20 Hidden Beaches in the USA
When it comes to beaches in the U.S., places like Miami, Malibu, and Myrtle Beach often steal the spotlight. But if you’re looking for secluded coastal escapes, there are countless hidden gems where you can enjoy pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and fewer crowds. These off-the-radar beaches offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, whether you love sunbathing, snorkeling, or just soaking in the untouched beauty.
From remote islands to secret coves, here are 20 of the most stunning hidden beaches in the USA that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Shi Shi Beach, Washington
Tucked away in the Olympic National Park, Shi Shi Beach is a rugged paradise for those who don’t mind a bit of a trek. You’ll need to hike two miles through lush forest before reaching the shore, but the reward is a breathtaking coastline framed by sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn sands.
Come at low tide to explore the dramatic rock formations, or camp overnight for a truly magical experience. The sunsets here, with their fiery hues reflecting off the Pacific, are nothing short of mesmerizing.
2. Carova Beach, North Carolina
Accessible only by four-wheel drive, Carova Beach is a wild, untamed stretch of sand on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This off-grid destination is famous for its roaming wild horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs brought over centuries ago.
With no paved roads and no commercial development, Carova offers a true escape from modern life. Pack a picnic, bring a beach tent, and enjoy the uninterrupted views of the Atlantic—just be mindful of the tides when driving.
3. Enderts Beach, California
Hidden in Redwood National and State Parks, Enderts Beach feels like a secret world. A short but scenic hike along the Coastal Trail leads you to this stunning stretch of sand, where dramatic cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean.
The main attraction? Tide pooling! At low tide, the beach reveals a wonderland of colorful sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs. It’s a perfect stop for nature lovers who want both majestic redwoods and a secluded shoreline in one trip.
4. Awahua Beach, Hawaii
Located on Molokai, one of Hawaii’s least-touristy islands, Awahua Beach is a remote, golden-sand paradise. You’ll need to either hike or take a mule ride down the steep Kalaupapa Trail to reach it, but the view from the bottom is worth every step.
This beach is part of the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, known for its towering sea cliffs—the tallest in the world. Swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents, but the scenery alone makes it a must-visit.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
About 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is one of Florida’s most remote and pristine beach destinations. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this national park is home to the stunning Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches.
Snorkeling here is exceptional, with vibrant marine life, shipwrecks, and crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands. The lack of crowds makes it feel like a private tropical escape.
6. Black Sand Beach, Alaska
Alaska isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but the stunning black sands of Barry Arm Fjord make this spot unforgettable. Located near Whittier, this hidden gem is accessible only by kayak or boat, offering an untouched, wild beauty you won’t find anywhere else.
The contrast of jet-black volcanic sand, deep blue waters, and towering glaciers creates a surreal experience. Summer is the best time to visit, as the long daylight hours allow for more exploring.
7. Second Beach, Washington
Nestled within the Olympic National Park, Second Beach is a dreamy escape surrounded by rock arches, tide pools, and driftwood sculptures. A short hike through moss-covered forests leads you to this pristine shore, where you can witness some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Sunsets here are breathtaking, and if you’re lucky, you might spot bald eagles soaring overhead. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel.
8. Shell Key Preserve, Florida
A short boat ride from St. Pete Beach, Shell Key Preserve is an undeveloped barrier island with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a wildlife haven, home to nesting seabirds, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee.
Since there are no facilities, this beach remains blissfully uncrowded. Bring a cooler, a beach umbrella, and plenty of sunscreen for a true back-to-nature experience.
9. Secret Beach, Oregon
Despite its name, Secret Beach isn’t entirely unknown—but it still feels like a hidden treasure. Located along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, this small, tucked-away cove features rugged sea stacks, emerald-green waters, and golden sands.
The steep but short hike to reach it keeps the crowds away, making it a peaceful spot to relax and take in the beauty of the Oregon Coast’s dramatic cliffs and misty atmosphere.
10. Cumberland Island, Georgia
This untouched island paradise off the coast of Georgia is a dream for nature lovers. Accessible only by ferry from St. Marys, Cumberland Island boasts miles of wild, empty beaches, ancient oak forests draped in Spanish moss, and feral horses wandering the dunes.
Since visitor numbers are limited, the island never feels crowded. Spend the day hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the feeling of having an entire beach to yourself.
