This Is the Best Beach in Your State, According to Yelp
Exclusive data shows this is best waterfront area in your state open right now.
![man in yellow trunks holding cooler on the beach](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/man-holding-cooler-beach.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
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
![Gulf Shores Beach, Alabama](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Beach: 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
![Bishop's Beach in Alaska](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Beach: 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
![Rotary park beach in Arizona](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Harrison Hot Spring Beach in Arkansas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Point Lobos State Natural Reserve](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Aurora Reservoir Colorado](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Bluff Point State Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-6.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Fenwick Island in Delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-7.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Pass-A-Grille Beach](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-8.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Driftwood Beach in Georgia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-9.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-10.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Coeur D'Alene City Park And Beach](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Foster Avenue Beach in Chicago](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Indiana Dunes State Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Sugar Bottom Recreation Area in Iowa](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Wyandotte County Lake Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-6-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Pennyrile state park beach in Kentucky](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-7-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Rutherford Beach in Louisiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-8-1.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Eastern Promenade in Maine](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-11.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Race Point Beach in Massachusetts](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Ludington State Park in Michigan](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Big Marine Park in Minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Bay St. Louis Beach Mississippip](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-7-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Fugitive Beach in Missouri](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-8-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Whitefish City Beach in Montana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-12.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Lake McConaughy](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-3.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Secret Cove Beach in Nevada](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-3.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Wallis Sands Beach in New Hampshire](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-3.jpg)
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
![Long Island Beach in New Jersey](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5-3.jpg)
Beach: 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 in New Mexico](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-13.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Wilkeson Pointe Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Sunset Beach in North Carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Harmon Lake in North Dakota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/shutterstock_1397001983.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Beach: 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
![Fairport Harbor Beach in Ohio](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Lake Hefner in Oklahoma](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Cannon Beach in Oregon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-14.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Presque Isle State Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-5.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Second Beach/Sachuest Beach in Rhode Island](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-5.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Folly Beach in South Carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-5.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Lake Herman State Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-5-5.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Beach in Tennessee](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-6-2.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Padre Island Texas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-8-3.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Rendezvous State Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-15.jpg)
Beach: 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
![North Beach Campground and Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-2-6.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Chick's Beach Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-3-6.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Ruby's Beach in Washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-4-6.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Ridenour Lake](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-6-3.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Atwater Beach Wisconsin](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-8-4.jpg)
Beach: 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
![Yellowstone Lake Wyoming](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/05/o-9-1.jpg)
Beach: 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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