We’re all chasing the capitalistic things, and finding solace has been a real task. A beach holiday can feel like such a relief, as it can slow everything down. It gives you space to step away from the constant grind and enjoy slower moments. If you’ve been planning your next holiday, you don’t have to look far. Some of the finest beach destinations are right here in America. In this article, we have curated a list of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.
There’s something for everyone at these properties, whether you’re traveling solo and craving peace, planning a romantic escape, or hoping to keep the whole family busy with boogie boarding, snorkeling, or poolside piña coladas.
18 Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.
Iconic Coastal Classics
1. The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
Situated on 140 acres of pristine oceanfront property, The Breakers is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece that has welcomed guests since 1896. This magnificent resort features twin Belvedere towers rising majestically above half a mile of private Atlantic coastline, where crystal-clear waters meet powdery white sand. The property showcases world-class amenities, including four oceanfront pools, six whirlpool spas, and 25 exclusive poolside bungalows for the ultimate beachside luxury.
Guests enjoy access to 36 holes of championship golf, 16 state-of-the-art tennis courts, a world-class spa, and ten distinctive restaurants ranging from casual beachfront dining to sophisticated culinary experiences. The resort’s commitment to excellence extends to complimentary Mercedes-Maybach house car service and personalized attention that has maintained its status as one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.
Resort Details:
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 (6,000+ reviews)
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5 (8,400+ reviews)
- Recognition: AAA Five Diamond Award, National Register of Historic Places
- Starting Rate: From $800+ per night (seasonal rates vary)
2. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Perched dramatically on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Ocean House represents New England’s finest seaside luxury as Rhode Island’s only AAA Five Diamond resort. This historic property overlooks the pristine Atlantic coastline with sweeping ocean views that extend to Block Island, offering guests access to a private white sand beach and exclusive beach cabana service. The resort features 49 elegantly appointed guest rooms and 20 signature suites, each reflecting early 20th-century New England charm with modern amenities and many boasting stunning ocean vistas.
Distinguished amenities include the Forbes Five-Star Ocean & Harvest Spa, the award-winning COAST restaurant, complimentary Mercedes-Benz house cars, and an extensive program of activities from croquet lessons to wine classes. The property’s commitment to excellence is evident in personalized touches like monogrammed pillows and complimentary in-room amenities that create an atmosphere reminiscent of a private waterfront estate.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5 (1,140+ reviews)
- Recognition: Forbes Triple Five-Star (hotel, spa, restaurant)
- Best Season: May through October for optimal weather
3. Halekulani, Waikiki, Hawaii
Translating to “House Befitting Heaven,” Halekulani has graced Waikiki Beach for over a century as one of Hawaii’s most distinguished luxury resorts. This iconic property occupies five prime oceanfront acres with unobstructed views of Diamond Head, featuring 453 elegantly appointed rooms across five low-rise buildings that maintain an intimate, boutique atmosphere. The resort’s crown jewel is its legendary orchid-mosaic pool, crafted from 1.2 million glass tiles, complemented by the pristine stretch of Waikiki Beach directly fronting the property.
The resort maintains the highest staff-to-guest ratio among Hawaiian properties, ensuring personalized service that has earned recognition as one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. World-class dining includes the AAA Five Diamond La Mer restaurant. At the same time, the award-winning Spa Halekulani offers authentic Polynesian healing traditions.
Resort Details:
- Trip.com Rating: 9.7/10 (137+ reviews)
- Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 (480+ reviews)
- Recognition: Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2025, Leading Hotels of the World
- Unique Feature: Highest staff-to-guest ratio in Hawaii
Gulf Coast & Southern Shores
4. The San Luis Resort, Galveston, Texas
Among the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., The San Luis Resort is positioned dramatically on the historic Galveston seawall and combines Victorian-era elegance with modern luxury amenities across 244 oceanfront rooms and suites. This distinguished property rises seven stories above the Gulf of Mexico, featuring two outdoor pools, including the signature Cove swim-up pool bar, and direct access to miles of sandy coastline. The resort’s Mediterranean-inspired architecture complements award-winning dining venues like Shrimp ‘N Stuff Downtown and Blake’s Bistro, while the full-service Spa San Luis offers rejuvenating treatments with ocean views.
