Best Beaches in North America

The hefty price tag of traveling to North America often puts some people off. But even today, there is still plenty of value to be found, especially at these stunning beaches.

Quick Answer – What Are the Best Beaches in North America?

Below, you’ll find our quick list of NA’s best seaside locations, including the prettiest beaches in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

• Clearwater Beach, Florida
• Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
• Malibu Beach, California
• Tulum Beach, Mexico
• Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
• Varadero Beach, Cuba
• Cannon Beach, Oregon
• Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Best Beaches in the United States

Of course, we’re going to start off with none other than big ol’ America itself. Between sunny Florida, California’s coast, and the Hawaiian islands, there are so many summer vacation ideas to choose from.

These are the prettiest beaches in the US.

Clearwater Beach, Florida

It’s no surprise that Clearwater Beach in Florida was awarded the title of Florida’s number one beach. Think ice-white sands, chill vibes, and fun for all the family; that’s what pretty beaches in the US, like Clearwater, are all about.

You won’t have to worry about high entrance fees, as Clearwater Beach is completely free to enter. That said, if you want to hire a beach umbrella and chairs, you’ll have to fork out $40 (€35.09). But why would you do that when you can bring your own towel and set it up in a shaded area for free?

For a quieter escape, consider focusing your attention on the northern end, which tends to be less busy. As the day comes to a close, Pier 60 fills up with people coming to catch a mega Florida sunset.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach can get expensive quickly, but even the best beaches in North America can be done on a budget. Swimming here costs nothing. Soaking up views of the majestic Diamond Head in the distance is free, and the Kuhio Beach Hula Show comes at no cost to visitors. 

Surfing at Waikiki Beach is something every visitor should try at least once. The wave break here is small, making conditions favorable for beginners. Surf shops offer board rentals for as little as $25 (€21.93) for two hours, though rates vary by company.

Just remember that Waikiki Beach is more of a collection of beaches along one stretch. Kūhiō Beach, Queen’s Surf Beach, and Duke’s Beach are some of those that make up Waikiki. Try to stay a couple of blocks inland for better-priced hotels.

Malibu Beach, California

Malibu is the ultimate beach holiday destination. With 21 miles of sun-kissed coast, there’s something here for everyone.

Zuma Beach is the most iconic, tucked away beneath the Santa Monica Mountains, while Staircase Beach is a hit with dog walkers, as pups are permitted. Head to Carbon Beach for some celeb spotting, known to be popular with some of Cali’s most famous faces.

Given that several of the prettiest beaches in the US are located in Malibu rather than just one section, I recommend hiring a car for the day and exploring the full 21 miles. Daily rentals can be found for as little as $45 (€39.47), offering much more flexibility.

Best Beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean

Next, we’re moving further south to Mexico and the Caribbean to look at some unique beaches in North America. This part of the region is famed for its tropical waters and vibrant culture. Plus, it’s much kinder to your wallet, allowing you to have a cheap beach holiday .

Tulum Beach, Mexico

Tulum Beach is no longer Mexico’s best-kept secret, but it lives up to the hype. Nestled on the Caribbean coast in the Yucatán Peninsula, here, you’ll find ancient Mayan ruins dating back to the 13th century, epic reefs you can snorkel out to, and sand so white it’s almost blinding. Not to forget the young, wild, and free yogis up at the crack of dawn, stretching out, and hip mezcal bars.

Surprisingly, Tulum Beach, one of the best beaches in North America, once charged an entrance fee, but that has now changed. Following an agreement between the municipality and bars, restaurants, and hotels, visitors can now enter without paying!

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

If Tulum’s boho-chic energy isn’t for you, head across the Caribbean to the award-winning Seven Mile Beach, often cited as the best beach in North America. 

The only way to describe Seven Mile Beach is jaw-dropping, with its dramatic soft sands and calm azure waters that are ideal for paddling. It sits on the west of Grand Cayman, the main tourist hub, so your hotel will likely be only a short stroll away.

Seven Mile Beach isn’t just a pretty sight in terms of natural beauty, but also for the swanky properties that line the shore. Be sure to swing by Seven Mile Greens, a great stop for low-cost brekkie with bites for under KYD 10 (€10.53).

Varadero Beach, Cuba

You may have heard of Varadero for being one of the longest beaches in North America. This 20 km stretch on Cuba’s northern coast has long been a budget-friendly getaway, with dozens of resorts scattered along the water. It’s only 140 km from Havana and has its own airport, so you can fly in directly. 

Even though Varadero is quite resort-focused, it still has a local Cuban feel, as it’s also a town with many shops, cafés, and eateries. ¡La buena vida!

