Summer is the time you want to spend some time with your feet in the sand and hopefully your body in the water. And what better way than to make sure it is the beach with the clearest water. I love to be able to see what's in the water around me, plus it is so much more beautiful. Here is my list I have gathered. Some I have been to in the United States, and others are a future dream.
Waimea Bay Beach Park, Hawaii: Located on the stunning North Shore of Oahu, Waimea Bay Beach Park is often lauded for its crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery. It's known for its stunning beauty, big wave surfing during the winter season, and calm, clearest waters in the summer.
Attractions:
Waimea Valley: Just a short distance from Waimea Bay Beach Park, this valley is home to a botanical garden and waterfall. It's a great place for a hike and swim in the waterfall pool.
Shark's Cove: This is a marine life conservation area and one of the top spots for snorkeling and diving during the summer months.
Sunset Beach: Another beautiful beach located just a short drive from Waimea Bay. It's a popular spot for surfing and sunbathing.
Food:
Haleiwa Town: A short drive away, Haleiwa offers a variety of food options from food trucks serving local favorites like poke bowls and shaved ice, to sit-down restaurants offering fresh seafood and more.
Matsumoto Shave Ice: For a refreshing treat, try this famous shave ice spot, which has been serving customers for decades.
Ted's Bakery: Known for its delicious pies (especially the Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie), sandwiches, and plate lunches.
Accommodations:
Turtle Bay Resort: This high-end resort offers luxurious accommodations with ocean views. It also has golf courses, a spa, restaurants, and more.
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore: This hotel is located near the Polynesian Cultural Center and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and easy access to local attractions.
Airbnb: There are numerous vacation rentals available in the area, which can offer a more personal and homely stay.
Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii: This beach in Maui is another Hawaiian spot known for its clear waters. Kapalua Bay Beach, located in Maui, Hawaii, is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach known for its golden sand and calm, clearest waters. It's an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Attractions:
Kapalua Coastal Trail: This 1.76-mile trail offers stunning views of the ocean and shoreline. You can spot local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Kapalua Golf: If you're a golf enthusiast, Kapalua has two championship golf courses - The Plantation Course and The Bay Course.
Honolua Bay: Just a short drive north from Kapalua Bay Beach, Honolua Bay is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and surfing conditions.
Food:
Merriman's Kapalua: An upscale restaurant offering farm-to-table Hawaiian cuisine with panoramic views of Kapalua Bay.
The Plantation House Restaurant: Located at the Plantation Golf Course, this restaurant offers delicious food and breathtaking views.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar: For sushi lovers, Sansei offers a wide variety of fresh sushi and Japanese dishes.
Accommodations:
Montage Kapalua Bay: A luxury resort offering spacious residential-style accommodations with stunning views, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a pool.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Another luxurious resort option, The Ritz-Carlton offers refined rooms and suites, a spa, golf courses, and several dining options.
Kapalua Villas Maui: These villa rentals offer a home-like feel with full kitchens and large living spaces. They also provide access to the Kapalua Resort's amenities.
Destin, Florida: Located in Florida, Destin is known for its clear and clean waters. Destin, Florida, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," is a city located on Florida's Emerald Coast. It's famous for its white sandy beaches, emerald green waters, and world-class resorts.
Attractions:
Destin Harbor Boardwalk: This boardwalk provides access to the waterfront and offers numerous activities such as fishing, boating, and dolphin cruises.
Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park: Great for families with kids, this park has water slides, lazy river, and mini-golf.
Henderson Beach State Park: A stunning beach park that provides pristine natural landscapes, camping facilities, and a nature trail.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Here you can see dolphin shows, feed penguins, and have close encounters with other marine life.
Food:
McGuire’s Irish Pub: Known for its steaks and burgers, this pub also offers a unique setting with a fun, Irish-themed atmosphere.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House: Serves up fresh local seafood with a Southern twist, in a waterfront dining setting.
