Winning tip: wild beaches west of Leadbetter, Santa Barbara, California

You will see more birds than people on the wonderfully wild, sandy beaches that stretch between Santa Barbara’s popular Leadbetter beach and its dog-friendly Hendry’s beach. On a mid-August stroll, I was accompanied by curlews, cormorants, stilts, and dunlin that bobbed in and out of the waves, while a stately great blue heron stood in quiet contemplation. Make sure you check the tides, however, and keep an eye out for escape routes up the steps cut in the sheer cliffs to avoid being cut off between the rocky outcrops by incoming tides. Refreshments available at the Boathouse restaurant.
sbfishhouse.com
CaroleTidball

Wingaersheek beach, Massachusetts

Beautiful little Wingaersheek beach lies north of Gloucester where the Annisquam river flows into Ipswich Bay. At low tide its clean, hard-packed sand extends well into the river and to sandbars you can walk on and in the distance stands Annisquam lighthouse. In the middle of the beach is an outcrop called Barn Rocks, which provides numerous tide pools for kids to play in. During the summer, the town provides lifeguards, rest rooms, concessions, and showers. Wingaersheek is reached by car or bike over narrow, winding roads – but the car park fills up fast.
Blifil48

Edisto beach, South Carolina

This is one of the last relatively unspoiled beaches on the eastern US coast, and still mostly unknown to those outside of South Carolina. It is truly a place to relax and unwind, everyday life seems a long distance away as you take a leisurely cycle around, pausing to photograph the scenic views, or stopping for a dip in the sea. Hop on a boat tour and take in the fascinating cultural history of the area. And it’s just a one-hour drive from Charleston.
beach_beaver

Long Beach Island, New Jersey

This beach-lovers’ paradise is just an hour from New York. With miles of white sand it’s a refreshing change from the over-developed beaches elsewhere on the east coast. The island may be small (18 miles long and half a mile wide) but it doesn’t lack variety; Schooner’s Wharf offers boutique shopping at the foot of a reconstructed tall ship, Beach Haven has a surf park and fairground. The iconic Barnegat lighthouse is in a state park on the north of the island which is also where you’ll find multimillion dollar beachfront residences owned by celebrities – and as the island is so small, if they’re vacationing for the summer you’ll soon hear about it!
MigraineJones

Siesta Key beach, Florida

The pristine white sand of Siesta Key beach in Florida is made of quartz deposited millions of years ago from the Appalachian mountains so even in the hottest weather the beach is cool on the feet and great for sport or relaxing. The minerals give the sea a stunningly clear, shimmering aqua-marine colour at all times. Access and parking are free and the sheltered waters of the Gulf of Mexico make it easy for swimmers of all abilities. Get there by bus or taxi from Sarasota, four miles away.
TheCapeCruiser

Anna Maria Island, Florida

Just 45 minutes south of Tampa airport lies the hidden paradise of Anna Maria Island. A spit of land emerging from nearby Bradenton, it extends like a finger out into the Tampa Bay – but feels a million miles away from the hustle of the city. This is old Florida at its best and most authentic. Rent a condo and start your day with eggs sunny-side up at the Rod and Reel Pier restaurant, before hitting the pristine white beaches. You might even get to share your swim with a manatee or two.
tommyh88

Pfeiffer beach, California

Just stunning. Take the unmarked hairpin right turn a couple of miles south of Big Sur Lodge and follow the narrow road to coastal gold. The coastline is very Goonies-esque. The spray, mist, noise and power of the Pacific are sensational. The rock formations moulded by years of wind and water are a sight to behold too. The wide expanse of infinitely walkable beach means that there is always a quiet spot – or as quiet as the wind and waves will allow. About two hours south of San Francisco or 30 minutes south of Monterey, right off the amazing Pacific Coast Highway. Bring a picnic as there are no services.
bigsurcalifornia.org
catchytitled

Stinson beach, California

My first dip in the Pacific was in the unlikely setting of Stinson beach, reminiscent less of a tropical white-sand paradise and more of a wild, rough landscape of cliffs and icy-cold water. An hour’s drive north of San Francisco leads you to this gorgeous coastal town on the edge of Mt Tamalpais state park, where Berkeley hippies and affluent Silicon Valley workers come together to enjoy weekends of clam chowder and seaside ice-creams. Behind the beach and town are gorgeous hikes up through the hills which offer stunning views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate bridge – one of the reasons that this truly unique beach has stayed with me years after visiting.
Anna Harrington

Sandbridge, Virginia

This beach is pure heaven, particularly at sunset. Easily accessible and never overly busy, it’s the perfect spot to relax (although the tide can come in quite far). It’s often frequented by locals rather than tourists, so you know it’s the real deal. There’s plenty to explore around the local area too, once you’ve exhausted what the beach has to offer.
Joseph Begley

Shi Shi beach, Washington state

The peninsula west of Seattle is a land of rainforest and sublime rocky beaches bursting with life. This is the Olympic national park, home to my favourite beaches in the country. They aren’t white sand, there isn’t a posing strip out back, and there are no five-star hotels, fancy restaurants and expensive shops to retreat to. And there aren’t crowds. Instead, you get some of the best tidepool beaches in the world, real living beaches. My favourite is Shi Shi, but you can easily find your own personal beach or spend days exploring the coastline. So, instead of just giving your tan a top-up, give your brain a top-up too and go explore.
unguarded