Highway 1 is the gateway to an abundance of beaches along the California coastline, stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles. From sweeping golden sands to more rugged, quaint beaches backed by cliffs, there's something to suit everyone's taste. Despite being a popular destination for tourists you do feel amongst the locals here, think small towns and boutique shops rather than big superstores.

Situated at the northern end of the coastline is Santa Cruz. With 29 miles worth of beach there's plenty of room to get your surf on or just catch some rays, and a lively downtown area awaits for when the sun goes down. Further south along the central coast you'll find the historic towns of Monterey and Carmel. Take a stroll along Cannery Row and sample some of the great seafood in one of the many restaurants or bars. The famous 17 mile drive will lead you to Carmel which features some of the best beaches in the USA and some of the world's finest golf courses to boot.

Journeying on down the coastline via the eccentric genius of Hearst Castle, continue on to discover the wonder of Pismo Beach. A lovely area with some great wineries nearby won't leave you disappointed. Before you dive into the bright lights of LA, the old Spanish style town of Santa Barbara is worth a visit. This stylish picturesque town is a real treat, numerous upscale shops and restaurants lie beneath the traditional red tile roofs, allowing you to top up your wardrobe as well as your tan.

Welcome to the land of year round sunshine! Strut down Hollywood Boulevard, grab a drink at the famous Rainbow Bar or take a hike to Griffiths Observatory or the Hollywood sign. People may come for the big city vibe but LA also boasts some of the best beaches in the USA. 

From Los Angeles, the vibrant town of Santa Monica is the most accessible. The fun filled pier is full of activities and the beach is backed by a host of chic rooftop bars. A more relaxed pace can be found at Long Beach, a great place for families to hang out with the sea otters at the aquarium or learn about the local maritime history by the harbour. Orange County, the OC of TV fame, has a glamorous but welcoming vibe. Brave the waves at the surfing capital of Huntington Beach, or head to Newport Beach for a more sophisticated atmosphere. Laguna Beach offers something different with its secluded beaches, coves and and a thriving arts scene.

The second largest city in "SoCal", San Diego is home to a richly diverse culture. Coronado Beach, consistently voted in the top 10 beaches in the USA, boasts a wonderful setting by the iconic Hotel del Coronado, popularised in the film Some Like it Hot. Try your hand at a range of watersports at Mission Bay, or if you prefer dry land, admire the marina views along the boardwalks. The Gaslamp Quarter is an exciting area of downtown combining traditional Victorian architecture with modern restaurants and nightlife.

The Sunshine State, Florida, has some of the best beach resorts in the USA, or even in the world. One of the most well known and popular destinations is Miami. Having evolved exponentially in recent times (pack your pastel suit just in case though), you'll find an exciting blend of classic architecture, vibrant nightlife and gorgeous beaches. Renowned South Beach will welcome you with its lively charm, whilst those looking for a quieter time should head up to Miami Beach where a more relaxed pace is the norm.

Florida's Gulf Coast has beaches galore to suit all needs. Easily accessible from Tampa or a short drive from Orlando, Clearwater boasts delightful beaches and is great for families with its friendly atmosphere and a multitude of activities from kayaking to dolphin watching. Meander down the coast to Sarasota and discover Florida's cultural capital. Home to great museums and art galleries within easy reach of the beaches, it's a great contrast to the other beach towns in this region. Those looking to get away from it all will love the tranquility of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands. The unspolit beaches and myriad wildlife make this a real paradise. At the southern tip of the Gulf lies the chic city of Naples where indulging in high end shopping and Michelin star food is the order of the day. The nearby Everglades provide a respite with an abundance of wildlife and mangroves to explore.

Winding out from the mainland, the impressive Overseas Highway leads you down through the Florida Keys. This archipelago of over 100 islands offer something for everyone; fantastic wildlife and marine sanctuaries, superb natural beaches and of course the nightlife. Key West, the southernmost city in the USA, is the lively capital of the Keys. Key Largo and Islamorada are great spots for snorkelling and diving, or check out the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

Turning our attention to the east coast, charming South Carolina are a fantastic alternative beach destination in the USA. An area full of heritage and boasting some incredible scenery, these are the key places you need to visit. 

Hilton Head is a glorious island best known for its smooth white beaches and world class golf courses. Head to the famous Harbour Town lighthouse to learn about the history of the area or just to keep your Instagram afloat; either way it's a must! 

If it's good old fashioned fun you're after then Myrtle Beach should be top of your list. Fantastic for families, you'll be spoilt for choice with activities. After wearing yourselves out, pay a visit to Myrtle Beach State Park to unwind on the many miles of unspoilt beaches.

New England may not be initially what springs to mind when thinking of a 'USA beach holiday', but let's explore why a trip to historic Cape Cod is a great option to consider.

Situated just two hours south of Boston, the peninsula of Cape Cod is made up of attractive little villages with miles of beaches along the coastline. With several local style shops, restaurants and galleries you can really immerse yourself within the culture. 

Chatham and Hyannis are two of the most popular places in the Cape. Go exploring in the sand dunes, lunch on one of the famous lobster rolls, or pay a visit to the JFK Museum. Tick something off the bucket list and head to Barnstable for a whale watching cruise then ramble along to Sandwich, the area's oldest village dating back to 1639. 

There's a great deal of diversity in Cape Cod and it has a lovely, traditional seaside vibe. Its proximity to Boston makes it ideal for a summer break or an add on to a city break.

The Aloha State of Hawaii has so many fabulous beaches, we've dedicated a separate blog post to them! Take a look at our guide to the best beaches in Hawaii. 

For more inspiration on where to go, what to see and do in this fabulous country, take a look at our USA Holidays pages.