The Donut Hole Bakery Cafe: A popular spot for breakfast, known for its donuts, pies, and hearty breakfast dishes.
Accommodations:
Henderson Park Inn: An adults-only beachfront inn that offers a peaceful getaway with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village: These luxury condos offer stunning views, spacious accommodations, and easy access to the HarborWalk Village.
The Resorts of Pelican Beach: A beachfront resort that offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos, three pools, and a beach café.
Crandon Park Beach, Florida: This beach in Florida is also recognized for its clear waters. Crandon Park Beach, located in Key Biscayne, Florida, is a beautiful and family-friendly destination known for its soft, white sand and calm, clear waters. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing day at the beach, offering stunning views of the Miami skyline.
Attractions:
Crandon Park Tennis Center: This world-class tennis center has 26 courts, including a stadium court that hosts professional tournaments.
Crandon Park Marina: A great place for boating enthusiasts, this marina also offers deep-sea fishing charters.
Crandon Park Golf Course: This championship 18-hole golf course is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging par-72 courses in Florida.
Crandon Park Nature Center: Here you can explore various eco-adventures, including kayaking, nature hikes, and guided tours.
Food:
There are several picnic areas with grills throughout the park where you can prepare your own food. For dining options outside of the park, Key Biscayne has a variety of restaurants, such as:
Rusty Pelican: Known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the Miami skyline.
Boater's Grill: A casual waterfront restaurant serving Cuban cuisine.
Accommodations:
While there are no accommodations within Crandon Park itself, there are several options nearby in Key Biscayne and Miami. Here are just a few I am mentioning, but there are hundreds in Miami for any type of budget.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami: This luxury resort offers refined rooms, a spa, tennis courts, and multiple dining options.
Silver Sands Beach Resort: A more budget-friendly option, this motel-style resort is just a short walk from the beach.
Assateague Island, Maryland: Assateague Island is a unique location with clear waters. Assateague State Park Beach, located on Assateague Island in Maryland, is a unique and beautiful destination. It's known for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife.
Attractions:
Wild Horse Spotting: Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses that roam freely in the park.
Assateague Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island, offers panoramic views of the area.
Bird Watching: The island is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Kayaking and Canoeing: The bayside of the island offers calm waters for canoeing and kayaking. Guided tours are also available.
Food:
While there are no restaurants directly on Assateague Island, there are picnic facilities. Nearby Ocean City has numerous dining options:
The Shark on the Harbor: Known for its local, organic, and sustainable seafood dishes.
Seacrets: A Jamaica-themed restaurant and bar offering a unique dining experience.
Accommodations:
There are no hotels on Assateague Island, but camping is a popular option. The National Park Service and State Park both provide campsites. Nearby Ocean City offers numerous accommodation options:
Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites: This oceanfront hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning views.
Francis Scott Key Family Resort: A family-friendly resort with themed rooms and an outdoor pool.
Miami Beach, Florida: A vibrant and popular destination, Miami Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying clear waters. Miami Beach, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, Art Deco architecture, diverse food scene, and lively nightlife.
Attractions:
South Beach: Known for its beautiful sandy beach, turquoise waters, and historic Art Deco architecture.
Ocean Drive: A bustling boulevard lined with colorful Art Deco buildings, cafes, and bars.
Lincoln Road Mall: An open-air shopping district filled with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
The Bass Museum of Art: This contemporary art museum hosts rotating exhibitions and educational programs.
Art Deco Historic District: Home to one of the largest concentrations of 1920s and 1930s architecture in the U.S.
Food:
Joe's Stone Crab: A Miami Beach institution, known for its delicious stone crab dishes.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Offers classic Southern cooking with a modern twist.
Casa Tua: An Italian restaurant offering homemade pasta and a romantic, garden setting.
Versailles: Located in nearby Little Havana, this iconic restaurant serves Cuban cuisine in a grand dining room.
Accommodations:
Fontainebleau Miami Beach: A luxury hotel featuring upscale dining, a spa, and a lively nightclub.
