Have you heard of these gorgeous hidden beaches on our list?
Since summer is right around the corner, travelers want to spend time closer to the sand and surf. After all, summertime is synonymous with beach days. But what happens when your regular spot feels a bit overcrowded with seasonal tourists?
It might be time to seek a more secluded place to catch some much-needed rays. When you think of hidden beaches, you likely imagine some faraway tropical paradise flush with rainbow fish and dense palm trees.
But believe it or not, you’ll find sandy hidden gems in the US, too. To help in that endeavor, we’ve been on the hunt for the most peaceful, pristine, and untouched slices of paradise right here in our country.
From secluded coves on tranquil inlets to excellent lakefront real estate that isn’t known to the masses, here are 7 of the most stunning hidden beaches across the country.
Secret Beach, Brookings, Oregon
Despite its name, Secret Beach in Oregon is fairly easy to find. Cradled at the northern tip of Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, this ocean getaway is pure fantasy right on the Pacific Northwest.
Towering spruces streak black volcanic rocks engraved into natural bridges and ragged bluffs by spirited waves. This particular hidden beach can only be enjoyed at low tide.
But even if you visit at a time when you can’t sink your feet into its beautiful sand, the short hike to the spot is a tranquil event that’s worth visiting all on its own.
So how do you find Secret Beach? Hike about a third of a mile south of milepost 345 on US 101 in Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. You’ll find a small gravel parking site that leads to the 3/4 mile trail that leads to this hidden Beach.
Haskell’s Beach, Santa Barbara, California
This is another fantastic hidden beach in the Santa Barbara area. It’s a secluded spot that has its own parking lot and features a long sandy shoreline and a grassy park. It even has picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers where you can rinse off the sand before you leave.
It can be a great sunbathing, kayaking, or strolling on the hidden beach type of spot. Visitors can also explore the local scenic hiking trails of the magnificent Tecolote Canyon.
Haskell’s Beach is cradled at the base of The Ritz-Carlton, making this hotel the perfect place to stop and grab a bite to eat at one of the many on-site restaurants and relax in a tranquil space after an exciting day of lounging by the water and exploring the seaside.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Close your eyes and picture a beach in the Sunshine State. You’re probably imagining something similar to the packed shores of Miami. Well, we’re here to tell you that’s just a tiny speck of what Florida has to offer in the surf and sand department.
Have you ever heard of Dry Tortugas National Park? This protected paradise, which you can only get to via ferry or seaplane, only allows 60,000 visitors a year to admire its colorful reefs, tropical birds, sunken ships, and legends of lost treasure.
You’ll feel like you’ve traveled to some far-off Caribbean escape when you’re at this hidden beach!
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Just like a vision from a fairy tale, wild horses on Cumberland Island roam freely here.
What makes this remote, hidden beach on an island even more enticing, as if you needed more of a reason beyond wild horses, is the sprawling beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean and St. Mary’s, Georgia.
The island can only be accessed by ferry, which only adds to the adventurous trek of the whole experience. After you arrive by boat, shuffle past the island’s mature dunes, beyond the windblown sea oats, and toward the silky sand at low tide.
You might even get to have the whole hidden beach to yourself, depending on when you visit. But don’t worry…you’ll be in good company: watch for clams, whelks, and horseshoe crabs. If you keep an eye out, you may even be able to spot a whale in the Atlantic Ocean.
Amsterdam Beach Preserve, Montauk, New York
Montauk beaches already have a reputation for being some of the most stunning beaches in our country. The town’s classic East Coast sensation, rolling dunes, and magnificent bluffs, reaching over 70 feet, offer a break from the summer heat.
And even though the well-known Ditch Plains Beach is a popular spot for tourists of all ages, the close-by Amsterdam Beach Preserve is a lesser crowded hidden beach in Montauk, offering you a perfectly secluded area to unwind and explore.
It features spectacular views of the clear coastline on Montauk’s East End. And after a day of fun in the sun, you can retire at the beloved 96-room Marram resort, famous for its barefoot luxury experience and centrally located just five minutes from Montauk’s downtown area.
Cape Charles, Virginia
Those looking for a more laid-back seaside Virginia escape should look no further than Cape Charles Beach. This hidden beach is located on the bayside of the East Shore of the state in the downtown historic district.
It’s a perfect spot for travelers of all ages because of its more tranquil and shallow waters. The town of Cape Charles itself is one of the Commonwealth’s best-kept hidden beaches.
It’s charming and inviting, with adorable boutique shops and hotels that dot the lovely streets. If you’ve been looking for a coastal adventure, you can visit one of the local outdoor outfitters and plan a kayaking and watersports tour.
While here, we recommend you stay at Hotel Cape Charles, just a couple of steps away from the hidden beach, and it offers chic, private glass balconies and magnificent water views.
Sandbeach Lake, Allenspark, Colorado
This hidden beach isn’t for the faint of heart. When you eventually find the trailhead to Sandbeach Lake in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll have to prepare for a 9-mile hike there and back. So is it worth it? You betcha!
Along the way, you can kick off your boots and soothe your toes in the crisp mountain water. At 50 feet deep, Sandbeach Lake is among the deepest lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
And once you get there, you’ll be greeted by picturesque views of Mount Copeland and St. Vrain Mountain. So take some time to soak in that wonderful Colorado sun; soon, you won’t want to leave! In fact, pack a picnic basket for the day and stay a while.
Just remember that even though the terrain is moderate, you should prepare yourself for a few steep climbs on your way to this hidden beach. The trailhead is located a fourth of a mile from the corner of Routes 115 and 84.
Be sure to leave a comment to let us know if you know about any of these hidden beaches or if you know of any other secret gems you’d like our readers to know about.
And in the meantime, our site has many more articles we recommend checking out, especially this one: 7 Magnificent Cabin Rentals in the US