Guests enjoy complimentary wireless internet, 24-hour fitness facilities, convenient access to Galveston’s historic Strand District, and popular attractions like the Pleasure Pier. The property’s unique charm lies in its seamless blend of Gulf Coast hospitality with upscale resort amenities, making it a premier destination for leisure travelers and business conferences.
Resort Details:
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 (10,000+ reviews)
- Yelp Rating: 4.0/5 (499+ reviews)
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5 (4,800+ reviews)
- Distance: 45 minutes from Houston, direct seawall location
5. Henderson Beach Resort, Destin, Florida
Nestled between the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and 200 acres of pristine Henderson Beach State Park, Henderson Beach Resort has earned its reputation as one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. This four-story luxury property epitomizes Northwest Florida’s coastal grandeur. The resort features 170 elegantly appointed guest rooms, each showcasing panoramic Gulf views through floor-to-ceiling windows, with many offering private balconies overlooking sugar-white sand beaches.
Distinguished by its grand seaside manor architecture reminiscent of yesteryear, the resort seamlessly blends modern conveniences with nostalgic charm, earning recognition as Destin’s premier beachfront destination. The crown jewel amenities include two outdoor pools, a Forbes-featured full-service spa with 11 treatment rooms, multiple dining venues serving Gulf-to-table cuisine, and exclusive beach access to some of Florida’s most pristine coastline. The resort’s commitment to five-star service extends to personalized concierge assistance, daily housekeeping, and a comprehensive activities program celebrating the area’s fishing village heritage.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (1,537+ reviews)
- Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 (148+ reviews)
- Recognition: Travelers’ Choice Award, ranked #2 of 42 Destin hotels
- Beach Access: 30-foot white dunes, Henderson Beach State Park frontage
6. The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia
Set on 50 lush acres between the Black Banks River and five miles of private Atlantic coastline, The Cloister is often ranked among the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. Representing the pinnacle of Southern hospitality and luxury, this Mediterranean-inspired Forbes Five-Star resort has been welcoming distinguished guests since 1928, maintaining an unparalleled legacy of excellence across its 175 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. The property showcases world-class amenities, including three championship golf courses, The Spa at Sea Island (also Forbes Five-Star rated), tennis facilities, and extensive recreational programs from horseback riding to sailing.
Dining experiences range from the AAA Five-Diamond Georgian Room to casual oceanfront venues. At the same time, the Beach Club offers family-friendly amenities, including multiple pools, a playground, and direct beach access. The resort’s distinctive charm lies in its ability to create an intimate, exclusive atmosphere despite its comprehensive facilities, with personalized butler service and curated cultural programs that celebrate Georgia’s coastal heritage.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (1,576+ reviews)
- Recognition: Forbes Five-Star (13 consecutive years), AAA Five-Diamond
- Beach: 5 miles of private Atlantic coastline
- Awards: 80 total Forbes Five-Star awards since opening
West Coast Wonders
7. Montage Laguna Beach, California
Among the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., Montage Laguna Beach is perched atop rugged seaside bluffs overlooking California’s famed Pacific coastline. The resort spans 30 acres of meticulously landscaped terraces and pathways descending to a secluded cove. Its design draws inspiration from the region’s historic seaside cottages, featuring handcrafted furnishings, locally sourced stone, and sweeping ocean views from nearly every vantage point. Guests can unwind at the two-tiered oceanfront pool, indulge in spa treatments incorporating native coastal ingredients, or explore tide pools and art galleries along the scenic stretch of coastline. Culinary offerings emphasize Southern California’s farm-to-table ethos, with panoramic indoor-outdoor dining at Studio restaurant.