Hidden Gem Beaches Worth Discovering

Looking for a few hidden gem beaches in North America? Some spots still haven’t been fully ruined by the crowds, including these picks, which rank among the best places to travel in June .

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Oregon isn’t usually the first place that springs to mind when imagining the prettiest beaches in the US, but wait until you see Cannon Beach. Striking rock formations rise out of the ocean along the West Coast, and lovely coastal lodges are available to rent by the shore. For a change of pace, the hikes in the neighboring Ecola State Park are sure to impress.

Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres is all coconut trees, beach clubs, and powdery sands. Just a short boat ride from Cancún, this slice of heaven is only around 700 meters long and has serious wow factor, making it one of the best beaches in North America. Vendors wander up and down selling trinkets, and there are endless snorkeling spots, especially around the wooden bridge.

How to Choose the Best Beach Destination

When deciding on the right beaches in North America for you, the main things to consider are your budget, travel style, season, and activities.

The US is undoubtedly the most expensive destination of them all. Prices are considerably higher for accommodation and food, so if you’re on a smaller budget, you’ll need to plan more carefully to make it work. Mexico is by no means cheap, but your money goes a little further, especially if you stay in hostels and stick to local taco stands.

Be sure to factor in your travel style as well. Waikiki Beach is popular among families, whereas digital nomads, yoga lovers, and smoothie-loving hippies favor Tulum. Ask yourself what suits you best before deciding.

Certain times of the year are busier at specific beaches. The Cayman Islands and Cuba’s coast are best avoided between June and August due to the rainy season, but from January to April, they enjoy a drier spell. On the other hand, Malibu’s year-round favorable conditions make it a good place to travel in August .

Different beaches offer different activities. You can laze around on a lounger just about anywhere, but if surfing is on the agenda, Waikiki will be right up your street. Cannon Beach, Oregon, is better suited for anyone who wants to pair outdoor adventure with a coastal visit, as Ecola State Park has many nearby trails.

Consider Travel Budget and Accessibility

The main costs you’ll have for visiting the best beaches in North America are flights, hotels, activities, and meals.

Airfares take up most of a travel budget, but they don’t have to when you have Kiwi. Our platform can get you cheap flights to any of the above beach destinations thanks to virtual interlining fares. We hack the system for you, providing multi-airline routes that reduce the total cost of your trips. Rather than flying with American Airlines the whole way, adding a leg with another carrier can bring down the cost of your trip by hundreds.

Be flexible with accommodation options. Big-name hotels in the center may sound appealing, but B&Bs, locally run guesthouses, and hostels a little outside of town are often better value.

I always try to stick to as many free activities as possible when traveling to expensive places, and that’s very easy at the beach. Swimming and sunbathing are free. Pack your own snorkel so you don’t have to spend any extra money. You can also walk to nearby sites without having to hire a driver. That’s how you do beach holidays on a budget.

For food, stop at a supermarket beforehand to pack a lunch or eat before you leave your accommodation. Locally run eateries are never far away, either. Avoid eating by the beach, as prices are usually inflated; instead, head a couple of blocks inland to find better-value options.

Best Time to Visit Beaches

All the beaches in North America have their own peak seasons. High season typically brings the best weather but also higher demand, higher prices, and larger crowds. Conditions in the low season are more unpredictable, although you can often find great deals, especially on flights. 

Tip: The best day to book flights is Sunday , with savings of up to 17% on international airfares.

Here’s a breakdown of North America’s beach seasons.

Tips for Booking Affordable Beach Vacations

• Fly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: For cheap holiday flights , book flights midweek rather than weekends. Demand is much higher on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ll likely pay more if you want to fly then.
• Avoid staying on the beach: Accommodation directly on the beach is almost always more expensive than staying farther inland. Stick to local neighborhoods outside tourist hubs.
• Bring your beach stuff with you: Towels, sandcastle kits for the kids, snorkels; pack them all before coming to the best beaches in North America. Stores along the coast raise their prices because they know some people will be desperate enough to pay more.
• Only visit public beaches: Secluded private beaches are nice, but mostly have entry fees. Public beaches are usually free to visit.
• Consider car rentals in the US: If you have a family of four and are visiting a beach, check the cost of a car rental. The price per head may be lower than paying for bus or train tickets or an Uber.

Ready to Plan Your Beach Getaway?

These are our picks for the best beaches in North America. Whether it’s America’s West Coast or beautiful Cuba, you’re never far from a seaside getaway with Kiwi. See what options are available for your travel dates, compare routes, and make big savings with our flight comparison tools. The ocean is ready when you are.