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Manele Bay, HI - Check out Hulopo'e Beach on the island of Lana'i. The 70ºF water is perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

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Trunk Bay, US Virgin Island - Located in St. John, this lovely curve of sand also boasts a 225-yard-long underwater trail for snorkeling.

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Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico - Located on the Caribbean island of Culebra, its shallow turquoise waters, white sand, and diving sites make this the perfect vacation spot. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, Puerto Rico is back in business.

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Poipu Beach, HI - When basking in the sun on this lovely beach, don't forget to watch for humpback whales and sea turtles, frequent visitors to these waters. You can also look out for sea lions, as they often sunbathe on its sands.

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Tunnels Beach, HI - Also known as Makua, this beach is known for its amazing mountain scenery.

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Carlsbad State Beach, CA - This beach in San Diego is perfect for watching the sunset over the Pacific.

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Virginia Beach, VA - This destination has several miles of sand and a beautiful boardwalk, perfect for the whole family.

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Lanikai Beach, HI - Its sloping, pearly sands, and gentle waves make this a great vacation spot for those wishing to avoid the crowds at Waikiki.

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Nantucket, MA - The simple, white cottages and wild roses against the blue water give Nantucket an idyllic atmosphere. It's perfect for those wishing to escape the urban chaos.

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Clearwater Beach, FL - Its broad, sandy shores and beachfront hotels have attracted vacationers for a long time. Located on the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach offers all kinds of activities, from dolphin watching tours to sand volleyball.

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Race Point Beach, MA - This Cape Cod beach is perfect for whale watching.

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Coronado, CA - Stretching over 1.5 mi behind the great houses along Ocean Blvd, Coronado becomes packed in the summer months with swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, and sand sculptors. Between December and February, the beach’s white sands become the temporary playground for whale watchers.

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Cape May, NJ - The numerous cute little bed and breakfasts give this beach town a whole another dimension.

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Honokalani Beach, HI - This beach, located in Waianapanapa State Park is Maui, is famous for its black sand beach. Hawaiians deem this place as sacred. The sand gets its color from lava flow that has cooled, and is truly worth seeing.

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Martha's Vineyard, MA - If you want to avoid the summer crowds, venture over to Moshup Beach at the Vineyard's far eastern reaches for some more peace and quiet. Moshup Beach is an unspoiled paradise of white sand, framed by red and tan cliffs.

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La Jolla Shores Park, CA - This San Diego beach is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, which gives it a secluded feel. Its gentle water make it the perfect spot for a myriad of water sports.

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East Hampton, NY - The sound of the roaring waves against the mansions of Lily Pond makes the visit worth it. Don’t forget to sit down somewhere near Main Beach for some lobster rolls.

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Cape Hatteras National Seashore, NC - This strip of barrier islands stretch 72 mi along the Atlantic coast, from Nags Head to Ocracoke Island. This beach is home to the nation’s tallest lighthouse, standing 193 ft above the ground. Brave souls can climb its 248 steps to the top for spectacular views.

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Key West, FL - Located on the southernmost point in the country, Key West’s reef corals make it a great destination for snorkeling and diving.

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Kaihalulu Bay, HI - This Maui bay houses the burgundy-hued sands appropriately known as Red Sand Beach. Partially shielded from the rough waves of the open ocean by an offshore reef, this beach offers calm waters perfect for the whole family.

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The Big Island, HI - As hinted by its name, this is Hawaii’s largest (and most exciting) island. The island is home to the Kilauea volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

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St. Augustine, FL - This Florida beach offers calm water and uncrowded beaches, making it perfect for family vacations. The city was founded in 1565, which makes St. Augustine the oldest continuously-occupied settlement in the continental United States (by Europeans at least).

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Monterey, CA - This California town offers an array of opportunities, from the iconic Carmel Beach to diving areas at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

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Myrtle Beach, SC - This South Carolina destination has been a quintessential vacation spot for Americans for decades because it offers something for everybody. With loads of areas to explore, including beaches, amusement parks, restaurants, and live entertainment, Myrtle Beach is great for families, couples, and young people alike.

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Atlantic City, NJ - Forget the casinos, Atlantic City is a particularly affordable beach vacation. It offers entertainment for the whole family along its four-mile boardwalk.

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Santa Barbara, CA - Sometimes referred to as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara offers an elegant, yet casual atmosphere.

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Cannon Beach, OR - One of Oregon's most picturesque places, Cannon Beach is the perfect location for taking a stroll and local food, as it has been able to retain its small-town feel.

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Biloxi, MS - This is an affordable option for those wishing to spend a few days lounging on the beach or enjoying its casinos.

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Boca Raton, FL -

Besides upscale resorts and outdoorsy activities, Red Reef Park makes Boca Raton a great destination for swimming and snorkeling.

See also: Discover America's 30 most stunning national parks

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