauapea Beach is a hidden gem that is well worth the effort to discover.

Some might even consider this little jewel to be one of the best beaches in the USA.

Related: Top Family Beach Resorts in the USA

5. Sedge Island, New Jersey

Sedge Island, located off the coast of New Jersey, is home to a hidden beach that offers visitors a unique and secluded coastal experience.

Unknown to many, this beach can only be accessed by boat, making it a truly exclusive destination.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by soft sands and calm waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including nesting birds and crabs, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

With no boardwalk or commercial development, the hidden beach at Sedge Island offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Related: Top Beach Resorts for Kids

100 Best Secret Beaches in the USA – Rankings Table

Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.

Hidden Beaches Sorted by State

Here we sort the data by state so it’s easier for you to find a hidden beach near you.

Best Secret Beaches in Alabama

• Dauphin Island
• Gulf Shores
• Fort Morgan

Best Secret Beaches in Alaska

• Lowell Point Beach
• Kalifornsky Beach
• Ninilchik Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Arizona

• River Island State Park
• Butcher Jones Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Arkansas

• Lake Bennett
• Greers Ferry Lake

Best Secret Beaches in California

• Salt Creek Beach
• Wildcat Beach
• Hollywood Beach
• Bowling Ball Beach
• Gray Whale Cove Beach
• Montaña de Oro State Park
• Haskell’s Beach
• Enderts Beach

Best Secret Beach in Colorado

• Sandbeach Lake

Best Secret Beaches in Connecticut

• Dubois Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Delaware

• Slaughter Beach
• Pickering Beach
• Broadkill Beach

Best Hidden Beaches in Florida

• Shell Key Preserve
• Lovers Key State Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Boneyard Beach
• Navarre Beach
• Caladesi Island
• Cayo Costa State Park
• Camp Helen State Park

Best Secret Beaches in Georgia

• Driftwood Beach
• Cumberland Island

Best Secret Beaches in Hawaii

• Awahua Beach
• Lanikai Beach
• Kauapea Beach
• Gray’s Beach
• Pa’ako Cove

Best Secret Beach in Idaho

• Evans Landing

Best Secret Beach in Illinois

• Sunrise Beach

Best Secret Beach in Indiana

• Dogtown Beach

Best Secret Beach in Iowa

• Rathbun Lake

Best Secret Beach in Kansas

• Glen Elder State Park

Best Secret Beach in Kentucky

• Nolin Lake State Park

Best Secret Beach in Louisiana

• Holly Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Maine

• Roque Bluffs
• Seawall Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Maryland

• Assateague Island
• Matoaka Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Massachusetts

• Chatham Lighthouse Beach
• Bound Brook Island Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Michigan

• Cherry Beach
• South Manitou Island
• Sleeping Bear Dunes

Best Secret Beach in Minnesota

• Black Beach

Best Secret Beaches in Mississippi

• Ship Island
• Presley’s Outing