Resort Details:
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 (2,200+ reviews)
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (1,800+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Two-tiered oceanfront pool terraces
8. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
The Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. often blend style with sustainability, and 1 Hotel South Beach does that. Located on a half-mile pristine beachfront in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco district, this resort exemplifies urban eco-luxury through reclaimed materials, living green walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing Biscayne Bay. The resort’s 426 guest rooms blend minimalist design with natural textures, reclaimed wood, organic linens, and locally inspired artwork. Facilities include a rooftop pool with skyline and ocean views, a four-level fitness studio, and a private stretch of sandy shore. Dining venues emphasize sustainable seafood and organic produce, while in-house wellness programs offer sunrise yoga on the beach and holistic spa therapies.
Resort Details:
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 (5,000+ reviews)
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5 (3,100+ reviews)
- Recognition: LEED Gold Certified
9. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
As one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., Post Ranch Inn clings to the edge of California’s dramatic Big Sur cliffs, offering an adults-only sanctuary that harmonizes with the natural environment. Comprising a collection of handcrafted treehouses and cliffside suites, the resort features organic architecture that blends hardwoods and stone into panoramic glass walls overlooking the Pacific. Activities focus on mindful engagement with the environment, including guided stargazing at the observatory, redwood forest hikes, and sound baths. The spa offers marine-based therapies, and meals highlight local harvests at the open-air Sierra Mar restaurant, delivering a truly immersive coastal retreat.
Resort Details:
- Google Rating: 4.8/5 (600+ reviews)
- TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0/5 (500+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Cliffside redwood hot tubs and observatory sessions
Island Paradises
10. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Hawaii
Among the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is nestled on the sun-drenched Kona-Kohala coast and occupies 250 oceanfront acres of black lava shoreline and white-sand coves, framed by swaying palms and native kiawe trees. The resort’s low-rise bungalows and suites are arranged around King’s Pond, a 40,000-square-foot saltwater snorkeling lagoon carved from lava tubes. Guests enjoy five swimming pools, including an adults-only oasis and a pool with underwater speakers. The world-class spa offers Hawaiian healing traditions, while five signature restaurants highlight local seafood and island produce. Golfers tee off on the Jack Nicklaus–designed course that winds through lava fields and ocean vistas.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5 (3,863 reviews)
- Unique Feature: King’s Pond snorkeling lagoon
11. Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach, Florida
The Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. often combine elegance with direct ocean access, and Acqualina does just that. Perched on 4.5 acres of Sunny Isles Beach frontage, Acqualina’s Mediterranean–style architecture is set against the Atlantic’s turquoise waters and powder-white sands. The resort features 98 guest rooms and 188 residences, each offering private balconies overlooking three oceanfront pools and cabana-lined beaches. The 20,000-square-foot spa spans two levels, offering hydrotherapy and Mediterranean-inspired treatments. Four world-class restaurants serve Italian, Japanese, and beachfront cuisine, while an innovative marine-biology program entertains young guests. Lush tropical gardens and marble-lined interiors blend seamlessly with ocean views, creating an intimate coastal retreat.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.8/5 (2,028 reviews)
- Unique Feature: Three oceanfront swimming pools
12. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Set apart as one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., The Sanctuary is located on a private barrier island 21 miles southeast of Charleston. The resort sits atop a windswept barrier dune overlooking the Atlantic. This 255-room Forbes Five-Star property features white-washed clapboard exteriors surrounded by maritime forests and dune grass. Amenities include an ocean-view spa with signature tea-infused treatments, an oceanfront pool with underwater music, and daily tide-pool exploration. Five dining venues serve Lowcountry cuisine, from Coastal Provisions’ fresh-catch menu to the ritz-style bar. Guests access Kiawah’s famed marshlands and maritime forests via guided eco-tours and beach horseback rides.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (350+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Forbes Five-Star resort on barrier dune coastline
Hidden Gems & Emerging Destinations