11. Sombrero Beach, Florida
Tucked away in Marathon, Florida, Sombrero Beach is a lesser-known paradise in the Florida Keys. Unlike the more famous beaches in Key West, this spot offers soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling—without the overwhelming crowds.
It’s also a sea turtle nesting area, so if you visit between April and October, you might witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean. The beach has picnic areas and shaded spots, making it a great spot for a relaxed day by the water.
12. Great Point Beach, Massachusetts
Located at the northern tip of Nantucket, Great Point Beach is a remote stretch of coastline accessible only by four-wheel drive. The Great Point Lighthouse, standing tall against the rolling dunes, makes this spot feel like a scene from a classic New England postcard.
With strong surf, abundant seabirds, and frequent seal sightings, it’s a dream for wildlife lovers. The journey to get here feels like an adventure, but the serenity of the beach makes it worth every bump in the road.
13. Bowling Ball Beach, California
A hidden wonder along California’s Mendocino Coast, Bowling Ball Beach is famous for its unique spherical rock formations scattered along the shore. These perfectly rounded boulders are best seen at low tide, when the water recedes and reveals their full shape.
The beach is part of Schooner Gulch State Park, and getting there requires a steep but short hike. Photographers and nature lovers will be captivated by the otherworldly landscape, especially at sunset.
14. Second Valley Beach, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is full of surprises, and Second Valley Beach is one of its best-kept secrets. Nestled in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, this pristine spot is a haven for birdwatchers, kayakers, and solitude seekers.
With powdery white sand, gentle waves, and undisturbed dunes, it feels worlds away from the more commercial beaches nearby. Bring a kayak to explore the coastal lagoons or simply relax under the warm southern sun.
15. Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
For a wild, undeveloped beach experience, Cape Lookout National Seashore is hard to beat. Accessible only by boat or ferry, this 56-mile stretch of untouched coastline is part of the Outer Banks but remains far less crowded than its famous neighbors.
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, standing against the backdrop of rolling dunes, adds to the charm. This is the perfect spot for camping under the stars, shell collecting, or spotting wild horses roaming the shore.
16. Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach), Hawaii
Despite its growing reputation, Kauapea Beach on Kauai’s north shore remains relatively uncrowded thanks to its steep and somewhat tricky hike down. Once you arrive, you’re rewarded with golden sand, towering cliffs, and dramatic waves crashing against the shore.
There are no facilities, so you’ll need to pack everything in and out, but the beauty of this spot makes it worth the effort. The best time to visit is in the summer months, when the waves are calmer and the sun is shining.
17. Wildcat Beach, California
Hidden within Point Reyes National Seashore, Wildcat Beach is a secluded escape only reachable by a 5.5-mile hike from the Bear Valley Trailhead. The payoff? Miles of unspoiled shoreline, towering cliffs, and the stunning Alamere Falls, which cascades directly onto the beach.
Since the journey to get here is long, many visitors opt to camp overnight at Wildcat Campground. If you love rugged, off-the-grid adventures, this is one of California’s most rewarding hidden beaches.
18. Salvo Beach, North Carolina
Tucked between Rodanthe and Avon in the Outer Banks, Salvo Beach is a quiet retreat away from the more crowded parts of the region. It’s part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, meaning there’s little development—just miles of soft sand, rolling dunes, and crystal-clear water.
Sunsets here are breathtaking, and the calm waves make it an excellent spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly beach, this is it.
19. Rosy Mound Natural Area, Michigan
Yes, the Midwest has hidden beaches, and Rosy Mound Natural Area in Grand Haven is proof. A scenic hike through towering sand dunes leads to this stunning stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, where soft golden sand meets the sparkling blue lake.
Since the trek to the beach involves several staircases and a winding boardwalk, it keeps the crowds away. In the fall, the surrounding forests explode with brilliant autumn colors, making it a fantastic off-season destination.
20. Cayo Costa, Florida
For a true island escape, Cayo Costa is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. This state park, located just north of Captiva Island, is accessible only by ferry, private boat, or kayak, keeping it blissfully free of crowds.
The island’s nine miles of untouched beaches are perfect for shell collecting, snorkeling, and watching dolphins play just offshore. With limited facilities and no hotels, it’s a slice of Florida’s Gulf Coast that feels frozen in time.
