America’s Top Secret Beaches for a Secluded Vacation

It’s no secret that America is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But most of them are overcrowded and packed, making it difficult to have the fun you want. In fact, many of these coastal gems leave little room for you to let go and have the time of your life. But not anymore. You can now find beaches where the only footprints in the sand will be yours or a bunch of other people, but not too many. Our guide to America’s top secret beaches will take you on a secluded beach vacation.

So next time you think of American beaches, let yourself loose because these 15 hidden gems are the best for your picture-perfect secluded holiday.

15 Hidden U.S. Beaches For a Perfect Escape

If you’re dreaming of a coastal escape where the shoreline feels like your own private retreat, these 15 hidden U.S. beaches are your answer. Far from the crowded boardwalks of popular destinations, these secret shores make your trip a perfect delight. Here’s your quick guide:

1. Second Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington

Reachable via a scenic 0.7-mile hike through old-growth forest, Second Beach boasts sea stacks, tide pools, and two miles of sandy solitude. Its remote location in Olympic National Park makes it a serene retreat for nature lovers.

Photographers can snap beautiful pictures at sunrise and sunset for their collection. Also, remember to check the tide charts for low tide to explore marine life.

Activities available at the beach:

• Hiking
• Tide Pool Exploration
• Photography
• Beachcombing

2. Shell Key Preserve, Pinellas County, Florida

A pristine barrier island near St. Petersburg, Shell Key Preserve is only accessible by boat. The beautiful beach is covered in powdery white sands with clear Gulf waters surrounding it. Since its boat only, the crowds keep away and you can enjoy a tranquil escape amid a 1800-acre preserve.

Book a private boat or kayak tour from Tierra Verde to here for an exceptional experience. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water, as there are no facilities.

Activities available at the beach

• Shelling & Beachcombing
• Swimming & Snorkeling
• Kayaking & Paddleboarding
• Boating
• Birdwatching
• Fishing
• Primitive Camping

3. Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island, Florida

A quiet stretch on Sanibel’s northwest coast, Bowman’s Beach is mainly known for its shell-strewn sands and serene Gulf views. Besides, this one is less crowded that Sanibel’s busier beaches, making it perfect for shell collectors or wanderers looking for a peaceful walk.

Visit early in the morning to beat day-trippers and make sure to bring a bucket if you wish to do shelling.

Activities available at the beach

• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Shelling
• Stand-up Paddleboarding

4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York

A tranquil Hamptons beach with soft sands and gentle waves, Coopers Beach is tucked away from the area’s glitzier spots, giving it a low-key vibe. The scenic dunes here offer a refined yet secluded escape on Long Island for visitors. You can park at the lot if you come by car for a small fee. Visit in early fall if you need pure solitude and mild weather.

Activities available at the beach

• Swimming
• Chair and Umbrella Rentals
• Sunbathing
• Building Sand-Castles

5. Assateague Island, Maryland/Virginia

A secluded shore accessible by foot or OSV permit, Assateague Island in Maryland is famous for its wild horses roaming pristine sands. Due to such a restricted location, it offers you a rare chance to connect with nature with wildlife sightings.

To visit here, try Spring or Fall, and make sure to get an OSV permit before you come to avoid any denial later at the location.

Activities available at the beach

• Beachcombing
• Swimming
• Camping
• Kayaking and Canoeing
• Hiking and Biking
• Fishing and Clamming

6. Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

A remote barrier island reachable by ferry, Cape Lookout National Seashore has wild beaches, a historic lighthouse, and unspoiled dunes. This isolated island is filled with natural beauty and is a haven for adventurers coming here for solitude.

You can take a ferry from Harkers Island, pack food and water with you, and come here for a secret day trip away from the crowded places.

Activities available at the beach

• Birding
• Camping
• Beach recreation
• Wildlife viewing
• Historical exploration

7. Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii

Hidden behind a rugged trail in Hana, Maui, Red Sand Beach or Kaihalulu beach is famous for its red sand and turquoise waters. The dramatic cliffs and secluded cove at this beach create a surreal ,intimate experience for visitor,s making it a perfect option for an off-beat vacation.

Remember to wear sturdy shoes for the steep trail. Also, swimming should be avoided as the water has strong currents.

Activities available at the beach

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Hiking
• Photography

8. Poverty Beach, Cape May, New Jersey

A lesser-known stretch of this historic town’s coastline offers quiet sands away from the Victorian charm. The uncrowded beaches and serene vibe of Cape May contrast with busier Jersey Shore spots, making it a surreal experience.