13. The Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit, Maine
The Dunes on the Waterfront stands out for its intimate boutique charm set along the tranquil Ogunquit River. This collection of 21 bright cottages and guestrooms sits amid lush lawns and gardens, each thoughtfully redesigned to evoke nostalgic summer charm. Guests enjoy a private shuttle boat across the river to the shore, complimentary bicycles for coastal rides, and a heated outdoor pool with river views. Morning breakfast delivery and cozy outdoor fire pits add to the property’s inviting atmosphere, making it a secluded yet accessible retreat.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5 (10 reviews)
- Unique Feature: Shuttle boat access to the beach
14. The Brant, Nantucket, Massachusetts
The Brant is one of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S., tucked behind a historic gate in the Brant Point neighborhood of Nantucket. This 26-room boutique retreat embodies the island’s maritime heritage with refined modern touches. The property centers around a lawned courtyard with croquet lawns, fire pits, and a shimmering heated pool housed in “The Barn.” Interiors blend crisp white paneling with bespoke furnishings, creating an elegant, island-inspired ambience. Guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails, and personalized service, celebrating the island’s storied past and contemporary charm.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.9/5 (19 reviews)
- Unique Feature: Central courtyard with croquet lawns and fire pits
15. Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Laguna Beach, California
Casa Loma Beach Hotel deserves mention for its blend of retro-chic style and modern comfort. Perched at the top of Main Beach in Laguna Beach, this artfully renovated property features 26 rooms with coastal-themed décor, many offering sweeping ocean views from private balconies or a rooftop terrace. Guests appreciate the complimentary continental breakfast boards, free underground parking, and sunset soirees on the rooftop lounge. Its walkable location provides easy access to art galleries, shops, and the California Coastal Trail.
Resort Details:
- Agoda Rating: 8.5/10 (families with young children)
- Unique Feature: Rooftop terrace with panoramic Pacific views
Family-Friendly Adventures
16. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Florida
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is set along the vibrant Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. It offers a fun-filled tropical escape inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s laid-back island lifestyle. The resort features multiple pools, a lazy river, water slides, and a splash park perfect for children. Families can enjoy beachfront dining, live entertainment, and direct access to the Broadwalk’s shops and activities. Spacious rooms include playful nautical touches and balconies overlooking the Atlantic.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.1/5 (3,500+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Waterfront lazy river and extensive kid-friendly amenities
17. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. include historic gems like the Grand Hotel, overlooking Lake Huron, and enchanting families since 1887. It’s famously long front porch offers sweeping water views and nightly entertainment. The hotel features a kids’ club with activities ranging from crafts to nature walks, multiple dining options, swimming pools, and an Olympic-sized outdoor pool. Motor vehicles are banned on the island, making it a safe and peaceful spot to explore by bike or horse-drawn carriage.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (1,200+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Car-free island with sprawling porch and family programs
18. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, California
One of the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. for theme park lovers, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is located within Disneyland Resort and blends luxury with easy park access. The property boasts themed pools, character dining experiences, and curated kids’ activities such as movie nights and interactive storytelling. Its architecture features handcrafted wooden accents and an inviting lobby hearth. Families benefit from early park entry and shuttle services, making it a perfect launchpad for multi-day theme park visits.
Resort Details:
- TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5 (5,000+ reviews)
- Unique Feature: Exclusive theme park access and immersive kids’ programming
Conclusion
From historic icons that have welcomed guests for generations to modern eco-luxury escapes and family-friendly havens, the Best Beach Resorts in the U.S. prove that you don’t need to cross oceans to find paradise. Each property offers something unique, whether it’s the quiet of a private island, the charm of a New England porch, or the buzz of a Florida boardwalk. Wherever you choose to go, these resorts invite you to slow down, soak up the sun, and make memories that last long after the waves have faded into the night.
Thanks for reading
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