With Memorial Day weekend upon us, COVID restrictions easing more each day, and more people getting vaccinated, many people across the U.S. are planning on hitting the beach this weekend to kick off the unofficial beginning of summer. If you're one of them, we know the perfect spot to send you to. Best Life partnered with Yelp to find the best beach—or lake/waterfront area in places where beaches weren't applicable—in your state. The popular review site identified each state's options in the beaches category and then ranked those spots based on several factors, including user ratings. (All beaches, parks, and lakes on this list were identified as being open on Yelp as of May 21, 2021.) Read on to discover the best beach in your state and other top spots across the country.
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1 | Alabama
Nicki K. on YelpBeach: Gulf Shores Beach
City: Gulf Shores
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "It's a great place for families or people without kids because there are so many options! Plenty of condo, hotel, and Aribnb's to stay at on the beach too. We can't wait to go back!" —Amanda S.
2 | Alaska
Jordan S. on YelpBeach: Bishop's Beach
City: Homer
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "A beautiful beach! It's fun to come here and beach comb/look for goodies. It's also a great place to come and take pictures/family pictures." —Katherine S.
3 | Arizona
Dawn F. on YelpBeach: Rotary Park Beach & Playground
City: Lake Havasu City
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This is a fantastic part of Havasu. There are beaches to kayak, walkways to stroll through, playgrounds to enjoy, along with ramadas and ball fields. There is something for everyone and every age." —Kristen D.
4 | Arkansas
KG B. on YelpBeach: Harrison Hot Spring Beach
City: Hot Spring
Yelp rating: 3.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Quiet resort town with plenty to see and do for the day. Several restaurants are within walking distance." —Alanna S.
5 | California
Marina. A on YelpBeach: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
City: Carmel
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The park is full of countless waterfronts that you can access if you look hard enough for a route/path down! Plenty of coves and beaches!" —Abou K.
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6 | Colorado
Eddie D. on YelpBeach: Aurora Reservoir
City: Aurora
Yelp rating: 3.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This place is as beautiful as it is amazing—beach, swimming, paddle boarding, food courts, volleyball covered seating, archery, scuba diving, public restrooms, hiking trails biking trails ... open all seasons in the sunny state of Colorado!" —Jay P.
7 | Connecticut
Tabitha M. on. YelpBeach: Bluff Point State Park
City: Groton
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Nice 3 mile loop trail with access to beach and forest. Easy to find and easy highway access." —Kathy T.
8 | Delaware
Heng L. on YelpBeach: Fenwick Island State Park
City: Fenwick Island
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "You really can't beat $10 for parking (if you're out of state) and access to a beautiful beach." —K.L.
9 | Florida
Rachel M. on YelpBeach: Pass-A-Grille Beach
City: St. Pete Beach
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "We were looking for a place to take the kids for a quick getaway and boy, am I glad this was recommended by my niece. Beautiful, clean water, easy access to the beach and not overly crowded." —Sharlott L.
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10 | Georgia
Sharon M. on YelpBeach: Driftwood Beach
City: Jekyll Island
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Gorgeous spot! So worth the trip. Beautiful beach with giant trees." —Dawn C.
11 | Hawaii
Ash S. on YelpBeach: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
City: Kamuela
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Beautiful turquoise waters and large sandy beach. Great for families. Awesome boogie boarding beach." —Judy O.
12 | Idaho
Alan B. on YelpBeach: Coeur D'Alene City Park And Beach
City: Coeur d'Alene
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Nice little beach, nice boardwalk, nice statues, nice place." —Gayl B.
13 | Illinois
Pat C. on YelpBeach: Foster Avenue Beach
City: Chicago
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Chicago is really an awesome place to live with all these beautiful beaches. [Has] all the facilities to have a great time with friends and family." —Harish V.
14 | Indiana
Laura C. on YelpBeach: Indiana Dunes State Park
City: Chesterton
Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "I felt completely safe walking along the beach by myself. The view was [a] breathtaking cotton candy color (a soft baby pink and blue color)." —Stephanie A.
15 | Iowa
Jessica P. on YelpBeach: Sugar Bottom Recreation Area
City: Solon
Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The beach area was spacious—lots of room to spread out on the sand. The beach also has a couple of good shady spots, which is helpful on a hot day." —Jessica P.
