There is no better way to enjoy warm weather than by soaking up the sun next to the water with a book in hand. While much of the US is chopped up to compact metropolitans or rural farmland, the best beaches across the U.S. offer the most breathtaking views the country has to offer. Beach getaways are low maintenance trips to plan and offer a lot of flexibility in travel and packing (you can survive with just a weekender). From New England to Hawaii, the US has stretches of sandy beaches that all differ from one another and fit the needs of every traveler. Some offer solitude for romantic getaways while others offer lively boardwalks the whole family can enjoy. So get ready to hit the road, pack a snack (or two), and don’t forget to throw an cozy beach blanket in your beach tote. Here are 26 of the best beaches in the US that you need to visit this summer.
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