Can't Afford Italy This Year? 20 Beaches In The U.S. That Rival The Riviera

July is the busiest and most expensive flight month of the summer, with the average economy international flight clocking in at $1,217. That number changes drastically when we look at the average round-trip flight in the U.S, which is a much more comfortable price tag of just $367. 

Sure, we all think going somewhere international is way more exotic and romantic, but these beach dupes in the continental U.S. may shock you. Emphasis on “continental.” Love you, Hawaii (especially Kaanapalli Beach) and but when it comes to $$$, you might as well be considered international!

Added Benefits To Vacationing in the U.S.

There are added reasons to stay local when it comes to your vacation this year, and it’s not just about your own personal bank account. 

Close your eyes and picture an island so vast that it borders two oceans, two gulfs, and a sea. A place like that is bound to come with diverse cultural experiences and fascinating history, right? Traveling in the U.S. helps us develop a better appreciation for not only our own culture but also the histories of the indigenous peoples who lived here before us and the heavy international influences that still impact many parts of the U.S. today. 

You can experience new customs and cuisine that may not be available in your home state, while avoiding headaches like language barriers or worrying if you’re making some obscene gesture when pointing with your finger. Local economies will also benefit from your tourism, which ultimately impacts the health of the nation as a whole. And lastly, perhaps the best part about traveling domestically? You get to spend way less time getting there and more time lounging on the white sand. Jet lag, step aside…

20 Beaches in the Continental United States That (Almost) Rival the Riviera 

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is one of California’s best-kept secrets. A few miles off the coast of L.A., you'll find pristine beaches and adventure galore. The locals of its primary city, Avalon (named for a mythical island featured in King Arthur legends), get around by golf cart. You can hike the 1,500-ft. Silver Peak, zip line, rejuvenate yourself at the Island Spa, and oh, did we mention some cute bison call this place home?

Carmel-by-the-Sea

In a word, Carmel-by-the-Sea is as enchanting as it sounds. Fairytale cottages, charming coastlines, rich and artistic history – it’s so easy to pretend you’re in Europe as you skip from the ice cream parlor to the coastal bluffs. 

Miami Beach

With a buzzing nightlife and art deco architecture, Miami Beach has something for everyone. Cuban food is abundant in Miami, but you'll also find South American and Deep South cuisine – oh, and of course an abundance of fresh seafood. A total must see: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is an Italian villa where around every corner is a swoon-worthy photo op. And best yet? Miami is one of the cheapest cities to fly to in the U.S.

Siesta Key

Siesta Key Beach was voted Best Beach in Florida by Tripadvisor in 2024, recognized as the second-best beach in the United States, and ranked in the top 10 for best in the world. With eight miles of white sand, this Florida barrier island was made for beach bums and its laid-back atmosphere would totally agree. 

Gulf Shores

Riviera meets Alabama? Shocking but true! The Gulf Shores are home to the warm, emerald waters that the Gulf of Mexico is famous for. The clear blue water beckons! For some fascinating history, check out the Fort Morgan State Historic Site. And while you’re here, you must try some classic Cajun cuisine (think: West African, French, and Spanish cooking techniques all rolled into one).

Caladesi Island State Park

Accessible only by boat, Caladesi Island State Park is located off the shores of Florida, and has few crowds, no condos or hotels – just pure, white sand beaches and tortoises. If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway, this is it.

Dry Tortugas National Park 

99% of this park is located under water, and its moniker is the wettest national park in the country. Dry Tortugas is only accessible via a two-hour ferry ride or private seaplane so you can expect few crowds. It’s also the home to a former U.S. military coastal fortress, Fort Jefferson, which was built to defend the Southern coast after the War of 1812. Remember what we said about appreciating your own history?

Outer Banks 

With over 200 miles of shoreline, you will have plenty of space to spread out. The Outer Banks is also conveniently located halfway on the Eastern shore, making this location just as accessible to the north and south. Blue crabs are a must eat when you’re here.

Laguna Beach

Caves, tidepools, seaside bluffs – Laguna Beach has plenty to see and explore. Surf culture is distinctly American, and if you’d like to give it a shot or simply watch surfers do their thing, then check out Brooks Street and Rockpile beaches. (Bet you didn’t have this in mind when we mentioned experiencing a new culture, did you?) Here’s some surfer lingo to help you communicate. ;)

Coronado Beach

Near San Diego is Coronado Beach. The southern end of the beach is home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a historic hotel featured in the 1958 Marilyn Monroe film Some Like It Hot. Wave hello to Mexico from the shore – if you look closely, you can see it!

Pfeiffer Beach

This popular stretch of sand in the Big Sur region of California is one of the most beloved beaches in the state. Pfeiffer’s stunning rock formations can totally go up against Cinque Terre’s dramatic coastline, particularly the famous Keyhole Rock. Pfeiffer Beach sits a bit off the beaten path, but the drive is well worth the effort to enjoy the stunning views and secluded atmosphere. Oh, and did we mention there’s purple sand?! 

Key West

As Ernest Hemmingway’s beloved home, packing one of his novels is a must. Here, you’ll find the southernmost point in the continental U.S. Clear turquoise water offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. 

Assateague Island

This island, stretching across eastern Maryland and Virginia, is most well-known for its wild horses that run over the stretch of beaches. And if you’re one of those millennials who have decided to skip the mid-life crises and go straight for grandmotherly activities, the bird watching here is on point.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, Oregon, boasts misty, enchanting views like no other. Stretching four miles long, Haystack Rock stands out by rising 235 feet out of the ocean. But heads up: The water on the Oregon coast is typically too cold and too rough to swim in, no matter the time of year.

Olympic National Park Shoreline 

Moody, brooding, and Gothic. If you’re looking for a beach to hit up in the fall because you love the feeling of sand between your toes while wearing a sweater, this place is for you. And FYI, there’s no shame in throwing your old copy of Twilight in your bag since Forks, Washington, is just down the road. (#TeamJacob4Ever)

Cape Cod 

Who doesn’t immediately think of Cape Cod when you hear “New England”? With its colorful clam shacks, shingled cottages buffeted by hydrangeas galore, and serene beaches, it's easy to see why there’s so much love surrounding this charming beach town. 

Half Moon Bay

Located about 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is the place to go if you love beaches that back to massive cliffs. Surfers from all around the world visit Mavericks Beach, as it boasts the biggest surf break on the West Coast.

Bethany Beach 

Bethany Beach in Delaware is family friendly without losing its cool. An old-fashioned boardwalk, a laid-back and quiet atmosphere, and wide beaches harkens back to the memories of our youth. If you’re in the mood for a bit of nostalgia, Bethany is for you.

Nantucket

This reel speaks for itself. This tiny island off Massachusetts is for ye old New England upper-crusts. Elin Hilderbrand is considered the Beach Read Queen and has called this place home for many years (which makes sense given that her many novels take place here). And we couldn’t be more excited about seeing her book The Perfect Couple become a mystery drama series on Netflix, starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, and Dakota Fanning, among others, slated to release this September.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

Bluffs that tower 450ft are a sight for the eyes off the coast of Lake Michigan. Check out the fascinating ghost forests, where trees that were once living were swallowed by the shifting sands and reemerged later as grotesque versions of themselves. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are ever-shifting, so a ghost forest is never quite the same. Ghost trees rise and sink, rise and sink as the months and years go by. Might not be what you have in mind when thinking of the Riviera, but definitely an experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

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