16 | Kansas
Andren M. on YelpBeach: Wyandotte County Lake Park
City: Kansas City
Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "I love this place—historic, beautiful water views, [and] a lot of quiet time. Low-key—just a refreshing place to be." —Angel V.
17 | Kentucky
Bianca C. on YelpBeach: Pennyrile State Park Beach
City: Dawson Springs
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The beach area was the main reason why we decided to check this place out. It has nice white sand and a volleyball court." —Bianca C.
18 | Louisiana
James S. on YelpBeach: Rutherford Beach
City: Creole
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "One of the last places that you can drive up on the beach and camp for free. It is rarely packed except sometimes on the weekend but you get a lot of daytime visitors and they leave and the nighttime camping is peaceful and quiet." —James S.
19 | Maine
Cindy G. on YelpBeach: Eastern Promenade
City: Portland
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This is undoubtedly the best to just walk and breathe in the fresh air. Not only that but you learn about history." —Lana H.
20 | Maryland
Sari Marissa G. on YelpBeach: Assateague Island National Seashore
City: Berlin
Yelp rating: 4.5 out 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This place is a must-see if you are in the area! We went on multiple days and each experience was very different." —Kris H.
21 | Massachusetts
Jeff B. on YelpBeach: Race Point Beach
City: Provincetown
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Yet another gorgeous Cape Cod beach, this is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a summer day." —Eric D.
22 | Michigan
Leila R. on YelpBeach: Ludington State Park
City: Ludington
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Beautiful state park!! The beach is right there as soon as you drive in, but if you go to the left, it looks like there's some pretty nice campgrounds." —Greta S.
23 | Minnesota
Alfred G. O. on YelpBeach: Big Marine Park
City: Marine on St. Croix
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "What a cool park. And it's right next to the lake. I brought my kids for a little fun and they didn't want to leave. Worth the drive for sure." —Bill P.
24 | Mississippi
SL B. on YelpBeach: Bay St. Louis Beach
City: Bay St. Louis
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "No matter if it's hot or cold outside, I love coming to the beach in Bay St. Louis! It's pet friendly too. That's a plus for me and my family." —Michelle Q.
25 | Missouri
Alicia G. on YelpBeach: Fugitive Beach
City: Rolla
Yelp rating: 3.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Great environment! This is definitely a family friendly area that anyone of all ages can enjoy. They have slides, cliff jumping, inflatables, and a great concession stand. It's definitely a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere!" —Jocelyn W.
26 | Montana
Nidhi T. on YelpBeach: Whitefish City Beach
City: Whitefish
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Great time here. Quiet beach with a beautiful scenic backdrop. Also, they have rentals for kayaks and paddle boards, which I highly recommend." —Steve B.
27 | Nebraska
Joe Y. on YelpBeach: Lake McConaughy
City: North Ogallala
Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The lake is huge, beautiful and as blue as you'll get in these parts. You can see through the water quite a bit and it's a sand beach, which is much nicer than the mud beaches closer to Lincoln and Omaha." —Stephanie H.
28 | Nevada
Cathy C. on YelpBeach: Secret Cove
City: Incline Village
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "SO beautiful. Water is turquoise and crystal clear. It's the prettiest juxtaposition of green trees, clear blue waters, snow-capped mountains, and boulders in the water." —Priya G.
29 | New Hampshire
Lynn R. on Yelp.Beach: Wallis Sands State Beach
City: Rye
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Great beach. Not too busy. Easily accessible and has everything you need: bathrooms, showers, food, shops, etc." —Emily P.
30 | New Jersey
Denise Z. on YelpBeach: Long Beach Island
City: Surf City
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "I'm a local and still love this area! I find it a privilege to live so close to a beautiful oasis." —Denise Z.
31 | New Mexico
Tingley Beach on YelpBeach: Tingley Beach
City: Albuquerque
Yelp rating: 4 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This is my son's favorite spot to go and feed the ducks. I love the benches under the trees to sit and relax and take time to ponder." —Jaime C.
32 | New York
Sandy L. on YelpBeach: Wilkeson Pointe Park
City: Buffalo
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Gorgeous spot in Buffalo for walking or biking. Can't believe I missed out on this spot for so many years! Perfect spot to enjoy the waterfront or picnic." —Sandy L.
33 | North Carolina
Bruce K. on YelpBeach: Sunset Beach
City: Sunset Beach
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "You'll find clean, silky, fine, soft sand to bury your toes. The waves break far out, so young children can wade into the water quite a distance. That and the ample tidal pools make this a perfect family beach." —Angela K.
