The Best Secret Uncrowded Beaches In America

Sand in your toes, the sound of the sea, and a sense of tranquility are just a few things we love about the beach. Loud crowds cluttering our peaceful picture? Not so much. Just in time for your next beach day, here are 10 of the best secret, uncrowded beaches in America.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

With the rest of the state heading to Virginia Beach, you’ll find solace 15 miles (24 kilometers) south, in Sandbridge. The five-mile (eight-kilometer) coastline consists solely of sand and sea—and, the best part yet, no resort ruckus. Immerse yourself even further in nature by exploring nearby False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Georgia’s Cumberland Island is only accessible via ferry, making for an uncrowded beach environment. Climb aboard to be transported to this Eastern Seaboard utopia where you’ll share the shore with wild horses and deer in between shading yourself under live oaks.

Carova Beach, North Carolina

Finding a way to access this Outer Banks beach (it is only reachable by boat or with a four-wheel drive) is well worth the idyllic environment awaiting you. At Carova Beach in North Carolina, 11 miles (18 kilometers) of unspoiled shoreline provides an ideal backdrop for seashell hunting and wild mustangs galloping.

Enderts Beach, California

Think there are no secrets left in beach central California? Think again at Enderts Beach. Tucked inside California’s Redwood National Park, Enderts is as secluded as it gets. On this 37-mile (60-kilometer) coastline stretch, 350-foot (107-meter) evergreen trees, rustic driftwood, and dramatic surroundings put a Northwest spin on the classic California beach atmosphere.

Montaña de Oro State Park, California

Since you’re already in the Golden State, why not check out another of the state’s secret beaches, Montaña de Oro State Park? Here, sheltered coves and bluff vistas dot quiet coastal trails leading to seven miles (11 kilometers) of shore and surf.

Wildcat Beach, California

You’ll have to work for this last stop on your cruise through California. Wildcat Beach is known for its hiking and biking trails, like the five-mile (eight-kilometer) trek required to access the beach’s waters. Cocoa sand stretches, striking cliff views, and peaceful paths make the journey one worth experiencing—and finishing.

Dry Tortugas, Florida

Comprising seven islands only accessible by boat or plane, Dry Tortugas is an excellent option for a private getaway in Florida. Travel 70 miles (113 kilometers) from the shore (and crowds) of Key West, and be rewarded with superior bird-watching, snorkeling, and quiet beaches.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida

Nearly 10 miles (16 kilometers) of snow-white sugar sand and aqua waters await you at Florida’s St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Consistently rated as one of our country’s best beaches, St. Joseph also happens to be one of its emptiest, meaning you’ll enjoy unspoiled preserves, fishing, and swimming virtually to yourself.

Awahua Beach, Hawaii

When considering the best American beaches, one can’t forget about Awahua in Hawaii—although, luckily for you, tourists seem to have done just that. A one-time colony for lepers, the isolated island still isn’t as developed or popular as other Hawaiian locales. In fact, surrounded by sea cliffs, Awahua’s black sand and beautiful views may as well be a secret—your secret.

Kauapea Beach, Hawaii

It’s nicknamed “Secret Beach” for a reason. Hidden between Hawaii’s Kilauea Point and Kalihiwai Bay, Kauapea Beach is one secret you’ll want to discover. Brave a demanding 15-minute hike to be in on Kauapea’s black lava rocks, white sand, and tidal pools.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.