The Most Popular Beach in the U.S. This Summer Isn’t in Florida or California

The U.S. is full of fantastic beaches. With nearly 100,00 miles of coastline to choose from, you can have your pick. Cliffside shores on the Pacific? There’s endless options on the west coast. Tropical climates and turquoise waters? Head to South Florida. If you can dream it, you can find it. So what are most Americans searching for? Well, a new report from PrivacyJournal reveals that the most desired out of state beaches this summer don’t just offer sandy shores; they are all accessible destinations designed for visitors.

“What’s fascinating is that even when Americans search beyond their home state for beach destinations, they still prioritize accessibility, with most states gravitating toward beaches within reasonable driving or flying distance,” Mauricio Preuss, PrivacyJournal CEO, said about the study. “This suggests that while travelers crave new experiences, travel time and cost are still key considerations.” 

To determine the most sought-after beaches in the U.S., PrivacyJournal used 2025 search volume data for more than 100 popular beaches and analyzed the volume of searches for each beach. By using commonly searched keywords with specific beach locations, the researchers were able to determine which beaches had the highest interest for residents living in other states. 

This methodology revealed that Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was the most searched for beach by other residents in other states.

It was the top beach destination for 18 states—with the most notable volume of searches in Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. This isn’t too surprising, given South Carolina’s relatively central location on the East Coast, and its long established reputation as a beach town. With an iconic boardwalk, tons of attractions off the beach, and more than 60 miles of shore to explore, there’s an abundance of options for visitors. 

Here are the top five most sought after beaches:

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, top search in 18 states
2. Clearwater Beach, Florida, top search in nine states
3. Virginia Beach, Virginia, top search in eight states
4. Cannon Beach, Oregon, top search in six states
5. Orange Beach, Alabama, top search in four states

Are you looking for even more late summer travel inspiration? We’ve got intel on the cleanest beach in the U.S., the most affordable places to travel in August, the coordinates of the best beach in the world, and the top travel trips for a Florida beach vacation, straight from locals. So whether you’re looking to leave the state, leave the country, or just head a few hours away, there’s still plenty of time to plan a quick beach escape before the end of summer.