34 | North Dakota
ShutterstockBeach: Harmon Lake
City: Mandan
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "This lake is really pretty and definitely worth a visit." —Dang L.
35 | Ohio
Steve A. on YelpBeach: Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach
City: Fairport Harbor
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "I wanted to find somewhere nice, clean, and not crowded. This was it and I'm so glad." —Debbie K.
36 | Oklahoma
Stephen S. on YelpBeach: Lake Hefner
City: Oklahoma City
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Lake Hefner is such a beautiful place right within our city. I very much enjoy their bike riding trail, which goes all the way around the lake, a little over 9 miles." —Christy S.
37 | Oregon
MyAnne K. on YelpBeach: Cannon Beach
City: Cannon Beach
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. We didn't have any plans to visit while in Portland, but with some mild convincing from our friends we made an impulse drive an hour and a half away and it was the most pleasant surprise." —Mary N.
38 | Pennsylvania
Jeff F. on YelpBeach: Presque Isle State Park
City: Erie
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Listen, guys, I grew up in Erie and essentially grew up going to the beach. It is no secret Presque Isle is just the best ever!" —Rachel C.
39 | Rhode Island
Geoff B. on YelpBeach: Second Beach/Sachuest Beach
City: Middletown
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "My family has been coming to this beach forever—as other reviewers have said, it's one of the best in Rhode Island, plus they have the best waves of all the beaches on Aquidneck Island." —Morgan C.
40 | South Carolina
Mark L. on YelpBeach: Folly Beach
City: Folly Beach
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Dotted with cute houses, local eateries, and a fairly laid back crowd, Folly Beach is my kind of a beach town." —Brad B.
41 | South Dakota
Joe S. on YelpBeach: Lake Herman State Park
City: Madison
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The park itself is large and features mature shade trees and areas of natural prairie. With all the outdoor things to do and being so close to Sioux Falls, this place is a must visit." —Joe S.
42 | Tennessee
John C. on YelpBeach: Lock 3
City: Hendersonville
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "It has a great view of Old Hickory Lake, places to sit, and a place to swim in the warm weather." —John C.
43 | Texas
Paul D. on YelpBeach: Padre Island National Seashore
City: Corpus Christi
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Stunning and beautiful! Clean and has many conveniences for comfort. Spent an entire day frolicking in the water, playing in the sand, walking down the beach and just relaxing." —Lisa E.
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44 | Utah
Abigail M. on YelpBeach: Rendezvous Beach Park
City: Laketown
Yelp rating: 3 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Bear Lake is my happy place. The sand, the crystal blue water, and friends. Rendezvous State Park is a great place to set up your E-Z Up and beach chairs for the day." —Abigail M.
45 | Vermont
Craig F. on YelpBeach: North Beach Campground and Park
City: Burlington
Yelp rating: 3.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Easy. Breezy. Nice sandy beach. City takes care of it pretty well, as I visited it during high traffic time/summer." —Katherine L.
46 | Virginia
George B. on YelpBeach: Chick's Beach
City: Virginia Beach
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The perfect getaway beach in Virginia Beach. I love Chick's Beach. If you get there in the morning, it feels like a private beach." —Shawn B.
47 | Washington
Leah W. on YelpBeach: Ruby Beach
City: Forks
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "Gorgeous beach! Absolutely worth a stop, even if just a quick one. There's plenty to explore if you have more time, but it's wildly photogenic if you just want to swing by for a quick photograph." —Maria E.
48 | West Virginia
Carmen B. on YelpBeach: Ridenour Lake
City: Nitro
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "So beautiful and has a playground. Always nice to go fishing around the lake, catching them or not!" —Chelsey T.
49 | Wisconsin
Emily S. on YelpBeach: Atwater Park
City: Shorewood
Yelp rating: 4.5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The blue waters, the sand, and the walkway into the lake are just everything you need from a park. Must visit in the Shorewood neighborhood." —Apurba B.
50 | Wyoming
Jaqueline T. on YelpBeach: Yellowstone Lake
City: Yellowstone National Park
Yelp rating: 5 out of 5
What people are saying on Yelp: "The lake shore at the visitor center was so serene. I highly recommend visiting it here. There were almost no people around." —Jaqueline T.
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