With summer pretty much here, many people have started thinking about the beach. However, not all sandy sections are created equal. There are several criteria that can help determine the ideal beach. These include the amount of seclusion, the waves, the public transportation, the parking area, the activities, and the tree-lined areas.

In the U.S., there are many beautiful beaches that are not only affordable but also have unique features that appeal to people of all ages. From California to New York, these are some of the best beaches in the United States.

Ocean City, Maryland

One of the most popular beaches in Maryland is Ocean City Beach, which features a 10-mile-long white-sand beach and a three-mile-long boardwalk. There are several restaurants, hotels, and attractions on this area’s boardwalk. Besides surf fishing and jet skiing, this area also offers other activities such as fishing charters and music festivals.

Santa Monica Beach, California

This area is known for its vibrant beach activities, such as swimming, surfing, and watching the sunset. However, it’s the Santa Monica Pier that draws the most people. This amusement park features a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and various games and food. The nearby Heal the Bay Aquarium offers hands-on educational activities for kids. You can also take a walk or bike along the path that leads to Venice Beach.

Asbury Park Beach, New Jersey

Located along New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, the town of Asbury Park Beach is known for its clean white-sand beach. It’s also full of activities, such as swimming, surfing, and people-watching. This area is also surrounded by a historic beachfront that features restaurants, bars, and stores.

The town is also known for its attractions, such as the Silverball Museum, which features over 600 working pinball machines from the 1930s. Another popular establishment is The Stone Pony, which is a local establishment that’s frequented by Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.

Carlsmith Beach, Hilo, Hawaii

Situated on the island of Hawaii, Carlsmith Beach is a park that features a variety of tree-filled areas and a beautiful turquoise sea. This area is also known for its excellent snorkeling. Aside from the sea turtles, this park also has a picnic table that overlooks the ocean.