The Setai, Miami Beach: This oceanfront hotel blends Asian influences with a serene setting.
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach: A boutique hotel with a focus on wellness, including a spa and yoga classes.
Clearwater Beach: True to its name, Clearwater Beach is known for its clear waters. Clearwater Beach, Florida, is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, clear, shallow waters, and vibrant atmosphere. With Clearwater Beach you are very close to Tampa and St Petersburg Florida so there are plenty of other attractions nearby.
Attractions:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium: This marine rescue center is home to Winter, the dolphin who starred in the movie "Dolphin Tale."
Pier 60: A popular spot for fishing and watching stunning sunsets. The pier also hosts a daily festival with crafts and street performers.
Clearwater Beach Marina: Offers boat tours, parasailing, and water sports rentals.
Sand Key Park: A beautiful park offering a beach area, picnic shelters, and a dog park.
Food:
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill: Known for its grouper sandwiches and beachfront location.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar: Offers seafood, steaks, and live music with beach views.
Clear Sky Cafe: Serves a variety of dishes from breakfast through dinner, with a great selection of cocktails.
Accommodations:
Sandpearl Resort: A luxury resort with a private beach, lagoon-style pool, and spa.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa: Offers modern rooms, a fitness center, and beachfront dining.
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel: Features comfortable rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Siesta Beach: Siesta Beach is another location renowned for its clear waters. This area is nearby to some my favorite beaches too. Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Sarasota. I just love them all and even though Siesta made the list as one of the clearest, these others are not so shabby at all.
Attractions:
Siesta Beach: of course, the main attraction is the beach itself. With its soft, powdery sand and calm waters, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Point of Rocks: a popular spot for snorkeling, Point of Rocks is a unique rock formation located on the southern end of Siesta Beach.
Siesta Key Village: a quaint little village located just a few blocks from the beach with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Food:
The Cottage: a popular breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and omelets.
Daiquiri Deck: a casual restaurant and bar with a large outdoor seating area, serving up seafood, sandwiches, and, of course, daiquiris.
Big Water Fish Market: a fish market and restaurant combo that serves up fresh seafood in a casual setting.
Accommodations:
The Capri at Siesta: a boutique hotel located just a short walk from the beach with modern rooms and a pool.
Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites: a beachfront resort with spacious rooms and suites, as well as a pool and hot tub.
The Ringling Beach House: a historic beach house located directly on Siesta Beach, offering a unique and charming accommodation option.
Coronado Beach, California: Coronado Beach in California is also known for its clear waters. Coronado Beach, located in San Diego, California, is known for its sparkling sand, gentle surf, and iconic Hotel Del Coronado.
Attractions:
Hotel Del Coronado: This historic beachfront hotel is a National Historic Landmark and offers tours.
Coronado Ferry Landing: Offers stunning views of the San Diego skyline, shopping, dining, and ferry rides to downtown San Diego.
Coronado Museum of History & Art: Provides insight into the rich history and culture of Coronado.
Silver Strand State Beach: A beautiful stretch of coast ideal for camping, bird watching, and water sports.
Food:
Peohe's: Offers tropical decor and Pacific Rim dishes with views of the San Diego skyline.
Miguel's Cocina: Known for its white sauce and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge: Serves innovative, farm-to-table comfort food.
Accommodations:
Hotel Del Coronado: This iconic hotel offers luxury accommodations, a beachfront location, and multiple dining options.
Glorietta Bay Inn: Located in an historic mansion, this boutique hotel overlooks the bay.
Coronado Beach Resort: Offers condo-style units with kitchenettes, just steps from the beach.
I hope you have enjoyed my list, and if you get the chance get out there and check out these clearest beaches in the United States. I know I plan to know off the Hawaii, and California off my list. Please note that the clarity of the water can depend on several factors such as weather conditions, local regulations, and conservation efforts, so it's always a good idea to check the current conditions before planning a visit.
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