If you need more seclusion, visit Poverty Beach in late Spring as the weather will be calmer for a fulfilling experience.

Activities available at the beach

• Yoga and Meditation
• Beachcombing
• Fishing
• Parasailing
• Jet Skiing

9. Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Little St. Simons is a privately owned island in Georgia, only accessible by boat. The island has 7 miles of pristine beaches and minimal visitor,s making it an exclusive holiday retreat. The exclusive acces is only possible by booking resort stays amid marshes and forests. Book a stay at The Lodge and make sure you visit at the right time. Fall is best if you wish to witness bird migrations.

Activities available at the beach

• Guided Nature Walks
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Exploring Seven Miles of Undeveloped Beaches

10. Carmel Meadows Beach, California

A hidden gem near Carmel-by-the-Sea, this beach has soft sands, rugged cliffs, located off the Scenic Road. The Meadows offer solitude and stunning Pacific views away from the town’s busier beaches, making your trip worth the wait.

You can visit at sunset for breathtaking colors. Just park along Scenic Road and head to this beautiful hidden gem for a treat to the eyes.

Activities available at the beach

• Picnicking
• Scenic Views
• Hiking
• Sunbathing
• Nature & Wildlife Tours

11. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

A crescent-shaped beach on Oahu’s windward side, Lanikai beach has turqoise waters and views from the Mokulua Islands. Its seclusion from those Waikiki crowds makes it a peaceful and picturesque escape.

You can arrive early to avoid the day crowds and even choose to kayak to the Mokulua Islands for a fun extension to your already exciting trip.

Activities available at the beach

• Paddleboarding & Kayakin
• Swimming & Snorkeling
• Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail

12. Popham Beach State Park, Maine

A hidden sandy beach near Phippsburg, Popham Beach has tidal rivers and rocky outcrops. Its remote location and expansive sands offer you a quiet coastal retreat in New England. Make sure to visit at low tide to explore sandbars and ring a jacket to protect yourself froom cool breezes.

Activities available at the beach

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Hiking

13. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, Florida

A boat-only barrier island near Stuart, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, is a Florida gem with pristine sands and mangrove tunnels. Its isolation ensures a nature-immersed escape for you with clear waters and tranquiity.

Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to have a complete vacation. P.S. do not forget to brig bug spray.

Activities available at the beach

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Sunbathing
• Fishing
• Picnicking

14. Pa’ako Beach (Secret Cove), Maui, Hawaii

A tiny cove south of Big Beach, accessed through a lava-rock wall in a residential area, Pa’ako Beach is your ideal vacation spot for a beach holiday. Its intimate setting is perfect for romantic escapes or small gatherings.

Arrive here at dawn if you want to get parking, and bring a beach umbrella with you to rest in shade if needed.

Activities available at the beach

• Snorkeling
• Sunbathing
• Beachcombing

15. Boneyard Beach, Big Talbot Island State Park, Florida

An ethereal shore with salt-washed oak and cedar skeletons, near Amelia Island, this beach lets you explore the unique landscape of the dead, bleached trees, eroded cliffs, and more. The area is even known for the tidal pools, home to a variety of marine life.

Set off by boat from the island’s north end for fishing and a tour of the salt marsh.

Activities available at the beach

• Explore the beach
• Hiking
• Nature Walks

Why Choose a Secret Beach?

When you are craving a vacation that feels like yours alone, a secret beach is the way to go. Secluded shores offer unmatched tranquility and personal connection. Here’s why they’re perfect for your next getaway:

Pure Solitude

A secret beach lets you escape the crowded boardwalks for quiet sands, like Pfeiffer Beach’s purple shores, where only waves keep you company.

Stunning Nature

Hidden beaches let you discover unique landscapes. You can even spot wild horses on Assateague, coral reefs at Dry Tortugas, or mangrove tunnels at St. Lucie Inlet.

Personalized Experience

You can experience the beaches as you like, as you need. A secluded beach gives you the freedom to personalize your experience, wear the clothes you like, and have the kind of adventure you love.

Eco-Friendly Retreats

Enjoy pristine ecosystems with minimal crowds, preserving beauty for sea turtles and rare birds.

Ready to find your coastal sanctuary? Explore our top 10 secret beaches and have an exhilarating vacation across the United States.